Category: CAGR Insights – weekly newsletter curated by Kshitiz

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of web.

Index	22-Mar-24	15-Mar-24	Change
Nifty 50	22,097	22,023	0.33%
Nifty 500	19,995	19,825	0.85%
Nifty Midcap 50	13,330	13,346	-0.12%
Nifty Smallcap 100	15,057	14,847	1.41%

Gyaan Ki Baat

In the latest FOMC meeting concluded on March 20th, the Federal reserve decided to keep the interest rate steady. You would also have read articles saying that the dot plot still indicates that 3 rate cuts are on the table for 2024.

But, what is dot plot? And What is its implication?

It’s almost certainly the most closely scrutinized scatter chart in world financial markets.

The “dot plot” shows projections for the federal funds rate … a key short-term interest rate that can affect savings yields and consumer loan rates.

Each dot represents the view of a Fed policy maker for the rate’s target range at the end of each year shown. Markets generally focus on the median “dot” or projection.

The Federal Monetary Policy Committee meets eight times per year. In conjunction with four of those meetings—those held in March, June, September, and December—the committee releases its updated dot plot.

Think of the dot plot as a transparent window into the Fed’s individual guesses. You can use it to better understand what the Fed is currently thinking and what it might do in the next FOMC meeting. Read more.

Here’s the list of curated readings for you this week:

Personal Finance

• Insights on Investing, Optimism, and Intuition – Larry Siegel, CFA Institute Research Foundation director, discusses the importance of optimism, intuition, and education in investing during an interview with Morningstar. Read here.
  
  
• Unraveling the Time Zones of Microcap Investing – Early investments in microcap turnarounds require patience, conviction, and a willingness to hold through initial skepticism for long-term growth potential. Read here.
  
  
• Maximizing Efficiency – Navigating the complexities of task management and productivity strategies while emphasizing the importance of prioritization and maintaining operational capacity. Read here.

Investing

• SBI’s Smallcap Scheme Defies Market Rout – Despite having the most illiquid portfolio, it experienced the least damage to Net Asset Value during the recent small-cap market downturn. Read here.
  
  
• Mumbai’s Real Estate Outlook – The Mumbai real estate market faces challenges including excessive competition, inflated prices, and a shift towards branded players and payment plans amidst a slowdown in luxury sales and moderation in project acquisition. Read here.
  
  
• Nvidia: Leading the Innovation Revolution – CEO Jensen Huang’s vision and persistence have positioned Nvidia at the forefront of AI development, with its GPUs and platforms driving breakthroughs in robotics and automotive technology. Read here.
  
  
• Baskin Robbins’ Market Expansion Tactics – Expanding its presence in the Indian market by targeting premium hotels, diversifying its offerings, and leveraging synergy with Dunkin’ to enhance customer appeal and accessibility, contributing to its success. Read here.
  
  
• India’s Capex Boom – The rising prominence of PLI and emerging sectors in capex, driven by EVs, semiconductors, and electronics, underscores the importance of incorporating these themes into investment strategies for disruption-proof portfolios. Read here.

Economy

• From Lifelines to Vanishing Relics of History – Rapid urbanization and neglect led to the demise of Bengaluru’s once-thriving cascading lakes, which were essential for the city’s water needs and livelihoods. Read here.
  
  
• Tracing the Paths of Growth and Struggle – India’s economy faces a dual challenge of sluggish growth and widening income disparities aggravated by structural issues and global economic uncertainties. Read here.
  
  
• India’s Billionaire Boom – The wealth concentration among India’s top 1% has reached its highest level in six decades, surpassing even the income inequality of countries like Brazil and the United States. Read here.  
  
  
• Japan Ends Era of Negative Rates – In an unprecedented move in 17 years, Japan’s central bank raised interest rates, reflecting shifting economic conditions. Japan’s central bank raises interest rates for the first time in 17 years amid rising wages and inflation concerns. Read here.
  
  
• Reservoir Levels Hit Five-Year Low – India’s main reservoirs hit lowest March levels in five years, raising concerns over drinking water and power availability. Read here.
  
