Investors get richer by Rs 1 lakh crore in 2013

Stock market investors became richer by over Rs 1 lakh crore in 2013, as a 9 per cent rally in the benchmark Sensex helped total valuation of all listed firms rise to Rs 70,44,431 crore at the end of a volatile year.

Those contributing the most to the stock market wealth includes Tata Group firm TCS, the country's most valued firm, as also entities like Infosys, Wipro, Tata Motors and Maruti.

In 2013, shares of TCS rose by over 71 per cent, while Infosys gained 51 per cent, Wipro (40 per cent), Tata Motors (20 per cent) and Maruti Suzuki (19.33 per cent).

This was the third consecutive year of rise in investor wealth, where Dalal Street investors became richer by Rs 1,22,616 crore to Rs 70,44,431 crore.

In 2013, the benchmark Sensex rose by 8.97 per cent and recorded a new intra-day high of 21,483.74 on December 9.

The 30-share gauge ended the year on a flat note at 21,170.68, up 27.67 points.

The broader CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also firmed up by 12.90 points or 0.21 per cent to end at 6,304.00. It has risen by 398.90 points or 6.76 per cent in 2013.

The rise in investor wealth was also due to continued rise in listed firms. At present, the total number of listed companies stands at 5,295.

Market experts attributed rise in investor wealth to robust FII inflows and hopes of wider reforms after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections helped to overcome concerns over slowing economic growth and high inflation.

"This year turned out to be quite constructive for Indian equity. Markets made fresh life time highs on the back of improving domestic macros, supportive global equity and expected governance improvement in India after next general elections.

"Sensex crossed the level of 21,200 after a gap of almost six years. FII reaffirmed their commitment towards Indian equities with more than $20 billion invested in 2013," said Varun Goel, Head PMS, Karvy Stock Broking.

IT, pharma, FMCG, auto and oil&gas sector registered sharp to moderate gains while realty, consumer durable, power, metal, capital goods and banking posted losses in 2013.

In the stock market TCS continued to remain the most valued firm as its market valuation stands at Rs 4,25,230 crore. TCS is followed by RIL, ITC, ONGC and Infosys.

Meanwhile, reflecting their bullish stance, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have picked up shares worth Rs 1,13,135.70 crore ($20,101.50 million) in the current calender year till December 30 as per Sebi data.