Major ETF Providers Launch Funds Targeting $10 Billion in Indian Bond Inflows
Team Finance Saathi
25/Oct/2024

What's covered under the Article:
- Major ETF providers, including BlackRock and Amundi, are launching new funds to target significant inflows into Indian bonds.
- India's weight in JPMorgan’s emerging-market bond index will rise to 10%, attracting an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion.
- Indian rupee-denominated bonds offer high yields, but some experts caution about overcrowding in the market.
In a notable shift in the investment landscape, major exchange-traded fund (ETF) providers are intensifying their competition for the anticipated billions of dollars expected to flow into Indian bonds. This surge in interest comes as Indian debt is set to be included in significant global indices, particularly after JPMorgan Chase & Co. decided to incorporate Indian debt into its key emerging-market index last year.
Prominent asset management firms such as BlackRock Inc., Amundi SA, and Janus Henderson’s Tabula Investment Management have all launched new ETFs aimed at capturing this wave of investment. According to estimates from DWS Group, these ETFs could attract anywhere from US$ 5 billion to US$ 10 billion over the medium term, signifying a major opportunity for investors looking to tap into India’s growing debt market.
Benoit Sorel, global head of ETF indexing and smart beta at Amundi, underscored the growing importance of India in the global investment arena, stating, “India is too big to ignore. It’s becoming a key allocation within emerging-market debt.” This sentiment reflects a broader recognition of India's economic potential and its increasing role in the global financial ecosystem.
With the upcoming adjustments in JPMorgan’s emerging-markets bond index, India's weight is set to rise to 10% by March, up from the current 4%. Furthermore, Indian securities will also be included in developing-nation debt gauges owned by FTSE Russell and Bloomberg, potentially bringing billions into a market that has primarily been driven by domestic investors. This market has largely remained insulated from global volatility due to its relatively low foreign ownership.
Investors are particularly drawn to Indian rupee-denominated government bonds, which currently offer the highest yields in Asia. As a testament to this attractiveness, India has seen US$ 15.7 billion in inflows this year, making it the second most popular destination for bond investments in Asia, following the likes of China, South Korea, and Japan.
However, as interest in Indian bonds grows, some experts urge caution regarding potential overcrowding in the market. Hui Sien Koay of BlackRock highlighted that while the opportunity appears promising, investors should be aware of the implications of a crowded market. He pointed out that ETFs can serve as a valuable tool for investors, allowing them to bypass bureaucratic hurdles associated with direct investments in Indian debt, thus making access to this burgeoning market easier and more efficient.
The increasing inclusion of Indian bonds in major indices is set to reshape the landscape of bond investments, opening new avenues for both domestic and international investors. As the competition among ETF providers heats up, the stage is set for a new era of investment in India's dynamic bond market.
For further insights into the latest developments in investments and market trends, visit the Best IPO to Apply Now - IPO List 2024, Latest IPO, Upcoming IPO, Recent IPO News, Live IPO GMP Today - Finance Saathi. Additionally, stay updated with Top News Headlines - Share Market News, Latest IPO News, Business News, Economy News- Finance Saathi for comprehensive news coverage.
Stay engaged with our community by joining the Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for expert stock market insights from CA Abhay Varn, a SEBI Registered Research Analyst. For the latest share market news and IPO updates, consider joining our Finance Saathi Telegram Channel.
If you're looking to kickstart your investment journey in the stock market and explore IPO opportunities, open a free Demat account with Choice Broking FinX today and embark on your path to financial growth.