  
• India’s Rise to Upper-Middle Income – India’s expected transition to an upper-middle-income country by fiscal 2031 could significantly boost demand for discretionary goods like automobiles, driven by rising incomes and a shift in consumption patterns towards non-essential items. Read here.
  
  

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios here.

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of web.

Index	01-Mar-24	23-Feb-24	Change
Nifty 50	22,339	22,213	0.57%
Nifty 500	20,350	20,314	0.18%
Nifty Midcap 50	13,898	14,062	-1.17%
Nifty Smallcap 100	16,059	16,175	-0.72%

Chart Ki Baat

Note: NSE and BSE are conducting two special trading sessions tomorrow (02 Mar 2024).
Session 1: 9:15 AM to 10 AM
Session 2: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. (This is for FYI please)

Gyaan Ki Baat

“Legendary Warren Buffett’s Investing Rules”

Rule 1 : Never lose Money.
Rule 2 : Never forget rule no 1.
Rule 3 : Pick Businesses , Not Stocks : Looks for companies with strong history, dominant market position, and high profits. A good investment is one with growth potential and trading below its true value.
Rule 4 : A wonderful company at Fair Price vs a fair company at wonderful price : Buffett is a value investor who likes to buy quality stocks at reasonable if not rock bottom prices. His goal is to build a portfolio of stocks that will reward him with profits and capital appreciation in years to come.
Rule 5 : Our Favorite Holding Period Is Forever : Warren Buffet is the ultimate exponent of a buy-and-hold philosophy.
Rule 6 : Be Willing to Be Different : Don’t follow the pack. You want to follow popular opinion because you can’t know how or from where those opinions derive. They could often be without any real basis. Buffett has suggested following your own gut instincts if you’re going to trust any gut instincts at all.
Rule 7 : Avoid credit card debt : According to Warren-“The two biggest weak links because of which people fail are liquor and leverage – leverage being borrowed money.”
Rule 8 : Invest in What You Understand: Don’t place your money in an area where you’re “incompetent,” at least until you become competent.  Confine yourselves to businesses that you understand.

Here’s the list of curated readings for you this week:

Personal Finance

• History’s Whimsical Pace – Historical anecdotes offer intriguing perspectives on the passage of time and human achievement. Read here.
  
  
• A Cautionary Tale in Fintech – The Paytm-RBI conflict sheds light on the delicate balance between innovation and regulatory oversight in the fintech sector. Read here.
  
  
• The Key to Microcap Investing Success – Emphasizing the importance of patience and building relationships in microcap investing, advocating for thorough due diligence over rushed decisions. Read here.

Investing

• Six-Point Checklist for Evaluating Index Funds – Unveiling the 6 Key Traits of Best-in-Class Index Funds for Smart Investment Decisions. Read here.
  
  
• Navigating Uncertainty with the Margin of Safety – The Amgen case study highlights the importance of considering the margin of safety in investing decisions, as the company’s history of success was not entirely predictable, and minor assumptions can significantly impact future returns. Read here.
  
  
• Charlie Munger: Berkshire’s Guiding Force – Warren Buffett reflects on Charlie Munger’s pivotal role in shaping Berkshire Hathaway and outlines the company’s modest yet steady aspirations for the future. Read here.
  
  
• Unveiling the Power of Network Effects – Understanding the significance of network effects in driving exponential growth and profitability for companies across various sectors, while also acknowledging the associated risks and challenges. Read here.
  
  
• Assessing the NASDAQ’s Reflexive Bubble – Examining the potential reflexivity of the NASDAQ index amidst the rise of passive investing and the concentration of technology stocks, questioning the sustainability of current valuations in light of evolving market dynamics. Read here.
  
  
• Deciphering India’s Yield Curve Dynamics – Examining the implications of India’s evolving yield curve amid macro-economic transformation, emphasizing the importance of considering reinvestment risk and adjusting investment strategies accordingly. Read here.
  
  
• Sebi Mandates Enhanced Investor Safeguards – Sebi directs mutual funds to implement investor protection measures for smallcap and midcap funds amid concerns of market froth and potential risks during downturns. Read here.
  
  
• Ignoring Short-Term Noise for Long-Term Gains in the Stock Market – The S&P 500 has seen remarkable highs, but also significant lows, demonstrating the volatility and unpredictability of the stock market over time. Read here.

