New Delhi, May 2 -- Turbulence over Trump tariffs and the terror strike in Kashmir have darkened the mood for Indian investors buffeted by months of volatility, leaving them scrambling for answers: Does the road get rockier in the next three months? Are there any signs of comfort at all? What happens to initial public offerings (IPOs) after last year's frenzy? And will gold outperform equities again this year, after 2024?

To gauge the market's pulse, we surveyed 30 investment professionals-analysts, economists, research heads, and fund managers-between 22 and 30 April. Their verdict: There is no escape from volatility, but in a bleak global setting, India might emerge as a bright spot.

This is the third in a new Mint series of quarterly...