Robots are a big threat to Indian stock Bull Run and country’s growth momentum

By Anirban Nag

Robots will eat into any economic boost India receives from its young population and markets aren't pricing in these risks, says UBS Group AG.

Stocks have been hitting fresh highs and while UBS predicts growth and jobs will increase over the next five years, it cautions that immediate risks are to the downside. A global shift toward automation could be a significant negative, leaving many underemployed or without a job.

"This could be a grey-sky scenario for India in terms of gross domestic product and earnings growth, and could also lead to major social issues," analysts including Gautam Chhaochharia wrote in a note. "This impact is likely to be beyond the next five years and government policy response -- like more protectionism and a 'Universal Basic Income'-- will matter."

India's millennial generation is bigger than China's or the U.S., which is estimated to boost its labor force to the world's largest by 2027. At best, UBS estimates India will create 6 million jobs each year for 7 million job seekers, while the bleakest outlook is 1 million.

UBS says India doesn't seem to be well positioned to leverage from the shift toward automation. UBS's base case for job creation implies 7.5 per cent GDP growth over the next five years and 12-15 per cent Nifty earnings growth. However, it sees "greater skew to the downside:" 5.7 per cent GDP growth and low single-digit Nifty earnings growth.