New Delhi, June 24 -- Umeshkumar Mehta, CIO of SAMCO Mutual Fund, expects no significant positive surprises on the earnings front, which may keep market momentum in check. Talking to Mint, Mehta shared his views on the Indian stock market, key challenges and the sector he is positive about. Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:

We expect benchmark indices to deliver single-digit growth for the year.

The modest performance of the Nifty 50 in the first half was largely driven by a slowdown in corporate earnings.

Looking ahead to the second half, we do not foresee any significant positive surprises on the earnings front, which may keep market momentum in check.

Adding to the subdued outlook is the overhang of geopolitical uncert...