“Popcorn nahi, portfolio kharido”: A lesson in long-term thinking
In the same post, Goenka wove investing wisdom into his jokes. He likened a market downturn to a clearance sale for good stocks. “Jab prices girti hain, quality stocks clearance sale mein milti hai — lekin log panic mein underwear bhi bech dete hain! Jab market rally karta hai, toh portfolio bhi disco karne lagta hai,” he said.
He advised investors not to be reactive but to hold a long-term view: “Bas yaad rakho: Investing ka asli hero woh hai jo panic mein popcorn nahi portfolio kharidta hai. Long term socho, short term mat royo!”
Goenka’s metaphors struck a chord with many online. Several users praised the post for being both relatable and insightful, capturing the emotional swings investors often feel.
Broader market crash: What’s driving the drop?
The timing of Goenka’s remarks coincided with a severe slide in Indian markets, driven by a wide selloff across sectors. Alongside Axis Bank, other major laggards included Adani Ports, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Motors, and Tech Mahindra.
Analysts pointed to multiple factors behind the fall. Despite strong global cues, sentiment was hit by Tuesday’s terror attack, which has raised concerns about regional stability. “The potential headwind looming large on the horizon is the uncertainty regarding India’s response to the terror attack and its consequences,” said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.
Tailwinds vs Headwinds: Mixed signals for the market
At the same time, there are positive signals. Vijayakumar noted continued foreign institutional investment (FII) inflows totalling ₹29,513 crore over the past seven days. He also highlighted recent comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scot Bessent that “India is expected to strike the first bilateral trade deal with the US.”
These tailwinds, however, are being tempered by short-term anxieties, both domestic and geopolitical. The result is a market that seems as conflicted as the metaphors Goenka used to describe it—half Salman Khan, half Uday Chopra.
Beyond the numbers and headlines, Goenka’s message offered a rare moment of levity during a tense trading day. But his underlying point was serious: true investors look through the panic and stay the course. “Popcorn nahi, portfolio,” he reminded everyone, summing up a philosophy that’s equal parts humour and hard-earned insight.
With volatility likely to persist, his words are a reminder that in investing, drama is inevitable—but perspective is optional.
