India's valuation premium justified, can sustain if not expand: Rahul Singh

Equity market returns in the near term will be driven by earnings growth, considering there is limited scope for valuation rerating, says RAHUL SINGH, chief investment officer-equities, Tata Mutual Fund. In a telephonic interaction with Abhishek Kumar, Singh mentions that the only headwind for the market could emerge on the rural demand front. Edited excerpts:

How do you perceive the current positioning of the Indian market? Do you envision possibilities for further upside, considering valuations have run up?
 

The market reflects a sound economic environment, with valuations at a premium compared to other emerging markets, and justifiably so. We are