Market outlook 2026: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Successful Investing

Everyone is worried about how the market will pan out in 2026. Many fund houses and brokerages have given a market outlook. I am always at a crossroads on how many equity analysts and institutional brokerage houses are able to predict the level of the Nifty or the Sensex one year down the road. More importantly, I have also seen investors generally ask you, "Market kya lagta hain?" but most will invest on the basis of past performance or only if the advice resonates with their thought process.

So let me also give some outlook on investing but unfortunately will leave the predictions to the experts. These are just some do's and don'ts of investing:

• Follow asset allocation
• Patience is a virtue. Rome was not built in a day. Let your investments nurture over time
• Avoid FOMO
• Be aware of taxation implications on your investments
• Do not chase alpha. Have your own realistic expectations
• Save more. Spend less
• Avoid credit card debt like the plague
• Seek professional help for investing unless you have full knowledge and can be hands-on
• Do not ignore overseas investment. Diversify into other geographies also
• Inflation is passe. What will hit you is change in lifestyle costs

So here is to Happy Investing in 2026!