ETMarkets Smart Talk: Focus on bottom-up stock picking – financials, defence, pharma, and specialty chemicals look attractive, says Paras Bothra

Paras Bothra from Ashika Investment Manager anticipates market buoyancy in the latter half of 2025, driven by improved fundamentals and potential interest rate cuts. While geopolitical tensions and primary market supply may cause volatility, sectors like financials, defence, and discretionary consumption appear promising. He advises long-term investors to focus on disciplined SIPs in equities, leveraging the potential for wealth compounding.