Category: Personal Finance

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

Want to Be a Better Investor? Study Failures, Not Just Successes

We’re all drawn to success stories—the investor who bought Amazon early, the fund that doubled in a year, the stock that turned rags into riches. But here’s a simple truth: success can be misleading. What often gets ignored are the countless failures that didn’t make the headlines.

Mohnish Pabrai, a well-known value investor, credits much of his investment approach to “cloning” the greats—Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger—not just by following their successes, but by deeply understanding their mistakes. Why? Because mistakes teach far more than wins ever will.

Success often carries the risk of survivorship bias—we see only what worked, not the thousands of similar bets that failed. On the other hand, mistakes follow patterns. Panic selling, chasing hot stocks, falling for “this time it’s different”—these behaviours have repeatedly destroyed wealth across generations and geographies.

Studying failures develops what psychologists call defensive pessimism—not negativity, but a realistic mindset that anticipates risks and builds resilience. The most successful investors aren’t flawless—they’re just better at avoiding big blunders. They don’t try to predict the future; they protect against predictable errors.

So, before you jump on the next big trend, pause and ask: What went wrong for others in similar situations? You’ll gain an edge—not by finding the perfect investment, but by avoiding the obvious traps.

💡 As Buffett says: Rule No. 1 — Don’t lose money. Rule No. 2 — Don’t forget Rule No. 1. Studying mistakes is the best way to follow both.

Personal Finance

• NRI wins capital gains tax case in Delhi High Court regarding sale of Rs 2 crore property despite Rs 46 lakh tax demand notice: An NRI faced tax issues after a property sale in Pune for Rs 2 crore. The buyer used the wrong TDS form (26QB), causing problems. The Income Tax Department issued a tax demand notice of Rs 46 lakh. The Delhi High Court intervened, directing the department to correct the TDS records. The court ordered a tax refund computation for the NRI. To know more Read here
  
  
• How to switch health insurance without losing benefits: Insurance regulator allows you to switch health insurers without losing benefits like waiting period credits and bonuses. Here’s how to port your health policy for better features and fewer claim rejections. Read here
  
  
• How to plan for regular holidays abroad: Want to travel every two years without guilt or financial stress? Discover the smart system that helps you fund 20 epic holidays—without compromising your big goals. The secrets in the step-up strategy—click to see how it works! Read here
  
  
• The Separate + Joint Method: How My Spouse and I Manage Our Money: Pooling everything? Keeping it separate? We found a smarter third way. It’s simple, fair, and gives us both freedom and shared purpose. Six months in—and we’re closer than ever. Curious how it works? Click to read our full story. Read here

Investing

• For Diversification from Stocks, Cash Has Made a Good Case for Itself: New data from Morningstar shows cash—not bonds—was the real hero during recent market shocks. With correlations shifting and traditional diversification tools faltering, it’s time to rethink your safety net. Click to discover which assets protect your portfolio—and which ones are secretly riding the same roller coaster as stocks. Read here
  
  
• 5 reasons long-term investing beats day trading: Dreaming of quitting your job to day trade? Here’s why that’s a fast track to stress and losses. Long-term investing builds real wealth—with less risk, more sleep, and beach days instead of burnout. Want to know why traders rarely win? Read here

Economy & Sector

• How formal staffing can drive India’s job quality and economic growth: India’s job crisis isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. As informal work dominates, the formal staffing industry emerges as a game-changer. By bridging skill gaps, formalising employment, and supporting MSMEs, it can drive productivity, stability, and inclusive growth. Can staffing firms reshape India’s workforce future? Read here
  
  
• India’s share in global exports touch 3% on booming services: India’s share in global exports rose to 3% in 2023 from 2.2% in 2010, growing at 6.3% annually—the fastest among major economies, says UNCTAD. Driven by booming services, resilient trade policies, and strong manufacturing, India’s exports reached $825 billion in 2024-25. Read here
  
  
• How Geopolitical Headwinds Are Casting a Shadow Over India’s Economy: India’s economy faces rising external risks—from crude oil shocks to rare earth shortages and trade tensions. Experts warn of policy limitations, even as India eyes global manufacturing shifts in its favour. Read here

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

Let Go of the Losers, Not Just the Lovers

Your portfolio isn’t just numbers on a screen—it’s a diary of decisions, emotions, and sometimes, denial. We’ve all been there: clinging to that one stock that once made us feel like a market genius, even though it’s been bleeding red for months. Why do we hold on? The answer lies in behavioural finance, not spreadsheets.

Enter the Disposition Effect—our brain’s twisted way of locking in gains early and holding on to losses out of hope or pride. Add loss aversion to the mix (we hate losing money more than we enjoy making it), and suddenly that “potential comeback” stock becomes emotional baggage.

