logo
Veteran investor explains why most investors fail in markets

Veteran investor explains why most investors fail in markets

India Today30-05-2025

Most Indian investors are chasing money using broken tools and false ideas, says well-known investor Shankar Sharma. In a podcast called Exploring Minds, he shared some hard truths about why many people fail to build wealth, even when the stock market is booming.THE BIG PROBLEM? LACK OF SELF-DISCIPLINEAccording to Sharma, what keeps investors from growing rich is not their skills, but their inability to be honest with themselves.advertisementHe said many fail to ask tough questions and instead rely on myths. He was critical of the belief that great investors can see into the future, dismissing it as an unrealistic myth.NO ONE TALKS ABOUT WHEN TO SELL
One of the biggest gaps in investment education, Sharma said, is the lack of conversation around when to sell. Everyone focusses on buying and holding, but no one teaches how to exit at the right time.'I was lucky to make money and was luckier to actually sell. So, self-discipline is extremely important no matter what,' he said.HIS SIMPLE RULE FOR SELLINGSharma advises that if an investment performs three times better than the market average within three to five years, one should consider selling.He described this strategy as data-driven, not a matter of intuition.DON'T FALL FOR THE LONG-TERM INVESTING HYPEadvertisementAlthough long-term investing is widely praised, Sharma believes it isn't always realistic. He pointed out that Warren Buffett earned most of his wealth after 60, which may not be useful for someone trying to cover expenses in their 30s.According to him, long-term investing only works when combined with strong self-discipline—otherwise, it remains just an idea.MESSAGE FOR YOUNG INVESTORSSharma cautioned young market entrants that without a global perspective, true market understanding may take decades.He attributed a major shift in his own career to the moment he stopped thinking locally and started approaching the market with a global mindset.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Can India's middle class invest where Dubai's billionaires buy homes?
Can India's middle class invest where Dubai's billionaires buy homes?

India Today

time32 minutes ago

  • India Today

Can India's middle class invest where Dubai's billionaires buy homes?

For a long time, Dubai looked like a rich person's dream, shiny buildings, luxury cars, no income tax, and homes that looked like something out of a felt like a place only for billionaires, Bollywood stars, and big business families. But things are changing now as more and more salaried Indians are asking the same question: Can I also buy a home in Dubai?advertisementRitu Kant Ojha, CEO of Proact Luxury Real Estate, said that the interest from Indian buyers has expanded beyond just high-net-worth individuals.'We're witnessing a strong inclination among Indian buyers for a diverse range of properties in Dubai. Apartments remain highly sought after, particularly those in well-connected areas with solid infrastructure,' he said. Demand is also rising for villas and townhouses in gated communities, especially among families looking for space and lifestyle COST: NOT CHEAP, BUT POSSIBLEFor most salaried Indians, the first concern is cost, and understandably so. While Dubai is often portrayed as a high-end real estate market, there are entry points that may suit higher-income middle-class explains that mid-range apartments in decent neighbourhoods often fall in the AED 1 million to AED 3 million range, or roughly Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 3 crore, depending on the location and such properties, a buyer usually needs to put down around 20% as down payment, plus 4% for the Dubai Land Department's registration fee. That means an Indian buyer would need to have around Rs 35–50 lakh in liquid savings to enter the market.'This is not for everyone,' Ojha cautions, 'but for dual-income families or professionals with long-term savings and financial discipline, it is doable.'FINANCING OPTIONS ARE OPENING UPWhile paying the full amount upfront is rare, Dubai's property market does offer multiple financing says, 'Non-resident Indians can explore mortgage options from banks operating in the UAE. Typically, these require proof of income and a valid passport. The loan-to-value ratio for NRIs ranges between 50% and 80%, depending on the buyer's financial profile.'An increasingly popular option is to go for developer-backed payment plans. These allow buyers to make staggered payments linked to construction milestones, or even continue paying in instalments has made Dubai more accessible to salaried Indians who may not have a large lump sum ready, but can commit to monthly Ojha warns that all payment plans should be studied carefully. "The terms can vary widely. Some look attractive on paper but have hidden conditions. A good advisor will break it down for you.'HIGHER RETURNS COMPARED TO TIER-2 INDIAN CITIESadvertisementWhile the upfront investment is certainly higher than, say, buying a flat in Lucknow or Jaipur, the returns in Dubai are significantly better, Ojha explains.'In Tier-2 cities in India, you typically earn 2% to 2.5% annual rental yield. In Dubai, even mid-range apartments fetch 7% to 10%, especially in expat-driven neighbourhoods. Capital appreciation is also strong—15% to 20% annually, and sometimes more depending on the area and market cycle,' he is also no personal income tax in the UAE, so investors don't have to worry about rental income or capital gains tax eating into their buyers must go in with open eyes. Apart from the down payment, buyers are responsible for several additional costs—4% registration fee, 2% brokerage commission, utility setup fees, and ongoing service charges which cover maintenance and building amenities. These costs can vary based on location, property size and factor is the exchange rate risk between the Indian Rupee and the UAE Dirham. Although the Dirham is pegged to the US dollar and stable, any weakening of the rupee can increase the overall cost of investment for Indian YOU PICK DUBAI OVER TIER-2 INDIA?Ojha says that for a buyer purely focused on returns, Dubai has clear advantages.'Dubai has better infrastructure, a safer legal environment, and much better rental yields. The 2040 Urban Master Plan also promises long-term development and stability," he explained. That said, he does not recommend jumping in without preparation. 'This is an overseas investment, and with that comes complexity. Currency risk, legal compliance under RBI's remittance rules, and property management need to be understood.'For first-time Indian investors from the middle class, Ojha offers simple but important advice: 'Find a trusted, RERA-certified advisor. Don't get carried away by glossy marketing. Start with a research-driven approach.'He recommends visiting Dubai in person if possible, choosing investment-focused properties with strong rental history, and being clear about your goals, rental income, capital gains, or future believes that for the right kind of salaried Indian, with savings, financial discipline, and a long-term view, Dubai is no longer out of reach.'Many of my clients start with one investment and come back for more,' he concluded. (Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)Must Watch

