A man looks at a screen outside the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in Mumbai, India, August 28, 2025. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas | Photo Credit: th-online Administrator

PL Capital has pegged a target of 27,080 for the Nifty 50, driven by an expected 15 per cent earnings CAGR over FY26–FY28, even as global uncertainties and rising crude prices cloud the near-term outlook.

The brokerage noted that the Nifty has declined 6.6 per cent over the past three months due to persistent foreign institutional investor outflows amid geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia. While markets have seen a rebound from recent lows, volatility is expected to persist.

Crude oil spike adds macro pressure

Oil prices have surged sharply and are unlikely to revert to pre-war levels, posing a significant risk for India, which imports 4.3 million barrels per day. This could increase the country’s import bill by over $70 billion annually. While diversification of supply sources may offer some cushion, critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz remain vulnerable.

PL Capital said the impact of higher crude may be relatively contained compared to past shocks due to lower oil intensity of GDP. However, elevated freight and insurance costs, along with limited refining capacity, are expected to keep prices high, with second-order effects weighing on inflation, demand, and manufacturing.

Valuations remain below historical averages

The brokerage highlighted that the Nifty is currently trading at 17 times one-year forward earnings, a 12.4 per cent discount to its 15-year average of 19.4 times. It expects valuations to settle at 17.5 times, implying a target of 27,080 based on FY28 EPS of 1,551.

Earnings and sectoral outlook

Corporate performance remains resilient, with Q4FY26 revenues, EBITDA, and profit before tax projected to grow by 11.3 per cent, 6.3 per cent, and 5.7 per cent, respectively, though margins face pressure from rising input costs. Key growth drivers include automobiles, metals, telecom, NBFCs, healthcare, and construction, while consumption and IT are expected to see steady double-digit growth.

Demand trends and risks ahead

Domestic demand remains steady, supported by rural resilience and improving urban consumption. However, PL Capital cautioned that rising crude prices, inflationary pressures, and potential weather disruptions could weigh on future demand.

The brokerage maintained that while India’s long-term growth story remains intact, the trajectory of markets will depend on how global risks and domestic fundamentals evolve.

Published on April 21, 2026