Value Research Online

When 'this too shall pass' doesn't

Sat, 16 May 2026 10:10:05 +0530

Most crises damage sentiment. This one damages things. Physical refining capacity, not just prices, is being destroyed. Here is why the usual stay-the-course advice needs a caveat.

The day even HDFC said no to gold

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:41:52 +0530

Gold ETF inflows crashed 87 per cent in 90 days. The PM, the government and HDFC Mutual Fund reached the same conclusion in 72 hours. Here is how to rebalance your gold allocation now.

Process vs Randomness

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:22:00 +0530

Nassim Taleb says markets are too random for financial models, and uniform systems make rare crises deeper, wider and far more dangerous in markets globally.

Read the signal, not the list

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:18:36 +0530

PM Modi’s seven appeals signal pressure on the rupee, imports and gold, offering investors clues about all policy moves and market risks in the economy now.

The Omaha show is over

Sat, 09 May 2026 10:00:00 +0530

With Warren Buffett off the Berkshire stage, an era ends. Here’s my reflection on missed chances, investing lessons, and how the magic of Omaha is fading away.

Beware of 'professional' advice

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:42:00 +0530

Most of us would think that taking advice from investment professionals like brokers & advisors would be a good idea. We would be right in seeking advice, but wrong in blindly following it.

The straight-line trap

Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 +0530

People are often quick to dissect complex market systems in the pursuit of patterns and loopholes. Here’s why long-term investing doesn’t need that so much.

The great investor theory

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:05:00 +0530

Do great investors consistently beat markets, or do overarching trends drive returns? Here’s a sharp look at skill, luck and investor overconfidence today.

The stolen crystal ball

Sat, 02 May 2026 10:00:00 +0530

Viral posts call SBF a visionary for backing Anthropic and Cursor. But the real lesson isn't about picking winners – it's about holding capital that is yours.

Comfort is expensive

Fri, 01 May 2026

Markets rebound after the US-Iran ceasefire, but the real lesson lies in investor behaviour. Learn why waiting for clarity often means paying more and missing better opportunities.

Less news is good news

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:32:00 +0530

Following financial news too closely can harm investors. Here’s why ignoring short-term noise leads to calmer and smarter investment decisions over time…

Nothing ever happens

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0530

A bot that bets 'No' on everything outperforms 84 per cent of Polymarket traders. The same logic explains why SIPs beat active traders and why doing nothing wins.

Risk perceptions

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:04:00 +0530

Why humans misjudge risk, overreact to rare events, and make poor investing decisions. Learn to rely on data, not vivid stories, for smarter choices daily.

Debt vs Equity

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:15:00 +0530

Stop chasing markets. Use smart asset allocation and rebalancing to balance debt and equity, avoid market timing mistakes, and build stable long-term returns.

What's in a name!

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:01 +0530

Two MAAF funds can hold anywhere from 20 to 70 per cent in equity yet carry the same SEBI label. Here is how to look past the category name and understand what you actually own.

What's your risk tolerance?

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:36:00 +0530

Most investors can’t handle losses. Build portfolios around time horizons, and to stay invested, rebalance, and avoid panic. This is key to building wealth

When incentives work against investors

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0530

Why financial problems persist isn’t a mystery. Follow the incentives behind F&O losses, insurance mis-selling, and advice to see what really drives them..

Institutionalised mistrust

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:51:00 +0530

Why investors must build mistrust regarding institutions, question incentives, & protect themselves from biased financial advice given by so-called experts.

Accounting fiction

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 10:45:00 +0530

Investors confuse booking profits and losses with reality, leading to poor decisions. Understand emotional cycles and avoid costly accounting illusions.

The joys of inefficiency

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:46:00 +0530

Do markets always reflect reality? Explore the limits of EMH, investor instincts, and why inefficiencies in emerging markets can create real alpha chances.