On Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Birth Anniversary, Here Are Top 10 Quotes From India's Ace Investor

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, a name synonymous with the Indian stock market, was born on July 5. Often referred to as the "Big Bull", Jhunjhunwala's investment prowess and sharp wit left an indelible mark on the Indian financial sector.

On his birth anniversary today, we revisit 10 of his quotes that offer valuable lessons for investors of all levels:

1. Always go against tide. Buy when others are selling and sell when others are buying.

2. You do not succeed without obsession.

3. Emotional investment is a sure way to make losses in the stock market.

4. Never run for companies that are in limelight.

5. Stock markets are always right. Never time the market.

6. Hastily taken decisions always result in heavy losses. Take your time before putting money in any stock.

7. Trading always keeps you on your feet, it keeps you alert. That's one of the reasons why I like to trade.

8. Prepare for losses. Losses are a part and parcel of a stock market investor’s life.

9. Respect the market. Have an open mind. Know what to stake. Know when to take a loss. Be responsible.

10. You cannot make profits in the stock market unless you have the ability to bear losses.

Born on July 5, 1960, into a Rajasthani family, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala grew up in Bombay, where his father worked as an income tax commissioner. He graduated from Sydenham College and thereafter enrolled at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

He earned his first big profit in 1986, when he bought 5,000 shares of Tata Tea at Rs 43 and the stock rose to Rs 143 within three months. In three years, he earned Rs 20-25 lakh.

His privately-owned stock trading firm Rare Enterprises derived its name from the first two letters of his name and that of his wife Rekha, who is also a stock market investor.

In his interviews, Jhunjhunwala had stated that he became fascinated with stocks as a child after watching his father balance his market investments. He made his first investment in the stock market in 1985, when he was 25 years old with money borrowed from a relative.

He had the reputation of being a risk-taker in his investments, many of which paid off spectacularly. He was described as an investor who has "acquired legendary Midas touch by picking winning stocks".

Jhunjhunwala had investments in more than three dozen companies, the most valuable being watch and jewellery maker Titan, part of the Tata conglomerate. His portfolio includes companies like Star Health, Rallis India, Escorts, Canara Bank, Indian Hotels Company, Agro Tech Foods, Nazara Technologies and Tata Motors.

He was also the chairman of Hungama Media and Aptech and was among the board of directors in firms such as Viceroy Hotels, Concord Biotech, Provogue India and Geojit Financial Services.

Jhunjhunwala died on Aug. 14, 2022, due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 62.