Foreign portfolio investors remained net sellers in Indian markets in July so far as they pulled out Rs 9,015 crore from equities and debt securities with the surging markets providing profit-booking opportunity amid concerns over rising cases of Covid-19.

According to depositories data, FPIs withdrew Rs 6,058 crore from equities and Rs 2,957 crore from the debt segment on a net basis during July 1-17. The net outflow from Indian markets stood at Rs 9,015 crore during the period under review.

The latest withdrawal has come after investment of Rs 24,053 crore by FPIs in domestic markets in June.

“The surge in markets has been providing profit-booking opportunities to them. In addition to that, many states have also been implementing fresh lockdown measure to curb rising coronavirus cases, thus fanning concerns that growth in the domestic economy could be pushed further ahead,” Himanshu Srivastava, associate director (manager research) at Morningstar India, said.

According to Rusmik Oza, executive vice president, head of fundamental research at Kotak Securities, most emerging markets, barring South Korea, witnessed FPI outflows this week.

“As the earnings season proceeds we could witness more volatility and higher turnover in Indian markets. This, coupled with peak valuations, could lead to some kind of profit-booking by FPIs. The recent appreciation in rupee could also work in favour of FPIs when they are taking out money from India,” Oza said.

Srivastava said, globally, the scenario is evolving and there are multiple factors which are dictating the direction of foreign flows. “On the domestic front, the challenges with respect to rising Covid cases and recovery of economic growth remains and that will continue to be a deterrent for foreign investors.”

The Indian financial markets, he said, will continue to witness rotational trend with respect to foreign flows. Bouts of net inflows and outflows are expected by FPIs in the Indian financial markets, depending on their changing opinion and global trends.