A visit to markets for Diwali shopping
I have been doing market surveys during Diwali days for the past many years. Visits to various retail & wholesale markets in Delhi NCR and other nearby towns would usually provide useful insights into the latest economic conditions, consumer behaviour and consumption patterns. I could factor in these insights in my investment strategies to rebalance my portfolio in congruence with the latest socio-economic conditions. I cannot claim that my assessment of latest market conditions, as deduced from my observations and interactions with the market participants, have always been correct; though I would say that these insights provided clarity to my thoughts and enhanced my confidence in my portfolio. As usual, I have visited more than 50 retail (including shopping malls) and wholesale markets in NCR, Agra, and Jaipur in the past three weeks. What I observed this year is unprecedented. I have never been so confused in my reading of consumer behaviour. The footfalls in the market were per...