Pawan Jain is the founder and chairman of Ashika Group. He believes the long-term India story remains strong and expects continued momentum. Jain shared his views on the Indian stock market, key challenges and equity investment strategy. Strong domestic demand, government-led capex, and steady sectoral growth have supported investor confidence. Both domestic and foreign investors remain optimistic about India's long-term potential. While some valuations are elevated, the overall outlook remains positive heading into the second half of the year. There is cautious optimism for the second half of CY25. With policy continuity, strong domestic fundamentals, and improving global sentiment, the environment remains supportive for equities. If earnings growth stays on track and global headwinds remain contained, a double-digit return is within reach. The long-term India story remains strong, and we expect continued momentum in sectors aligned with structural growth themes. That said, markets may see intermittent volatility, and investors should remain disciplined. While the outlook is strong, a few challenges remain.

Global uncertainties and interest rate movements can impact capital flows. Domestically, inflation, especially in food and energy, needs close monitoring. Valuations in certain sectors are stretched, and the timely execution of policy measures is essential. India's fundamentals remain solid, and with prudent management, we Is it time to focus on value or Momentum ? A balanced approach works best in the current environment. Momentum has delivered in recent months, driven by strong domestic flows and sectoral tailwinds. With valuations rising, it is equally important to keep an eye on value. Investors should focus on fundamentally strong businesses with earnings visibility. Staying diversified and disciplined will be key to navigating the rest of the year effectively. Strong retail participation is driven by greater financial awareness, digital access to markets, and the rise of systematic investing. Younger investors are entering early, with a long-term mindset, which is a positive shift.

This growing retail base adds depth and stability to the market. India's wealth management space appears to be at an inflexion point due to increased retail participation. It also makes the market more resilient to global shocks, as domestic flows increasingly offset external volatility. Over time, this broad-based participation will help mature our capital markets further. Rising affluence, greater financial literacy, and digital access are bringing more first-time investors into formal financial channels. The challenge is to build trust, deliver personalised advice at scale, and ensure regulatory compliance in a rapidly evolving landscape. wealth management in India has the potential to become a key driver of long-term financial inclusion and capital formation. Technology will play a critical role in bridging this gap, but so will investor education and transparent practices. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Market conditions can change rapidly, and circumstances may vary. For more information, visit www.cnn.com/investor.