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Monday, December 31, 2012

Analysis (in red) of last years predictions (in black)


ANALYSIS OF 2012 Predictions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
Happy New Year 2012 and Refinements of Long Term Predictions

Politics and Military: The main changes seen this year have been with regard to the Jasmine revolution. Most of these have taken place in Arab countries with low per capita GDP (Egypt 2000$, Libya 3000$, Tunisia 1000$, Syria 10000$, Yemen similarly low).

In all of these countries, military dictators with erstwhile super power support have fallen – Libya and Syria remainders of Soviet empire, Egypt American empire. The main reason for superpower involvement has been oil economy of middle east. Egypt, Syria and Tunisia don’t have much oil, Yemen and Libya have antiquated oil infrastructure requiring capital infusion, making cost of extraction much above 25$ per barrel.

While much has been made of non-militant Islamic nature of the revolution, it is likely that most if not all of these countries might degenerate into sectarian conflicts- 

happened in Egypt but not so much in Libya - clearly the presence of oil determines the level of US and Western intervention . 

Violence even in non-oil producing countries is likely to have a spill over effect into Soudi and Kuwaiti administration - 

did not happen fortunately and life in oil economies have stabilized

This revolution is therefore deleterious and will damage the stability of the entire region. 

(Maintain this as we observe the Egypt fiasco and the possible domino effects it might have) 

This is a big negative for India and for oil prices going forward. (Brent is 20$ premium over US crudes)

Broad long term directions emerging out of this middle east churning are likely to be:

1. Increase in cost of oil production. This is likely to emanate from the increased social sector spending required from Saudi and Kuwaiti rulers to placate their population. 

This happened in Kuwait as every citizen got a silver jubilee present 

So real cost of production will include the increased welfare expenditure. This is a big cost compared to the rock bottom prices of extraction currently.

(I maintain this prediction which is reflected in Brent Crude)
2. Increasing distancing of US from the crisis. US has greatly improved the oil infrastructure of Iraq but US has benefited little. US is now shifting to Mexican and Brazilian Crude, Lousiana Crude, Gasification of coal, Shale gas and fracting extraction methods, and Canadian tar sands as their main energy source. 

This turned out to be the single biggest economic game changer
3. Increasing competition for middle eastern crude between Europe and China, with USA standing aloof is now likely. US will not invest in a region where it is not getting returns in terms of oil 

I maintain this prediction
4. Increasing premium for Brent Crude, currently 10$ above WTI on Nymex. In times of stress this is likely to increase to a high of 20-25$ above WTI in times of geopolitical tension 

This is systematically happening
5. Chinese growth even during these recessionary times is likely to push the remaining excess capacity in Soudia (currently producing at 85-90% of total capacity) to full capacity utilization within 3-4 years. 

Soudi still having good excess capacity. We need to wait and watch for this - it might take 6-7 years now with Chinese slow down and full blown Euro recession
6. India will be a passive spectator, deeply affected by this premium for our own crude, benchmarked to Brent. 

Maintain this
7. By 2016, Chinese growth is likely to be stifled by increasing energy prices. US will stand unaffected because of their national resources. Chinese growth is likely to moderate and be around 7-8% per annum because of these two stifles i.e. 1. Oil price increases in Brent and 2. Decreased capacity for Europe and USA to consume Chinese manufacture, lack of markets. 

The slowing of China started in 2012 and I would expect a 5-7% growth in the future decade because of high base effect

Chinese responses to this situation will be two fold.
1. Increased conflicts in South Chinese oil exploration 

Happening in South CHina sea as we speak
2. Increased links with Iran.

 Not so much as I expected but most Iran exports are to China and India

US is unlikely to expend capital on a situation which does not benefit directly. Decreasing production of North Sea oil is likely to push UK and Norway to increased dependence on Brent. France, Germany and Italy also heavily dependent on Brent and are likely to see no growth. Increased military co-operation between European nations is likely from 2014 onwards, probably under British leadership – so UK is likely to stay out of the Euro but is likely to lead military adventurism in Iran, Iraq, Baluchistan, Algeria and Libya. Of the Euro zone, it has the strongest military and blue water navy. They are likely to acquire a Aircraft carrier 

(they are comissioning 2 carriers and are going through it right now but cutting military spending overall thanks to Afghan savings - following US steps in leaner but meaner military) 

(currently lacking) and increase fighter jets and cruise missile production. These military expenditures might get ready ‘army” recruits from the less developed Euro zone and Eastern Europe, since employment generation is likely to be sluggish in these regions.

(not yet, till a hot war erupts)

One can expect at least 2 hot wars in the next decade. One is likely to be in Argentina, since, the Falklands might generate enough possibility of new oil resources – this war is likely to push UK to get a Aircraft carrier - happened. Chinese are likely to acquire 2 aircraft carrier groups, one for Indian Ocean Arabian sea and one for south Chine sea, to protect their oil economy. 

Guys, I successfully predicted the stealth acquisition of an air craft carrier by China based only on economic probabilities - when nobody knew about it ! And the second Chinese carrier is probably on the way - check this link Naval Air: The Phantom Menace Of More Chinese Carriers

The second is probably Iran. 

(didnt happen but could still happen by 2014)

Exact flash points in the likely war is difficult to predict. Most likely to be Israel/UK joint attack on Iran expecting to effect a regime change. Probable in 2016. Possible scenario is Iran causing sectarian destabilization of Iraq, along Shia Sunni lines, with civil war and Hezbollah like activity by Shia militants, resulting in an oil spike. Since USA is likely to disengage from Iraq, civil war or partition of Iraq is likely. Finding it impossible to tolerate this situation, UK and Europe will attack Iran with Israeli support. Iranian meddling is likely to increase only if it is sure of Chinese offtake of its oil through transKashmir oil pipeline. This pipeline is likely to be built in 2014, after the current recession gets over and oil prices shoot above 150$ per barrel. War is very likely if Brent shoots above 300$ per barrel thanks to Iraqi instability.

