MFs add it up, net buy shares worth Rs 8,700 cr in September

NEW DELHI: Mutual fund managers continued their shopping spree in September, net buying shares worth close to Rs 8,700 crore amid sluggish equity market trends.

This is the 17th consecutive month when mutual funds (MFs) have net invested in equities.

The latest data showed fund managers net bought shares worth Rs 8,671 crore last month. This comes on top of a net investment of Rs 10,533 crore in August.

In comparison, overseas investors pulled out Rs 6,475 crore last month and another Rs 17,434 crore in August.

Experts have said fund managers made intensive buying when the domestic market crashed due to the rout in Chinese equities. The sell-off by overseas investors in the Indian equity markets has meant an opportunity for MF managers.

The fund managers have been bullish on the stock market ever since the Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power at the Centre. Since then, they have made a net investment of more than Rs 80,000 crore in the equity market.

In addition, robust inflows from retail investors in the equity segment have helped. Till April last year, holdings were facing liquidation due to redemptions from investors.

Mutual funds collect money from investors and buy stocks, including IPOs (primary market) and bonds.