Protecting Investors from Market Volatility | 14 Feb 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the SC (Supreme Court) asked the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and the government about the existing regulatory framework in place to protect Indian middle-class investors.

• This comes after the Adani Group was accused of stock manipulation and accounting fraud by the American firm Hindenburg Research.
• Earlier, a number of small investors lost lakhs of crores due to rapid market volatility following a collapse in the value of the shares of the Adani Group.

What is the SC’s Observation?

• The stock market is no longer a place for just “high value investors”, rather it is a place now where a whole wide spectrum of the middle class is investing due to changes in the financial and tax regimes.
• Therefore, there is a need for circuit-breakers like in other areas, so that market volatility does not cost much.
• Stock market goes entirely by sentiment, Capital is moving seamlessly, funds are flowing in and out of India, making it imperative to devise robust mechanisms in place to protect Indian investors.

What is Market Volatility?

• About:
  • The stock markets sometimes experience sharp and unpredictable price movements, either down or up. These movements are often referred to as a “volatile market” and can occur over a period of days, weeks, or months.
• Causes:
  • Surprising economic news that differs from the expectations of investors.
  • A sudden change in monetary policy, such as the Federal Reserve announcing plans to.
  • Political developments including unexpected election results, an event such as a government shutdown or passage of key legislation designed to give the economy a boost.
  • Geopolitical events such as an outbreak of a military conflict or flaring tensions between powerful nations that could have economic ramifications.
  • Events specific to markets, such as stocks becoming overvalued.
    • This occurred in 2000 when a number of overpriced “dot-com” stocks faced a sudden and dramatic selloff as investors became concerned that prices had outdistanced underlying company fundamentals.

How can Market Volatility be Dealt with?

• Monetary Policy:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can adjust interest rates to influence the supply of money and credit in the economy, which can have an impact on market sentiment and stability. The stock market and the interest rates have an inverse relationship.
  • For example, a rate cut can help calm investor concerns and boost market confidence.
• Fiscal Policy:
  • Governments can use fiscal measures such as tax cuts, spending increases, and targeted subsidies to boost economic activity and provide support to affected industries and individuals.
• Regulatory Measures:
  • Governments and regulatory authorities can introduce measures to increase transparency and stability in financial markets.
  • This may include increased disclosure requirements for companies, stricter standards for financial institutions, and greater oversight of hedge funds and other speculative investors.
• International Cooperation:
  • In a globalized financial system, sudden market volatility can spread quickly across borders.
  • Coordination among central banks and regulatory authorities can help mitigate the impact of market volatility and prevent financial contagion.
• Financial Education and Literacy:
  • Encouraging financial education and literacy among the public can help reduce the risk of market speculation and improve overall financial stability.
• Diversification:
  • By spreading investments across different assets and markets, investors can reduce the impact of market volatility on their portfolios.

Source: TH