Emotions and investing — how did you fare in 2012?

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Brijesh Damodaran: Dec 04 2012, 01:03 IST

History repeats itself and you are condemned to repeat history. This sounds disconcerting as well as comforting, depending on what side you are. The BSE Sensex has delivered year-to-date returns in excess of 24.5% as of November 20, 2012. The year began with pessimism of the extreme kind and equity was the last thing a majority of the investors had in mind. It was all fixed income and risk aversion, which ruled the roost.

In the 11 months of this year, equity delivered an absolute return, beating the fixed income returns by more than two times. As an investor and an advisor, I will refrain from making predictions. But I will advocate asset allocation, as a strategy which needs to be followed and implemented in your income generation and wealth creation journey.

Your behaviour in the year gone by It is said that your attitude determines your altitude. Similarly, your behaviour (emotional quotient) in the investment journey determines your success or failure in the journey of wealth creation. It is easier said than done and developing a strong inner strength requires an attitudinal shift. Why is it that as an retail investor, you always end with the tailwind of gains? Why is it that you enter the equity markets when the cream is already on the verge of finishing?

In the three months to March this year, the Sensex delivered an absolute return in excess of 12%. Now, at this time, some of the bravehearts would have taken baby steps and invested.

... contd.

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