I asked my younger daughter Ruth, who is in 4th standard, a simple question:
“If I give you 3 eggs and ask you to consume 2, how many will remain?”
The expected mathematical answer is 1.
But her answer was 3—because she doesn’t like eggs.
Out of curiosity, I changed the question:
“If I give you 3 chocolates and ask you to consume 2, how many will remain?”
Her answer this time? Zero.
The question was mathematical, but the answer was personal.
This has a powerful parallel in investing.
Many investors assume that if an investment has delivered 15% p.a. over 10 years, it should give 15% every year in a smooth, linear fashion. But markets don’t work that way.
Returns are uneven. There will be periods of negative returns. And in those moments, personal biases, emotions, and expectations take over—often leading to panic and premature exits.
The real lesson:
Don’t expect financial markets to deliver steady, predictable returns year after year.
Instead, focus on:
- The quality of your portfolio
- Alignment with your risk profile
- Awareness of your personal biases
Over time, a well-constructed portfolio of quality equity mutual funds or stocks tends to reflect underlying earnings growth.
So next time, don’t just ask: “What returns can I expect?”
Ask: “Is my portfolio built on quality?”
At Naveen Rego Capital, our endeavor has always been to build portfolios that reflect not just market opportunities, but also the individual behind the investment.
Because at the end of the day, every investor is unique.
Happy Financial Planning!
Naveen Julian Rego – CFP®
MD & Principal Officer
Naveen Rego Capital
SEBI Registered Investment Adviser
Reg No: INA000019211
BSE Membership ID: 2178
Date: 10-04-2026
Disclaimers:
1. Investment in the securities market is subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
2. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BSE and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.
3. Financial products recommended by us which are under the jurisdiction of other regulators are beyond the scope of SEBI’s grievance mechanism.
