Will India be Able to Combat Corona Wave? 

Article By Pankaj Singhania, Founder – Lakewater Advisors

All of us are aware by now the havoc that has been caused by COVID 19 all over the world, especially in Europe and USA. “The worst economic crisis since 2008”, “The FTSE sees its biggest hit since 1987”- intimidating isn’t it? It’s because saying “It’s a setback” and “We will recover” doesn’t gain the media hits that publicising fear does. We recovered from outbreaks ranging from the SARS epidemic to the Spanish flu, the greatest pandemic in modern history. Influenza hit the economy at a time when financial institutions weren’t half as robust as they are today, and even weaker due to World War 1 and the economic catastrophe it caused. But we came through, didn’t we? Expert speculation relies on empirical evidence to the extent that logic and faith is undermined, and it is why such speculation is not a perfectly reliable measure to predict markets and their movement. Hence, in these uncertain times, Lakewater feels optimism is the only tool at our disposal, and it would be rather wise to use it. 

Introduction 

Despite, there was late onset of Corona wave in India, the panic continues to be there. However, looking at certain scenarios, which we shall discuss later in this report, India has a better stand. It is certain that COVID-19 is classic example of “black swan”; rare occurrence and massive impact. With the widespread of Corona Virus beyond China, there has been a drastic fall in the Global equity market, since it is proportionate to sentiments. S&P 500 index showed a decline of ~30 % in 22 trading days from 19th Feb. The fall in market is at much higher space than SARS (2002); even 2008 Recession for that matter. Following USA, India too has passed Stimulus packages, in order to lift NIFTY. As on 15 th April, NIFTY stood ~8,800. 

Outbreak of Corona 

The novel Corona outbreak took place in China’s wet market, Wuhan. By December, the virus had expanded and touched every corner of the globe. Looking at the alarming levels of spread and severity, World Health Organization declared Covid-19 has global risk which required immediate health emergency. Looking from health perspective, India has done a commendable job by initiating the Lockdown on 25th March to contain the spread. India has learnt from its global peers, and called out for lockdown at an early stage of outbreak. With a population of ~1.38 billion, India has reported 396 deaths (15th April, 2020). India is reporting 0.3 deaths/million as compared to 79 deaths/million in USA. 

Corona Impact on Economy 

If we speak about our Economy, recently, we have been facing rough times and abrupt advent of Covid19 has further amplified the negative sentiment, such as 

• ~$180Bn of annual exports and imports are linked to highly exposed countries – US, Europe, UK, Iran. Off late, Trump and Modi were discussing certain measures, which would have increased the trade between the two, now the same is put to halt. 
• 25% of India’s workforce, are casual labour; facing the direct impact of lockdown 
• Auto, Travel, Consumer Durables, Construction are facing the downside. The discretionary spending on any fashion and luxury goods, shall be getting the hit, as the spending power shall be conservative in near future. 

However, every cloud has a silver lining. Given the ambiguity in current situation, it is difficult to develop opinion and quantifying economic impact. Yet, we have tried to focus on positive key parameters among the sea of negative sentiments. Imposing lockdown at an early stage, has given Indian economy a ray of hope and saved us from a disaster. Let us look at the following factors – 

Opportunity Ahead 

US-China relationship has become more toxic, between the trade war and Coronavirus. International firms have figured it in a hard way, how vulnerable their globally integrated supply chains are. This has prompt international businesses to think about diversification of their production across numerous nations. This should benefit India in the medium term, as firms would want to bank less on China as their lone manufacturing hub. Hence, we expect a moderate rebound of economic growth in 2021 and beyond. Since, there might be trade disturbance between China and global market. India can take this situation as an export opportunity window to expand its exports. It is difficult to comprehend this opportunity, given India-China trade relations. However, over the last 5 years, there is slight decrease in India’s dependency on China. 

India is now attempting to develop ecosystem in India. This might be the perfect time promote and accelerate “Make in India”. Given India’s has lower labour cost as compared to China, complete ecosystem should be developed to manufacture for global market. 

EIU Projection 

India’s growth may be slashed to 2.1% but given the projection, looks like India will show the highest rate of GDP growth among G20 countries. Also, as per EIU, India will be among top three countries in G20, along with China and Indonesia that shall avoid recession this year. 

Industries to be Benefitted 

Due to Lockdown, there is an upside in the industries of Digital Media, Consumer staples and Telecom. Further, the Consumer sentiments are depicting that there shall be spurt in essentials, savings, health & wellness, at-home entertainment, and education over the period of next 6 months. 

The resistance of Indian Economy 

Looking at the past crises, Indian economy has shown resilience through V shaped recoveries. 

• Asian Financial Crises (1997) 
• Agricultural Crises (2002-03) 
• Global Financial Crises (2007-08) 
• Demonization (2016-17) 2008 Recession can act as a starting point to recover from this fatal economic blow. 

2008 Recession can act as a starting point to recover from this fatal economic blow. However, the speed to recovery is dependent on multiple drivers. 

Conclusion 

The near-term damage shall be significant. 

• There is a downward shift in Digital Payments in March since Feb. This is expected to fall further by ~20% in April. 
• Due to the EMI moratorium, credit cost is expected to be elevated in FY21 
• Discretionary expenses shall be deferred, which shall impact other fintech offerings. 

Lakewater is positive on long term bet in Indian economy. Since, we are comparatively less dependent on exports; our exposure shock in context to world trade shall be less. Low price of crude oil shall also cover us from external shock. Overall, we are expecting that PE investments shall remain strong and shall have V shaped recovery soon post this Corona pandemic. Nonetheless, we hope, you stay at home and stay healthy.