Will Samvat 2082 deliver stronger returns after a volatile year for equities? – Delhi News Daily

Indian equities posted modest gains in Samvat 2081 after a strong rally in the previous year, which took the markets to new highs in September 2024. Since then, volatility returned as high valuations, mixed corporate results, and global uncertainty — including the impact of Trump’s tariff moves — led to foreign investor selling.

However, steady buying by domestic investors helped support the market, with the Nifty rising 6.4%, the Midcap index up 4.3%, and the Smallcap index down 4%.

As Samvat 2082 begins, investor sentiment is turning positive again. Hopes of GST simplification, liquidity support from the RBI, and the government’s push to boost manufacturing are expected to aid earnings recovery.

Experts anticipate better returns this year than in the previous Samvat with opportunities likely to come from selective stock picking, particularly in banking, consumption, and other domestic focused sectors.

Against this backdrop, HIMADRI BUCH analysed the top gainers and losers on the BSE 200 between Samvat 2081 and 2082, indicating investor preferences over the year.

Among the gainers, Muthoot Finance led the pack with a stunning 69.6% jump, followed by Bajaj Finance (56.9%) and Aditya Birla Capital (47.7%), reflecting a strong comeback for finance stocks. Maruti Suzuki (47.5%) and TVS Motor (45.6%) reflected sustained strength in the auto sector. Among the losers, Adani Green Energy (-36.3%) and Thermax (-35.7%) lagged the most, hurt by valuation corrections and margin pressures. Sona BLW Precision Forgings (-33.8%) and Trent (-32.9%) also reported steep declines after strong rallies in the previous year. Public sector lenders such as Central Bank of India (-32.8%) and UCO Bank (-30.6%) cooled off after an extended run-up.