Search
Advertisement
How to choose best stocks? Should you buy penny shares? The STF Formula Explained | EXCLUSIVE

How to choose best stocks? Should you buy penny shares? The STF Formula Explained | EXCLUSIVE

The STF Philosophy EXPLAINED by Stock Market Expert Pradip Halder: S for Sentimental (Psychology) | T for Technical | F for Fundamental.

Business Today Desk
Business Today Desk
  • Updated May 15, 2026 8:12 PM IST
How to choose best stocks? Should you buy penny shares? The STF Formula Explained | EXCLUSIVE"If you are investing in any stock, you should at least check: Revenue and Profit After Tax," says Stock Market Expert Pradip Halder. (Pic: AI generated image for representational purposes only)
SUMMARY
  • Use STF formula: Sentimental, Technical, Fundamental analysis.
  • Follow 'Knowledge Before Lakshmi' rule; learn before investing.
  • Avoid penny stocks due to promoter and compliance risks.

How to choose best stocks for multibagger returns: Pradip Halder (SEBI Registration number INH00006126), Founder and CEO of PHD CAPITAL, in a exclusive conversation with Business Today Television in the Daily Calls show, advised stock market investors on how to choose best stocks. He also suggested 'STF' formula, 'Dhanda-Banda' rule and 'Knowledge Before Lakshmi' concept to pick best stocks.

Advertisement

The Dhandha-Banda Rule by Stock Market Expert Pradip Halder

"If you are looking for value, you must view the stock market as a business. If you are investing in any business, you should first understand the business—because when both the "Dhanda" (business) and the "Banda"  (person/management) are right, only then will it make sense to you."

"You are investing in stocks priced at 80 paise or 1 rupee. In fact, there are many stocks below 15-20 rupees where people think if they invest, they will eventually make money if it performs even slightly like Suzlon. I still see people investing in Vodafone Idea; I still see people chasing R Power; I still see people running after Yes Bank. Somewhere, these stocks have no current future."

Advertisement

How to choose best stocks for long term?

According to Stock Market Expert Pradip Halder, if you are investing in any stock, you should at least check:

Revenue: Has it been growing at an average of 12% to 15% for the last 5 years?

PAT (Profit After Tax): Is it fundamentally growing at an average of 12% to 15%?

If it is, then definitely invest. Sometimes, like when I gave calls for Style Bazaar or Nippon India Life, there are fundamentals behind them. You can decide price action through Technical Analysis, but you will understand the actual value of the company through Fundamental Analysis.

The STF Philosophy EXPLAINED by Stock Market Expert Pradip Halder

Halder's personal philosophy is STF:

Advertisement

S for Sentimental (Psychology)

T for Technical

F for Fundamental

"If you look at things with a bit of sentiment and psychology, you will understand. If you know a little technical analysis, it can be better for you. For the last two weeks, I have been saying: come where there is strength. Where there is no strength—including the stocks we discussed in the show today—I have said "No" to 80% of them. And "No" means "No," I can’t do anything about that," Pradip Halder said.

"I use this STF philosophy for the personal model portfolios I manage. If Techno-Funda is combined with Psychology, the chances of making money in the market can increase significantly."

Should You Buy Penny Stocks? Pradip Halder answers

"Stocks trading at 1, 2, or 5 rupees, you don't know who the promoter is and there are multiple compliance failures. Think about it: if your age is 45-50 years (which is the case for the majority of our viewers), don't just think for yourself. Think about what you will leave behind for the next generation—your son or daughter—when they are 15-20 years old.

Advice on fund allocation:

If you have 100% funds, 60-70% should be in safe assets.

Advertisement

Use 30% for swing trades.

 

Asset Category Allocation Purpose
Safe Assets 60% – 70% Wealth preservation and stability
Swing Trades 30% Active growth and market momentum
Penny Stocks 0% Avoided due to compliance and fundamental risks

 

'Knowledge Before Lakshmi Rule' for choosing stocks

"However, the timing and which advisor you follow is very important. As I said last week, swing trading and breakout trading are not for everyone. You need to understand that. There is nothing before learning. I always say that before calling Goddess Lakshmi (Wealth), you must call Goddess Saraswati (Knowledge). If you don't do that, it will be difficult for you," Pradip Halder said. "Learning is a very important thing. Do that, and work in the market by mixing Techno-Funda and Psychology."

 

WATCH FULL CONVERSATION here:-

Disclaimer: Business Today provides stock market news for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

FAQs

  • +

    How can investors choose the best stocks for multibagger returns according to Pradip Halder?

    Pradip Halder says investors should treat stock investing like buying a business. They should first understand the company’s business and management, and then check whether revenue and PAT have grown by around 12% to 15% on average over the last five years.

  • +

    What is the Dhanda-Banda rule in stock market investing?

    The Dhanda-Banda rule means both the business and the people running it must be strong. If the company’s business model is sound and the management is credible, the stock becomes more meaningful for long-term investment.

  • +

    What is Pradip Halder’s STF formula for stock selection?

    STF stands for Sentimental, Technical and Fundamental. It combines market psychology, technical analysis and fundamental analysis to improve the chances of making better investment decisions.

  • +

    Should investors buy penny stocks for quick returns?

    Pradip Halder advises avoiding penny stocks, especially those trading at very low prices with weak compliance and unclear promoters. He believes many such stocks do not have a strong future and carry high risk for investors.

  • +

    What is the Knowledge Before Lakshmi concept for stock market investors?

    This concept means learning should come before chasing wealth. Halder says investors must first build knowledge, understand trading styles like swing or breakout trading, and then apply a mix of techno-funda analysis and psychology in the market.

Published on: May 15, 2026 7:22 PM IST
    Post a comment0