Fund Manager Trail

Nilesh Shah
Designation: Chief Investment officer, Prudential ICICI Asset Management
Been with: PruICICI since May 2004
Was with: Franklin Templeton India from 1997 till April 2004 as Fund Manager Debt
Investment style: Long term view backed by extensive research
Best investment advice: In July 2003, the advice given to investors to shift their investments from average debt instruments to hybrid debt investments like the monthly income plan MIP, which gives annual returns of 8 to 10 per cent
Worst call: Prediction in January 2004, that the interest rate will go up and the immaturity shown in not trimming the portfolio accordingly. We were blindfolded by the short term events 8211; comfort from RBI, steady liquidity, five-year bull run and monetary policy 8211; and did not take the right steps. The interest rates did blow up and our portfolios felt the pinch
Investment strategy: Since the parent is an insurance entity, every investment decision is taken with a long term view. Decisions are also a balance between hard work and luck. At times research has ditched, if luck is not a partner and at times decisions triggered according the developments in the market have worked in good favour, due to good luck. According to the performance grid, investments are made in good companies from good sectors

8220;Never expect any miracles in investments, as it is strict discipline that yields results. There is no substitute to early and regular investments as the power of compounding pays longer returns. The third most important criteria is asset allocation 8211; ensure the investments suit your risk profile8221;