Stock Market Jitters: Investors Brace for More Volatility Despite Low Panic Levels

“Peak Panic May Still Be Ahead” – Nuvama Report Warns of Prolonged Market Uncertainty

Global risks, weak earnings revival, and US slowdown add pressure to Indian equities

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📍 New Delhi, March 15: Despite low volatility in the domestic stock markets over the past few months, investors remain cautious following a prolonged correction streak in the Indian equity market, according to the latest Nuvama report.

📢 “Nifty has declined by 15% over the past five months, marking the longest correction streak since September and the worst post-COVID. Despite this, low volatility suggests that peak panic may still be ahead,” the report cautioned.

While India’s valuation premium over other emerging markets has dropped to 50% from 70%, aligning with historical averages, broader concerns loom over global economic conditions.

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🔹 Key Market Trends & Global Risks

📉 Global Slowdown Impact

• The US economy is showing signs of strain, with Q1 2025 GDP projections slashed to 0.5% from 3.8%.
• Concerns over Make America Great Again (MAGA) tariffs and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spending cuts could fuel inflation or even trigger a recession in the United States.

💰 Emerging Market Currency Pressure

• A weakening job market in the US is adding to the risk-off sentiment, potentially leading to weakness in emerging market currencies, including the Indian Rupee.

📊 Stock Market Bottoming Remains Uncertain

• The earnings revival appears distant, with weak demand and fading margin tailwinds dragging down investor sentiment.
• Policy easing is limited, with elevated bond yields restricting monetary flexibility, making it unclear when the market will bottom out.

📌 Market Bottoming: A term used to indicate when the stock market has reached its lowest point before an upward trend begins.

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🔹 Indian Markets React to Global & Domestic Cues

Indian stock markets have exhibited mixed sentiments, with investors reacting to both global and domestic economic developments.

• On March 13, markets ended on a negative note, with the Nifty closing at 22,397.20, down 73.30 points (0.33%).
• Analysts suggest that investors will remain cautious in the coming weeks, closely monitoring international economic conditions and domestic policy decisions.

📢 “Investors are carefully weighing both domestic and international factors to assess market direction. With global uncertainties at play, caution will remain a key strategy,” said market analysts.

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🔹 What Lies Ahead?

With uncertainty prevailing, investors should expect:
✅ Increased market volatility despite low panic levels.
✅ Careful stock selection amid unclear earnings revival.
✅ Impact of US recession fears on global market sentiment.
✅ Fluctuations in emerging market currencies, including the Rupee.

As the equity markets continue to navigate global uncertainties, experts suggest that market participants should adopt a disciplined approach, focusing on long-term strategies while remaining vigilant in the short term.