Because Change Is The Only Constant

The 80s’ decade, in a way, has been a game changer for India as a nation. The economic environment then was one bound by the shackles of the License Raj. Businesses had to push through any means to get things done, rather than having the freedom to do what was beneficial for them. The result was a gap that gradually became a yawning gorge between governance and business – a chasm so wide that it led to a corrupt business environment, where backed by the force of money, anything and everything became possible.

It was an age where information was best described as secretive. One had to grease one’s way through the corridors of power to get even an air of something that could help in prudent business decision- making. Businesses suffered from a lack of economic intelligence, and growth was at the mercy of chance. It was precisely at this point in time that the Indian capital markets were also feeling the undercurrents of change that were to sweep through it.

That was when I first conceived and implemented the idea of Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ). The intention in coming out with something like DSIJ was only one – creating the right framework for market intelligence dissemination to all stakeholders. On one hand stood Corporate India in its nascent stages of growth, wanting to showcase its ability to drive the economy into the next orbit. On the other was the new-age investor, who was emerging from the shadows of traditional investment options to participate in a riskier but a more rewarding asset class that equity was conceived to be.

The challenge of meeting the expectations of a diverse set of stakeholders and bridging the knowledge gap that exists till date has marked DSIJ’s journey of 28 years. Cutting-edge research and winning recommendations apart, what has really helped us create a niche in a market is the trust placed in us by our readers.

Throughout these years, the economic scenario has undergone a sea change. Both on the global as well as the domestic front, the ever-changing economic cycles have taken us through peaks and troughs, even giving that intermittent scare of losing all that was at stake. From Harshad Mehta to Jignesh Shah, misgivings resulting from entrepreneurial greed have seen investors sink in fear. DSIJ has stood through all this like a rock, undeterred by the challenges of economic downturns and with its foot firm in the best of times, helping readers book profits on the investments they have made.

Change is the only constant, and the nation today stands at yet another cusp of change. What the nation awaits is a change in leadership, a change in attitudes of our politicians, a change in the levels and nature of corporate governance, and as a result, a change in the overall environment from one surrounded by gloom to a more optimistic one that will ensure all-round growth.

While I am certain that these changes are soon to happen, Dalal Street Investment Journal too is gearing up for these changes. Naturally, you would have realised this the moment the copy of the magazine got into your hands. While the look and feel transforms into an international class quality befitting the standards of our readers, the contents and analysis would further add an alpha to your investment returns. From merely guiding our readers on how to profit from investments, DSIJ today is taking the next big leap of faith in the journey of ‘Democratizing Wealth Creation’.

A demography represented by a fairly younger population with rising aspirational levels calls for investment advice that can ensure equal opportunity to all. Irrespective of the socio-economic level that you belong to, DSIJ’s mission will be to ensure that individuals across the board get an equal opportunity to make wealth. I am sure you would appreciate this initiative and changed attitude of your favourite magazine.

This issue marks a new beginning for us as much as it will for you. With the new year about to begin, we bring to you a most comprehensive portfolio suggested after considering the views and opinions of those who know the ins and outs of the markets. Investors would surely benefit from the insights that we have gained from our interaction with these market intermediaries, which has helped us in constructing a winning portfolio for 2014.

The tax season will be upon us soon, and it is time that you take stock of the best tax-saving options available. This issue tells you about the top five tax-saving schemes to invest in. While on one hand these schemes will ensure that you save on tax, on the other, the returns from these schemes are sure to light up your overall investment basket.

Do share with us your feedback on the design and presentation of contents. Rest assured that our regular columns that bring you winning recommendations have been retained for your benefit. The Choice Scrip this fortnight is PI Industries, a company into agro-chemicals and CRAMS, a combination of businesses which can surely be termed as the businesses of tomorrow. Trident Ltd., a textile exporter is our Low Priced Scrip recommendation. The growth potential of both these companies is well summarised by our research team. Invest now to reap the benefits in a year’s time.

We have a good number of expert panelists contributing with their thoughts on various subjects. Strengthening the team further is our Mutual Funds expert Mehrab Irani, General Manager – Investments, Tata Investment Corporation. There are also some very interesting insights being contributed by our Commodity expert, Naveen Mathur, Associate Director – Commodities and Currencies, Angel Broking. To help our readers ride not just the domestic boom but also the international bull, our global market expert Rudra Dalmia, Managing Director, Saxo Bank (India) chips in with some very hard core investment advice. Ahead in this journey, we intend building up our expert base to help you get the winning edge for your investment returns.

The best compliments for our work are always those that come from our readers. While I wish you all a very happy New Year, it will be the greatest encouragement for me and my entire team to hear from you on what you felt about the new, smart and invigorated Dalal Street Investment Journal. Please write back to me with your feedback at comment@dsij.in