New Delhi – Market veteran Madhusudan Kela advised investors to prioritize wealth creation and disregard short-term market fluctuations, speaking against a backdrop of recent economic activity including the Union Budget and a significant trade agreement with the United States. Kela, managing director of MKVentures Capital, emphasized that volatility presents opportunities rather than threats.
“Thirty-five years of my experience, I have always put the blinders and focused on what truly matters from a wealth creation perspective,” Kela said, adding that market “noise… is what creates opportunity.” He likened the current market environment – marked by the Budget, the US-India deal, and swings in commodity and equity prices – to a period ripe for strategic investment.
Kela argued that consistent, long-term returns are rarely achieved by following prevailing market sentiment. “You rarely make money if you are with the crowd,” he stated, recalling instances where contrarian positions ultimately proved profitable. He illustrated this point with the example of silver, noting the disparity between current bullish forecasts and the lack of attention when prices were significantly lower.
Beyond navigating market volatility, Kela highlighted the importance of identifying strong Indian entrepreneurs. He believes the key to successful investing lies in recognizing leadership qualities – “resilience, perseverance and determination” – that enable companies to thrive despite economic headwinds. “Am I able to really identify a jockey… who will not obtain distracted? If you find that, that is the real winning idea,” he said, contrasting successful entrepreneurs with those prone to blaming external factors.
Kela observed a significant shift in the Indian equity market, noting the increasing participation of retail investors. He estimates that at least 13 crore Indians now view equities as a viable long-term investment. He underscored the power of compounding, emphasizing that consistent, disciplined savings invested over extended periods can generate substantial wealth. “That is the real power of belief in investing,” he said.
According to reports from February 2, 2026, Kela hailed the India-US trade deal as a positive development for the markets, describing it as a “true Diwali for the markets.” He believes that domestic investor confidence will continue to grow, regardless of foreign investment trends, unless a major unforeseen event disrupts the market.
The government is unlikely to deviate from its current fiscal path, continuing a growth-first approach, Kela indicated. This assessment aligns with expectations surrounding the 2026 Budget.