When we buy equities, we start looking at the price next day or next week. For many who call themselves investors,ong run is 1 month. But do you think the management of the business of which we buy shares really looks at their business growth in such a short period.
In equities, the rule of Farming applies. This basic rules states that -
1. You first have to sow a seed.
2. Keep watering it for it to grow.
3. Wait for some time with patience.
4. With passage of time, you will get fruits of your hard work and patience.
But when it comes to equities, we think that HAATHON MEIN HI SARSO UGTI HAI. We want good return in short time. How many of us really think of equities for long horizon? We keep Gold for generations. Grandparents go for bank fixed deposits for their grandchildren, but no one invests in share of banks, say HDFC Bank for their kid’s marriage. And, no one plans to invest in equity mutual fund for their retirement.
Fundamental Investing & Speculation
Equity give you two kind of return, one is speculative and another is fundamental growth. 95% of the investors in shares are here for speculative gain, that is gain from the short term price movement of shares. They start TIMING THE MARKET rather giving TIME IN THE MARKET. This approach for short term gains is the real cause of loss. Investment for long run is not only rewarding but also beats inflation by a good margin and creates wealth. Now think of Indian business or Indian Economy for next month, you will be clueless but think of it for next 5 years, 10 years. We know that you are aware of the answer.
Risk Involvement
Now people call equity risky. Unfortunately risk is not understood by many investors. In short run, risk is in volatility of price of underlying asset i.e., how much it can rise and fall given a period of time. But in long run risk is not volatility but the risk is to maintain the purchasing power of your money. Look at the price of petrol in last 30 years (in below chart) and then compare it with your return in FDs, Gold, Endowment or Money Back Plans. Why people don’t make money in Equities?
In the end, invest in equities, but as a long term investor and partner the Indian Growth Story.