Will jet fly high again?
One positive impact of Covid-19 pandemic for me is that it has
increased my productivity significantly. I am saved from excruciating travel,
which many times is completely unnecessary and avoidable. I am able to devote
the time, money and energy saved from travel to useful and productive tasks. I
am reasonably confident that this positive impact of the pandemic may sustain in
foreseeable future also.
In last two days, I did video meetings with five corporate
managements, located in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bengaluru. In
pre pandemic era, I would usually travel to meet companies for understanding
their businesses. A one hour meeting in Bengaluru would mean, waking up at 3AM
to catch a 6:50 flight, and reach home by 10PM. No longer is the case. I logged
in at 3:58PM for a 4PM meeting from the comfort of my home; and was done at
5:10PM, well within time for the evening tea with my wife. Saved, Rs15000,
20hrs of time, 1500 calories, and stomach ailment from eating out.
There is no doubt that I would like this arrangement to continue in post pandemic era also; and limit my work related travel to only
“unavoidable” category. Also, I have absolutely no reason to doubt that there
are numerous other people who are happy with the present arrangement and would
like this to continue.
Now, this thought brings me to some recent uber bullish analysis
on airline and hospitality stocks, and sharp run up in the prices of a defunct
airline, which hopes to start its operations in 15-18 months. I need to assess
whether I would increase my leisure travel significantly to compensate for my
lesser work related travel.
Is Tesla, Lehman of 2021?
Michael “Cassandra” Burry, the trader who made a fortune by
taking a massive short bet on subprime credit during 2007-08 mania; and
inspired a best seller book (The Big Short, Michael Lewis, 2010) and a block
buster movie (The Big Short, Adam Mckay, 2015), has been a role model for many
traders. I have seen many young traders aspiring to emulate Lewis’s conviction
in his analysis and make big money. Michael is reportedly short in the stock of
Tesla, Inc. after the stock bent ballistic, gaining 800% in past one year. He
has reportedly stated that the stock price of tesla will “collapse”.
I am not sure how many young aspirants are emulating Burry on
Tesla, but one thing I know for sure – if Burry is right then Tesla will not
fall in isolation. It will bring the entire market down, like the Lehman bros
did in 2008.
Too good to be true
Not long ago, social media and TV channels were hyper busy
analyzing the potential beneficiaries of the Covid-19 vaccine and its
logistics. Few large pharma companies, a logistic company, couple of glass
manufacturers, air conditioning companies, an airlines etc were widely
discussed as likely beneficiaries of this once in a century opportunity.
Well, two unlisted Indian entities have started to ship the
vaccine this week. They do not require -80°C temperature to store and transport
the vaccine. The vaccine is being procured exclusively by the government at
controlled rate and apparently being provided free for now.
In the investing world, usually, the things that sound too good
to be true are actually not true!
Alibaba getting nationalized?
As per media reports, Jack Ma, the founder of online retailer
Alibaba, is missing for past two months, after he had highlighted some problems
with the Chinese financial system. Many observers who keep a watch on Chinese
developments have suspected that he might have been in custody of Chinese
authorities. There are reports that the Chinese government may be planning to
nationalize Jack Ma's Alibaba and the Ant Group.
The Chinese government has been reported to say, "Based on
tip-offs received by the State Administration for Market Regulation in recent
days, the administration will be investigating Alibaba for suspected
monopolistic activities." (see
here)
The truth may be known only few months (if at all). However,
since there is no official word about the whereabouts of the legendary
entrepreneur, the doubts are getting stronger. This is a strong reflection on
the true colours of the Chinese model of free enterprise.
It may sound little sadistic, but I see this as an opportunity
to aggressively push India as an alternative investment avenue; though some
radical steps to promote ease of doing business would be a prerequisite.
Governments are pro
reforms, regardless of party in power
The incumbent government led by BJP has implemented (or
attempted to implement) many legislative, administrative and policy reforms,
which the party had opposed vehemently when it was in opposition. GST, higher
FDI limits in trade and industry, disinvestment of strategic and profit making
public sector undertakings, and labour laws etc., are some of the examples.
This highlights that the “governments” in India are usually pro
reforms, regardless of the party in power. This needs to be remembered in next
elections.
