The Hindu Business Line : Money Talk

Mr Rohit Choodanath, a BE in Computer Science, is currently working with Symphony Services as a Senior Software Engineer. Travelling, trekking, blogging and astrology are his hobbies. In a chat with Young Investor, he shares his investing habits:

When did you start investing?

In 2002.

Which was the first stock you picked, at what age and did you make money on it? Any learning from that experience?

Ramco Systems, RCF and SAIL were among my first picks. The total amount I invested was Rs 10,000. I realised profits close to Rs 2,000. Ramco Systems turned out to be bad buy. It took close to one year to get into the green territory.

Have you followed any strategy for your finances?

Well, money was invested mostly before the declaration of results and withdrawn following announcement of results and declaration of bonus/dividend. For seasonal stocks such as RCF, I used variables such as progress on monsoon. For example, on news of a good monsoon, I bought stocks. On marginal returns, I sold them. Are you systematic in investing?

Not really. I kept moving surplus money to the stock market as banks give lower interest rates.

Do you entrust funds to a financial planner/portfolio manager or handle it yourself?

I do take advice from friends and professionals.

Best book on investing, if any.

Rich Dad Poor Dad series is a must read.

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Also meet Mr Pankaj Mohta, an MBA in Marketing who works as an Analyst with Infiniti Research. Anything on stock markets fascinates him. He enjoys reading business journals and watching cricket. In the long term, he intends starting his own business in the domain of finance. He shares his thoughts on investing in a Young Investor chat:

When did you start investing?

During my 12th Std.

Which was the first stock you picked, at what age and did you make money on it? Any learning from that experience?

Hindustan Lever. It gave very good returns — about 35 per cent for a holding period of six-eight months. I was 18, and it clearly taught me that fluctuation is part and parcel of the stock market but it is the fundamentally strong stocks that have the final laugh.

Have you followed any asset allocation pattern/strategy for your finances?

I am a believer of 50:50:50 rule, that is, if I invest Rs 50 in the stock market, reinvest 50 per cent of the profits back to the equity market and remaining 50 per cent in bonds.

Do you have any specific return expectations on your portfolio?

A return of 50 per cent would keep me happy

Do you entrust funds to a financial planner/portfolio manager or handle it yourself?

I do it myself.

Mutual funds performance that you are impressed with...

SBI Magnum Mid Cap and HDFC Tax Saver.

Any Investment Gurus whose investing styles have impressed you?

Warren Buffet

Best book on investing, if any.

The Essays, of Warren Buffett.

Your general view on investing in equities.

Equities as a class of investments should certainly be in the thinking list; however one is advised to begin with an expert's advice before embarking upon a journey.

One often hears about people losing their fortune during the turbulent times, but if we dig deep, their investment patterns are more on speculations and rumours than sound analysis. As such one should not be carried away by such hearsay.

Radhika Kamath

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