Prashant Khemka, Founder of White Oak Capital Management, anticipates a shift in performance between cyclical and defensive stocks. The Budget may reinforce this phenomenon. Khemka advises maintaining a balanced portfolio, emphasizing stock picking over top-down calls. He also notes the potential positive impact of income tax savings on demand and broad sectoral benefits.
US consumer sentiment near record low ahead of midterm elections
In October, consumer sentiment in the U.S. plummeted to a concerning 48.0, driven by rising prices and economic worries amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.