Tweet Buster: Contra investing and Indian market’s next trillion dollar

NEW DELHI: The week gone by was full of action in India’s financial world, what with global legend Warren Buffett’s Berkshire taking exposure to India’s startup sensation Paytm, the rupee plumbing new low and the economy putting up a world-beating performance!

On Friday, India reported June quarter GDP growth at 8.2 per cent, surpassing all projections and restoring the growth rate to levels posted during the UPA-II government. The timing has not gone unnoticed as it happened close on the heels of a raging UPA growth vs NDA growth debate.

Dalal Street’s hyper-active twittereti, however, chose their topics, and words, carefully, focusing on money making and the art and science around it.


Let's first focus on how this Indian startup has found its place of pride in Buffett's kitty.

The business world was abuzz with news about Berkshire’s investment in Paytm. A lot of Dalal Street mavens hailed the move. But this tweet by Sandip Sabharwal raised eyebrows:


Are you, too, looking for this moat?

Value investor Safir Anand had something interesting to add about the valuation of Indian companies at a time when so many international businesses are looking to invest in India.


Anand also made a recommendation or two during the week. Take a look:


Sabharwal, on the other hand, has a unique contra bet to offer.


And since we are on the topic of contra investing, market veteran Shyam Shekhar drew an interesting analogy to explain what it actually means to go contra.


Shekhar seemed to be in pensive mood this week, at least that's what his Twitter wall reflects. From stock market tips, to #beatingbenchmark being the new mantra, he had a lot to share:





Smallcap czar Porinju Veliyath gave thumbs up to latest GDP numbers, even as he reminded of his previous forecast of similar growth. He is convinced that the Indian stock market can add another trillion dollar to its market cap.



As always, Samir Arora had some very witty observations to make with a dallob of sarcasm. This week, he targetted 'Fund Managers'.

If it's the thought that counts, then Samir Arora had a brilliant one:


And then, a relevant point to make about how fund managers in India believe in being cryptic than direct, in stark contrast to how things are done in the US.


To top it all, here's a thought that might stay with you this weekend.