In light of geopolitical tensions affecting global markets, Nikhil Khandelwal (Chairman and Managing Director of Systematix Group) urges investors to remain disciplined and diversified. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring crude oil prices and the USD-INR exchange rate, as they significantly impact India's oil-dependent economy. Khandelwal recommends a staggered capital deployment strategy over the next three to six months, citing a lack of clear market direction due to ongoing disruptions. He advocates for investments in public sector banks, highlighting their better earnings visibility and attractive valuations compared to private banks. Despite concerns over AI disruptions, Khandelwal remains optimistic about the IT sector, noting that Indian firms are actively transitioning to AI capabilities. He also recommends accumulating stocks in the defence and capital goods sectors, which are expected to benefit from India's domestic defence initiatives. Conversely, he advises against investing in real estate and jewellery due to their rate sensitivity and the discretionary nature of spending in these sectors. Overall, Khandelwal's strategy is focused on sectors with clear earnings potential and resilience in the current economic climate.