Other possible flashpoints are Saudi Arabian militance/Jasmine like event.
The probability of war has receeded because of the higher than anticipated Euro recession. So with China cooling, there is going to be less resource competition. Which is good news for us in India.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
In India’s own backyard, two main flash points will be

1. Baluchi militancy. The origin is the Pakistani highjacking of the baluchi gas fields for their own use giving little to the Sunni Baluchi. Iran also suppresses the Sunni Baluchi, resulting in them being poor tribals. Chinese intervention in this situation is likely to defuse the crisis, since Chinese have interests in piping the Baluchi gas to China.

No signs of this yet

2. TransKashmir pipelines from Pakistan to China are likely within 3-4 years and will ratchet up India China tensions. Damming of the Brahma putra will also cause tensions.

No signs of this. Brahma putra row is still incubating

Meanwhile the Pakistani situation is fast becoming intolerable for whole world. A general degeneration of Pakistan, Afghan, Uzbek/Tajik, Baluchi regions into internecine tribal warfare is likely. Pakistan, like India, is corrupt and inefficient and very populous. Economic failures of Pakistan very similar to India but the people of the tribes are more aggressive and war like, making the situation more explosive than UP/Bihar, where people are like cattle and accept the crap.

No signs of this yet

Again, exact flash points and exact way the situation will deteriorate are difficult. Broadly, a complete fissure with USA is likely within next three years. Pakistan military is likely to join lock stock and barrel with Chinese dictatorship, but this will cause great hardship to the common people because of economic failure. Volatile situation is inevitable.

No signs of this yet

Ultimately, China, Pakistan, Iran, Shia Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan rump, North Korea, Burma and parts of French Indochina will form an Axis with probable productivity of 10 trillion combined (including 2-3 trillion from Russia which will give outside support).

No signs of this yet

Against this axis will be the Euro zone, Soudi and similar oil dictatorships, Japan and sundry affected east asian economies of some 20 trillion combined GDP. USA will stand away, but sell military hardware to the allies and India, Bangladesh, Lanka and many isolationist east and south east asian countries will also stand away, although they will diplomatically support the European alliance.

No signs of this yet

Probablilities:

1. One hot war in middle east in next decade = 90%
2. Hot war within 3 years = 30% (probably pre-emptive strike against Iran by retreating US and Euro powers with Israeli help – before the alliances and ententes are sewn up) No signs of this yet
3. Iran withstanding the strike without regime change = 70%. Iran is too populous and powerful to crumble like Iraq, the people are solidly behind the regime and are patriotic.
4. Chances of Iran rebuilding efforts with Chinese help after strike = 90% (Iran will definitely seek help away from Western alliance and Chinese are sure to accommodate)
5. Degradation of Egypt into economic turmoil with militancy within 3 years with economic failure and loss of productivity = 40% Happened already
6. Libyan turmoil with poor oil productivity continuing for many years = 40% (situation already exists and is likely to deteriorate) No signs of this yet
7. Turmoil in Afghanistan = 70%
8. Turmoil in Pakistan = 90%
9. Turmoil escalating in Baluchistan = 60% No signs of this yet
10. Chinese solution for Baluchi turmoil = 10%
11. Iran transkashmir pipeline = 80% by 2015, 100% by 2020 No signs of this yet
12. US strike against Paki Nukes = 20%. They are unlikely to face the strong Pakistan military, who have already taken counter measures and have moved their nukes.
13. US leaving Pakistan within 2014 = 60%

No signs of this yet
Basically there has been status quo in South Asia. Which is good news. Now that Obama has won, we need to see in 2013 and 2014 if any of these likely scenarios emerge or not.
__________________

Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
Economics Global.

1. US slow growth for next decade with subpar to nil growth = 100%. Total per capita GDP has hit peak productivity and is unlikely to improve from here

While I maintain my peak productivity theory, US has shown resilience and innovation in its responses and changed the game - so I feel US will do better than I previously anbticipated

2. Europe is likely to decline because of oil pressures and decadal growth might be nil or even negative because of aging.

Is happening 

3. Japan likely to show nil growth or a decrease of GDP per capita as aging continues

Is happening 

4. China might show moderate 7-8% growth but will grow year after year, because of good economic policies and good governance. Doubling of GDP to 10trillion $ is inevitable by 2015 or 2016, with luck by 2020 they might be 15 trillion economy, on par with US and Europe. Good place to invest.

Slowing of Chinese growth happened to 7-8%

Risks: Geopolitical ambitions might cause very volatile stock market. Risk of another cold war (10%) with US and Euro and Japan might limit the possibilities.

I maintain the cold war prediction if India performs well and provides an alternative for capital deployment

5. Russia likely to double per capita GDP to 25000$ and a final 2-3 trillion output, despite aging/declining population, over this decade. Good place to invest

Russia had a disastrous year but should still catch up by 2014 as commodity consumption increases

Risks: Geopolitical adventurism with China might endanger their economy. (2% chance – Russians are smart enough to stay away and reap the rewards of oil and mineral wealth)

Russia is likely to stay withdrawn and become a military supplier only

6. Brazil will show strong growth to 25000$ per capita GDP over this decade . They will probably reach 4 trillion with luck if enough price escalation for their resources is achieved. Best place to invest

Slowing of commodities has exposed Brazilian weakness. Because of high base of per capita productivity, they may not transition to Southern European levels of productivity in this decade

Risks: Communistic tendencies might resurface with corruption and crony capitalism. Poor governance might reduce stock market return

This has not happened

7. India. Likely to show 6-7% long term growth as detailed later. Good place to invest.

SLowed to 5%

Risks: Multiple governance deficits and geopolitical stupidities are likely, limiting growth to no more than 6-7 %. Returns in dollar terms are likely to be more moderate than in Rupee terms.

Maintain this prediction

8. Small emerging markets: Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand likely to be the best emerging markets for returns.

Maintain these but removing Thailand from list - Thailand is likely to implode further. 

Middle east unlikely to get investment because of turmoil = further pressure on oil economy as their population has no other resource or human development possible.

This unfortunately seems to be continuing. Productivity of their native populations still very low.

Best dollar portfolio for long term = Brazil 30%, Russia 25%, China 10%, small emerging markets 30%, India 5%.

Bad miss here although prediction was for long term - Brazil and Russia had very poor years in 2012. I would change weight to China>India>Brazil>Russia now - Say China 30%, Small emerging markets 30%, India 25%, Brazil 10%, Russia 5%.

Probable size of global investment portfolios over next decade = 1 trillion per annum for a total of 10 trillion over next decade = 50 billion per annum of foreign capital into India as FII, FDI etc.
The poor quality of Russian and Brazilian growth was overdependent on cmmodity cycle and not on oncreased productivity. China and other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia (despite political risk) are likely to increase their productivity by double - and so are the best long term bets. India will also double its productivity because of low base effect and therefore is an even more definite bet (because we are movong from 500$ to 1000$ productivity while others are moving from some 5000$ to 10,000$ productivity - which is more difficult. Turkey is unlikely to perform as well as I previously expected because of high base and poor Euro zone situation.

Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
Indian Political situation:

Continues to be challenging. Original scenario continues to play out. Congress and BJP have deteriorated rather than improved over last one year. Chances of poor political governance probably 100%

Maintain - fully exposed now

India economic situation.

India is the poorest and least developed large country in the world. My simplified understanding of the situation (see Venkytalks for a more detailed discussion as posted elsewhere in RE bulls thread, stock advice thread etc of this site) is as follows.

Most countries have achieved 10,000$ productivity including Mexico, Brazil, Malaysia and Russia. China and Indonesia re at 5000$ productivity levels.

India is much lower at 1000$ per annum levels. Our total GDP of 1.6 trillion comes from 1 billion people at 500$ per capita productivity (= 25000Rs per annum) with output of 500 billion, 200 million at 5000$ per annum levels (= 20,000Rs per month) for 1 trillion $ and 5 million people at 25000$ per annum productivity (=1 lakh per month) for 125 billion $ for a total of around 1605 billion = 1.6 trillion $ using ball park figures.

Our middle class is therefore at 5000$ productivity and manager class is at 25000$ productivity. Our poor classes at 500$ per annum are unproductive subsistence level of productivity.

Assuming a 7% growth, in 10 years, output of 1 billion people will be 1000$ per annum.

The middle class of 200 million will double to 400 million people with output of 5000$ per annum or 200 million with output of 10000$ per annum, both scenarios resulting in output of 2 trillion.

In the former situation, more inclusive growth will take place, but people already at 20000 pm productivity will continue to earn only 20000 pm after 10 years which is a pernicious situation.

In the latter scenario, there will be no increase in number of people in the middle class, but their productivity will increase to 40000 pm levels. Since the poor will be still at 1000$ per annum = 5000 Rs pm levels, this will increase disparity.

In the manager class, again, either the populations will double to 10 million people at 1 lakh per month productivity or population will remain same at 5 million with 2 lakh per month productivity. Since these are the people who can afford proper real estate, getting an exact handle on which of the two scenarios is likely is important.

My estimate is of course the middle of the road. So from 5 million they will become 7 million at 35000$ per capita, amounting for 250 billion dollars of productivity. 35000$ is close to the peak productivity levels of Europe, Japan and USA and as explained earlier, it is unlikely to exeed this level in a country like India.

Most of this doubling will come from the children of already existing manager class and engineers.

An analysis of these numbers assuming 7% growth per annum meaning a doubling after 10 years reveals the economic failures inherent in our low grade economic growth. Without growth above 10% (i.e 3 trillion economy in 2017 vs 2020 in above scenario) India faces a disaster. Governance failure is costing us a terrible price indeed.

The poor quality of politics witnessed in 2011 is indicating that India cannot grow consistently above 7%.

Proved to be True

All growth above 7% is a mirage – caused only by high inflation and currency depreciation hiding the subpar performance.

I maintain this

Already, the 1.4$ trillion economy of 2010 has failed to translate into 1.6 trillion in 2011 – instead, the currency depreciation has wiped out our growth and real growth is probably negative. Assuming 7.5 % eventual growth in 2011 and 15% currency depreciation in 2011, our GDP is probably now 1.2 trillion instead of 1.6 trillion, i.e negative growth of 7.5%.

Probable long term trends over next decade:

1. Inflation will be 7-10% per annum for this decade

True for a year anyway

2. Currency depreciation of 5% per annum can be assumed, contributing half of the anticipated inflation

Happened

3. Growth will be 6-7% over the decade. Any growth above 7% will be accompanies by higher inflation and Rupee depreciation which will be above the norms causing degrowth rather than growth as seen in 2011.

Dropped even below 6-7%

4. RBI stimulus of rate reduction will fail because any growth ahead of fundamentals by such artificial stimulation will cause inflation and depreciation to wipe out the growth in dollar terms

In the event, they cut very little and cuts failed to have any effect

Extreme long term trend – inevitable growth of India over next 3 decades causing a 5 fold increase of productivity from 1.2-1.4 trillion currently to about 15 trillion eventual output of 10,000$ per capita.at a population of 1.5 billion.

Maintain this with lower bias - because of governance failures

This will compare to Chinese output of 50 trillion with population of 1.5 billion at output levels of 35000$ per capita in the next 3 decades in best case scenario and worst case scenario of 30 trillion at 20,000 $ per annum per capita productivity.

