Investors and Cpital Market

The editorial is very right in saying that by offering sops alone investors will not return to market.The market has been volatile since September 2008 when the financial meltdown began and continued without any sign of recovery.Even now the world economy is in a mess and the chances for an early recovery are remote.STT is non-inflationary in character and it is difficult to pass on to others and hence the grievance from investors and brokers.In fact,Govt should modify STT and should be made different for purchases and sales,retailers and whole salers,brokers and traders,FIIs and domestic institutions etc.STT can emerge as an important regulatory tool and it should contiue.Stamp duty rationalisation is overdue and needs to be expedited.The confidence in market needs a boost and for that the GOVT and SEBI should put on some coordinated efforts.The Govt has to ensure that its fiscal deficit will be contained through improved administration and policy initiatives followed by actions.

from: T.V.Gopalakrishnan.

(This appeared in the Hindu-business Line Dt 30/09/11).

Wrong Approach of the Finance Minstry to abolish STT

The proposal to cut STT and rationalise stamp duty to give a boost to the sagging stock market is welcome. The STT introdoced in 2004-05 budget has several benefits and can emerge as a leveller of the marketfluctuations and a source of recurring revenue to the exchequer without any inflationary implications. The revenue earned through STT at Rs 2223 crores this fiscal may appear less and lower than the expectations, this can be attributed to the volatility seen in the market due to the poor performance of the domestic and international economy.STT can be used as a tool to contain volatility and excessive speculation.STT should be different for purchase and sales,individuals and institutions,various cut off limits,equtuity and bonds,Govt securities of different maturities, Gold and silver,Forex etc.It should emerge as an administrative tool to regulate the various markets in Financial System, replace capital gains tax over a period.The need to retain STT is essential but with changes.

Dr.T.V.Gopalakrishnan

( This appeared in The Hindu-Business Line on 27/09/11).