From Panic To Opportunity: Quant MF Says Worst May Be Behind For Markets

India may be navigating global turbulence, but investors could be looking at a strategic entry point rather than a reason to exit, according to a Moneycontrol report citing the latest note from Quant Mutual Fund.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and sharp swings in global markets, the fund house has adopted an opportunistic strategy — increasing equity exposure while valuations turn attractive. According to the Moneycontrol report, this reflects a broader view that the current volatility phase may be closer to a bottom than the beginning of a deeper downturn.

Volatility spikes, but strategy shifts to buying

Global equities have corrected sharply, with indices such as the S&P 500 and Nifty 50 witnessing pressure alongside rising bond yields and commodity volatility. The surge in the VIX index

— a key fear gauge — signals heightened uncertainty.

However, according to the Moneycontrol report, the fund house does not see this as a structural problem. Instead, it interprets the volatility as part of a market adjustment phase, where excesses are being corrected.

For investors, this shift in interpretation is crucial — fear-driven markets often create better entry points than euphoric ones.

Signs of capitulation: Why it matters for investors

A key observation highlighted in the Moneycontrol report is the emergence of capitulation signals in Indian equities — a phase where investors exit in panic after sustained declines.

Historically, such phases tend to mark late stages of corrections, often followed by stabilisation or recovery.

This does not eliminate near-term volatility, but it changes the strategic approach from caution to selective participation.

India stands out as a stable core

Despite global disruptions, India continues to stand out in the macro landscape. The Moneycontrol report notes that India’s nominal GDP growth is running at nearly twice the pace of China, reinforcing its position as a preferred investment destination.

This macro stability, coupled with reforms and improving earnings visibility, strengthens the case for staying invested rather than timing exits.

According to the Moneycontrol report, the fund house has reduced cash levels and increased equity deployment, signalling confidence in current valuations.

The portfolio positioning highlights:

• Large caps as the core allocation
• Selective mid- and small-caps for alpha opportunities

Sectorally, it remains constructive on:

• Financials (NBFCs, private banks, insurance, AMC)
• Infrastructure and energy
• Consumption themes including FMCG and food
• Pharma, telecom, and hotels

At the same time, the Moneycontrol report notes an underweight stance on manufacturing, given uncertainties around input costs and supply chains.