A 50-basis point cut in the cash reserve ratio (CRR) is not sufficient to address structural illiquidity issues, believes Amandeep S Chopra, group president &amp; fixed income head at UTI AMC. In an interview with Vishal Chhabria and Sheetal Agarwal, he talks about the investment strategies and outlook for the debt market.

Invest in duration funds to gain from rate easing cycle: Amandeep S Chopra

Business Standard

Markets have had a surprising rally in 2012 and sentiments have also turned positive, with many suggesting the start of a new bull market. Against this background, Vishal Chhabria and Jitendra Kumar Gupta spoke to Ramesh Damani, member of the Bombay Stock Exchange, for his views for a variety of subjects, including what&rsquo;s in store for the rest of the year.

Early signs suggest onset of bull market: Ramesh Damani

The Vedanta group&rsquo;s move to unlock value by consolidating Sterlite Industries, Vedanta Aluminium (VAL), Malco, Sesa Goa and its holdings in Cairn India into a new combined entity, Sesa Sterlite, by December 2012, has drawn mixed response from market experts. While experts say there are gains for both, there are a few concerns too.

Directionally positive amid concerns

The markets have been euphoric about the proposed plan for the power sector, which includes restructuring the debt of loss-making state electricity boards (SEBs) and improving their operational efficiencies. It is, however, too early to rejoice, though it has provided some hope that India&rsquo;s power sector &ndash; a key element if we have to reach our ambitious goals of 9 per cent plus GDP growth &ndash; is being given due attention.

Vishal Chhabria: Solving the power sector dilemma 

One of the oldest funds in the Indian mutual fund industry, SBI Magnum Equity Fund was launched in January 1991. The fund intends to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in high growth companies. The fund has maintained its position in the top 30 percentile under the large cap category of the CRISIL Mutual Fund Ranking for the past four quarters.

SBI Magnum Equity Fund - A long time winner

Last four years have been the worst of times for most countries across the world since the depression of the 1930s. India, too, has suffered, but on a relative basis &mdash; it has done better, recording the second-best growth rate after China.

8 sectors double shareholders' wealth in 4 yrs

Amid expectations of a normal monsoon this year, the focus on agriculture stocks would be vital. Bill Barbour, director, investment specialist, Asia-Pacific, West Asia and North Africa, Deutsche Asset Management (Australia), in an interview with Vishal Chhabria and Jitendra Kumar Gupta, speaks about opportunities in this space and his views on Indian markets.

Agri-business companies likely to outperform broader share market: Bill Barbour

CLSA&rsquo;s open letter to Infosys CEO S D Shibulal last week kicked up a storm. The letter, which said investors were showing &lsquo;rare frustration&rsquo; in the company, shocked many. The reports said it was expressing &ldquo;consolidated thoughts of 600 institutional investors who have $15 billion invested in Infosys.

When analysts use a stringent tone

Earnings and financial condition of only a few companies influencing sentiment.

More bright stars than dark spots

A 50 basis points cut in the cash reserve ratio (CRR) is not sufficient to address structural illiquidity issues in the system, believes Amandeep S Chopra, Group President &amp; Fixed Income Head at UTI AMC. In an interview with Vishal Chhabria and Sheetal Agarwal, he talks about the investment strategies and outlook for the debt market.

Vishal Chhabria