CAGR Insights – 2 May 2025

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

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat 

Mastering the Market – It’s All About Self-Awareness

In the world of investing, we often focus on charts, trends, and predictions. But the key to success is understanding ourselves. As market volatility rises, our psychological responses play a huge role in how we navigate market corrections.

Here’s why self-awareness is crucial in investing:

  • The Real Risk Isn’t in the Market, but in Our Minds: The market correction between September 2024 and February 2025 revealed that the difference between successful investors and those who suffered losses was often about self-awareness. It’s not about predicting the market, but about controlling our emotional responses.
  • Psychological Biases Are Dangerous: Fear, greed, overconfidence, FOMO, and herd mentality can cloud judgment. When prices fall sharply, we tend to chase speculative bets, ignore valuations, and get swept up in sector hype. These biases often lead to disastrous outcomes.
  • Overconfidence During Bull Markets: During periods of growth, psychological biases are often rewarded. But when markets turn, those biases are exposed. As Warren Buffett said, “Only when the tide goes out do we discover who’s been swimming naked.”
  • The Power of Emotional Control: To make better decisions, we must recognize and manage our psychological vulnerabilities. By identifying biases like FOMO, overexposure to micro-caps, or momentum chasing, we can avoid these traps and build a more resilient investment strategy.
  • Create a Framework to Protect Yourself: Don’t just rely on stock picks. Focus on processes that prioritize valuation, fundamentals, and long-term goals over short-term trends. This reduces emotional decision-making and helps maintain discipline, especially during market dips.
  • Self-Awareness = Better Long-Term Outcomes: The key to successful investing is not timing the market but timing our emotions. Recognizing our biases and implementing strategies to counter them is more valuable than any market forecast.

In summary, invest in your self-awareness—it’s the most powerful tool you have in protecting your investments from emotional decisions.

Personal Finance

  • How Sahil aims to achieve a 30-40X corpus in the next 10 years: Sahil tracks every rupee with precision—investing 70%+ of income, beating market returns with lower volatility, and growing his net worth 40% in FY25. He’s hit 10x expenses, but house prices worry him. Curious how he does it? Read here

  • 7 key lessons from John Bogle’s classic, ‘The Little Book of Common-Sense Investing’: John Bogle’s timeless wisdom in The Little Book of Common-Sense Investing champions low-cost index funds, long-term discipline, and diversification. Want to build lasting wealth without chasing trends or timing markets? These 7 lessons could change your game. Read here

  • Feeling the squeeze? These 5 money moves may help survive the sandwich life: Caught between caring for parents and kids? If you’re part of the ‘sandwich generation’, these common money mistakes could be quietly draining your future — here’s how to avoid them. Read here

Investing

  • Be Minimally Extractive: Jack Bogle revolutionized investing, saving everyday investors over $1 trillion through low-cost index funds and a philosophy of minimal extraction. His legacy reshaped the industry—click to see how Vanguard changed the game for your portfolio. Read here

  • What To Look for from The Fed’s May Meeting: The Fed may hold rates on May 7, but a June cut is in play. With U.S. inflation high, growth slowing, and tariff uncertainty rising, Indian markets are watching closely—could global cues trigger FII moves and impact your portfolio? Read here

Economy & Sector

  • Manufacturing to lead India’s $5 trillion economic growth: India’s manufacturing GVA is set to triple to $1.6 trillion by FY2034, fuelled by massive Capex, PLI schemes, and global supply chain shifts. With exports booming and sectors like electronics, autos, and chemicals surging, this is India’s big factory moment. Want to know which states and sectors are leading the charge—and how VCs are cashing in? Read here

  • India’s rising concert economy: A new era of live entertainment: India’s live entertainment sector just hit ₹12,000 crore in 2024—and it’s only getting started. With Coldplay’s Ahmedabad concert drawing 222,000 fans and creating a ₹641 crore impact, India’s cities are emerging as global live music hotspots. Can your city be the next concert capital? Here’s why investors, fans, and creators are tuning in. Read here

  • ​India’s service sector: The war horse gallops ahead: India’s service sector is the backbone of its economy, contributing 54.7% to GDP. As IT, fintech, and AI drive growth, shifts in the workforce and new challenges arise. How will India stay ahead in the global services race? Read here

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

  • CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.
  • CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

    Do check it out 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 – 25 Apr 2025

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

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat 

The Hidden Cost of Quick Wins: Why Skill Alone Isn’t Enough

India is hooked.

