I’m thrilled to sit down with Priya Jaiswal, a distinguished expert in Banking, Business, and Finance, whose deep knowledge of market analysis, portfolio management, and international business trends has guided countless investors through turbulent times. Today, we’re diving into the core ideas behind her insights on enduring investment strategies, exploring why predicting market movements is a fool’s errand, the untapped potential of global markets, and the often misunderstood value of bonds in a volatile world. Join us for a conversation that promises to reshape how you think about building a resilient portfolio.
Can you share what motivated you to focus on these three guiding investment principles right now?
Honestly, the inspiration came from a mix of personal reflection and the wild ride that 2025 has been for investors. Opening my second-quarter statement this year, I didn’t feel excitement—just relief. We’ve seen U.S. equities teeter on the edge of a bear market, unexpected challenges like China’s advancements in AI shaking up tech, and tariffs throwing curveballs. I felt that investors needed a reminder of timeless principles to anchor them amid all this chaos. It’s not just about reacting to today’s headlines; it’s about having a framework to weather whatever comes next.
Why do you think predicting market movements remains such an elusive goal for even the sharpest minds?
Markets are inherently unpredictable because they’re driven by a messy web of human behavior, policy decisions, and unforeseen events. Take 2025—nobody saw China’s AI breakthroughs coming as a major disruptor to U.S. tech stocks, nor did many anticipate how much tariffs would rattle sentiment. Even seemingly predictable moves, like the Fed’s rate cut, ended up triggering selloffs alongside surprises like the Bank of Japan’s rate hike. It’s a humbling reminder that the market doesn’t care about our forecasts; it reacts to a complex interplay of factors we can’t fully grasp in real time.
Turning to the idea of global investing, what convinces you that looking beyond U.S. stocks is worth the effort?
U.S. stocks have been a powerhouse for years, but 2025 has shown that other regions can outshine them. Markets in Europe, Latin America, and India have come alive, partly due to a weaker U.S. dollar boosting returns for American investors holding foreign assets. But it’s more than just currency plays—there’s genuine growth in these economies. I believe in casting a wide net because a purely domestic focus misses out on unique opportunities. Even U.S.-based multinationals don’t give you full global exposure since their revenues are so diversified. Going global balances your portfolio in ways that sticking to one market can’t.
On the topic of bonds, why do you argue they still deserve a spot in portfolios despite all the skepticism surrounding them?
Bonds have taken a lot of flak lately with headlines screaming about debt and deficits, and the ghost of 2022’s brutal market still looms large. But look at 2025—while stocks were tumbling from late February to early April, core bonds gained ground, acting as a stabilizing force. They’re portfolio ballast, cushioning the blow when equities falter. Plus, after the rate hikes of a few years ago, yields are at levels we haven’t seen since the mid-2000s, offering real income above inflation. The risks are there, no doubt, but the fear around bonds often feels overblown compared to their actual value in diversifying risk.
What’s your forecast for the investment landscape as we head toward the end of 2025 and beyond?
I think we’re in for more twists before the year is out—short-term fluctuations will keep us on our toes with economic data, earnings, and unexpected shocks likely to stir the pot. Longer term, valuations will be key. Right now, U.S. stocks seem a tad overpriced, not in bubble territory, but trading at a premium. Opportunities might lie in value stocks and smaller caps where there’s more room for growth. My broader outlook is cautious optimism: stay diversified, keep a global perspective, and don’t underestimate the steadying power of fixed income. The road ahead won’t be smooth, but with the right principles, investors can navigate it.
