Analysts expect the last full-year budget before general elections in 2019 to have a heavier dose of populism. The government is expected to further enhance its focus on spending towards agriculture and rural themes in this year’s budget. According to Motilal Oswal Securities Ltd, consumption pick-up (especially rural and discretionary), cyclical recovery in corporate facing banks and gradual pick-up in private capex are our key themes to play in 2018. Banks and insurance companies: Analysts said higher allocation of funds to core sectors like infrastructure, housing, particularly affordable housing, and urban development. Non-banking financial companies (NBFC): Analysts expect higher budgetary allocation for the MUDRA scheme.

Source: Mint January 24, 2018 06:33 UTC