From living rooms to local trains, over 130 million people are glued to fantasy sports apps like Dream11 every day. These platforms raked in ₹6,400 crore in FY23—and that’s not even the full picture.

So, what’s driving this craze?

At the heart of it is something deeply human: our love for risk and the rush of a quick win. It’s the same thrill that’s pulling an ever-growing crowd into the high-stakes world of Futures & Options (F&O) trading. Because, hey—if you can turn a few hundred into a few thousand before lunch, why not?

Here’s why not.

Just like the flashy lights of a casino, both fantasy sports and F&O trading are brilliantly designed so the house always wins. Fantasy platforms skim a cut off every contest. In F&O, it’s even grimmer: SEBI reports 9 out of 10 retail traders lose money—usually to the brokers and institutional bigwigs who never play fair.

Both are paraded as “games of skill,” convincing users that with enough stats, strategy, or stock tips, they’ll beat the system. But for most, this belief is just a well-packaged illusion.

Think about it. You could spend hours analyzing cricket form or reading market trends… only to walk away poorer and more stressed. Meanwhile, those hours could’ve gone into leveling up your career, launching a side hustle, or building a rock-solid investment portfolio.

But here’s the kicker: the urge to gamble isn’t the enemy.
It’s natural—a leftover from our evolutionary wiring that once helped us survive. The real game? Learning to manage it.

Smart investors don’t pretend they’re above the thrill. They set aside a “fun money” fund—just enough to scratch the itch without bleeding their savings. The rest? They park it in boring, long-term, evidence-backed investments that quietly snowball over time.

And let’s not forget: fantasy gaming might burn a few hundred, but F&O trading? Thanks to leverage, it can wipe out multiples of your initial investment—sometimes overnight.

Thankfully, some fintech startups are catching on. They’re offering fantasy stock trading apps where you can test your chops without risking real cash. It’s like learning to drive in a simulator before hitting the highway. A small but solid step in the right direction.

As the legendary Charlie Munger said:

“The first rule of compounding is never to interrupt it unnecessarily.”

Bottom line?
Whether it’s cricket or capital markets, when you play their game, the house always wins.
The real winners? They know when to step off the table—and let their wealth do its thing, growing quietly in the background.

Personal Finance

  • Soon, you can withdraw up to Rs 5 lakh from EPFO account without manual verification: With an increase in the auto-settlement limit, the members would be able to automatically withdraw up to Rs 5 lakh instantly. At present, members had to wait for manual verification for advance withdrawal of amounts above Rs 1 lakh. Read here

  • How to spot a genuine Sebi-registered financial advisor and avoid scams: India has seen a rise in investment scams, especially targeting the elderly. To stay safe, always verify a Sebi-registered adviser, insist on a signed Letter of Engagement, avoid “guaranteed returns,” and never transfer money—RIAs offer advice, not transactions. Read here

Warren Buffett has a record amount of cash on the sidelines. Here’s how experts recommend balancing saving and investing: Warren Buffett’s $334B cash stash has everyone talking—but should you follow his lead? Experts say hoarding cash may hurt your returns. Discover why a smart 60/40 portfolio wins long-term and the right way to balance cash and investments! Read here

Investing

  • Sebi’s rule regarding NAV of overnight funds to come into effect on June 1: Markets regulator Sebi has carried out a change in cut-off timings to determine applicable net assets value (NAV) with respect to repurchase or redemption of units in overnight mutual funds.Read here

Give Now, Not Later: Most people would rather receive $250k at 30 than $1M at 50—because timing matters more than totals. This thought-provoking piece challenges traditional inheritance norms and explores smarter ways to give. Curious why? Click to rethink when—and how—you pass on wealth. Read here

Economy & Sector

  • Indian economy less vulnerable to global headwinds, says cenbank: India’s economy remains resilient amid global uncertainty, thanks to strong domestic demand, low inflation, and robust fundamentals. With opportunities from global supply chain shifts and FDI inflows, India could turn turbulence into triumph. Click to see why RBI is optimistic! Read here

  • IMF cuts India view cautions against global de-integration: India’s economy remains resilient amid global uncertainty, thanks to strong domestic demand, low inflation, and robust fundamentals. With opportunities from global supply chain shifts and FDI inflows, India could turn turbulence into triumph. Click to see why RBI is optimistic! Read here

  • India lifts 17 crores out of poverty, employment growth outpaces population: World Bank: In its report titled India Poverty and Equity Brief, the multilateral agency said that extreme poverty—defined as living on less than $2.15 per day—fell to 2.3 per cent of the population in 2022–23, down from 16.2 per cent in 2011–12. Read here

Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.


• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out 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- 17 Apr 2025

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

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat

Why Moving from Wealth Accumulation to Wealth Preservation Matters

In the early stages of our financial journey, the focus is clear—grow, invest, and multiply wealth. This is the phase of wealth accumulation, where risk-taking and aggressive strategies are rewarded by time and compounding. But as we move closer to our financial goals—retirement, children’s education, or legacy planning—the game changes. The priority shifts from “How much more can I make?” to “How can I protect what I’ve built?” This is the essence of wealth preservation.

Why does this shift matter? Simply put, time is no longer on your side. Market downturns that were once mere blips can now threaten your lifestyle and long-term security. Preserving wealth is about safeguarding your hard-earned assets from risks like market volatility, inflation, unexpected expenses, and even taxation. It’s a proactive approach—diversifying investments, rebalancing portfolios, planning for taxes, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage.

Wealth preservation isn’t about abandoning growth; it’s about finding the right balance. Your portfolio should still have some growth potential, but the emphasis is on stability, steady income, and risk management. Think of it as shifting from sprinting to marathon running—pace, endurance, and protection become the new priorities.

Remember, the journey from accumulation to preservation is not a sign of slowing down, but a mark of financial wisdom. Protecting your wealth ensures that your dreams, lifestyle, and legacy remain secure for you and your loved ones, no matter what life throws your way

Personal Finance

  • How to settle credit card payments without extra charges? 6 smart tips that work: Want to ditch credit card debt without wrecking your credit score? Discover smart, fee-free strategies like budgeting, balance transfers, and auto-pay. Build financial strength and avoid costly mistakes—click to take control of your money the smart way! Read here

  • Old tax regime vs new tax regime: Which one to pick as the new financial year kicks in. Check details: As FY26 begins, choose wisely between the old and new tax regimes—lower rates vs. higher deductions. The new regime is now default! Wondering which one saves you more?  Read here

  • Why buying multi-year policies in health insurance makes financial sense: Rising medical costs? Lock in your health insurance premium now! Multi-year policies (3–5 years) offer discounts, stability, and peace of mind—especially for young buyers. Avoid future hikes and enjoy tax perks too. Click to see why this strategy is a game-changer! Read here

Investing

  • The Price of Peace: Why Diversification is Difficult, but Necessary: Diversification won’t make you rich fast—but it will keep you from going broke. While a concentrated bet might outperform, a well-diversified portfolio cushions the blow when markets crash. Curious how the “optimal portfolio” stacked up against the S&P 500? Click to learn the true cost—and reward—of peace of mind. Read here

  • Patience pays: How long‑term investing works its magic: Investing in fundamentally strong companies at reasonable prices—and then simply holding on long enough – can work wonders for your wealth. The Long‑Term Growth Portfolio is built on this very philosophy: buy quality stocks, be patient, and let compounding do the heavy lifting. To understand why this approach leads to prosperity. Read here

Economy & Sector

  • Tariffs are just one weapon in a trade war: Global trade is set to contract by 0.2% in 2025 amid rising U.S.-China tensions, new chip export bans, and cancelled freight shipments. Markets are reeling—but trading desks are booming. Click to understand the full impact of Trump-era trade shocks. Read here

  • India eyes ending import tax on US ethane and LPG in trade talks, sources say: India is considering removing import taxes on Ethane and LPG from the United States. This move is part of broader trade negotiations with Washington. The goal is to reduce India’s trade surplus and ease tariff burdens. India may also eliminate import tax on U.S. liquefied natural gas. Increased U.S. energy imports could help India avoid heavier tariffs. Read here

  • ​Missing the target: On the economy, the Centre’s growth target: India’s industrial growth hit a 6-month low of 2.9% in February, dragged down by weak manufacturing and mining, and a sharp dip in consumer demand—despite easing inflation. Investment picked up, but global jitters and market volatility hurt confidence. Will India miss its 6.5% GDP growth target? Read here

Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out 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 – 11 Apr 2025

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

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat

policy stance serves as the guiding principle for decision-making by central banks, reflecting their priorities in balancing economic growth, inflation control, and financial stability. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regularly adjusts its monetary policy stance to address evolving economic challenges.

