For the past few years, NRIs have been seen selling their ancestral land or any other property acquired in India followed by bringing the money abroad. Also, they preferred to save the money in banks. However, the trend has been changing now.

Contrary to earlier scenario, NRIs are largely investing in IPOs and buying shares from the secondary market. Such investments are believed to have increased from $362 million in 2000-01 to $6.3 billion in March 2007.

Add to it are the attracting factors from a fast flourishing stock market and a liberal currency regime. Previously, NRIs have to face a lot of hurdles in taking money from property transactions out of the country. But, the stringent rules have been relaxed by RBI two years ago. And, the impact can be clearly seen.

The figure on acquisition of shares by NRIs soared from $930 million in 2004-05 to $2.2 billion in 2005-06, to $6.3 billion in 2006-07.

NRIs have been seeking the exposure in India through the portfolio investment scheme, subscribing to cross border funds launched by fund houses in India and even through sub accounts of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).

Talking about the general investment by the Indian Diaspora, they have been making large investments in bank stocks. NRIs bought bank shares worth $3 billion in December 2006.

Interestingly, the recent data showcased by RBI says that 3% of the remittances by the diaspora are invested in stocks and 54% is used for family maintenance. The remaining per cent generally goes in other assets like real estate, bank deposits, and other investments.

Source: Indianrealtynews