Don't even drink Royal Challenge: DK Shivakumar denies rumours of buying RCB
Don't even drink Royal Challenge: DK Shivakumar denies rumours of buying RCB

India Today

time32 minutes ago

  • India Today

Don't even drink Royal Challenge: DK Shivakumar denies rumours of buying RCB

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied rumours that he plans to buy the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team.'I'm not a mad man. I've been a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association since my younger days, that's all,' he said. 'I don't have time for this, though I did get offers to join cricket management. I don't even have time for my own educational institution, I resigned and left it to my family do I need RCB? I don't even drink Royal Challenge,' he said to news agency indicate that Diageo Plc, the British liquor giant that owns RCB through its Indian arm, United Spirits Ltd, is considering selling a part or full stake in the team. According to sources cited in the report, Diageo has begun early talks with advisers and is weighing options, including a full sale. The company is reportedly looking at a possible valuation of up to 2 billion dollars for the team. However, no final decision has been made, and the discussions are still Shivakumar's comments come just days after a stampede at an RCB felicitation event in Bengaluru left 11 people dead. He also said that Karnataka is now working on a crowd management policy. Earlier on Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court questioned the state government on whether any Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) had been put in place to handle crowds of 50,000 or more at sporting events or similar large-scale IN THIS STORY#Karnataka

MG Windsor, India's Best-Selling EV, Inches Closer to 30,000 Sales Mark
MG Windsor, India's Best-Selling EV, Inches Closer to 30,000 Sales Mark

India.com

time38 minutes ago

  • India.com

MG Windsor, India's Best-Selling EV, Inches Closer to 30,000 Sales Mark

New Delhi – JSW MG Motor India today announced that the MG Windsor, India's best-selling EV, has surpassed the 27,000* sales milestone in a short span of just eight months. A consistent category leader since launch, the MG Windsor has continued to demonstrate strong sales momentum nationwide, reinforcing its market leadership. The recently introduced Windsor EV PRO with a larger battery and a host of other new tech and safety features, clocked a record-breaking 8,000 bookings within 24 hours of its launch in May 2025. In addition to metros, there is a strong demand for this intelligent CUV from emerging markets as well, with non-metros constituting almost 48% of its total sales. The MG Windsor has taken the Indian EV market by storm, capturing widespread demand and solidifying its position as a game-changer in the industry. In addition, the MG Windsor has been recognized with more than 30 awards, including the most coveted Green Car Award 2025 by iCOTY. The MG Windsor, India's first intelligent CUV, has disrupted the EV segment and emerged as a modern marvel in the automotive industry, capturing the combined essence of comfort, style, and technology. Offered with a starting BaaS price of INR 9.99L + INR 3.9/kms+, this CUV combines the expanse of a sedan and the versatility of an SUV. The MG Windsor delivers 100 kW (136ps) of power and 200Nm of torque. The MG Windsor features a futuristic 'AeroGlide' design, transcending the traditional concept of segmentation. Inside, the car is offered with business-class comfort that features 'Aero Lounge' seats reclinable to 135 degrees, providing utmost comfort. Additionally, the massive 15.6' GRANDVIEW Touch Display on the centre console provides an intuitive driving experience.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store