This is likely on track

Note: Growth from 1 to 15 is a 15 times growth while 5 to 30 is a 6 times growth and 5 to 50 is a 10 times growth.

Hence good picks in India will be better on absolute while Chinese companies more sure

Inevitability of India increase in production has reduced somewhat given the much higher levels if misgovernance witnessed in 2011, while best case scenario for China has improved, given the great performance of its govt in 2011.
The levels of governance has fallen so much more than I anticipated that if the govt falls, all predictions of long term growth for India are off

Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
I have come up with some new concepts for asses allocation.

1. Asset of multiple (3) decades: This is the One asset which will decide whether your investments will sustain you during your retirement or not i.e, if you entered this in your thirties, you will be very comfortable in your sisties and beyond.

In the 1960s, it was real estate (plot in South Extension), in the 1970s it was real estate (Janakpuri and Munirka flats), in the 1980s it was real estate (DDA flats everywhere), in the 1990s it was real estate (Gurgaon) although it is still not 3 decades, but already it has proved to be the investment of 3 decades from returns in 20 years itself.

So in history of India, you cannot afford not to be in real estate. You cannot retire without owning your own home at least

My prediction for asset of multiple decades for 2000s (by 2030) = real estate.

This is because I feel that 2010 to 2020 will be a bad year for stocks and with high inflation and depreciation of currency and probable wars in the region, stocks will be more risky and real estate should do equally well or better than stocks even into 2030.

My prediction for asset of multiple decades for 2010s (by 2040) = stocks.

It is inevitable as India matures that the hinterland will be opened up for real estate development, which will reduce the premium for RE. After 2020, real estate will lose its charm and stocks will outperform.



2. Asset of the decade: This is the asset which on holding for many years in a buy and hold strategy, delivers best and safest returns. Safest is important because if another asset gives better returns with less risk, it is preferred.

In the 1960s it was FD (not real estate because it was a difficult market to enter), in the 1970s it was FD (not real estate because of same reason, not gold because it was too volatile), in the 1980s it was real estate (safer options and increased income made it possible to reduce risk, gold was volatile and depended on Rupee depreciation), in 1990s it was FD, in 2000 it was stocks (safer and more liquid than real estate, safer than gold due to lack of currency risk).

My prediction for 2010-2020 = real estate.

Stocks will be volatile and risky. this current decade is the decade when real estate will guard against inflation. Poor governance and corruption and black money will ensure that real estate will still be the best investment. I think FDs will also be a good investment over this decade. I prefer real estate over FD because currently, real estate is better regulated than in the 1970s and 1960s and safer investments are possible

3. Avoidance of a decade: The asset you should avoid in a whole decade because it kills the return - the rest are OK

In 1960s it was gold and stocks (FD and real estate were OK), in 1970s it was stocks (Gold, FD and real estate were OK), in 1980s it was gold (stocks, FD and real estate were OK), in 1990s it was gold and real estate (FDs and stocks were OK), in 2000s it was FD (stocks, real estate and gold were great).

My prediction for asset to avoid for 2010-2010 is again gold. Stocks, real estate and FDs should be OK.

4. Asset of the year:

This is the asset for either short term trading or the asset in which long term investors should increase exposure because it will give the best return.

Asset of the year in 2009 was stocks, in 2010 it was real estate, 2011 it was FD.

My prediction for 2012: Asset of the year is FD.


True - gave 10% return without risk. Better than stock and real real estate and gold - all of which did not outperform by much and had higher risks attached

5. Asset to avoid for the year: This is the asset which is likely to kill returns.

For 2008 it was stocks, for 2009 it was FD, for 2010 it was nil (everything was good), for 2011 it was stocks.

My prediction for asset to avoid in 2012 is gold 

In the event, gold did give some 10% return but it was a volatile and risky return - you could have got same returns from a dynamic bond fund without risk

Gold is self evident - risky and multile currency event risks which are unpredictable. Real estate should be OK if later this year, if prices correct and RBI lowers rates. Stocks should be OK if they fall some more and Rupee depreciates some more. FD is anyway best for the year.
I maintain all these concepts. Will come up with the next years assets to chose and avoid by the new year, along with some newer concepts that emerged during discussions here.

Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
Politics: Samajwadi and Congress form govt in UP.

Happened without need of Congress except for CBI at center

Based on poor performance of BMW so far - firing ministers has only confirmed that they were corrupt. Extreme stupidity.

She did fall badly

Minority reservation should pay rich dividends for Congress.

It did not

Ajit Sigh might perform very well in Western UP

He didnt but joined the central cabinet

, Congress and SP might have informal seat sharing and increase muslim vote share. BMW will lose muslim and brahmin votes - she did congress will get brahmin votes. SP plus Ajit plus Congress is a winning combination. BJP will be wiped out in UP they were (also in Uttarakhand and Punjab - not so much !).

Inflation: Will stay firm.

Happened

Food prices will fall

They did

but imported inflation will continue.

It did

I expect about 7-9% inflation for 2012.

Came true

inflation will be fed by NREGA - farmers will earn less on crops but their NREGA money will go a lot longer with low food prices, making the rural economy buoyant.

