NSE Indices launched the Nifty India Railways PSU Index

NSE Indices Limited launched the Nifty India Railways PSU Index, a thematic index that captures the performance of public sector undertakings (PSUs) either owned by the Ministry of Railways or catering to the Indian Railways. This new index offers investors a focused approach to capitalising on India’s railway growth story.

Key Features of the Nifty India Railways PSU Index

1. Base and Methodology

• Base Date: April 1, 2021
• Base Value: 1000
• Index Calculation: Weighted by free-float market capitalisation.
• Reconstitution and Rebalancing: Semi-annual and quarterly, respectively.

2. Capped Weightage for Balanced Exposure

• Core group (Ministry of Railways-owned PSUs): Capped at 80%.
• Non-core group (PSUs catering to Indian Railways): Capped at 20%.
• Individual stock cap: 20%.

3. Sector Representation

The index covers diverse sectors, including:

• Construction (25.83%)
• Financial Services (18.99%)
• Consumer Services (16.88%)
• Power (7.85%)
• Capital Goods, Oil & Gas, and Telecommunications.

Top Constituents by Weightage

1. Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd. – 18.99%
2. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. – 18.25%
3. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) – 16.88%
4. Container Corporation of India Ltd. – 15.90%
5. NTPC Ltd. – 7.85%

These companies collectively reflect the operational and financial ecosystem supporting the Indian Railways.

Use Cases and Applications

1. Investment Benchmark

The index provides a reference for passive funds such as ETFs and index funds. It can act as a performance benchmark for asset managers.

2. Thematic Investments

For investors seeking exposure to the growth of India’s railway infrastructure, this index serves as an effective tool to track and invest in the sector.

3. Portfolio Diversification

With its sectoral mix, the index aids in achieving diversified exposure to railway-linked industries.

Performance and Fundamentals

The index has shown steady growth since its inception:

• 1-Year Return: 74.90% (CAGR).
• Dividend Yield: 4.51%
• Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E): 31.22

Despite its thematic focus, the index exhibits a moderate correlation with broader indices such as the Nifty 50.

Why Should Investors Consider This Index?

1. Focused Exposure: Captures the Indian Railways’ ecosystem comprehensively.
2. Growth Potential: Leverages the government’s increased investment in railway infrastructure.
3. Income Opportunities: Attractive dividend yield of over 4%.

Conclusion

The Nifty India Railways PSU Index is an innovative thematic offering that allows investors to participate in India’s railway growth story. With its balanced methodology and robust sectoral representation, it is poised to be a preferred benchmark for asset managers and a reliable tool for passive investors.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.