‘Going to be even better’: NSE CEO optimistic on markets as Samvat 2082 begins; cites strong services exports, robust consumption
Indian markets began the new Hindu calendar year, Samvat 2082, on a cautiously positive note, with the Nifty closing around 25,900 in the one-hour Muhurat trading session on Tuesday. The Sensex ended at 84,426.34, up 62.97 points or 0.07 per cent, while the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rose 0.3 per cent and 1 per cent respectively. Among Nifty stocks, Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, Axis Bank, Infosys and M&M were the top gainers, while Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Max Healthcare, and Asian Paints lagged.Speaking to reporters after the session, Ashish Chauhan, CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), said that the Indian markets are expected to perform even better in the coming year. “Already India has given 6.5 per cent returns on index basis over the last one year of Samvat… over the last five years, three years India has been the best performing market and next year, that is, Vikram Samvat, 2082 is going to be even better,” Chauhan said, as quoted by news agency ANI.He highlighted India’s resilience despite global challenges, citing a 14 per cent growth in services exports and advancements in telecom infrastructure enabling remote delivery of services globally. Chauhan also pointed to domestic consumption growth, noting that “125,000 cars were delivered in one single day” following GST rate reductions, reflecting strong consumer demand and production capacity.Market experts echoed a positive outlook for Samvat 2082. Ajay Bagga, banking and market analyst, said the previous year, Samvat 2081, was marked by turbulence due to geopolitical tensions, tariff uncertainties, and FII outflows of nearly $15 billion, coupled with high valuations. However, he added, “The new Samvat year is poised for a stronger, more stable performance… We project Nifty at 30,000 by the next Diwali. The BSE Sensex is expected to target levels around 95,000”.Analysts also noted that the domestic macroeconomic environment has improved over the past year, with inflation under 3 per cent, fiscal deficit contained, healthy 7 per cent GDP growth, and interest rates lowered by 100 bps. GST 2.0 reforms and potential US-India trade agreements were expected to boost corporate earnings, with ICICI Direct projecting a one-year forward Nifty target of 27,000 on a 22x PE for FY27E.Chauhan further updated on the NSE IPO, stating that the exchange is awaiting SEBI’s No Objection Certificate, and once received, it may take around 8-9 months to bring the IPO to market.The Muhurat trading session, held from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm, traditionally marks an auspicious start to the new Samvat year and includes equity, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, F&O and securities lending and borrowing segments, symbolically inviting good returns for investors.