And it doesn’t stop there. Through mental accounting, we view each stock like a separate story arc: the hero, the underdog, the tragic flop. But portfolios should be more like playlists—cohesive, goal-driven, and periodically refreshed.

Here’s your action step: Run a quarterly “exit audit.” Strip away the nostalgia and evaluate each investment afresh. Ask: Would I buy this today? If not, it might be time to cut the cord.

In investing, as in life, sometimes the most powerful move is knowing when to walk away. Closure isn’t found in hope—it’s built through discipline.

Personal Finance

• 6 financial behaviours you should unlearn by 40: Ditch these 6 money habits by 40: save before you spend, talk openly about finances, don’t rely on one income, and stop thinking more pay or quick ownership equals success. Smart money moves now = lasting freedom later.Read here
  
  
• Warren Buffett’s 5 Frugal Spending Habits Everyone Should Copy: Warren Buffett proves that wealth is built by smart habits, not luxury. He still lives in the same house, buys used cars, clips coupons, avoids debt like the plague, and always saves before spending. These five habits show that frugality isn’t about deprivation—it’s about long-term freedom. Steal his strategy. Read here

• Instant loan for self-employed: All you need to know before borrowing via instant loan apps: If you are self-employed in India, getting a personal loan from a bank can be difficult. Freelancers, shop owners, consultants and gig workers often find it tough to get loans because their income is irregular and there is too much paperwork. Thankfully, instant loan apps are making it easier. Read here

Investing

• Lost Decades are Even Rarer Than You Think: Lost decades sound scary, but consistent investing over time (DCA) helps smooth the ride. Even during market slumps, most investors still beat inflation. History shows that staying the course with a balanced portfolio often wins—fear fades, but compounding endures. Read here
  
  
• Hidden cost of Fund of Funds that you should know before investing: Generally, when you invest in a mutual fund, the Total Expense Ratio (TER) is deducted from the fund’s assets. However, in the case of Fund of Funds (FoFs), you have to effectively pay for two types of expenses. Read here

Economy & Sector

• India’s economic growth is not inclusive. It is a concentrated accumulation of wealth: India’s economic rise hides deep inequality. While GDP grows, wealth is concentrated among elites, and most Indians struggle with poverty, hunger, and joblessness. True growth must prioritize dignity, equity, and justice—not just impressive numbers and global rankings. Read here
  
  
• Indian Economy is Moving “Ahead,” Leaving Poor Behind! India’s poverty statistics may look optimistic, but millions still can’t afford two meals a day. Rising joblessness, slum demolitions, and farmer suicides reveal a darker truth: economic growth is bypassing the poor. Progress without inclusion is just a mirage. Read here

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

RBI’s Latest Rate Cut – What It Means for Your Money

On June 6, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) surprised the markets by slashing the repo rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 5.5%. This marks the third rate cut of the year and the sharpest since the COVID-era emergency cuts in 2020.

So, what does this mean for you?

First, borrowing just got cheaper. If you have a home loan, car loan, or are planning to take one, this could be great news. Lower repo rates mean banks will reduce lending rates, which translates to lower EMIs. For example, on a ₹50 lakh home loan, your monthly instalment could drop by a few thousand rupees—real savings over the long run.

Second, the RBI also reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points to 3%, boosting liquidity in the system. Banks now have more money to lend, and we may see a surge in credit availability, especially for small businesses and retail borrowers.

However, RBI has kept its policy stance ‘neutral’, signalling that this may not be the beginning of an aggressive rate-cut cycle. Inflation remains a concern, so don’t expect a series of back-to-back cuts.

Stay informed and let your money decisions align with the changing winds of policy.

Personal Finance

• RBI repo rate cut by 50 bps: What fixed deposit investors should do now: The RBI slashed the repo rate to 5.5% and CRR by 100 bps, aiming to boost growth amid low inflation. FD investors face falling returns, urging a shift toward smarter strategies like laddering, bonds, and diversified investment options. Read here
  
  
• Can I achieve 10 Crores in 15-20 years if I can invest Rs. 75K a month? At 32, a consultant with ₹12L in equity and ₹75K/month to invest wants to hit ₹10Cr in 15–20 years. Should it all go to equity, bonds, or split 50:50? Read here
  
  
• Buying a house in your 40s or 50s: Which is the smarter financial move? A 53-year-old jobless Redditor sparked debate by living stress-free in his ₹2 crore home, bought debt-free. His advice? Delay homebuying, invest early, avoid FOMO. Financial experts echo: timing, stability, and discipline matter more than rushing into EMIs too soon. Read here

Investing

• What’s the Best Withdrawal Strategy in Retirement? Navigating retirement? This article explores smart withdrawal strategies—from the classic 4% Rule to flexible, guardrail, bucket, and income-only methods. Each has pros and cons, but the best plan depends on you. Discover how to spend wisely—and sleep soundly—in retirement. Read here
  
