Welcome 2023

Lessons from the year gone by and how to profit from them this year

- Agnisheik Chatterji & Ravi Banagere

Some years are decisive; and some, chaotic. Then there are a few that are disruptive. 2022 was one of them. The year started with a gentle breeze, blue skies and chirping birds as the markets purred and international mutual funds reopened their windows for new love. In a while, the breeze picked and a star fell somewhere in the heavens. Prashant Jain, the long-serving and seasoned chief investment officer of HDFC, stepped down after nearly three decades, closing a glorious chapter in India's mutual fund history.

Not long after, the wind got stiff and the power went out, as conventional investing wisdom got tested and long-term performing funds got bested. Finally, a storm started raging and the wintry chill sliced through the crypto universe.

In this year-ender, Value Research spotlights the disruptive moments through the four seasons of 2022: spring, summer, autumn and winter. We analyse them and present to you the lessons they carry for us in the long run. As we step further into 2023, these lessons will help you make wise investment decisions and avoid the mistakes of the year gone by.

Spring: Closure and reopening of international funds

In full bloom...for now

International funds closed for inflows at the start of 2022 and reopened during the middle of the year. But now with international equity in the doldrums, should you invest in them?

Do you recall Karun Nair, the batter of the triple-century fame, the second-ever Indian to score a 300 in Test cricket? The second ever! Well, his career was inexplicably, perhaps cruelly, cut short, as he represented India just three more times after achieving that feat. Last seen, he was playing for Mysuru Warriors in a largely obscure Maharaja T20 Trophy.