This article is work of fiction but it is an important lesson on how does a mind of investor work when he interacts with media. I have taken print media and a very well know newspaper ET Wealth Edition of 2nd April, 2018 to demonstrate the media bias and its after-effects. This is the reason we advocate to differentiate between information, knowledge & wisdom.

Let me tell you although I have chosen Economic Times, but in no way, I am undermining or blaming it for being irresponsible or accusing its writers & contributors. In fact, I respect them a lot. This is purely for investors to make them know how to tackle media bias.

Media Bias works subconsciously without even giving you a hint of irrationality.

So, the narration changes from here to Mr. Krishnakant, who is still 5 years from retirement and is a government banker. Over to him…

I am Krishnakant, and I am going to narrate you what I suffered on the morning of April 02, 2018. The new financial year, but we bankers will have a tough day due to annual closing.

Anyway, thank god I have mornings in my hand and I was with my mug of tea and my favorite newspaper ET Wealth Weekly in my hand. I wait an entire week for it.

My advisor, Madhupam, who is half my age often cites examples and images of these newspapers, so I thought I will be one step ahead of me.

So I opened it and I see the cover story:

I jumped with joy. Although my advisor Madhupam is maintaining a buy and I am continuing my SIPs, but I was worried inside. I thought if everything goes OK, I will be a better (rich) investor, but if not- advisor is here to take the blame. So serious things after…

The correction means opportunities… I was so happy to read that story with good graphs differentiating a fall, a bear phase & correction. I thought I should increase my exposure. My FD is maturing, I will negotiate hard with Madhupam, and invest in equity.

I felt like a winner already with that thought.

I turned pages and then I saw this…

Now, what is this… this new guy … means a veteran in the industry.. says a correction is of no use!

FD is back to FD. In fact, Madhupam will not have a hint of this FD now.

So correction or no correction, the market will remain volatile. I thought to myself. My advisor Madhupam advocates a mix of large caps, midcaps & small caps. I was thinking, why doesn’t he give me what is going to do good in future.

So let me do this for him and predict the best performing sectors in future.

So, the same newspaper gave me brilliant hint.

This looks good… All large companies, with a proven track record. So I will shift all my investments to this fund category.

I was about to call Madhupam, but  I thought, let me complete the paper.

I turned two pages and found this!

Now, what is this? First, they say it is large caps now they say small caps?

Are they same? or is it media bias?

I have spent 30 mins & Rs 8 and have got no hint- Where to Invest? When to Invest?

30 Mins of a married man are very precious.

And, in 8 Rs you can get Daal Kachori, which at least can satisfy my morning inclination of having a feast looking breakfast!

My brain kept yelling ! Madhupam kept listening and he narrated word by word here. Bye from Krishnakant.

Between you and me…

Did you laugh? Great… Now the lessons here:

• Media does not know you. It is like, in childhood, you had a chapter on space. But how many of us became astronauts? General information may or may not suit you.
• Information is scattered dots of data. The only wisdom can join them, make a pattern and devise a meaning. If you can develop that wisdom well, otherwise outsource this function.
• When our Mom says, I am the best – do we question? No… because we respect her. Likewise choose an advisor carefully and respect his views.

And… share this article if you really think this will benefit someone and save them from media bias.

Also, share your view below in the comments section below.