Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs has shifted its stance on the Indian stock market to a positive outlook, upgrading its rating to "Overweight" due to supportive government policies, improved corporate earnings prospects, and low foreign investor holdings [1][3] Market Performance - The Nifty 50 index target for the end of 2026 is set at 29,000 points, indicating a potential upside of approximately 14% from current levels [1] - Since 2025, the Indian stock market has underperformed compared to regional markets, marking the largest lag in over two decades [3][4] Factors Supporting Optimism - **Supportive Policies**: The Indian central bank has implemented several easing measures, including interest rate cuts and tax reductions, which are expected to boost economic growth and consumer spending [5] - **Earnings Recovery**: Corporate profit growth for MSCI India index constituents is projected to accelerate from 10% in 2025 to 14% in 2026 [3][5] - **Low Foreign Holdings**: Foreign institutional investors have significantly reduced their holdings in Indian stocks, creating potential for recovery as earnings improve [5] - **Valuation Defense**: Despite being one of the most expensive emerging markets, the valuation premium has decreased from 85-90% to 45%, approaching historical averages [5][6] Investment Recommendations - **Sectors to Favor**: Goldman Sachs recommends focusing on sectors benefiting from domestic economic growth, including financials, consumer goods, and defense [7][8] - **Cautious on Exports**: The firm has downgraded the information technology sector to "Underweight" due to low growth visibility and uncertainties related to AI [8]