What are the three things you learned in 2015?
Resist from making market predictions: On the back of a strong 2014, we started this year with a lot of optimism, which really didn’t carry through the year and we ended up marginally negative in terms of Sensex returns. It is really difficult to make such predictions and hence it is better to focus on individual companies and their outlook rather than focusing too much on the market outcomes.
Learning from mistakes: It is important to analyse the reasons behind our mistakes and make sure that we do not commit similar errors in future.
Power of listening: This is one of the important factors for being a successful portfolio manager. I am sure this habit would bring success in other areas of work as well.
Personally, I felt time management is very critical to keep the balance between professional and personal life.
Advice for budding fund managers
• Spend a lot of time researching companies and build conviction.
• Do not rely on news, investor activities, etc. while making investment decisions. Go by your own conviction.
• Be flexible in terms of your thought process. Do not get stuck to a particular line of thinking.
• Read good investment books.
• Do not react to news, spend some time analysing developments and then react.
The most memorable moment of 2015
The most memorable moment was when DSPBR Micro Cap fund size grew four times in 2015. The performance was well appreciated and this gave me a sense of satisfaction.
Your New Year resolution
My resolution would be to continue looking for good quality undervalued companies which could work well for our funds and investors at large.
