Market sentiment shifts despite crude at $100 and rupee weakness.

Market sentiment shifts despite crude at $100 and rupee weakness. Smallcase manager Arvind Kothari remains bullish on emerging themes including electrification, energy security, and data centers. He strategically consolidated high-conviction positions during recent market corrections driven by geopolitical tensions. While FY27 first half faces headwinds from soaring crude and currency depreciation, Kothari expects earnings recovery in latter half as markets absorb initial shocks. Chemicals, paints, and select FMCG sectors face margin pressures from elevated input costs. However, sustained crude above $100 creates broader ripple effects including inflation acceleration, rural demand slowdown, and compressed corporate margins. The key investment thesis remains focused on structural growth stories that can weather macro volatility and geopolitical uncertainty over the medium term.