The rapid growth of Indiaโs retail investor base is undeniable. Gen Z professionals, technology employees, and first-time investors are entering the markets influenced by:
โข Low brokerage platforms
โข Free trading tips
โข YouTube content creators
โข Social media return narratives
Access to markets has become easier than ever.
However, access is not the same as advisory.
A concerning trend is the increasing emotional nature of investment decisions. Many investors act based on momentum, excitement, or influencer sentiment rather than structured analysis.
The 2026 silver rally offers a case study. As prices approached โน4 lakh per kilogram, retail buying intensified. Optimism was widespread.
However, during the structural peak on January 29, very few mainstream brokerage platforms or online influencers issued time-bound correction warnings.
After the subsequent decline, demand for advisory spiked.
This reflects a deeper structural issue:
India has strong trading participation but limited disciplined advisory adoption.
Brokers facilitate transactions.
They are not fiduciary advisors.
Content creators generate awareness.
They are not accountable for portfolio risk.
Wealth creation requires:
โข Valuation understanding
โข Risk management
โข Institutional data tracking
โข Emotional discipline
โข Structured exit strategies
The market punishes emotional timing.
It rewards systematic thinking.
Perhaps the larger question for Indian investors is not about which platform to use, but whether they have a structured advisory framework in place.
Without it, access becomes activity โ not wealth creation.
โ
Satya Santosh
Market Analyst