FPIs continue to snub consumption, even after budget incentives
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The 1 February 2025 Budget’s tax relief measures intended to revive consumption and disposable income, have failed to reverse the tide of foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows from key consumption-led sectors like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer durables. Despite initial optimism, the FMCG sector has witnessed a significant FPI outflows of ₹6,904 crore in February 2025 alone, continuing a trend that began in October 2024 after the markets hit an all-time high in September, showed the latest data from the National Securities Depository (NSDL).
This exodus is part of a broader $16 billion withdrawal by FPIs from Indian markets in 2025—the largest among emerging economies this year. In February alone, FPIs withdrew ₹34,574 crore. Analysts attribute this to high valuations, weak demand, and a global reallocation of funds to markets like China and US treasuries, which offer better returns amid a depreciating rupee.
Also read FPI jitters: Are foreign investors losing confidence in Indian markets? Consumption stocks are still a no-go for these overseas investors. On 1 February 2025, the Nifty FMCG index jumped over 3% after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced income tax relief measures, including a ₹12 lakh exemption under the new tax regime, to boost consumption. However, these gains proved fleeting, and consumption stocks remain unappealing to overseas investors.
Read on livemint.com