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Ashish Dhawan Shifts Investments: Sells Bank Stock, Buys Infrastructure

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. tments-sells-bank-stock-buys-infrastructure.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 21:33 GMT by The Financial Express
      Locales: Maharashtra, Delhi, INDIA

Mumbai, India - January 23rd, 2026 - Ace investor Ashish Dhawan has made a significant strategic shift in his investment portfolio, signaling a changing outlook on the Indian financial and infrastructure landscapes. Recent filings with Indian stock exchanges reveal a substantial reduction in his stake in IDFC First Bank alongside a considerable increase in his investment within Cube Highways, an infrastructure investment trust (InvIT). This move, spanning from October 2023 to January 2026, provides a fascinating glimpse into Dhawan's evolving investment strategy and potentially reflects broader market concerns.

Significant Stake Reduction in IDFC First Bank

According to the latest shareholding data, Dhawan's stake in IDFC First Bank has decreased dramatically, falling from 1.58% to just 0.26%. This substantial reduction wasn't a single event but a series of transactions carefully executed over the past two years. While the exact reasons for this divestment remain unstated by Dhawan himself, the move has been widely interpreted by market analysts as a potential indication of waning confidence in the bank's future performance.

IDFC First Bank has faced challenges in recent years, including concerns about asset quality and profitability. While the Indian banking sector has largely demonstrated resilience, specific institutions face unique headwinds. Dhawan's decision to significantly reduce his holding, even with his reputation as a long-term investor, suggests a reassessment of the bank's long-term prospects, perhaps coupled with concerns about the broader regulatory environment and competitive pressures within the banking industry.

Increased Investment in Cube Highways: A Vote of Confidence in Infrastructure

Simultaneously, Dhawan has demonstrated considerable faith in the infrastructure sector by substantially increasing his stake in Cube Highways. His investment has risen from 1.69% to 1.98% during the same period of divestment from IDFC First Bank. Cube Highways operates as an InvIT, a relatively newer investment vehicle in India that pools capital to invest in operational road assets.

InvITs have become increasingly popular among investors seeking stable income streams and attractive yields. Cube Highways, in particular, has garnered attention due to its focus on revenue-generating road infrastructure, which provides a predictable cash flow. The reliability of these cash flows, coupled with the Indian government's continued emphasis on infrastructure development, makes InvITs like Cube Highways an appealing asset class.

Decoding Dhawan's Strategy: A Forward-Looking Perspective

This portfolio shuffle isn't merely about profit-taking or avoiding losses; it's indicative of a considered shift in investment strategy. Dhawan's continued, albeit reduced, presence in the banking sector suggests he still believes in the sector's overall potential. However, his significant increase in investment in Cube Highways strongly indicates a belief in the long-term growth potential of India's infrastructure sector. This alignment with the government's focus on infrastructure development - including road construction and maintenance - positions Dhawan to potentially benefit from significant economic growth.

Furthermore, Dhawan's move can be seen as a signal to other investors. High-profile investors like him rarely make such substantial changes without careful consideration and a well-defined rationale. Their actions often influence market sentiment and can prompt others to re-evaluate their own investment strategies. This shift could encourage greater investment in infrastructure and potentially impact the performance of both banking and InvIT stocks.

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Indian Market

The changes in Dhawan's portfolio highlight the dynamic nature of the Indian investment landscape. While banking remains a crucial sector, the focus on infrastructure development and the increasing attractiveness of InvITs suggest a broader trend towards alternative asset classes. Investors are actively seeking opportunities that offer stable returns and align with the government's economic priorities. As India continues its ambitious infrastructure build-out, investment trusts like Cube Highways are likely to remain a key area of interest for both domestic and international investors. The reduced stake in IDFC First Bank will likely be closely watched by analysts and investors alike, as it raises questions about the bank's future trajectory and the overall health of the Indian banking sector.