Fewer active investors even as benchmark indices hit record highs

Market volatility and lacklustre 1-yr returns weigh on activity

The active investor count has seen a sustained decline since June, even as the benchmark indices have jumped more than 20 per cent to log fresh lifetime highs. The uncertain economic environment, lacklustre one-year returns, and diminishing retail euphoria have weighed on market participation, according to industry players.

In June, the active client count at the NSE -- the country’s largest stock exchange -- stood at 38 million. At the end of October, the figure declined by 1.3 million to 36.7 million, data provided by CLSA showed. 

Typically, in an upward-trending market, activity picks up. Last October, when the Sensex