IT stocks up 35% in less than 2 months. Can it withstand Fed caution and geopolitical risk?

Economic Times

20-06-2025

Fed Pushes Back on Rate Cuts
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Geopolitical Risks
Tariff Threats
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After a sharp sell-off earlier this year, Indian IT stocks have delivered a striking comeback. The Nifty IT index has surged 10.5% in under two months, with several individual stocks posting even stronger gains. But with global headwinds intensifying—from a cautious US Federal Reserve to rising geopolitical tensions—the sustainability of this rally is now in question. Coforge has rallied nearly 35%, while Tech Mahindra and LTIMindtree are up 28% each. Persistent Systems Oracle Financial Services Software (OFSS), and Mphasis have posted gains of 16% to 22%. Even large-caps like Infosys and Wipro delivered double-digit returns in the same period.However, the rebound is starting to face resistance. Following the US Fed 's June policy meeting, the Nifty IT index slipped nearly 1%, signalling renewed caution among investors.The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark rate unchanged in June but raised its core PCE inflation projection—its preferred inflation measure—from 2.8% to 3.1% for 2025. Headline PCE is now expected to reach 3%, up from earlier estimates, indicating that price pressures are proving persistent.'The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady comes as no surprise, given the persistent inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy,' said Suresh Darak, Founder, Bondbazaar. 'These pressures were... exacerbated by global conflicts pushing up oil prices and sustaining inflation.'At the same time, US GDP growth expectations have been revised down to 1.4%, raising concerns about delayed tech spending by large clients. 'Growth and inflation outlook is at loggerheads at this moment,' said Vaqarjaved Khan, Senior Fundamental Analyst at Angel One. 'Markets are interpreting this tone as somewhat hawkish.'With only one rate cut now likely in FY26, Indian IT companies that rely on US enterprise spending may see continued pressure on deal flows.Just as rate uncertainty builds, global tensions are driving a fresh spike in oil prices. Over the last week, conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, and there are fears that the US may get involved. Iran's Supreme Leader has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for nearly 20% of the world's oil shipments, while US President Donald Trump has hinted at a more aggressive US response.As a result, Brent crude prices jumped more than 18% to $79, while WTI rose 18.5% to $75.7 over just seven trading sessions.For Indian IT firms, a prolonged oil rally could lead to higher inflation globally, currency volatility, and tighter tech budgets for energy-sensitive industries.Tariff risks are also back in focus as the US heads toward its presidential election. Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently warned that 'tariff effects on inflation can be persistent,' sparking concern for Indian IT exporters that depend on stable global trade flows.'Going forward, if the US Fed delivers a 50-bps rate cut in 2025, it would increase liquidity in the global markets,' said Khan. 'However... Middle East tension and tariff-related announcements by the US... could increase inflation expectations globally. If any of these risks play out at a larger extent, the upside scenario in Indian equities might get halted.'The recent 35% rally in IT stocks has been driven in part by easing attrition, improving margins, and hopes of a demand revival. But with the Fed turning cautious and geopolitical risks rising, the sector's near-term trajectory looks uncertain.'Jerome Powell's comment that 'despite heightened uncertainty, the economy is in solid position' is important. However, he has warned that 'tariff effects on inflation can be persistent'... With only 1.4% GDP growth expected this year, the US is unlikely to attract a lot of capital flows,' said Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments.Post-Fed, IT names like LTIMindtree and Tech Mahindra dropped over 3% in a single session on June 19—reflecting the sector's sensitivity to global sentiment.The IT index's sharp bounce from its early-2025 lows shows that investors remain optimistic about long-term fundamentals. However, the path forward is likely to be volatile.With sticky inflation, oil-driven macro risks, tariff uncertainty, and a cautious Fed, the sector's recovery rally faces real tests. Whether the momentum can continue—or gives way to another round of selling—may depend on how these risks evolve over the next quarter.: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)