'Given that India underperformed emerging markets by 28 per cent in 2025, the worst performance in over 30 years, the timing of the sharp STT hike could have been better.'
'When markets go into a budget with excessive optimism, the risk of disappointment is higher.'
'The primary market's rhythm mirrors investor confidence. While sentiment may appear cautious, it reflects maturity, not weakness.'
'The outlook for the next Samvat is more constructive, as many of the earlier drags are gradually becoming supports.'
'For most investors, I recommend a low double-digit allocation (10 to 12 per cent) to gold and silver combined.'
'The world is heading into a period of serious problems, and gold and silver are among the few ways to protect oneself.'
'Indian markets may underperform global peers for the next two quarters.' 'But beyond that, India should catch up and resume its long-term growth path.'
'If nominal growth improves and earnings pick up, Indian stock markets could see a rally next year.'
'A balanced portfolio mix of domestic and international equity, fixed income, and precious metals is recommended.'
'From tariff tensions and border skirmishes to unrest in West Asia.' 'The worst may be behind us. But any further upmove will now have to come from earnings.'
'As long as Sebi maintains transparency and market stability, the Jane Street episode is unlikely to deter long-term foreign capital.'
'Investors who remain calm, consistent, and disciplined through short-term volatility are usually the ones who benefit most in the long run.'
'We continue to view India as a standout within EM.'
'When you have the best market at your doorstep, international diversification is a distraction.'
'Right now, silver -- and especially platinum -- are very cheap compared to gold. If I were buying today, I would choose platinum.'
'Investors should continue with their SIPs, especially during market corrections.' 'For those looking to start new SIPs, beginning with large-cap funds is a prudent strategy, followed by flexi-cap and value-oriented approaches.'
'I am more optimistic about India than before.'
'This is also a time when you realise that short-term trading and dabbling in derivatives may result in financial losses.'
'2025 is the year to build a portfolio for the future. Focus this year should be on valuations and visible growth.'
'Geopolitics will be the most important driver of financial markets in 2025.'
'To be able to sail through such volatilities, it is prudent to focus on quality.'
'More investors now view the stock market as a valuable opportunity, though many still seek quick gains, leading to a rise in futures and options trading.'
'The biggest near-term risk to Indian equities is the outflow of investments to China as tactical trades by foreign investors.'
'Subject to any worldwide economic collapse.'
'Volumes in F&O trading had gone up rapidly and, in a way, the increase in STT on F&O will protect investor interest.'
'If you look at where inflation (headline and core) is today in India and where the rates are, there's clearly room to cut rates.'
'We are confident that over the next few years the government will strike a fine balance between populist measures and growth, and manage coalition partners well.'
'The long-term impact of elections is minimal.'
'Given the inherent volatility, investors should take at least a three to five-year view.'
'For experienced and risk-taking investors, now may be the time to go all in.' 'By 'experienced and risk-taking', I refer to those who remained net buyers in equities during the early stages of the 2020 pandemic.' 'On the other hand, those who exited the markets during the pandemic may go the SIP way.'
'We see mid-and small-caps as a real pot of gold.' 'From a 10-15 years perspective, mid-and small-cap are likely to outperform the larger index, as they have done in the past.'
'Valuations of midcaps and smallcaps have reached very high levels, and hence to that extent leave little margin of safety.'
'Rather than taking a very short-term view on the markets, equity investing should be premised on longer term growth opportunities.'
'More than investors, fund houses, and advisors have raised caution and limited flows on small-and mid-caps.'
'The main worry is lots of new investors coming into the markets in order to make a quick buck/easy money.' 'Those things are happening again and have happened in the past as well.' 'All that has led to problems.' 'We are not there yet, but will get there eventually.'
'We like certain stocks from banking, insurance, retail, hospitals and capital goods.' 'Though some of these stocks may seem expensive, they will compound well over the long term, thus justifying their current multiples.'
'It will dictate the flow of funds into the index. We will maintain caution on mid/smallcaps.'
'In case the El Nino pattern plays out negatively and/or the political situation becomes messy, we may see markets correcting and waiting for the situation to become clear by early/mid-2024.'
'The risk is in not being invested and missing out on an upmove.'
'Historically, equities have consistently outperformed debt, gold, property, and other assets over a reasonable period.'
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances