Poll indicates no change in investment plans, revival in demand

India Inc has displayed optimism in its outlook for the next four to six months, hoping that things will improve on the ground in terms of better sales realisation and improved order books, as fresh investment commitments remain some distance away, a poll has found.

The Bizcon Survey,  done by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (Assocham), has also indicated the possibility of a revival being seen in the demand within the economy.

"The general perception among the Indian industry is that things will improve in the next six months in terms of better sales realisation and improved order books, reflecting a sense of hope and optimism," the Bizcon Survey by Assocham said.

"With regards to the expected order book position in the April-June 2015 quarter, majority (60.9 per cent) of the firms seem to be optimistic and expect an increase in the orders. Thus, there are some indications of a possibility of a revival being seen in the demand within the economy," it said.

About 39.1 per cent respondents believe April-June 2015 quarter won’t see any change in their domestic investment plans, Assocham President Rana Kapoor said.

Similar feeling is reflected in the international investment perspective, as majority of the respondents (43.5 per cent) indicate no change will be there in the investment plans. The survey was done in the last week of March.

"Thus there is that sense of hope and optimism that seems to be growing within the industry," Assocham said.

Majority of respondents believe that profit margin has remained same during January-March 2015. However, survey results indicate that 43.5 per cent of the respondents feel that their profits will increase in the short term.

“Thus, it is clear the industry needs to be a little more patient when it comes to solid results on the ground. The policies have a lag. Besides, the global economic situation makes a difference, while the recovery seems to be coming from the domestic demand pick up,” Kapoor said.