INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Sitharaman is eminently qualified to steer India's economy, which is facing multiple headwinds of slowing consumption impulses, moribund
private capex cycle and anaemic exports.""With limited fiscal manoeuvrability, it remains to be seen how she can inject a strong dose of
fiscal stimulus to revive animal spirits
She will need to strike a delicate balance between the re-distributive policies advocated by Mr Modi towards the poor downtrodden and yet
ensure the government's firm commitment to adhere to medium-term fiscal consolidation."N.R.BHANUMURTHY, ECONOMIST AT NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
PUBLIC FINANCE AND POLICY"The choice of Nirmala Sitharaman as the finance minister will improve optimism on the economy as with her finance
and trade background she could quickly adapt to deal with the economic challenges
The new finance minister will have to take steps to revive consumer demand and investments to boost economic growth as the economy is likely
to grow below 7% for second consecutive year."JAGANNADHAM THUNUGUNTLA, RESEARCH HEAD, CENTRUM WEALTH, MUMBAI"The ambiguity of portfolio
allocation is now removed, so this is good for the market in a sense
We will get to see Nirmala's proposals and approach in the budget, which is due in about a month.""Emergence of clarity is what was
important, and now the narrative in markets will be about the economic policies that will be adopted to revive and stimulate the slowing
economy.""To stimulate the economy, the Modi government must have thought it will be good to give the portfolio to someone who understood
and handled commerce."BEKXY KURIAKOSE, HEAD OF FIXED INCOME, PRINCIPAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, MUMBAI"It is too soon to say
We will have to wait for her to speak to get her thoughts and ideas on reforms for the markets and the economy, but it will be in line with
what the BJP-led government would overall target anyway."SANDIP SABHARWAL, DOMESTIC FUND MANAGER, MUMBAI"Nirmala Sitharaman is a relatively
unknown entity despite holding a key portfolio in the previous government
Expectations as such will be low
From the markets' perspective, it's neutral at this stage."
