Markets at crossroads? Axis AMC’s Hitesh Zaveri on largecaps vs smallcaps, IT stocks, and portfolio de-risking

With broader market valuations looking stretched, finding the right risk-reward balance is crucial. Hitesh Zaveri, Head of Listed Equity at Axis AMC, breaks down why large caps currently offer a safer margin of safety over small caps. Discover his tactical playbook for navigating macro volatility, the outlook for IT and financials, and how to position your portfolio for the next 3–5 years.

Edited excerpts from a chat:

How would you assess the current market environment from a risk-reward perspective for long-term investors?

From a long-term perspective, the risk-reward remains reasonably balanced, though not outright compelling in the near term. Markets have delivered strong returns over the past 12–18 months, leading to pockets of stretched valuations, especially in the broader market. However, India’s structural growth story remains intact, driven by strong domestic demand, improving balance sheets, and policy continuity.

For long-term investors, the key is to temper return expectations and focus on earnings compounding rather than valuation re-rating. Periods of consolidation may be viewed as opportunities to accumulate quality businesses rather than reasons for concern, subject to individual risk appetite and investment strategy.

With crude and rupee playing spoilsport, how should investors deal with macro uncertainty? Which sectors look best placed?

Macro volatility, whether from crude prices, currency movements, or global interest rates, is largely uncontrollable and often short-lived relative to investment horizons. Investors should avoid overreacting to these variables and instead focus on sectors with strong pricing power and domestic drivers.

In the current environment, sectors such as financials, industrials, and select consumption themes remain well-positioned. Additionally, domestic-facing businesses with limited import dependence tend to navigate such volatility better. Export-oriented sectors can also provide a natural hedge if currency weakness persists.

Financials remain dominant. What is your view on banks and NBFC earnings amid changing liquidity conditions?

The financial sector continues to be structurally strong, supported by healthy balance sheets, moderating credit costs, and stable demand for credit. While liquidity conditions have tightened somewhat, we believe this reflects normalization rather than stress. Banks, particularly large private sector banks, are well placed given their strong liability franchises. NBFCs may see some pressure on margins due to funding costs, but well-managed players with strong risk frameworks should continue to deliver steady growth. Overall, earnings momentum should remain resilient, albeit with some moderation from the recent peak levels.

Which segment offers better opportunities: large, mid, or smallcaps?

At this stage of the cycle, large caps offer relatively better risk-reward compared to mid- and small-caps, primarily due to more reasonable valuations and better earnings visibility. Mid- and small-caps still present selective opportunities, particularly in niche segments, but the margin of safety has reduced significantly in several pockets. Investors should be more discerning and avoid chasing momentum.

Mid and smallcap valuations are elevated. Can earnings growth justify this?

Earnings growth has been strong in the mid- and small-cap space, but valuations in certain segments are pricing in a continuation of very high growth rates. While some companies will deliver on these expectations, the dispersion between winners and losers is likely to increase. Sustaining current valuation multiples will require consistent execution and a favourable macro environment. Hence, bottom-up stock selection becomes critical, and investors should focus on quality, governance, and balance sheet strength.

Will the broader market momentum seen in April continue?

Near-term momentum is always difficult to predict and often driven by flows rather than fundamentals. While earnings have been supportive, especially in the broader market, the strong rally has already priced in a lot of optimism. We may see periods of consolidation or volatility in the near term. A more sustainable market trajectory would ideally be led by earnings growth catching up with valuations rather than continued multiple expansion.

What portfolio positioning would you recommend for a 3–5 year horizon?

For a 3–5 year horizon, investors should focus on building a diversified portfolio anchored around high-quality compounders. A balanced allocation between large caps and selectively chosen mid-caps would be appropriate. Most importantly, investors should stay disciplined with asset allocation and avoid overexposure to overheated segments.

Should investors stay away from IT stocks or are valuations attractive?

The IT sector is currently in a transition phase, with near-term demand softness due to global macro uncertainties. However, this has also led to more reasonable valuations compared to historical averages. For long-term investors, selective exposure to high-quality IT companies can be considered, especially those with strong client relationships and differentiated capabilities. While the sector may not see immediate growth acceleration, it remains a structurally important part of India’s export story.