{"id":288899,"date":"2026-10-06T10:32:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T05:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/?p=288899"},"modified":"2026-10-06T10:32:27","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T05:02:27","slug":"sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/","title":{"rendered":"Sankaran Naren on IT Stocks: Why the ICICI Prudential CIO Says Avoid Going All-In Amid AI Uncertainty, What It Means for TCS, Infosys and HCL Tech Investors Before Q2 Results, and How to Size an IT Allocation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"border-left:4px solid #1F4E79;background:#EBF3FB;padding:10px 16px;font-style:italic;\"><em>Sankaran Naren on IT: attractive in places, but AI makes long-term outcomes hard to quantify, so size it. Nifty IT down 25% YTD. TCS reports 8 Oct. Accenture FY27 guide 3-6%.<\/em><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#F0F9FF;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 18px;margin:18px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#1F4E79;font-size:14px;\"><strong>Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0;\">Sankaran Naren on IT stocks, as reported this week, is a measured stance: ICICI Prudential AMC&#8217;s CIO says Indian IT looks attractively priced in places, but the structural shifts from AI make long-term outcomes difficult to quantify, so investors should avoid going all-in. He has also warned that many global AI-linked stocks are priced for perfection and has favoured diversification across gold, private banks and insurers. The sector has fallen about 25% this year to a Nifty IT level near 28,250, and TCS reports on 8 October with Accenture&#8217;s 3% to 6% FY27 outlook providing only a modest lift because its organic growth is about 0.75% to 3.75%. For investors, the practical message is to size an IT allocation deliberately, spread it across names and time, and keep it part of a diversified portfolio.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Sankaran Naren on IT stocks is in focus as Indian IT heads into the September-quarter results season. The executive director and chief investment officer of ICICI Prudential AMC has been cautious on AI-linked valuations and advocates diversification, while noting that Indian IT is not uniformly expensive, which is why his advice is to avoid an all-in bet.<\/p>\n<p>If you are searching for what Sankaran Naren says about IT stocks, this article covers his reported views on AI uncertainty, his contrarian approach and preference for private banks and gold, his focus on asset allocation, why AI makes IT outcomes hard to forecast, how the sector has performed, the Accenture read-through, the TCS and HCL Tech results dates, a framework for sizing an IT allocation, and the risks. His remarks are from reports and not a transcript, so check the original interviews.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in?utm_source=blogs&#038;utm_medium=sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\">Click Here &#8211; Get Free Investment Predictions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#What_Sankaran_Naren_Has_Said_Sankaran_Naren_on_IT_Stocks_and_AI\" title=\"What Sankaran Naren Has Said: Sankaran Naren on IT Stocks and AI\">What Sankaran Naren Has Said: Sankaran Naren on IT Stocks and AI<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Why_AI_Uncertainty_Makes_an_All-In_Bet_on_IT_Risky_Says_Sankaran_Naren\" title=\"Why AI Uncertainty Makes an All-In Bet on IT Risky, Says Sankaran Naren\">Why AI Uncertainty Makes an All-In Bet on IT Risky, Says Sankaran Naren<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Where_Indian_IT_Stands_Before_Q2_Results_as_Sankaran_Naren_Urges_Balance\" title=\"Where Indian IT Stands Before Q2 Results as Sankaran Naren Urges Balance\">Where Indian IT Stands Before Q2 Results as Sankaran Naren Urges Balance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#How_to_Size_an_IT_Allocation_Instead_of_Going_All-In_Sankaran_Narens_Caution_Applied\" title=\"How to Size an IT Allocation Instead of Going All-In: Sankaran Naren&#8217;s Caution Applied\">How to Size an IT Allocation Instead of Going All-In: Sankaran Naren&#8217;s Caution Applied<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#What_Else_Sankaran_Naren_Favours_and_Why_It_Matters_for_IT_Investors\" title=\"What Else Sankaran Naren Favours, and Why It Matters for IT Investors\">What Else Sankaran Naren Favours, and Why It Matters for IT Investors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Risks_of_Both_Extremes_in_IT_Stocks\" title=\"Risks of Both Extremes in IT Stocks\">Risks of Both Extremes in IT Stocks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#What_to_Watch_Next_for_IT_Stocks\" title=\"What to Watch Next for IT Stocks\">What to Watch Next for IT Stocks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#What_does_Sankaran_Naren_say_about_IT_stocks\" title=\"What does Sankaran Naren say about IT stocks?\">What does Sankaran Naren say about IT stocks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Why_avoid_going_all-in_on_IT_stocks\" title=\"Why avoid going all-in on IT stocks?\">Why avoid going all-in on IT stocks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#What_else_does_Sankaran_Naren_favour\" title=\"What else does Sankaran Naren favour?\">What else does Sankaran Naren favour?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#How_has_Indian_IT_performed_this_year\" title=\"How has Indian IT performed this year?\">How has Indian IT performed this year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#When_do_TCS_and_HCL_Tech_report\" title=\"When do TCS and HCL Tech report?\">When do TCS and HCL Tech report?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#How_much_IT_should_I_hold\" title=\"How much IT should I hold?\">How much IT should I hold?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#What_is_the_ICICI_Prudential_Contra_Fund\" title=\"What is the ICICI Prudential Contra Fund?\">What is the ICICI Prudential Contra Fund?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/sankaran-naren-on-it-stocks-avoid-going-all-in-ai-uncertainty\/#Is_this_article_investment_advice\" title=\"Is this article investment advice?\">Is this article investment advice?