Wealth mindset coach Meghana V Malkan exclusively explained on ET Now Swadesh that while market volatility may feel unsettling, investors should remember that uncertainty is not new to financial markets. According to her, every market cycle comes with its own unique challenges, but volatility itself is not new when studied through market history. As reported by ET Now, Malkan emphasized that the bigger challenge is not only market fluctuations but also the emotional volatility investors experience alongside falling or rising prices, noting that "the graph of the market moves up and down, and our mindset moves along with it."
Malkan stressed that discipline acts as a shield during both market extremes, with discipline coming from having a clearly defined process. According to her, when investors have a process or method, their discipline becomes strong whether markets are at their highest highs or lowest lows. As reported by ET Now, she noted that investors often panic when markets fall and become overly confident during rallies, but discipline helps maintain stability during these periods. She emphasized that "the one thing that protects us from volatility is discipline over anything else."
The discussion touched upon the resilience shown by retail investors through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), with SIP inflows experiencing some moderation recently but not as severe as many market participants feared. According to ET Now, Malkan explained that this behavior reflects hope among investors rather than deep market understanding, noting that "people often see investing as a safe haven." She cautioned that investment decisions should depend on individual risk appetite and financial parameters, not on collective expectations.
Malkan emphasized that investment is a marathon requiring patience and strategic timing. As reported by ET Now, she stated that "investment is a marathon. There are times to sprint when market trends are in your favour, but there are also times when doing nothing is the best strategy." She added that "money is made by sitting and waiting, not by trading." This approach contrasts with what she described as "lazy investors" who make decisions based on rumors, social media tips, or hearsay without proper research.
Speaking about younger investors, Malkan noted that today's youth have a pro-learning approach and genuinely want to understand markets and investment behavior. However, she cautioned that excessive risk appetite remains the biggest challenge for young investors. According to ET Now, she warned that social media can become a major distraction, often glamorizing quick wealth creation and unrealistic returns. In closing, Malkan highlighted that "sometimes the real issue is not the market or strategy -- it is your wealth mindset," emphasizing that "Skillset may be 20 per cent, but mindset is 80 per cent."
