Fall in Asian markets hits India, says FM - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Fall in Asian markets hits India, says FM

PTI | By, New Delhi
Aug 06, 2007 07:39 PM IST

Chidambaram's comments come in the wake of market plunging from its peak of 15,868 by about a 1,100 pts.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday attributed the sharp fall in the stock market to the plunge in the Asian markets, but said it was not a cause for concern.

HT Image
HT Image

"So what? Markets will rise and markets will fall," he told PTI, when asked was it a matter of concern.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"When this government took over, the benchmark index was near 4,400 and today it is on either side of 15,000," the Finance Minister said against the backdrop of the over 430 points fall in the benchmark Sensex in morning trade.

The Finance Minister's comments assume importance in the wake of market plunging from its peak of 15,868 by about a 1,100 points in a fortnight.

Asked to comment on the three major falls the market suffered in the recent past, including Monday, Chidambaram said: "That's because the Asian markets are down. We are part of the globalised economy today. If there is a downturn in one market, it will affect other markets."

On the influence of US sub-prime credit market on Indian stocks, Chidambaram said there was virtually no impact in India, as there was no lending at sub-prime rates here.

The Sensex had plunged by 542 points on July 24, followed by another 615 points fall on August 1 on reports of credit crunch in the US market - a crisis triggered by weaknesses in the sub-prime lending market there.

"Sub-prime rates in India are given to the highest rated industrial group... You and I don't get sub-prime rates. Somebody like NTPC may get a sub-prime rate or Tatas... I am only speculating.

"Whereas in the US, bulk of the market was lending at sub-prime rates.... Our bankers are pretty shrewd, I don't think they extend sub-prime rates to many," Chidambaram said commenting on the practice of extending credit below prime rates.

The country's stock market barometer recouped nearly half of the intra-day loss and limited the fall to nearly 200 points.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On