Shankar Sharma's Guide to Global Investing: "There's always a bull market somewhere!" on The India Opportunity Show
A contrarian, independent and global macro-thinker shares the keys to the kingdom
Hello everyone, welcome to The India Opportunity Show where you get a front-row seat to people building India’s future. We talk about unlocking the potential of the country with founders, investors, creators, and successful leaders from different fields to bring you real-life stories and behind-the-scenes of what it takes to be at the forefront of building the India Story.
Episode 16, Season 2 of The India Opportunity Show is out now! You can watch it on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
My guest today is a man who needs no introduction to anyone who’s followed the Indian markets over the last three decades. Shankar Sharma is one of the most iconic and contrarian investors in India — a true original in the world of capital allocation. From spotting the tech boom of the early 2000s to making bold macro calls before they were mainstream, he’s built a reputation for timing, clarity, and fearless contrarian thinking.
He was previously the Managing Director of First Global and is now building GQuant — a firm that blends AI, quant, and deep market insight to create a new model for investing. He’s also an articulate, razor-sharp voice on television and in print, unafraid to challenge consensus or offer uncomfortable truths.
This is not just an investor who bets on companies. This is someone who understands the currents of history, policy, and human psychology — and invests accordingly.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:02:47 – What factors led you to exit India & US markets?
00:12:21 – How should investors approach global macro opportunities?
00:19:54 – Why are markets rallying despite geopolitical chaos?
00:26:44 – Will we see major bear markets again?
00:28:14 – Can investors still expect 15–18% annual returns?
00:35:07 – What frameworks should investors follow to play defense?
00:36:08 – Why not pick stocks? Can index investing work globally?
00:37:44 – Where did the “4am stocks” theory come from?
00:42:02 – Can you share real examples of your big contrarian bets?
00:44:53 – What are some unloved spaces that you’re betting on today?
00:47:37 – How do you decide when it’s time to sell a stock?
00:51:14 – Isn’t Buffett’s success just consistent compounding?
00:52:31 – Why do you say sitting on cash is a viable long-term strategy?
00:55:19 – Why do you believe most investors don’t deserve their profits?
00:57:03 – Any final thoughts you’d like to leave the audience with?
01:17:40 – What is one money lesson you learned the hard way?
01:18:30 – What’s one money lesson you think every Indian must know?
01:19:28 – What’s your biggest investing regret?
01:20:09 – What’s one book you’d recommend on money or investing?
01:20:55 – What’s your guilty pleasure?
01:21:10 – What’s a personal finance habit you still struggle with?
01:21:40 – If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
01:22:33 – One line that describes your relationship with money?
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Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.