Indian markets are close to a near-term bottom, but sharp swings are likely to continue, according to Sunil Subramaniam, a market expert who advises investors to buy in small, staggered amounts rather than deploying large sums at once.

The advice comes as global events keep investors on edge. Volatility in this context means prices moving sharply up or down in short periods, making it hard to time a single entry point well. Buying in stages — spreading purchases over time — reduces the risk of putting all your money in just before a dip.

What Institutional Investors Are Doing

Institutional investors, such as mutual funds and insurance companies, are gradually building up their positions rather than buying aggressively. This measured approach signals cautious optimism: they see value forming, but are not yet confident enough to commit fully. Retail investors tend to follow institutional flows as a rough guide to market sentiment.

The broader backdrop is one of global uncertainty. While no specific trigger is named, cross-border events — ranging from currency moves to geopolitical shifts — have been weighing on equity markets, keeping both foreign and domestic investors defensive.

Earnings Season in Focus

The next major catalyst will be the corporate earnings season. Subramaniam points to two things worth watching closely: the actual profit numbers companies report, and more importantly, the guidance they give for the quarters ahead. Guidance — meaning management's own forecast for future revenue and margins — often moves stock prices more than past results do.

Sector-specific trends will also matter. Not all parts of the market are equally affected by global headwinds, so the earnings season could reveal which sectors are holding up and which are under pressure, helping investors make more targeted decisions.

The practical takeaway is straightforward: if you are considering entering the market, do so in parts over several weeks rather than all at once. Wait for earnings data and company guidance before making larger bets on specific sectors.