Hard-earned money deserves respect: Investment decisions should not be based solely on YouTube videos, social media reels or sensational content, where views and engagement may take priority over investor interests. Long-term wealth creation requires discipline, patience, asset allocation and consistency. 1) Avoid emotional decisions. 2) Stay consistent. 3) Ignore unnecessary noise. 4) Focus on fundamentals. Protecting capital is as important as growing it. Before investing, ask whether the decision is based on logic and financial goals or temporary excitement.

As per market grapevine, despite economic growth, Indian equities have remained subdued due to valuations, slower earnings, FII outflows, higher rates and global uncertainty. In such an environment, stock selection becomes more important, with focus on companies showing strong earnings growth, promoter confidence, rising order books and improving fundamentals.

Volatility till December 31, 2026: Wild volatility could continue, with a possible sell-on-rise mood. Periods of uncertainty, fear and headline-driven moves may continue to test investor patience. The focus should remain on discipline, patience and perseverance rather than short-term market timing. Focus only on a select group of companies that are likely to report better Q2 results.

Astro junction: Rahu remains in Dhanishta nakshatra until December 5, 2026, while Saturn remains retrograde until December 11, 2026. As per this astrological view, volatility could remain high, with unexpected rises and sudden falls possible. Traders and investors should therefore remain cautious, avoid overtrading and leverage, and exercise particular caution with F&O, options and margin trading/MTF. Capital protection should remain a priority during uncertain market conditions. Focus on a few selected companies that are likely to report better Q2 results.

Friday night closing: Crude closed at 104.45, while Dow closed up 479 points, Nasdaq gained 129 points and S&P 500 rose 39 points. Gift Nifty was up 49 points at 23,237, signalling a mild gap-up opening in Indian markets on Monday, subject to weekend developments. Brent crude above $80 remains a significant negative for the Indian economy.

Blackrose is progressing its PAM solid project towards commercialisation and developing downstream acrylamide products, while the specialty amines project with Koei Chemical is under evaluation. The 200% interim dividend for FY27 is positive. Stock looks attractive at CMP versus all-time high of Rs.239.

Very big negative for equity and mutual fund investors: Goldman Sachs expects another Fed rate hike in October, while the Fed dot plot signals higher-for-longer rates, with 12 of 18 officials expecting another 25-bp hike by year-end. Continued rate pressure could weigh on equities and SIP sentiment over the next 2-3 months.

Big tension — quality smallcaps crash from ATH: Route Mobile is down 78%, Happiest Minds 79%, Clean Science 68%, Birlasoft 66%, IndiaMART 64%, Praj Industries 62%, Alkyl Amines 60% and many others 30-60%+. Even good businesses can deliver poor returns when bought at high valuations. Review investments every 3 months, focusing on both fundamentals and technicals.

Very big alert for F&O/options traders: SEBI studies show that many traders continue to lose money even after 3-4 years. Derivatives trading remains a high-risk activity and can significantly erode retail capital. Trade only after understanding the risks and suitability.

As per market veteran, shifting from loss-making stocks to businesses with better earnings visibility is painful, but short-term pain can support long-term gains. Quick profits may feel exciting, but steady compounding wins over time. Protect capital before chasing returns.