Introduction
In a promising turn of events, the primary market is gearing up for a surge in IPOs as a slew of 71 companies prepares to launch their Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) during the second half of the fiscal year 2024. This wave of IPO activity signals a revival for the IPO market after a period of relative sluggishness.
Following the tumultuous wake of the pandemic, the primary market embarked on an impressive journey (see chart below) by amassing a staggering sum of 1.19 lakh crore in 2021, setting a new record. However, the subsequent years witnessed a temporary lull in IPO momentum. With a surge in IPOs, 71 companies are set to grace the IPO stage during the latter half of FY24.
According to data from Prime Database (see chart below), these 71 companies have the potential to collectively raise an impressive $10.7 billion, equivalent to Rs 89,069 crores, by offering shares to the public and subsequently listing them on the exchange through IPOs.
Approval Status and Projections
Among the cohort of companies, 41 have successfully secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). At the same time, 30 firms have submitted their Draft Red Herring Prospectuses (DRHP) and await approval. This surge in IPOs paints a promising picture for investors and companies eyeing the public markets.
Key Takeaways
The recent surge in the Sensex and Nifty, reaching unprecedented all-time highs fueled by Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) investments, has significantly bolstered confidence in the market. This surge in optimism within the secondary markets has paved the way for a surge in IPOs as many new enterprises seek to list on the stock exchanges.
Prominent players poised to enter the secondary market include Tata Technologies, Ebix Cash, Navi Technologies, and NSDL. These impending listings will garner substantial attention and interest among discerning investors.
Despite global economic headwinds, the Indian IPO market showcases impressive resilience and an air of positivity. This tenacity underscores the nation’s robust economy and enduring investor confidence, even in international challenges.
FAQs
What is the current state of the IPO market in India?
How did the primary market perform after the pandemic?
What is the potential fundraising projection for the upcoming IPOs?
Which prominent companies are expected to enter the secondary market?
How has investor sentiment been influenced recently?
Is the Indian IPO market resilient despite global challenges?
Understanding the Increase in Inflation: Unpacking the Recent Data
Introduction
The latest inflation figures, unveiled on Monday evening, have sent shockwaves through the economic landscape, drawing the attention of experts, decision-makers, and even political figures. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, a crucial gauge of retail inflation within the nation, has taken an unexpected leap, soaring to a staggering 7.44% in July 2023. This surge marks a peak not witnessed in the last 15 months, far exceeding the market’s initial estimates that ranged from 6.6% to 6.7%.
Unmasking the Culprit: Food Prices Take Center Stage
At the heart of this significant escalation lies the food price component, driven primarily by skyrocketing vegetable prices. The Consumer Food Price Index has surged by a noteworthy 696 basis points, propelling the index to an alarming 11.51% in July, a stark contrast to the 4.55% reported just a month prior in June. Delving deeper, it becomes apparent that cereals, constituting nearly 10% of the CPI, have undergone an astonishing 13% price hike since July 2022, nearly doubling the monthly pace of increase to 1.2%.
Vegetables: The Star of the Inflation Show
Among these food items, vegetables have emerged as the true outlier. With a staggering 37.3% year-on-year price surge and an equally remarkable 38.1% month-on-month spike in July, they have stolen the limelight. This surge in vegetable prices has become a focal point of concern, contributing significantly to the overall inflation surge.
Finding Solace in Core CPI
Offering a glimmer of hope amidst these soaring prices, the core CPI, which excludes food and beverages, fuel and light, and petrol and diesel prices, has shown some respite. It has eased to a 21-month low of 5.1% in July 2023, countering the overwhelming inflationary pressures.
Crucial Factors for the Road Ahead
Looking forward, one pivotal factor will be the progress of the monsoon. Uneven rainfall distribution could potentially spell trouble for the sowing of Kharif crops, exacerbating the existing problem of food inflation. This makes monitoring the monsoon’s trajectory of paramount importance for economic stability.
The Role of RBI and Monetary Policy
Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made a significant move by maintaining the repo rate at a steady 6.50%. The central bank attributed the surge in vegetable prices to a disconnect between supply and demand dynamics.
It’s important to note that while the RBI’s power to influence food supply management is limited, the easing of core inflation to 5.1% was emphasized by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). This underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness to take appropriate measures to address the prevailing inflationary pressures.
FAQs
What is causing the recent spike in inflation?
How high has inflation risen?
What is driving the increase in food prices?
Can the RBI control the food supply to manage inflation?
What role does monsoon play in this scenario?
Read more: How Long-term investing helps create life-changing wealth – TOI.