Happened

Currency: Dollar will stay firm. It did Rupee will be stable with negative bias it was . Rupee at 54 chance is 60%, Most likely chance came true Rupee between 54-60 chance is 30% and Rupee below 60 is 10%

Economy: It will degrow for one quarter till budget and then bounce back very strong. Rural economy will be strong and will lead the bounce. Final growth for 2012 about 6% It was worse - it did not bounce back and remained progressively weak

Stocks: Will be stable or fall 5-10% in first half of 2012. Second half is likely to outperform. Both came true Sen should fall below 15000 in the first half (50% probablity - great buying opportunity).(it fell to 16000 kind of levels and gave good buying opportunity) It should cross 18000 at some time in the year (60% probability) (it did). It might cross 20000 (30% probability - will be a sellin opportunity and a chance to rebalance stock portfolio and shift mutual funds to more defensive bets) (it came close to 20,000

Bonds: Should be stable. They were Any rise is unlikely They didnt rise. I dont think RBI will be able to lower rates, they were not able since it has to defend Rupee and that requires rates to be high. Stable to mild fall is likely. Best asset in bonds is a bond fund - will benefit from any fall. My prediction for yields at end of 2012 is above 8% came true (30%) and above 7% (70%). Not more than 1% fall in other terms. Came true

Gold: It should be stable with negative bias - I expect no change with gyrations of plus minus 10% over the year. Avoid this asset.

In the event it gained 10% but basically it was stable

Sector allocations for 2012:

Maintain Bonds 30% (shift maturing FDs and FMP to short term funds, shift some 10% interest into equities when markets fall)

Did well

Stocks 30% (should have fallen from 2011, increase exposure at falls)

Did well and buy and dipd to 16000 worked beautifully

Real estate 25% (no fresh allocations after 2011, maintain previous, dont sell existing investments))

Correct recommendation - fresh buys did less well than 2011 and before - did not beat 10% FD return , but prices were stable to rising, so buys from 2011 and before performed well on a hold strategy

Gold 0-5% (cut exposure to 5% now, get rid of rest if gold reaches 28000-30000 levels)

Correct advice - gold did not neat FD but provided a good exit above 31000.

Global Funds: 10-15% (shift gold into Latin American funds, energy funds, global real estate fund)

Wrong advice - global funds did dismally, despite the currency falls. Global real estate fund however did well. I recently sold all global funds except real estate fund at good dollar prices - since I expect dollar to be firm .

Equity allocation: Mutual funds 50%, direct stocks 50%

For direct equity

Banks 15%
IT 15%
FMCG 15%
Pharma 15%
Auto 10%
Power 2-5%
Plastics 2-5%
Metal 2-5%
Utility 2-5%
Paints 2-5%
Gems 2-5%
Services 2-5%
Agro 2-5%
Misc 2-5%

This allocation would have done well if all the banks were private sector. 

2012 Recommendation (choose from following stocks according to sector allocation)

1. HDFC Bank, (now)
2. Yes Bank, (now)
3. ICICI Bank, (after 3 months)
4. SBI (after 3 months)
5. Infosys, (now)
6. TCS, (now)
7. HCL, (now)
8. eclerx (now)
9. Godrej, (after 3 months)
10. Bata, (now)
11. ITC (after 3 months)
12. Sun, (after 3 months)
13. Cadila, (after 3 months)
14. Lupin, (after 3 months)
15. Divi (after 3 months)
16. Bajaj, (now)
17. Bajaj Electricals (now)
18. Mahindra, (now)
19. Exide (after 3 months)
20. BHEL, (after 3 months)
21. Crompton greaves, (after 3 months)
22. Cummins (now)
23. HiTech, (after 3 months)
24. Sintex (now)
25. Hin Zin, (after 3 months)
26. Tinplate (after 3 months)
27. IGL, (after 3 months)
28. Power Grid (after 3 months)
29. PTC(after 3 months)
30. Asian Paints (after 3 months)
31. Gitanjali, (after 3 months)
32. Rajesh (after 3 months)
33. ICRA (after 3 months)
34. United Phosphates (now)
35. Talwalkars, (now)
Most of these stocks did well with the notable exception of Infosys, SBI, BHEL, and Crompton greaves. Sell the laggards and buy the leaders. My timing recommendation for most of these was correct. Except ITC and Asian Paints which are in stratosphere after I exited - buy both after 30% decline, since companies are good, especially Asian PAints


Originally Posted by Venkytalks View Post
Chances of general election in 2012 is virtually nil. I was talking about the state elections and my previous (2011) long term political predictions for India (into 2020 that was)

Frankly, BJP's stupidities know no bounds. Probably Thakurs will go with SP or even congress. Everybody knows BJP is finished in UP.

Fatichar bhai, hame tho weekend type part time job suit karega - IREF mei time waste karne ke jagah kutch bhi kama loh to bhi fayada hai.

1st lecture toh free mei dene key liye taiyar hoon - bus 100 logon ka audience collect kar do aur venue taiyar kar loh !!!!
Came true

 Overall analysis of 2012 predictions

After 2011, where much to my surprise, there were more misses than I expected, 2012 turned out to be more predictable. Most of the asset allocations, risk expectations and return expectations managed to come true, as you can see with the individual statements and the comment in red above.

I want to wait for the Gujarat elections before venturing out with a prediction exercise for 2013, which I will post with the new year.

I will also try to put in some new concepts gained from discussions on IREF (like the asset of the year/decade and asset to avoid concept of last year). Will have to read through some of the discussions here for that.

I am finding it too wearysome to analyse the previous predictions of 2011 line by line. Instead, I will try to post an updated long term prediction from 2013 onwards instead.

Cheers,

Venky

Monday, December 17, 2012

More on RBI and gold prices

RBI reserves are not money owned by Indian govt - they are foreign exchange parked with RBI by various entities against which RBI releases Indian currency - and whenever these entities want to surrender Indian currency and take out foreign currency, RBI has to oblige.

Even a 10 billion dollar outflow over and above usual demands results in a 5-10% depreciation of Rupee - and vice versa - even a 10 billion inflow over and above the normal makes the Rupee appreciate.

That means that some 3% of our total reserves changing direction of flow in a fluctuating manner can cause our currency to see saw. We have all seen this over the last 5 years - very scary.

