Stock- An asset of great value in a longer run. My perspective.

When I hear the words "stocks" or "investment," the first two names that come to mind are:

1. Warren Buffett

2. Harshad Mehta

What intrigues me about both of them is their mindset and how they managed to think ahead of their time.

Imagine investing when you’re just 11 years old. While many of us were preoccupied with when our classes would end so we could play, Warren Buffett had already saved nearly $1,200 by the age of 14. And what he did with that money was even more astounding. He bought land with it. And just to give you some context, this was in the year 1944.

Harshad Mehta is also inspiring. Coming from a normal middle-class family, he started as a salesperson and quickly became fascinated by the stock market. Within a few days, he left his job to become a full-time broker. In just a decade, he became one of the most prominent stockbrokers. Despite some of his methods being controversial, I’m particularly impressed by the extensive knowledge he gained in such a short period.

Stocks are essentially a way for individuals to invest their money in a company after reviewing its performance over the years. It’s similar to lending money to a cousin; you would evaluate if they can use the money productively before deciding to lend it. Investing in stocks involves a similar evaluation, but instead of just lending money, you become a part-owner of the company and share in its profits.

At the end of 2019, I started working, and shortly after, the lockdown occurred. With more time at home, I developed an interest in the Indian stock market. After observing the market for a few months, I began investing. Fortunately, many stocks were at their all-time lows, which allowed me to buy shares at very low prices. Within a year, I saw a return of nearly 35% on my investments. Although I haven't had the opportunity to invest recently, I plan to do so in the near future.

During my research, I found that market trends can often be predicted by closely examining global markets. Investing principles are largely consistent across countries, and changes in one market can affect others in a domino effect. Many investors keep an eye on global trends to forecast future movements and make informed investment decisions.

Investing in stocks has been transformative for many individuals, especially those who invest for the long term. With relatively low risk and minimal ongoing management required, long-term investments in blue-chip stocks can yield significant growth. As exemplified by figures like Warren Buffett and Harshad Mehta, investing is not as complex as it may seem. With some research and the ability to bear risks, anyone can see their money grow.