FPIs invest `5,181 crore in debt markets in just 4 trading sessions

However, in view of higher stock valuations amid surging markets, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulled out more than Rs 1,500 crore from equities during this period.

According to latest depository data, FPIs invested a net sum of Rs 5,181 crore ($811 million) in debt markets during August 1-4.

This comes following a net inflow of Rs 1.16 lakh crore in last six months from February-July 2017. Prior to that, they withdrew more than Rs 2,300 crore.

With the latest inflow, total investment in debt markets has crossed over Rs 1.2 lakh crore ($18 billion) this year.

"FPI investments in debt have been robust for the last few months. While the run-up to the monetary policy saw some tepid flows, as investors remained cautious in the event of a no rate cut stance by RBI; FPI flows picked up right after the the 25 bps rate cut on August 2," Vidya Bala, head of MF research at FundsIndia.com said.

Markets regulator Sebi, in early July, increased the FPI limit in central government securities, which provided a longer rope for them to pump in money.

"With the spread between US 10-year bond and 10-year India gilts at a good 4.2 percentage points even now, FPIs continue to seek opportunities in the Indian debt market with the rupee-dollar equation stable," she added.

Echoing similar views, Alok Agarwala, senior vice- president and head investment analytics at Bajaj Capital said: "Indian real policy rates as well as real treasury yields remain the highest among major economies except probably Brazil and Russia. Besides, a stable currency gives an added incentive to foreign investors".

The RBI in its latest monetary policy statement, accepted downside risks to growth and inflation hinting that their next action would be data

dependent.