Even more scary is the fact that we are importing (50 plus) billion dollars worth of gold every year. We cant afford to do that and still have a stable currency - a self fulfilling vicious cycle of currency depreciation - gold appreciation - more investment into gold - more currency depreciation - as nauseum - can set in and depreciate our currency a lot within a short time.

50 billion dollars is some 2-3% of our GDP. 

And total value of gold in India is some 1 trillion dollars (58 lakh crore Rupees) according to a recent news article. That is almost as much as our stock market is worth.

Too much. This has to stop or govt has to stop it - either a big import duty or a full stop on e-gold (still only 11000 crores last I heard which is peanuts compared to physical gold). 

In which case gold will be finished. I would be quite careful with gold - too many uncertainties.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

On gold and the current economy



Hi Wisey. You are right on three things:

1. Gold has never fallen in Rupee terms. That is a very significant thing. Very unlike gold in dollars and a point I hadnt thought of before (although stagnation of 10 years seems like opportunity lost to me, for a mango man, the impact of steady prices vs a 50% fall are very very different. Hence stability of gold is there.

2. This was a dismal Diwali in Delhi. I dont know about Mumbai and Bangalore, but in Delhi, people are switching into bracing against head wind mode. Malls are empty and many shops are shut. Many malls have 10-20% shops with renters and 80% are empty. There are no buyers. Multiplexes run a hit movie for one week because next week it is empty thanks to massive price hikes. Lines in the very few non multiplex theaters which have lesser ticket prices are long and you cant get tickets there. Restaurants are less crowded and even on weekends you can get table without waiting, thanks to menu prices approx doubling.

3. It is facing multiple whammies, with competition against the Wstern companies, dropping IT budgets and higher cost structure for employees.

I think currency depreciation is inevitable. So gold has to perform. SO called "reforms" - what a joke - have bombed at the "box office"

Another look at gold performance in Indian Rupees



Interesting chart. While we have looked at this data in Pune and Noida before, lessons are important. I am using approximate values and calculations for ball park figures in the analysis below:

From 1925 to 1937 gold gave lousy returns, less than double from 18 to less than 36 in 12 years which is about 6% per annum. This was the time of the great depression. Indian economy was also in doldrums as commodity prices were very low.

With Spanish civil war and WW2, gold went from 30 to 60 in 7 years from 1937 to 1945 which is 10% per annum returns. So in Rupees, even during world war, there was only 10% return. This did coincide with massive increases in prices of rubber, timber and other commodities exported from India and despite rice shortages, businesses did well.

From 1945 to 1953 a time of shortages and Korean war, gold went from 60 to 120 in 7 years which is about 10% per annum return. World was on Bretton woods system of gold standard and dollar peg. India was in transition and independence and partition gave rise to great uncertainty, with the princely states being in turmoil.

From 1952 to 1967 it was static for 15 years, a time of great growth and prosperity in West. In India it was a time of economic standstill and poverty stability in India under Nehruvian socialism. That reads 0% for 15 years. It is interesting to see that when Indian economy underperforms significantly, both during great depression and the late fifties and sixties, gold did not perform.

From 1968 to 1984 gold went from 100 to 1600 which is about 4 doublings so let's say it doubled every 4 years which is about 17.5% per annum (rough calculation using the 70 rule). This was a time of great inflation and the multiple gulf wars with Israel and the two oil crisis, end of Vietnam war, shah of Persia crisis, invasion of Afghanistan and in India the time of Janata dal and the return of indira. The end of Britton woods in 1971/2 also came about in this time. There was a global recession. In India also there was economic turmoil, license permit raj and nationalisation of banks.

Please note that gold peaked in international markets in 1980 and collapsed for 25 years. So from 1981 to 2001 and beyond gold collapsed from 850 to 250 and was at about 250 dollars an ounce with mild gyrations and remained static in dollar terms for 25 years.

But in India gold still rose. From 2000 in 1984 it became about 4000 in 1994 which is about 7% return in 10 years. This was a time of inflation and rupee depreciation but with a growing economy despite balance of payments crisis.

From 1994 to 2004 even in India gold stood still for 10 years moving from 4000 to 5000 in 10 years which in 0% return. Since this is recent, it is important to note that our FD rates were high at around 12%, stocks were in doldrums over the decade with relative outperformance of some sectors, there was a fair amount of growth, real estate was at a stand still.

From 2004 to 2010 it went from 5000 to 20000 which is two doublings in 6 years which is 23% in 6 years again rough calculation. 

Let us assume it goes to 40000 in 2013 which means another doubling in 3 years so for 9 years it would have given 23% returns in each year.

SO recently, the global turmoil and local inflation has again pushed up prices by 20% per annum, similar to the seventies but unlike the WW2 period when India was under the British and the Rupee was pegged to the Pound Sterling and there was no free float.

Let us try to get some takeaways:

In dollars gold gives about 15% return over times of turmoil in 5 to 7 year durations (dollar gold price charts are easy to get) . It tends to fall a lot after the turmoil ends. But in times of prosperity, it gives nil returns for 10-25 years at a time.

In Rupee terms, gold stands still for 10 year time frames (like from 1955 to 1965 and again from 1994 to 2004) but never falls, unlike gold in dollar terms in which we get falls. This is perhaps the main takeaway - IN INDIA, GOLD AND REAL ESTATE HAVE NEVER FALLEN IN PRICE.

The main reason for this is because once we gained an independent currency and the sterling linkage was removed, in times of global turmoil and local inflation, rupee depreciated and gave returns. When rupee was static, gold still did not fall because unlike all other countries, India is an end user of gold in jewellery and so prices are maintained in rupee terms. 

It gives 10% returns in times of inflation over 10 year time frames in the 1925 to 1937 and from 1984 to 2004. So it is a good hedge against local inflation.

