As global equity markets evolve beyond traditionaltechnarratives, investors are increasingly looking past familiar acronyms like FAANG and the Magnificent 7 toward a broader, more representative basket of innovation-driven companies.
According to Niteen Dongare, Director & CEO, Anand Rathi International Ventures IFSC Pvt Ltd, the emergence of BATMMAAN, an expanded grouping that captures leaders across AI, semiconductors, platforms, and digital ecosystems, reflects this shift in investor focus.
The new acronym not only widens the scope of global tech investing but also aligns more closely with the sectors driving the next phase of growth, making it a key framework for investors navigating an increasingly dynamic and opportunity-rich global market landscape. Here are some edited excerpts from the interview with Niteen Dongare:
Q) Thanks for taking the time out. Well, amid the gloom and the doom, US markets hit a fresh record high in April. What are you advising your clients who have invested in US markets?
A) Stay invested ! as I see some solution to what is happening in middle east . Investor should not react to the lows and highs due to geopolitical conflicts . If their basket has equities with proven record of earnings , profitability and stable management they should stay invested . The volatility is not long term as its effecting the energy sector and global trades which is not of the interest for any nation. Investors should also not top up just because the stocks are upwards . Stick to proven themes . Rebalancing is also recommended at this stage and during volatility and at lower peaks , investors can also top up. At the same time investors who have invested wants to book some profit or come out of companies which are majorly affected in this situation is also recommended. I recommend Investors to stick to companies with strong balance sheet and have consistent cash flows .
Q) I am sure you must be getting calls to invest overseas. What are investors most concerned about?
A) India’s global diversification is not more than 2-3 % which is very less compared to other developed markets, but this is changing and Yes, you are right , Global Investing has become popular in past few years, and we are witnessing a trend for global diversification . This change has happened because of three reasons – Awareness about Global Markets in increasing , Availability of platforms that provides investments in global markets and now a mindset changes amongst Indian investors to diversify some investments globally . Investors are ready to try out investing in Global stocks and new themes like AI , Semiconductor and ESG are attracting investors too. But at the same time investors are concerned about the volatility in Global Markets because of the present crises in middle east and resolution is still not in sight. Global Markets reacts acutely to what comes out of Whitehouse , the ongoing peace talks or the crude prices . In such a scenario, investors are exposed to higher risks. Other factors that affect and investors are concerned are tax applicability , ease of trading , cost consideration and FX volatility which affects the cost of buying and yields in long run .But , Indian investors are increasingly investing atleast 15-20 % of the investment bucket into Global markets .
Q) Tim Cook announced he is stepping down as Apple CEO after nearly 15 years, with the official transition on September 1, 2026. Do you see this in right direction and will it impact on the price performance of the stock? Are you getting queries about Apple?
A)I think this is a well-planned and orderly transition rather than a negative surprise . With Cook moving into an Executive Chairman role and insider successor John Ternus taking over, the shift signals continuity in leadership and strategy, not disruption. Also , Markets typically view such internal succession positively, as it reduces uncertainty and demonstrates a business strategy in place . Moreover such transition also mutes any initial stock reaction suggests that investors are largely comfortable with the transition.
Let me also talk about the numbers during the Cooks era . Apple clocked market cap at $350 Bn when Tim Cook started his journey in 2011 and today the Market cap of Apple is $ 4 Trillion as of April 2026 . It should be noted that during Steve Jobs realm , Apple focus was more upon product categories hence we saw launch of various categories like IMAC , IPOD , ITunes , Macbook series , Iphone , Air series , App store , Ipad , Icloud etc whereas in Cooks term the focus was more upon optimizing and scaling operational efficiencies and developing the ecosystem.
From a stock performance perspective, the near-term impact is likely to be neutral, as there is no immediate change to Apple’s earnings outlook, capital allocation, or business model. However, the medium-term narrative becomes more important, especially as leadership transitions coincide with a critical phase for the company its positioning in the AI-driven tech cycle. While Ternus brings strong hardware expertise, the market will closely watch whether Apple can accelerate innovation and strengthen its AI ecosystem to remain competitive with peers.
We are indeed seeing increased client interest and queries around Apple, particularly in the context of its relative positioning within the Magnificent 7. The key concern is less about the leadership change itself and more about whether Apple can sustain growth and relevance in the next technology cycle. The current view is that there is no need for immediate portfolio action, but investors should monitor upcoming product and AI strategy announcements closely, as these will be the primary drivers of stock performance over the next 6–12 months.
Q) FAANG, Mag 7 are acronyms which we have come across in US markets. Is there another acronym which is getting popular?
A) FAANG , MAG 7 has evolved and is evolving over the period as investors are now considering companies that reflect growth and market power like AI , Chips and cloud thus new sets are getting formed . If we add some more tech companies to the existing MAG 7 , We are discussing about BATMMAAN (Extended Big Tech / AI Basket). It stands for Broadcom, Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, NVIDIA . The set captures the growing AI , semiconductor , platform ecosystem more fully, hence witnessing attention from Global investors .
BATMMAAN is getting more attention than other acronyms like MANGO ( AI centric ) as it reflects wide coverage , includes new themes and earnings growth.
Q) With US markets hitting fresh record highs how much one should ideally park monthly in overseas stocks or ETFs?
A) I would recommend investors who are looking for short term gains due to market highs book profits or top up but the long term investors should stick to proven stocks with stable cash flows , management , earnings and tech theme . Ideally Indian investors should park 15-20 % of their investible income to diversify globally . Platforms are available for Indian investors to buy US Stocks / ETFs with ease and utilize their LRS limit .
Q) We are in the first month of the financial year 2027. When is the ideal time to relook or rebalance their global portfolios?
A) Booking profits , relooking at the portfolio, or rebalancing the portfolio is nothing to do with the start of the year . Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a crisis that has affected our day to day life , our investments , our yyields, and thus rebalancing or adjusting our investment basket is to do more with what situation we are in and what our investment goals are. The recent volatility has wiped out substantial investment from investors pocket hence during such times I would recommend booking profits without speculating and markets will give opportunity in future to enter too . Global markets are seeing lot of volatility in recent times due to the middle east crises and tariffs thus investor should rebalance or have a relook at the portfolio basis market risks , big macro events like energy supply or currency rate changes.
Q) Which sectors are hogging limelight in 2026? Is it power, Infrastructure etc. and why?
A) Few factors are dominating investment leadership , namely Technology that includes AI and Chips , Geopolitics that is evident from the defense stocks and energy stock volatility , and Higher cost of capital or the profitable sectors and consistent cash flows companies . Energy , Power and Infrastructure are mainly appreciated by Institutional investors. The energy sector is of the interest because of the global demand and supply constraints due to present middle east crises. The defense sector is also garnering interest as countries are spending heavy on defense budget. Thus, sectors into arms and drones , space and satellite, especially European companies, into manufacturing, are of interest to investors . Other sectors like healthcare , biotech and clean energy have seen interest few months back but today the talk to the town is Tech , Defense and Commodities !
Q) Any top ETFs which investors should keep on their watch list?
A) Considering the scenario where we are in now I would recommend investors to have some commodities ETFs like COPX , Sprotts URNM , Gold Miners ETFs , SPDR Gold shares to have in their radar . Energy ETFs like USO , United States NG fund , SPDR energy fund, Defense ETFs like Ishares US Aerospace & Defence ETF (ITA), Invesco Aerospace & Defence ETF (PPA), SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defence ETF (XAR) to be part of their watchlist . Needless to say AI and Tech ETFs to take prime spot in their watch list too .
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