Staying Invested in a Fast-Changing Market: Key Insights from Rahul Gupta at ICAI’s Regional Conference

India’s financial markets are experiencing a remarkable transformation, from record-breaking SIP participation to India becoming the world’s largest derivatives market by volume. At the recent ICAI EIRC 50th Regional Conference – Golden Jubilee, Rahul Gupta, Chief Business Officer at Ashika, shared powerful insights on how investors can navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence, discipline, and data-backed conviction.

India’s SIP Momentum

Rahul highlighted a striking shift in investor behaviour over the decades. “Earlier, around ₹6,000 crores used to come in at one time. Today, money is flowing in at levels far beyond that—SIP contributions have tripled over 40 years.”

What stands out is not just the inflow but the steadfastness of Indian investors. Even during major market corrections, including global events like COVID-19, SIP inflows barely dipped.

This signals a maturing investor base, one that understands that wealth is built systematically, not seasonally.

Why Long-Term Equity Still Wins: The 33-Month Golden Window

One of the most compelling data points Rahul shared came from historical US market data spanning 100 years:

• If someone invested consistently for 33 consecutive months, their returns were never negative.
• This was true even during major global disruptions like the 2019-2020 COVID period.
• This reinforces a timeless principle: Time in the market beats timing the market.

Derivatives: Understanding Risk 

Today, India accounts for 75% of global derivatives trading volume, making it the largest derivatives market in the world by volume.

But he also issued a caution:

• India now has daily expiry options, something even the US does not.
• These short-expiry instruments can be risky if traders don’t understand their temperament and risk appetite.

Derivatives are powerful, but only for investors who are disciplined, informed, and self-aware.

Retail Participation Is Booming

From a market-structure perspective, Rahul highlighted a staggering figure: Nearly 20 lakh new trading accounts are being opened every month in India.

This reflects a massive surge in retail involvement, driven by:

• Better access to market platforms
• Rising financial literacy
• Attractive long-term returns
• The digital transformation of stockbroking

Rahul’s Core Message to Investors

• Stay invested, stay consistent.
• Understand your temperament before entering derivatives.
• Let data guide your decisions, not emotions.
• Volatility is temporary; discipline is permanent.

Final Words

To empower investors with real-time market intelligence and expert insights, Ashika has launched an ongoing Live Webinar Series. Hosted by Rahul Gupta, these sessions are designed to give investors direct access to industry leaders, real-time market intelligence, and actionable strategies. 

In our recent webinar with Sunil Ramrakhiani, CBO of BSE, we had an insightful discussion on what’s driving India’s market momentum. Mr. Ramrakhiani shared expert perspectives on market growth, emerging opportunities, and how innovation is reshaping the derivatives landscape. 

Missed it? Watch the full webinar now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C3BSEB2OJc 

Upcoming Webinar

Topic: Decoding Market Trends: A Practical Guide to Smarter Trading Through Technical Analysis

Date: 12th December 2025; Time: 4:00 PM onwards

Speaker: Ravindra V. Rao, Founder – Arthavrksh

Host: Rahul Gupta, Chief Business Officer – Ashika

This hands-on session will cover:

• Reading market trends like a professional
• Identifying high-probability trading setups
• Using a scientific framework to reduce emotional trading

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