Investing: Rishi Nathany

The aviation sector is making headlines.

Does it make sense to take exposure to it now or should one wait for glad tidings?
The sector continues to be bogged with problems. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices are high and a falling rupee is worsening the scenario.

Being a capital-intensive industry, it is bearing the brunt of the high costs of borrowing.

Avoid it at present and consider investing only when clear steps are taken to resolve its problems like allowing foreign direct investment to bring in the much-needed capital or permitting airlines to import ATF directly to reduce fuel costs.

Is this the right time to invest in banking stocks, considering the beating they have taken?
It is said once the interest rates start to soften, such sectors are likely to benefit the most. Is it advisable to invest in these now or do you think the worst is to come?

The banking sector in India is well-regulated and insulated from many problems their global counterparts are facing.

High interest rates affect banks’ earnings in the form of slowdown in credit offtake, slower recoveries, higher non-performing assets and so on.

The view that their stocks would benefit once rates soften is correct.

While it is difficult to predict the bottom, one could start investing in the bank stocks over the next few months.

Gold rates are at a record high. Is it a good time to invest? Or, should I postpone? What is the best way of investing in gold?
At these levels, it is very difficult to suggest whether to invest in gold or not.

While its prices have risen globally, gold has become more expensive locally due to the massive fall in rupee against the dollar.

It may continue to rise as long as the global crisis continues or may correct in case some solution emerges.

Therefore, the best way of investing is the systematic investment plan route.

The writer is CEO, Dalmia Securities.
The views expressed are his own.
Send your queries to yourmoney@bsmail.in