  
• Started investing in your 40s? Keep these 5 crucial factors in mind: Investing in your 40s requires disciplined planning, risk management, debt control, and smart asset allocation to build wealth, support future goals, and secure a stress-free retirement. Read here

Economy & Sector

• At a crossroad: India cannot claim to be a powerful economy in terms of inclusive growth in the way the US or Germany or Japan can. India still contains a large informal sector with growing economic inequalities. Read here
  
  
• The critical importance of Census 2027 for India’s economy: The national Census provides the fundamental statistical basis for all other types of surveys and analysis in the country. In other words, the Census is a reality check for the country — a look in the mirror without which a self-portrait is not possible. Read here
  
  
• ​India to become world’s 4th largest economy: A giant GDP leap, but for whom? Is this growth inclusive? India’s rise to the world’s fourth-largest economy reflects impressive growth, but questions of inclusivity, equity, and per capita progress remain. Read here

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

Diversification Isn’t Just a Numbers Game

Owning ten mutual funds doesn’t mean you’re diversified. It just means you own ten mutual funds. The real question is—what’s inside them?

Sameer, like many educated investors, thought his portfolio was balanced: no direct stocks, no rash bets, just a clean selection of top-rated mutual funds. But a lazy weekend audit opened his eyes. The same five stocks—HDFC Bank, Reliance, ICICI Bank—popped up across multiple schemes. Different wrappers, same contents.

What looked like diversification was duplication.

Here’s the kicker: mutual funds don’t operate in isolation. Many fund managers chase the same market darlings. So, when you spread your money across schemes, you might just be stacking more of the same risk.

And it’s not just about domestic overlap. Some funds sneak in international exposure too—without you even realising. One Sameer-owned fund had Swiss chocolates; another had American chips—tech chips, not potato ones.

Lesson? You can’t diversify by delegation alone. You must look under the hood. Read the fund factsheet. Study the top holdings. Understand sector and geographical exposure.

Because real diversification isn’t owning more—it’s owning different.

So don’t be dazzled by variety in fund names. Be alert to similarity in their guts. The portfolio that feels safe might actually be fragile.

Stop confusing volume with wisdom.

Start investing with your eyes open.

Personal Finance

• When will salaried employees get Form 16 to file income tax return for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)? Form 16, a crucial TDS certificate for salaried employees, must be issued by June 15 if tax was deducted. While not mandatory without TDS, it eases ITR filing. Employees can’t download it—only employers can issue it via the TRACES portal.Read here
  
  
• Why has insurer denied death claim in father’s debit card? Many debit cards offer accidental death insurance, but claims are denied if no qualifying purchase transaction occurred within 90 days. ATM withdrawals and UPI don’t count. Always check terms—lack of clarity often leads to unfortunate claim rejections.Read here
  
  
• How the proposed 3.5% US remittance tax could hit savings for NRIs, visa holders: A new 3.5% US excise tax on remittances by non-citizens could begin January 2026, impacting H-1B, F-1, and green card holders. Each transfer abroad may cost more, urging immigrants to rethink financial strategies and remittance timing. Read here

Investing

• SEBI notifies new F&O rules: What investors need to know about new derivative trading limits: SEBI revamps F&O rules, linking position limits to stock free float and delivery volume to curb frequent bans. Index option limits are raised, intra-day monitoring begins, and a pre-open session is introduced to boost transparency and price discovery. Read here
  
  
• Why You Don’t Lose Money in Bonds (If You Wait Long Enough): Bond losses are often misunderstood. If held to maturity, individual bonds guarantee nominal returns despite interest rate changes. Bond funds, however, reset duration daily, exposing investors to ongoing rate risk. For safety, choose short-duration bonds—or simply wait it out. Read here

Economy & Sector

• India is set to be the world’s fourth-largest economy — but sustained growth will warrant more reforms: India is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, driven by a young population, rising consumption, and growing tech and manufacturing sectors. However, challenges like infrastructure gaps, slow reforms, and income disparity must be addressed to sustain long-term growth. Read here
  
  
• Finance Ministry instructs RBI to ensure gold loan rules do not adversely impact small borrowers: The Ministry of Finance urged RBI to ensure new gold loan rules don’t hurt small borrowers, recommending implementation from January 2026. It suggested excluding loans below ₹2 lakh and addressed concerns about loan-to-value limits and borrower documentation, following Tamil Nadu CM’s objections. Read here
  
  
• ​India-US trade deal nears the finish line—final talks are set for early June: India and the US aim to finalize a bilateral trade deal by late June, addressing tariffs and strategic interests. Negotiations focus on complementary strengths, opening sectors, and boosting trade amid shifting global dynamics, with India poised as a key market and producer. Read here

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

****
That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.