#1014 Why Foreign Investors Are Selling Indian Stocks | Ajit Dayal | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report

<p>Why are foreign investors selling Indian stocks when India’s economy continues to grow? The answer goes beyond corporate earnings to the returns investors keep after taxes, currency losses and the risks they take.In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Ajit Dayal, Founder of Quantum Advisors Private Limited, about foreign portfolio investment, Indian stock market valuations and what could bring global capital back to India.Dayal explains how expensive valuations can make Indian equities less attractive when investors compare potential returns with opportunities elsewhere. A stock market gain in rupees can look very different in US dollars, particularly after accounting for currency depreciation and capital gains tax.The discussion examines why domestic investors continue putting money into mutual funds and SIPs while foreign investors have been pulling back. Dayal traces India’s market development since the 1991 economic reforms and explains why a stronger investment ecosystem does not automatically guarantee foreign inflows.Corporate governance is another concern. Dayal describes Quantum’s integrity assessment of companies and why the treatment of minority shareholders matters to international investors. Govindraj questions how these concerns should be weighed against businesses delivering resilient earnings and benefiting from domestic demand.The conversation also explores the gap between GDP growth and stock market returns. Drawing comparisons between India and China, Dayal explains why investors need to examine how economic growth translates into shareholder returns, rather than relying on the growth story alone.Beyond company performance, they discuss how US tariffs, trade uncertainty, oil prices and geopolitical developments influence foreign investment decisions. Dayal questions the trade-offs involved in using a weaker rupee to support exports when currency losses can discourage overseas investors.Index funds and passive investing come under scrutiny too. Dayal discusses changes in index constituents, transaction costs and why he believes comparisons between actively managed funds and benchmark indices need closer examination.The global AI investment boom adds another dimension. Dayal distinguishes between artificial intelligence as a lasting economic shift and the risks of choosing individual AI stocks. He also explains why he remains optimistic about India’s consumer demand and see