Sukumar Rajah
Chief Investment Officer (Equity), Franklin Templeton
Investment mantra: A level head and the ability to step back from the market and take rational decisions is the key to success in investing. An absolute focus on the investment objectives and team effort.
Best calls: Kotak Mahindra, Mico.
Calls that didn’t work: Too numerous to recount.
Top picks right now: Grasim, Reliance, L &T, Zee Telefilms (as on end-October 2006).
Advice to small investors: A person who can desist hum an weaknesses—greed and hubris, in particular—will succeed in life over the long run. Retain realistic return expectations after the recent rally and adhere to an asset allocation suited to your risk appetite.
Worst mistake they make: Investors tend to try too hard to “time” their investments right, whether in stocks or in other assets.What is really needed is adequate time for your investments to bear fruit; staying invested over long periods is more important than getting the timing right.
The one thing they must never forget: Keeping emotions out of investing and staying focused on the quality of funds and com panies one invests in.
