Nimesh Shah MD and CEO , ICICI Prudential AMC

Budget 2018 has rightly focused on pragmatic growth . Stock valuations have already discounted the coming revival in earnings . Debt yields are expected to remain firm . An SIP in credit opportunities funds is appropriate . With the valuations being where they are , investing in hybrid funds such as balanced advantage funds should be your preferred investment choice .

Rajnish Kumar Chairman , SBI

The idea of a national gold policy and integration of the TReDS platform with GSTN for the SMEs are all significant policy changes aimed at transforming the economy . Retaining net market borrowings for FY19 at almost the same level as in the current year will compensate for higher fiscal deficit envisaged in the Budget . Overall , all these measures will augur well for growth in FY19 .

Suneeta Reddy MD , Apollo Hospitals

If the flagship National Health Protection Scheme to cover 10 crore vulnerable families with up to `5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation is properly implemented and monitored , we will take an important step in creating a Swasth Bharat . Effectively , this initiative , which amounts to $ 800 billion , tops even the US ’ Medicaid programme that amounts to $ 550 billion .

Rajesh Sud CEO and MD , Max Life Insurance

The increase in cess to 4 per cent on personal income tax will impact the disposable income in the hands of consumers , which may reduce household savings . The Budget does not provide adequate incentives to consumers to invest in life insurance for savings and protection needs . However , the enhanced deduction for health insurance premium to `50,000 is a welcome move .

Kamlesh Rao MD and CEO , Kotak Securities

Rationalisation of long-term capital gains ( LTCG ) Tax , as expected , has arrived ; though negative on sentiments , robust equity returns will absorb this 10 per cent , if corporate earnings growth happens as expected . Ability to manage fiscal prudence will be a big issue . Post Budget announcements , we will see interest rates start to go up .

Pankaj Razdan MD and CEO , Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance

The Budget is tax-neutral for the life insurance industry , but it also offers more credit play for the insurance companies . Additionally , Ulips will emerge as a beneficial long-term investment option under the new tax regime . The finance minister ’ s move to merge and consolidate all small ( public sector general ) insurance companies augurs well for the industry .