Economy

• Fading Fear of Inflation Paves the Way for Rate Cuts – The market’s belief in upcoming rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve is evident through two charts, indicating a shift from inflation fears to expectations of falling rates. Read here.
  
  
• India’s Tourism Potential – India’s tourism sector sees significant growth potential, boosted by government initiatives, technological advancements, and rising domestic and international interest, poised for further expansion in the coming years. Read here.
  
  
• A $10 Trillion Market Cap by 2030 – Mahesh Nandurkar, Jefferies’ Head of Equity India Research, predicts India will be the third-largest economy by 2027, with a market cap of $10 trillion by 2030, driven by continued reforms and a GDP expected to surpass that of Japan and Germany. Read here.

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios here.

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of web.

Index	09-Feb-24	02-Feb-24	Change
Nifty 50	21,783	21,854	-0.33%
Nifty 500	19,962	19,911	0.25%
Nifty Midcap 50	13,841	13,658	1.34%
Nifty Smallcap 100	16,269	16,278	-0.05%

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat

Corporate NPS is a great tool to save tax and systematically invest towards your retirement kitty!

Some companies offer you to have a part of your basic salary invested towards NPS. This is called Corporate NPS.
The contribution goes towards the same NPS kitty where you make your voluntary contributions but the tax benefit is additional.
The good part is that this tax deduction is available under the new tax regime as well.

So if your company offers this benefit, do consider opting for it.

Here’s the list of curated readings for you this week:

Personal Finance

• Unravelling the Hunt for Silver – The article analogizes the infamous Hunt brothers’ silver market manipulation in the 1970s with recent commodity speculation, highlighting similarities and lessons for contemporary investors.  Read here.
  
  
• The power of compounding over a long runway – Buffett’s philosophy advises against unnecessary interruptions, advocates for low-cost index investing, and encourages starting savings early for future wealth accumulation. Watch here.
  
  
• Navigating the Paytm Bank crisis – Safeguarding investments and understanding the impact on financial transactions. Read here.
  
  
• SEBI Takes Action Against Market Experts – SEBI orders 15 guest experts from Zee Business to repay Rs 7.41 crore in “unlawful gains” made by advising opposite market positions. Read here.

Investing

• Detecting Alarm Bells: Insights from Forensic Accounting Expert – In the Midst of a Booming Market, Forensic Accounting Specialist Ashwini Damani Shares Strategies for Identifying Warning Signs.  Read here.
  
  
• Cryptocurrency Surge and Regulatory Oversight – Cryptocurrency markets, notably Bitcoin and Ethereum, saw a significant resurgence in late 2023 attributed to a climb in market capitalization, while regulators aim to regulate stablecoin issuance. Read here.
  
  
• Investing in Turnaround Microcap Companies – The article draws parallels between investing in microcap companies and owning used cars, emphasizing the importance of identifying companies with solvable problems and capable management. Read here.

Economy

• India’s Interim Budget Signals Solid Macroeconomic Stability – potentially leading to increased private sector investment, enhanced bond market performance, and implications for RBI’s monetary policy adjustments amidst comfortable inflation levels. Read here.
  
  
• The Complex Dynamics of India’s North-South Economic Divide – The article highlights the economic disparities driving migration from impoverished northern and eastern regions to developed southern states, leading to political tensions and debates over tax distribution and population criteria. Read here.

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios here.

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of web.

Index	12-Jan-24	05-Jan-24	Change
Nifty 50	21,908	21,705	0.93%
Nifty 500	19,752	19,585	0.85%
Nifty Midcap 50	13,355	13,457	-0.75%
Nifty Smallcap 100	15,539	15,435	0.67%

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat

Social trading is a practice that integrates social media and online platforms into traditional trading processes, allowing investors to observe, follow, and even replicate the trading strategies of experienced and successful traders. This approach democratizes financial markets by providing access to insights, strategies, and real-time information that were once limited to professional traders.

Benefits of Social Trading:

Learning Opportunities: Novice traders can learn from experienced counterparts, gaining insights into successful trading strategies and market dynamics.

