Prashant Tandon, Govt Director at Waterfield Advisors, gives a complete view on how NRIs ought to strategy their investments over the following 3-5 years.
With a balanced technique that emphasizes 60% fairness, 20% debt, and a world diversification angle, Tandon outlines the best framework for managing danger whereas capitalizing on progress alternatives.
His insights, notably within the context of world market turbulence and rising alternatives in India, provide precious steerage for NRIs in search of to safe long-term wealth. Edited Excerpts –
Q) Thanks for taking the outing. How would possibly escalating commerce tensions between main economies just like the US and China have an effect on the worldwide funding panorama for NRIs?
A) President Donald Trump’s current implementation of sweeping tariffs has considerably impacted international fairness markets, resulting in substantial declines and heightened volatility.
There was a blood bathtub within the International Markets following Trump’s announcement of common tariffs, with the barometer S&P 500 declining ~20% from its all-time highs.
The tariffs have intensified fears of a world recession, main buyers to hunt safe-haven property akin to U.S. Treasuries and the Japanese yen. Analysts warn of continued market volatility and potential financial downturns if commerce tensions persist.
Q) Within the wake of a tariff conflict, ought to NRIs take into account reallocating a part of their portfolio from international equities to safer fixed-income devices or gold?
A) As we began the Calendar 12 months 2025, we continued to undertake a conservative stance and an underweight in US Equities, particularly US Giant Caps.
Moreover, it was our perception that we’re getting into an period the place we have been reaching the boundaries of US exceptionalism.
We suggested buyers transfer into prime quality fastened earnings property akin to short-dated US Treasuries. Moreover, gold might be appeared for diversification and enhancing risk-adjusted returns.
Q) What sort of geographical diversification methods ought to NRIs undertake to hedge towards the volatility brought on by commerce wars?
A) We advise buyers chubby geographies the place valuations are extra sanguine from a long-term perspective.
There’s a obvious mismatch between US fairness market capitalisation (67%) and its share within the international financial system (~30%).
The doubtless influence of Trump’s insurance policies might be a catalyst to set off the lengthy overdue reversion to imply.
This contains China, Japan, Europe and UK in addition to different Rising Markets. Thus, buyers ought to take into account rebalancing from areas of overvaluation to areas of extra balanced valuations and take a number of chips off the desk in US equities.
Q) May India profit as a producing various amid US-China commerce tensions, and the way can NRIs capitalize on this shift?
A) Sectors the place India has a aggressive benefit in addition to the place tariffs are decrease compared to different nations might be helpful.
Textiles and Apparels, Chemical substances, Electronics, Vehicle and Auto elements might be sectors that might see some traction and motion away from China.
Q) What function do worldwide funding alternatives play within the portfolios of Indian HNIs, and the way are wealth managers facilitating entry to those markets?
A) Worldwide markets present the much-needed diversification when home markets face headwinds, particularly an exodus of Overseas Institutional Traders.
Traders can entry these markets by way of Feeder funds or by way of the LRS route by organising abroad investing accounts.
Q) How is the growing wealth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities influencing your agency’s shopper acquisition and repair methods?
A) We’ve acquired quite a few inquiries from buyers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By embracing digital enablement, recognizing native dynamics, and aligning with the aspirations of those dynamic markets, firms have the chance to drive progress whereas taking part in a key function within the financial transformation of India’s heartland.
Q) Are wealth managers recommending any particular asset lessons or geographies as a hedge towards trade-related international market turbulence?
A) We suggest sustaining capital within the type of dry powder or extremely liquid investments that may be strategically deployed when alternatives come up. Commodities additionally present efficient diversification, notably gold, silver, and a broad mixture of others.
Moreover, uncorrelated methods like Arbitrage Funds and Absolute Return Funds can provide a buffer towards trade-driven international market volatility, as their returns should not tied to conventional asset lessons.
Q) If somebody plans to speculate $10,000 in India – what must be the best asset allocation technique for the following 3-5 years?
A) This issue is dependent upon the danger profile of the person. For a balanced portfolio, we might counsel 60% Fairness allocation, 20% fastened earnings allocation, 10% commodities, 5% worldwide allocations and 5% in REITs and InvITs. Even investments in Non-public Markets might be thought-about.
(Disclaimer: Suggestions, solutions, views, and opinions given by specialists are their very own. These don’t signify the views of the Financial Occasions)
