BUSINESS

How market guru Mark Mobius views India

September 18, 2006 15:26 IST

Emerging markets are buzzing. After nearly 20% correction in June, most indices have trekked upwards.

In an exclusive CNBC-TV18 interview, emerging market guru and CIO of Templeton Asset Management, Mark Mobius, gives his take on emerging markets.

According to Mobius, oil prices are likely to come down to $40 a barrel in the next 3-4 years.

With respect to Indian markets, Mobius believes that the valuations of Indian large caps look slightly expensive. Mobius is not in a hurry to exit the Indian market. He also adds that Indian oil companies look a lot more attractive since they face the price control problem.

"In the case of India, we've got lower oil prices and Indian oil companies look a lot more attractive because they have the price control problem and a lower price of crude oil is better for them. And of course, in India, prominent oil companies like IOC are looking very good with prices coming down," he said.

Mobius is focusing on

the midcap and smallcap universe in India. He aims to launch a smallcap fund in November. He further adds that the new smallcap fund would also focus on Indian companies. He also adds that he is focussing on commodities and consumer oriented stocks.

Mobius further says, "We are looking at midcaps in India and also small caps. We have a new small cap fund being launched in November, so we'll be taking a look at those companies in India. There could be a better value in small caps and midcaps in India."

Mobius is underweight on India in the BRIC Fund compared to others due to valuation concerns.

"We have an underweight position on India relative to Russia, Brazil and China. Brazil is the largest, followed by China, Russia and India. We are looking for the day when valuations come down and we can buy in and get a big exposure in India," he added.

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