In times of global turmoil combined with internal Indian economic turmoil accompanied by rupee depreciation it gives about 20% per annum returns from 1970 to 1980 and from 2004 to 2012 so far = inflation 10% plus turmoil value of 15% per annum (turmoil meaning the dollar or the sterling itself before dollar are depreciating as seen now with QEs.

As long as we don't get the stability of Nehru (even if it was stability of poverty) or good economics of Narasimha rao or NDA or Chidambaram under the Janata, as long as India has high inflation and rupee depreciation and internal economic problems, we can expect at least 10% per annum return from gold. Any global turmoil can add another 15% return, taking it to 25% return. Assuming that major disruptions from globe and internal disruptions which can give 20% returns are already behind us, as long as our local inflation is high, at least 10% return is assured.

Please note that in all previous 10% runs of gold, FD return was 12% and in all 20% runs for gold, FD returns were around 15%. Only in recent past has gold vastly outperformed FD returns by a wide 12-15% per annum margin. 

In normal inflation times, gold gives FD returns. Only when there is global turmoil, gold gives returns over and above FD returns.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Rent control

Rent control is most regressive and anticonsumer.

Rent control results in very few properties being rented out - and has the paradoxical effect of increasing the cost of renting because of massive undersupply of rental property. It also results in either pughreee system (Bombay) for which a massive upfront payment is needed to rent or with gundagiri for evictions (seen in Bombay and in Delhi unauthorised constructions).

Dharavi has its origin in rent control - without rent control, the massive slums would have been apartment blocks like in US and European cities. Because of rent control, it became a slum.

Rent control means you are forced to buy - because you cannot rent anything because of undersupply - and if there is so much demand to buy, prices shoot up. Bombay is a prime example of such massive flat prices, higher than Manhattan. Did you not see Gharonda? If you are from a new generation, please do see it.

So rent control has the opposite effect in a double whammy - it increases rent and it increases flat prices.

Only beneficiaries of rent control are goondas/politicians running tenements and crooked builders - and their political cronies who manipulate zoning laws, land ceiling acts and circle rates.

Best way to lower rent and apartment cost is through competition and oversupply. Build roads and new townships with good number of flats (with electiricity , water and transport unlike disasters like Narela) - and rent will come down automatically. So will flat prices.

GDP and mortgages


As a rule -

total mortgages of a country equal the annual GDP

stock market capitalization equals the annual GDP

For total mortgages, one should add the residential plus commercial. So if you add 20% commercial to 80% residential in USA, it adds up to the annual GDP:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/145361-composition-of-total-mortgage-amounts-outstanding-in-the-u-s

In India, equity markets are developed and market capitalization is equal to the annual GDP.

While mortgages do not equal the GDP.

However the amounts lent to builders should also be added and private equity should also be added as proxy for commercial mortgage   (amounting to probably about 5Lakh Crore = 5 trillion rupees = 100 billion dollars or 5% of GDP)

Since majority of the population (who contribute to maybe 25-50% of GDP) dont qualify for a mortgage, it is no wonder that mortgages form only 20-25% of annual GDP

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Thoughts on inflation

Your assumption of 15% inflation may not be correct.

If we look at the items which have inflated (to the best of my memory and limited math ability in calculation of 70 divided by x which is how I have estimated the percentages:

1. Food. Has gone from around 6000 to 15,000 in 12 years. Thats approx 7% inflation (for a vegetarian). 

eating out has gone from 500 for a family to 1000 for a family in evergreen =5% inflation. In Pandara road it has gone from 1000 to 2000, multiplex tickets have gone from 125 to 250, popcorn from 50 to 100. So all are at 5% inflation ball park figure.

2. Manufactured items: have remained stagnant or fallen (durables and FMCG) so negative or 0% inflation

3. Electronics prices have fallen. Discretionary spend on fancy phones and lap tops has increased a lot - but that is discretionary. Again negative inflation. 

Phone bills have increased with usage, not by inflation. Again negative inflation

Power bills are also stagnant from 2006 to 2012 with similar AC usage. So 0% inflation

4. Cars prices are stagnant. 0% inflation

Flight costs have doubled in 12 years, so 6% inflation

5. Petrol: cant remember, but petrol probably went from 40 something to 70 or so now = 5% inflation over 12 years

6. School fees in 2003 was 45000PA, now it is 80000PA. That is around 6.5% inflation.

7. Clothes - cheapest Peter England used to be 400, now it is 700 or so = 5% inflation.

8. Gold has gone from 5000 to 30000 so about 15% inflation.

9. RE has gone from 25L to 1.25 crore for delhi 2bhk = 15% inflation.

10 dollar has gone from 40 to 55 = 3% inflation.

11. Rent has gone from 10000 to 40000 = 12% inflation.

Wisey, the only thing which is inflating so much is none other than RE prices and its derivative rent !!!!! And its inputs. Cement went from 150 to 300 per bag. 

And gold has also inflated.

Both are investible appreciating assets. 

Doesnt it make the case for RE bull theory proved right?

Basically, the inflation affects those who were earning almost the same salary as expenditure and had no surplus. For those with surplus, the absolute quantum of surplus has increased quite a bit freeing up money for RE.

The reason why we are worried about inflation is because it didnt happen for 6/12 years, all of it has happened all of a sudden after congress came to power and more recently than in the first half of the decade.

It is a fact that there are three important inflations seen in India. 

1. Food (linked to energy prices) affects the poor. 
2. Education (linked to the economic performance) affects the middle class
3. And real estate - it is always in short supply and just out of reach of the middle class. Those who have it become rich class. 

Everything else shows much less inflation.

Food and education (especially higher education) cannot be helped.

RE inflation you can do something about. Which has been my contention for a long time now

He who buys RE early in life in India always becomes a rich man. It is always a stretch to buy. EMI hurts awfully for 5 years, moderately for next 5 years and becomes insignificant after 10 years.