Types of Monetary Policy Stances:

  1. Accommodative Stance: Focuses on boosting economic growth by lowering interest rates and increasing money supply.

  2. Neutral Stance: Balances inflation control and growth, allowing flexibility to either hike or cut rates.

  3. Hawkish Stance: Prioritizes controlling inflation through higher interest rates and tighter monetary policy.

RBI’s Current Policy Stance (April 2025)

The RBI recently shifted its monetary policy stance from neutral to accommodative during its April 2025 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. This shift was accompanied by a 25 basis points (bps) cut in the repo rate, bringing it down to 6%.

Why the Shift?

  1. Easing Inflation: Retail inflation has moderated to around 4%, providing room for rate cuts without stoking price pressures.

  2. Slowing Growth: GDP growth projections for FY 2025-26 were revised downward to 6.5% from 6.7%, prompting the need for policy support to stimulate demand.

  3. Global Uncertainty: Trade tensions, US tariff threats, and global economic slowdown risks have increased uncertainty, necessitating measures to shield domestic growth.

Implications of an Accommodative Stance

  • Lower Borrowing Costs: Reduced repo rates will lead to lower interest rates on loans, encouraging borrowing and investment.
  • Boost to Consumption and Investment: Cheaper credit can revitalize demand in sectors like housing and automobiles.
  • Economic Resilience: By prioritizing growth, the RBI aims to counteract external shocks and maintain economic momentum.

Takeaway

The RBI’s accommodative stance reflects its proactive approach to addressing slowing growth while leveraging low inflation levels. This shift underscores the central bank’s commitment to fostering economic stability amidst global headwinds.

Personal Finance

  • What is a part payment in a personal loan? Benefits and drawbacks explained: Part payment helps cut loan interest and shorten tenure by reducing the principal early boosting credit too. But beware of prepayment charges! Want to save big on your personal loan? Read here
  • RBI circular: Banks should pay 8% interest to retired govt employees for pension payment delay: Retired govt employees to get 8% interest on delayed pensions—automatically credited! RBI’s new rule strengthens pensioners’ rights. Missed or late payments since 2008? You could be owed money. To find out if your bank owes you. Read here
  • UIDAI launches new Aadhaar app for simplified Aadhaar verification: Say goodbye to photocopies! UIDAI’s new Aadhaar app (beta) lets you share only what’s needed—instantly, securely, and with full control. From hotel check-ins to online verifications, it’s Aadhaar made smarter. To know how it protects your privacy Read here

Investing

  • How Long Does it Take for the Market to Recover? Markets fall fast but recover slowly—historically taking 4–9 years after major drops. While downturns are tough, they do end. Staying invested with realistic expectations is key. Remember: nothing lasts forever, not the lows… and not the highs either. Read here
  • Bear Market? Don’t Panic. Here’s How to Invest During One: Bear markets are short-lived downturns that often spark fear—but staying calm is key. With smart strategies like dollar-cost averaging, diversification, and a long-term mindset, investors can turn panic into opportunity and come out stronger when the market inevitably rebounds.Read here

  • Should you start investing in gold as global financial order shifts? Central banks are boosting gold reserves to hedge against inflation, geopolitical risks, and economic uncertainty. While gold offers security, it’s less predictable than equities. Experts recommend a balanced portfolio, with gold making up just 5-10% for long-term stability. Read here

Economy & Sector

  • RBI monetary policy: 6 key takeaways from MPC meeting: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday announced a reduction in the repo rate. The move comes at a time when global uncertainties, like ongoing trade tensions and a weakening US dollar, are creating pressure on economies around the world. Here are 6 takeaways. Read here
  • Microfinance: Its rising importance and relevance in the Indian economy: Microfinance in India, serving 80 million borrowers, has thrived despite crises like COVID-19 and demonetisation. With strong recovery rates and digital innovation, it’s bridging vast credit gaps. Discover how this resilient sector is bouncing back—again. Click to read more! Read here

  • Indian job market stays strong amid global uncertainty, Michael Page India: India’s job market thrives despite global uncertainty, fuelled by digital growth, STEM talent, and AI-focused upskilling. Booming sectors like cybersecurity and semiconductor design drive demand. Discover why global giants are betting big on India’s workforce.Read here

Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.


• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out 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.