A sharp rally in select asset management company (AMC) stocks has caught the market’s attention after the regulator eased some of its earlier proposals on total expense ratios. While the gains have been swift, the underlying changes appear far more measured, suggesting that the regulatory impact may be less disruptive than initially feared.
Market participants point out that the final framework is notably softer than what was outlined in the consultation paper. The allowance of six basis points towards stock broking charges and a moderation in the proposed cut—from 15 basis points to 10 basis points—has materially altered the earnings outlook for listed AMCs. Importantly, the regulator has clearly indicated that reductions will be shared across the value chain, with distributor commissions expected to come down proportionately. As a result, the pressure on AMC profitability looks manageable rather than structural.
Market Expert, Sunil Subramaniam in an interview to ET Now summed up the situation succinctly when he said, “Yes, I think that if you look at it compared to what the consultation paper had proposed, there has been a significant up move. First is that, they were allowed six bps for the stock broking charges. Second is the cut was originally at 15 bps, it is now 10 bps and it has clearly been made out that the brokers, the distributor and commissions would come down proportionately and that is why the TERs have come down. So, for AMCs that they should be easily able to manage with these kind of things and passing on any reductions to the distributors who sell their products. So, I think that the move from SEBI is ultimately a positive for the listed AMCs.”
Against this backdrop, the strong 5–7% moves seen in some AMC counters have raised questions about whether optimism has run ahead of fundamentals. While the regulatory clarity is undeniably positive, the changes themselves are incremental, and the longer-term performance of these stocks will still hinge on market flows, asset growth and competitive dynamics.
Beyond domestic regulation, global macro signals are also shaping sentiment. Central banks overseas, led by the US Federal Reserve, have clearly shifted towards a more supportive stance. Rate cuts, coupled with a pause in quantitative tightening, signal a broader intent to cushion economies against the drag from higher tariffs and slowing global trade.
On the global outlook, Subramaniam noted, “I think that basically the world is preparing for slowdown by being proactive on the rate cut side. So, clearly, the impact of tariffs as they take effect over the world, the central bankers are prepared and the US led it basically because you saw the rate cut, you also saw that they are stopping the quantitative tightening, so which means that the general move is towards a surplus liquidity which is generally a good favour of risk on both in terms of emerging market and hopefully some bit of it slips into India.”
For Indian markets, this combination of regulatory fine-tuning at home and a liquidity-friendly global environment offers near-term comfort. However, investors may need to temper expectations, as valuations and earnings delivery will ultimately determine whether the recent enthusiasm can be sustained.