A corollary - if you have taken a home loan and the EMI is not hurting you - you are underinvesting in RE. 

Other inflating items: From nil, there are some 3 broadbands at 800 per connection. Cell phones cost 50,000 per annum. Restaurant and multiplex bills I had already calculated as some 5% from 2000 levels - not as high as I had suspected. Mall shopping (you can chose your brand) was also 5% per annum only compared to 2000 - when also one did mall shopping. Travel expenses in terms of air fares is also 5% per annum only, assuming 2 holidays per annum. Again - if your standard of living in 2000 was similar to 2012, then the actual percentage increase per annum is only some 5% or so. 

It seems more because after many years of price stability and price fall (in 2005 flights were cheaper than 2000) we have seen sudden dramatic inflation.

But one should always differentiate between inflation of essentials and discretionary. Housing is usually considered essential along with food, clothing and education. Disretionary spending comes down with inflation - it also comes down with sheer boredom (nothing is as boring as mall shopping or traveling to the same or similar hill station. And every international city feels exactly the same - though scenery is always refreshingly different)

Friday, September 28, 2012

On market direction

I had posted a change in prediction in stock advice thread a week ago when reforms materialised. My purchase of gold almost soured - but I am still hopeful that gold will hold steady due to dollar price of gold increasing proportionate to Rupee appreciation. 

Short term obviously Rupee will appreciate. It might peak along with a top of the intermediate uptrend in stocks which should play till Feb 2013 at least.

I think stocks will outperform RE in next 6 months.

If reforms continue at this pace and keep coming - this will be a major bull market start. Rupee will stay sub 50 as long as reforms keep coming and stocks keep performing.

If reforms falter - Rupee will fall. So it is all in the hands of Chidu and MMS - and the announcements and achievements in next 6 months and then the details of next budget and the direct tax code details and the goods and services tax.

The last will not get BJP state govt cooperation - but rest if implemented - you need to be in stocks - and Rupee will be strong.

If govt falls - Rupee will fall and badly

On SIP and stock investing


The only passive growth asset for which leverage is possible will always be RE. Otherwise you can do leverage for your business.

No leverage for gold, not stocks - and in bonds, you are the lever and banks do the leverage with your money !!!

And ANurag, SIP is a decadal thing - you have the accumulation phase during earning years. Then before retirement (or whatever projected end use like education or marriage) you have to time a good exit or use SWP to take out money and put into debt.

Dont bother about returns - it will come with a most un-anticipated jump - and many jumps - which nobody is nimble footed enough to catch just right.

Time frame for stocks should be 10 or even better 15 years. So stocks are useless while saving for a vacation or car or gadgets - dont even try. Education, marriage of children and retirement are the only things for which stocks are suitable.

With 10 years, you are likely to catch two bull phases in economy cycle, three if lucky. With 15 years, you are likely to catch 3 bull phases of industrial cycle, as many as 5 if you are very lucky.

You cant time it - staying invested is the only option.

Maximum 20-30% of your stocks you can time in or out based on your estimates of the likely market direction - but the bulk 70-80% of your money should always stay in the market. I myself have used timing - sometimes I have made money, never lost but definitely lost opportunity by reducing market exposure. And I devote a lot of time and effort in trying to time right and have basically given up. Buffet was right after all.

Stay invested for long term.

Best option when bull phase bloats your stock portfolio to huge proportions is to bleed out some money into a flat booking - since flat prices are less volatile. That way you will accumulate another category of investment which moves differently from stocks, with same or even better performance characteristics.

I am sure the last few days and weeks have drastically altered your view of your SIP funds - I myself am feeling rather satisfied. I feel a lot less satisfied with my PF and FD where I have similar amounts - returns with stocks are about 5 times more.

Thoughts on future direction for India's economic activity


I dont think you need to change the focus. There are reasons why droves of medical tourists, or retirees dont land up in India - and I dont see our people changing - so why would the reasons which drive away foreigners suddenly change?

 I see India doing more of the same.

 1. IT outsourcing. For this our currency has to weaken. But business is mature and not a growth area.

 2. Movement from 500$ per annum to 2000$ per annum per capita GDP. This requires minimum of govt action and minimum of education - ALAS - even this minimum is being denied currently. But it will come and will produce the most opportunity for capitalists

 3. Change of land use norms. Currently India laws are too restrictive on usage of farm lands. Once the owner of the farm land is able to do whatever he wants with his own land - and this is coming sooner or later - it is inevitable - there will be huge opportunity for capitalists to start businesses without massive capital being needed only for land.

 4. Modernization of construction. We are still following 70 year old British norms. Once we see better techniques being adopted, there will be a construction revolution. This will provide massive "highly skilled and well paying" jobs i.e. 700-1000 Rs a day instead of 70-100 Rs a day as seen at present. Total number employed will reduce, but the income and productivity will rise. REIT/private equity will do well once the sector opens up.

 5. Small independent businesses at village/town level. This will be the biggest opportunity. Microfinance companies will do well. So will factory builders.

 6. Education and training - mainly in vocational for plumbers (working copper pipes), carpenters (using machine tools), masonry (precast precision machines handling), electricians (using modern modern equipment and switch gear), heavy earth moving machinery handling.

 Where the future good stock IPOs/growth stocks will come :

 1. REIT

 2. Vocational training Institute

 3. Earth mover rentals

 4. Construction firms

 5.Capital goods manufacturers

 6. Small machine tool manufacturers (better quality than current cheap Chinese machine tools)

 7. Tiles

 8. Structural materials

 9. Aluminium products and frames

 10. Electric fixtures

 Almost all of the above industries are currently in small scales in India. Economies of scale and large scale manufacturing of these will revolutionise the way of life in India making things cheap - and getting skilled workers in good numbers.