Investments via P-notes rise to Rs 1.23 lakh crore in July-end, highest since Dec 2017

New Delhi, Investment in the Indian capital markets through participatory notes rose to close to a six-year high at Rs 1.23 lakh crore in July-end, making it the fifth consecutive monthly increase, on the back of stable macroeconomic fundamentals. The amount has reached the highest level since December 2017 -- when investment through the route stood at Rs 1.25 lakh crore, data with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) showed.

The latest data includes the value of P-note investments in Indian equity, debt, and hybrid securities.

Participatory notes (P-notes) are issued by registered Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to overseas investors who wish to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly.

They, however, need to go through a due-diligence process.

According to Sebi data, the value of P-note investments in Indian markets -- equity, debt, and hybrid securities -- stood at Rs 1,22,805 crore at the end of July as compared to 1,13,291 a month earlier.

In comparison, investment through the route was Rs 1,04,585 crore in May-end, Rs 95,911 crore in April-end, Rs 88,600 crore in March-end, Rs 88,398 crore in February-end and Rs 91,469 crore in January-end.

The growth in P-notes generally aligns with the trend in FPI flows. When there is a global risk to the environment, investment through this route increases, and vice-versa.

Market analysts said one of the prime factors for the growth in P-notes investments is the stable Indian economy amid an uncertain global macro backdrop.

Additionally, the slowdown in the Chinese economy has led investors to shift their focus towards India.

Of the total Rs 1.22 lakh crore invested through this route till July, Rs 1.13 lakh crore was invested in equities, Rs 9,531 crore in debt and Rs 299 crore in hybrid securities.

In addition, assets under custody of the FPIs grew to Rs 57.53 lakh crore in July-end from Rs 55.63 lakh crore in the preceding month.

Meanwhile, FPIs' investment in Indian equities was at Rs 46,618 crore in July, while they also infused Rs 3,726 crore in the debt market.