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Sankaran_Naren_Has_Said_Sankaran_Naren_on_IT_Stocks_and_AI\"><\/span><strong>What Sankaran Naren Has Said: Sankaran Naren on IT Stocks and AI<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Theme<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Reported view<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Date<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Indian IT valuation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Attractively priced in some areas, but low multiples alone are not enough<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">2 October report<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">AI uncertainty<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Structural shifts from AI make long-term outcomes difficult to quantify, so take a measured approach<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">2 October report<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Global AI stocks<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Many are priced for perfection and are vulnerable to sharp corrections if growth assumptions fail<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">2 October report<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Where he sees value<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Private banks and insurers, which he expects to deliver steady earnings<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">2 and 5 October<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Diversification<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Mix assets, keep gold as a steady holding, be careful with overseas investments after their run<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">5 October<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Indian small and mid caps<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Getting expensive, though some still grow faster than large caps<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">5 October<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>Sankaran Naren has also said that if the global AI boom cools, India could attract more investors. These are paraphrases of press reports, and the exact words on IT came in interviews that you should read in full before relying on them.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_AI_Uncertainty_Makes_an_All-In_Bet_on_IT_Risky_Says_Sankaran_Naren\"><\/span><strong>Why AI Uncertainty Makes an All-In Bet on IT Risky, Says Sankaran Naren<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>AI can deflate revenue: ICICI Direct research from earlier this year estimated that AI productivity could cut traditional IT services revenue by about 2% to 3% a year for a couple of years.<\/li>\n<li>AI can also expand the market: the same research sees an incremental AI-led opportunity of $300 billion to $400 billion by 2030, and it may be dated.<\/li>\n<li>The balance between the two is unknown, so earnings forecasts carry a wide range.<\/li>\n<li>Guidance is already low: Infosys and HCL Tech guide to low single-digit growth, and large caps are growing about 0.5% to 3% in Q2.<\/li>\n<li>Valuations have fallen, but low multiples can stay low if growth keeps being cut.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This is the logic behind Sankaran Naren&#8217;s measured approach: the sector is not obviously overpriced, but the range of outcomes is wide enough that concentration can hurt.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/screeners\">Check the Univest Screener for live data on IT stocks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Indian_IT_Stands_Before_Q2_Results_as_Sankaran_Naren_Urges_Balance\"><\/span><strong>Where Indian IT Stands Before Q2 Results as Sankaran Naren Urges Balance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Measure<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Level<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Nifty IT index<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">About 28,250<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Down more than 25% in 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Accenture FY27 guidance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">3% to 6% in local currency<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Organic growth of about 0.75% to 3.75%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">TCS Q2 results<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Thursday, 8 October<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Expected constant-currency growth near 0.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">HCL Tech Q2 results<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Monday, 12 October<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Guidance narrowing to 2% to 4% services growth expected<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Infosys Q2 results<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">27 October<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Possible trim at the top of guidance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Brokerage views<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Split<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">From Add and Buy at Motilal Oswal and JM Financial to Sell at Nirmal Bang<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>Brokerages expect only about 1.7% sequential constant-currency growth for the sector in Q2, which is why many experts urge investors to focus on deal conversion and margins more than headlines.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Size_an_IT_Allocation_Instead_of_Going_All-In_Sankaran_Narens_Caution_Applied\"><\/span><strong>How to Size an IT Allocation Instead of Going All-In: Sankaran Naren&#8217;s Caution Applied<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">Principle<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;background:#0A0E1A;color:#FFFFFF;\">What it means in practice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Know your current weight<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">IT is roughly 10% of the Nifty, and many diversified funds already hold it, so check total exposure before adding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Cap single-sector exposure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">One fund manager has suggested sector funds should not exceed about 5% of an equity portfolio, a rule from earlier in the cycle, within your overall asset allocation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Spread across names<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Combine large caps such as TCS with mid-caps, and avoid one company carrying the thesis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Spread across time<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Build positions in tranches around results, not in one lump sum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Match horizon<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">AI outcomes take years, so money needed soon should not sit in a single theme<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Rebalance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;border:1px solid #DDDDDD;\">Trim when IT grows beyond its planned weight and add when it falls below<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>These are general frameworks and not Sankaran Naren&#8217;s prescription. Position limits depend on your goals and risk tolerance, so use them as starting points for discussion with an adviser.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><em>Download the <a href=\"http:\/\/apps.apple.com\/in\/app\/univest-stocks-investment\/id6443753518\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Univest iOS App<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.univest.capp&#038;hl=en_IN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Univest Android App<\/a> to track IT stocks and your portfolio weights live.