Timing the market has long been a subject of debate among investors. While some believe it is possible to predict market movements and enter at opportune moments, others argue that a long-term investment strategy, such as systematic investment plans (SIPs), can mitigate the impact of market volatility.
According to Prableen Bajpai, for long-term investors, the point of entry into the market may not significantly impact their overall returns. Historical data indicates that SIP investors have achieved returns between 11 to 13 percent, depending on their entry points. Bajpai emphasises that the long-term perspective enables investors to focus less on market levels and more on the growth potential of their investments.
“It is absolutely impossible to time the market. So entering the markets at elevated levels is fine but the strategy will vary depending on the levels at which one is looking to participate. If one goes back in history, over a longer period of time, the SIP investors' returns have been between 11 to 13 percent depending on the entry points in the markets. So for a long-term investor, the point of entry will not matter that much for your returns,” Bajpai said.
While long-term investors may benefit from a more relaxed approach to market timing, Bajpai underscores the significance of market levels for those making lumpsum investments. Lumpsum investments refer to a single, substantial investment made at a particular point in time. Bajpai illustrates this with an example from January 2008, when the markets were at elevated levels.
Bajpai highlights that investors who made a lumpsum investment in January 2008 experienced negative returns of 4 percent after five years, in January 2013. Even considering the subsequent years, until the present day, the returns stand at only 8 percent. While this is not a poor performance, it falls short of the higher return expectations typically associated with equity investments.
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The experience of lumpsum investors demonstrates that the timing of investments can significantly impact their outcomes. Investing at a peak market level, as observed in January 2008, exposes investors to a higher risk of initial losses and slower recovery periods. Conversely, investing at a lower market level could result in more favourable returns.
Bajpai advises lumpsum investors to carefully assess market conditions and exercise caution when making large-scale investments. While it may be challenging to accurately time market highs and lows, considering historical trends and seeking professional advice can help investors make more informed decisions.
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