Rama Krishna Vadlamudi, HYDERABAD 29 August 2014

www.ramakrishnavadlamudi.blogspot.com

India Real GDP Growth (Qtr) %
4.4 4.4
4.7
5.2
4.6 4.6
5.7
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Q3: 2012-13 Q4: 2012-13 Q1: 2013-14 Q2: 2013-14 Q3: 2013-14 Q4: 2013-14 Q1: 2014-15
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Indias real gross domestic product (GDP) in April-June (first quarter of 2014-15)
surged by 5.7 percent over the first quarter GDP of 2013-14. This is quite positive
for the economy and a great relief for the Central Government. The GDP
measures a countrys national income and is the total value of all goods produced
and services provided within a country. After clocking sub-5 percent growth rates
for almost all quarters in the last two years, the GDP growth crossed 5 percent in
the latest quarter.

The GDP at factor cost is Rs 14.38 lakh crore in the first quarter of 2014-15. And
the GDP at current market prices is Rs 28.43 lakh crore. The surge in the first
quarter GDP is led by finance, insurance, real estate and business services (10.4%
growth over first quarter of 2013-14); electricity, gas and water supply (10.2%
growth); community, social and personal services (9.1% growth); and
construction (4.8% growth).

A substantial part of the increase in GDP growth can be attributed to the previous
UPA government. The former finance minister P Chidambaram took several
steps to revive the economy, though his methods are questionable. The current
account deficit was brought under control through some blunt measures, such as,
curbing gold imports and raising interest rates. The UPA government controlled
the fiscal deficit also, though with the help of some creative accounting,
extracting special dividends from cash-rich public sector enterprises and
postponing expenditures to the next year.
The surge in GDP growth is a positive for Indian stocks. Global stocks too have
been on the upswing for several years though the outlook for the economies of the
US, eurozone and China is not very rosy. Prices of crude oil and some other
commodities are in decline in recent monthsa positive for India.

On expectations of higher growth from the new government, foreign investors
have invested heavily in Indian stock and government bond markets this year.

Now the speculation will shift to a possible upgrade in Indias sovereign rating.
There have been some rumours that the rating agencies, such as, Standard and
Poors and Moodys may consider raising Indias rating. If it happens it will be a
boost not only for Indias economy but also for Indian stocks.

However, rainfall from Indias South-West monsoon is deficient in several parts
of the country, which may negatively impact agricultural production and
livelihoods of millions. The Reserve Bank of India is still battling with
inflationary pressures, especially, food inflation.

We also need to watch how the new NDA government led by prime minister
Narendra Modi will revive the moribund manufacturing sector and create
millions of jobs for Indias restless youth. As far as infrastructure sector is
concerned, several measures have been taken in the past three months to revive
road and other projects. Indians are hoping for a better future.

Related Articles:

What is GDP? 03Jan2014

Strengths and Weakness of Indian Economy: 01Sep2013


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Abbreviations: NDA National Democratic Alliance, UPA United Progress Alliance
Data source: Central Statistics Office, GoI.

Disclaimer: The author is an investment analyst, equity investor and freelance writer. This write-up is for
information purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. Investors are advised to consult
their financial advisor before taking any investment decisions. He blogs at:

http://ramakrishnavadlamudi.blogspot.in/

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