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Else_Sankaran_Naren_Favours_and_Why_It_Matters_for_IT_Investors\"><\/span><strong>What Else Sankaran Naren Favours, and Why It Matters for IT Investors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sankaran Naren&#8217;s recent comments lean towards private banks and insurers, gold as a steady asset and caution on expensive small and mid caps and on overseas assets after their run. ICICI Prudential&#8217;s Contra Fund NFO, open until 12 October, reflects a contrarian approach of looking at out-of-favour areas, which can include IT, but he stresses margin of safety and asset allocation over chasing a single theme.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risks_of_Both_Extremes_in_IT_Stocks\"><\/span><strong>Risks of Both Extremes in IT Stocks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Going all-in:<\/strong> A concentrated IT bet goes against Sankaran Naren&#8217;s measured approach and is exposed to AI deflation, weak US demand and guidance cuts at the same time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avoiding IT completely:<\/strong> IT has a low weight in the index and cash-rich companies, so a rebound would be missed if AI fears fade.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Timing around results:<\/strong> TCS on 8 October and HCL Tech on 12 October can move the sector sharply.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rupee and US macro:<\/strong> The rupee near 96 and US policy affect margins and demand.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second-hand views:<\/strong> Press paraphrases of Sankaran Naren can miss nuance, so confirm views from the original source.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Watch_Next_for_IT_Stocks\"><\/span><strong>What to Watch Next for IT Stocks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>TCS Q2 results on 8 October: deal wins, margin and demand commentary.<\/li>\n<li>HCL Tech guidance on 12 October and Infosys on 27 October.<\/li>\n<li>Whether companies show AI revenue that offsets deflation.<\/li>\n<li>Guidance cuts, which BofA says are still likely across the sector.<\/li>\n<li>The ICICI Prudential Contra Fund NFO close on 12 October and any further commentary from Sankaran Naren.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sankaran Naren on IT stocks is a call for balance: Indian IT looks attractively priced in places, but AI makes long-term outcomes hard to quantify, so an all-in bet is risky. With the Nifty IT index down about 25% and TCS reporting on 8 October, investors can size an allocation deliberately, spread it across names and time, and keep it within a diversified portfolio, which is the heart of what Sankaran Naren advises. Consult a SEBI-registered advisor before making any decision.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#CC0000;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;\">\n<p style=\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:13px;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#FFFFFF;\">Disclaimer:<\/strong> Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with the official NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) websites before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_Sankaran_Naren_say_about_IT_stocks\"><\/span><strong>What does Sankaran Naren say about IT stocks?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Reports say Sankaran Naren sees Indian IT as attractively priced in places but notes that AI makes long-term outcomes hard to quantify, so he advises a measured approach and not going all-in.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_avoid_going_all-in_on_IT_stocks\"><\/span><strong>Why avoid going all-in on IT stocks?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Sankaran Naren&#8217;s concern is that AI could cut traditional IT services revenue while also creating new demand, and the net effect is uncertain, so concentration adds risk.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_else_does_Sankaran_Naren_favour\"><\/span><strong>What else does Sankaran Naren favour?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Diversification, gold as a steady holding, private banks and insurers, and caution on expensive small and mid caps and overseas assets.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_has_Indian_IT_performed_this_year\"><\/span><strong>How has Indian IT performed this year?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> The Nifty IT index is down more than 25% in 2026 and trades near 28,250.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_do_TCS_and_HCL_Tech_report\"><\/span><strong>When do TCS and HCL Tech report?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> TCS reports on 8 October and HCL Tech on 12 October, with Infosys on 27 October.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_IT_should_I_hold\"><\/span><strong>How much IT should I hold?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Sankaran Naren does not give a number in the reports. Check your total exposure, spread across names and time, and keep sector weights within your asset allocation plan.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_ICICI_Prudential_Contra_Fund\"><\/span><strong>What is the ICICI Prudential Contra Fund?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> It is an NFO from Sankaran Naren&#8217;s fund house, open from 28 September to 12 October 2026, that follows a contrarian approach to out-of-favour areas.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_this_article_investment_advice\"><\/span><strong>Is this article investment advice?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> This article does not constitute investment advice, and it paraphrases Sankaran Naren from press reports. Consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before investing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-schema\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does Sankaran Naren say about IT stocks?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Reports say Sankaran Naren sees Indian IT as attractively priced in places but notes that AI makes long-term outcomes hard to quantify, so he advises a measured approach and not going all-in.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why avoid going all-in on IT stocks?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Sankaran Naren's concern is that AI could cut traditional IT services revenue while also creating new demand, and the net effect is uncertain, so concentration adds risk.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What else does Sankaran Naren favour?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Diversification, gold as a steady holding, private banks and insurers, and caution on expensive small and mid caps and overseas assets.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How has Indian IT performed this year?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The Nifty IT index is down more than 25% in 2026 and trades near 28,250.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When do TCS and HCL Tech report?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"TCS reports on 8 October and HCL Tech on 12 October, with Infosys on 27 October.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much IT should I hold?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Sankaran Naren does not give a number in the reports. 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