Stock prices were on rise till Jan'18 with significant increase in retail investors participation during last couple of years. As many new investors get into stock market during such times, its always important for an individual investor to understand what is his/her investment profile and risk tolerance.
In 2018, with lot of pessimism building around equity market due to global factors, deteriorating of domestic macros with rise in crude oil prices, weakening rupee and liquidity crisis with IL&FS default, we have seen severe correction in broader market with Mid & Small Cap Index falling by more than 24% and 33% respectively from all times high made in January this year. Stock prices of many mid and small cap companies have seen a steep fall in the range of 30% to 60% or even more from highs made in beginning of this year. In such situation every investor looking to create wealth is confused whether to exit, hold or enter the stocks and at what levels to enter or exit.
We always suggest our members not to time the market and follow a disciplinary approach while investing in equities with medium to long term perspective. Its important to know, whether you would be able to hold on your positions in case stock market tanks? However, such severe corrections do not come very often and hence must be considered as buying opportunity to aggressively add on good quality stocks at discounted prices keeping a long term view. If you are a long term investor, its wise to be greedy when others are fearful.
Historical data indicates that most of the new investors get fascinated towards stock market to make quick bucks and finally end up loosing their capital as they cant hold on their stocks in case market corrects and sell out their stocks in a panic. Stock market is not a money making machine, you need not to be greedy on rising market or fearful when stock market falls, simply buy right and sit tight having sufficient patience with you to see your investment growing over a period of time.
We strongly recommend our members (who are new to stock market) to kindly go through our Asset Allocation Questionnaire to understand your investment profile and risk tolerance.
By answering 15 questions about your risk preferences, you can find out your investment profile and risk tolerance. This score will determine the asset allocation that best suits your risk preferences, you can use our simple excel workbook - Saral Gyan Asset Allocation Questionnaire which suggests the optimum split between cash, bonds and stocks.
Time has shown that smart investors have made their fortune by investing in equities in long term. None other asset class can match giving you such extra ordinary returns. Yes, its important for you to invest in right set of companies at right price with medium to long term perspective. If you think to invest in stocks for period of 3 months or 6 months, we suggest you to stay out of stock market because you are not investing, you are betting on volatility of stock market which could be risky.Wish you happy & safe investing!