Despite improvements in the current account deficit, muted net foreign direct investment (FDI) and continued outflow of foreign portfolio investment (FPI) suggest that the overall balance of payments (BoP) will continue to face pressure, said a report by ICICI Bank Global Markets.
Out of 23 manufacturing industries, 19 recorded positive momentum, an improvement from 16 in the previous month. Additionally, higher government spending in January provided further support to industrial growth, and the outlook remains favourable for meeting budget targets.
"Taking into consideration the improved profitability, we expect GVA output for both manufacturing and services to pick-up in Q3," ICICI Bank Global Markets report added.