The Indian economy is set to sustain its momentum and is expected to grow at a faster pace in the coming year, according to Ashishkumar Chauhan, Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Speaking during the auspicious Muhurat trading session on the occasion of Deepawali, Chauhan noted that India remains the world's fastest-growing large economy, maintaining a 7.5 per cent year-on-year GDP expansion.
Addressing the current global economic climate, Chauhan highlighted that the country’s ability to manage fiscal pressures effectively has been a cornerstone of this performance. Despite significant global headwinds and the persistent volatility in crude oil prices, India has demonstrated resilience. "Oil prices have traditionally been a concern for India because we import nearly 85% of the oil we consume. However, India is managing its fiscal deficit remarkably well, supported by strong tax buoyancy," he said.
This fiscal stability, according to the NSE chief, provides the government with the necessary leverage to channel investments into infrastructure development and job creation, which in turn bolsters overall investor confidence. The combination of sound macroeconomic fundamentals and strategic government spending remains a primary driver for the country's economic outlook.
A significant factor contributing to this stability is the surge in domestic financial resources. Chauhan pointed out that annual domestic financial savings have reached approximately USD 1.4 trillion, establishing India as one of the largest pools of savings globally. He emphasized that this domestic capital has played an essential role in supporting the markets and sustaining local investments, providing a solid foundation even when external conditions fluctuate.
Beyond domestic strength, the NSE chief observed a notable shift in sentiment among foreign investors. He noted that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have started showing renewed interest in the Indian markets as the country enters the new Samvat year. "Crucially, foreign institutional investors have also started favouring Indian markets again, which serves as a very good omen for the upcoming Samvat year," Chauhan remarked.
As part of its efforts to enhance market engagement, the NSE is also upgrading its technological infrastructure. Chauhan announced that the exchange has successfully achieved nanosecond-level response times, positioning it as one of the fastest exchanges globally. The exchange is now deploying artificial intelligence tools to provide retail participants with improved information, superior analytics, and clearer financial insights. New features are also being integrated into the NSE website and mobile application to elevate the user experience for individual investors.
Regarding investor awareness, the exchange is expanding its outreach through a mix of physical seminars, digital campaigns, and social media engagement to educate market participants. The exchange currently conducts outreach programs reaching between 10 and 15 lakh investors. During his address, Chauhan offered a word of caution to new participants, urging them to prioritize long-term wealth creation over speculative activities.
"Believe in long-term investing rather than short-term tips," Chauhan advised. He specifically cautioned retail investors against engaging in intraday speculative trading or derivative plays without a comprehensive understanding of risk management. By focusing on long-term growth and informed decision-making, the NSE aims to foster a more stable and resilient environment for the growing base of individual investors across the country.
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