Diversification: Social trading allows for a diverse range of investment opportunities by providing access to various asset classes and markets globally.

Time Efficiency: Copy trading and real-time information dissemination save time for traders who may not have the resources to conduct extensive market research.

Inclusivity: Social trading promotes inclusivity by breaking down barriers and providing everyone with the tools to participate in financial markets.

Challenges and Risks:

Dependency on Others: Relying solely on the decisions of others without a comprehensive understanding of the markets poses risks.

Market Volatility: Financial markets are inherently volatile, and social trading does not eliminate the risk of market fluctuations.

Security Concerns: As with any online platform, security is a concern. Users must choose reputable social trading platforms to ensure the safety of their financial information.

However, it is crucial for users to approach social trading with a balanced understanding of its benefits and risks to make informed decisions in the dynamic landscape of financial markets.

Here’s the list of curated readings for you this week:

Personal Finance

• Retiring to Roots – A significant percentage of NRIs contemplating returning to India post-retirement, drawn by factors such as lower cost of living, quality healthcare, cultural ties, and attractive investment opportunities. Read here.

• Timeless Investment Lessons from 2023 – Lessons including the unpredictability of market forecasts, the risks of chasing highly valued stocks, and the importance of discipline, diversification, and ignoring political influences. Read here.

• PAYTM Founder Contemplations – Exploring the Entrepreneurial Odyssey of PAYTM Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma and the Future Landscape of Fintech in India. Watch here.

• An Author’s Wisdom on Writing – Tiago Forte, known for pioneering the concept of a Second Brain, imparts valuable lessons on writing, emphasizing the importance of note-taking, creation, and organization, ultimately aiming to improve ideas rather than merely save information. Read here.

• SEC Approval of Bitcoin ETFs Sparks Optimism – Major investment firms, including BlackRock and Fidelity, is expected to bring renewed life to the cryptocurrency market, potentially attracting $100 billion in institutional investments. Read here.

Investing

• Company MOATs that affect profitability – How various companies such as Coco Cola, FedEx have certain MOATs such as switching costs, intangible assets to improve their profitability. Read here.

• India’s PLI Scheme Propels Self-Reliance – India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme emerges as a catalyst for self-reliance, driving significant investments across key sectors like solar, pharmaceuticals, electronics, automobiles, and steel. Read here.

• Do active managers outperform indices? and How to save taxes using Section 54F? – In the 15th edition of “Bazaar ki baat”, apart from discussing the markets outlook, we discuss 2 special topics (i) Do active managers outperform indices (ii) How to save taxes using Section 54F of the Income Tax act. Watch here.

• A Self-Taught Entrepreneur’s Journey from Manufacturing to Equity Markets – Shyam Sekhar shares insights on becoming an investor, emphasizing the importance of value investing, surviving market challenges, and staying disciplined during market booms. Watch here.

• Cartoon Network’s Turmoil – Cartoon Network’s struggles, marked by a focus on reboots, late localization, and financial challenges, hinder its ability to explore, experiment, and adapt, raising questions about its future. Read here.

Economy

• India Expected to Lead Asia-Pacific in Salary Increments in 2024 – Indian employees are projected to receive the highest salary increments, with a median pay hike of 9.7%, highlighting the country’s economic resilience amid a global slowdown. Read here.

• India’s Transformative Journey – India has transformed its master narrative, marked by economic reforms, improved security, and tech innovations, resulting in significant achievements and a shift towards a more confident and determined national identity. Read here.

• India’s Capital Expenditure Surge – The Indian government’s sustained focus on capital expenditure has significantly boosted the rate of gross fixed capital formation, but questions arise about the sustainability of such levels and the impact of the impending Lok Sabha elections. Read here.

• Index Inclusion of Indian bonds – Bloomberg Index Services proposes the inclusion of eligible Indian bonds in its emerging market local currency index from September 2024, potentially leading to billions of dollars in inflows into the country. Read here.

• Indian Firms Boost Forex Risk in 2023 – Indian companies increase exposure to forex risk in 2023, relying on Reserve Bank of India’s stability measures amid a drop in forward hedging contracts for importers and exporters. Read here.

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios here.

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.