Market veterans Lakshmi Iyer and Anu Jain advised investors at the IGNITE 2026 summit to prioritize long-term asset allocation over reacting to daily market fluctuations. The experts highlighted the importance of tactical liquidity and caution against indiscriminate buying in smaller company stocks.
At the IGNITE 2026 summit held in Mumbai, market experts Lakshmi Iyer and Anu Jain outlined strategies for investors to navigate current market uncertainty. Rather than reacting to daily price swings, the discussion focused on maintaining structural discipline and adhering to pre-defined investment frameworks.
Lakshmi Iyer, President of Investments and MD at Bajaj Alternates, introduced a strategic model to help investors balance growth and stability. Under this framework, equities are treated as the primary engine for wealth creation. This is complemented by real assets such as gold and real estate, which provide stability, and selective exposure to disruptive sectors like artificial intelligence for potential long-term upside. According to Iyer, maintaining original asset-allocation targets is essential for investors to ensure their portfolio risk remains aligned with their long-term financial goals, regardless of short-term noise.
Anu Jain, President of 360 ONE Wealth, emphasized the role of tactical liquidity in wealth management. Keeping cash on hand allows investors to deploy capital strategically when asset prices fall below their intrinsic value. However, Jain cautioned against holding excessive cash for long periods without a purpose, suggesting that it should be reserved to capitalize on material market corrections.
For those assessing market attractiveness, Jain pointed to the price-to-book ratio as a useful historical benchmark. When this metric dips into the 2.75 to 2.8 range, historical data suggests that it may offer more favorable entry points for long-term capital deployment.
The experts also provided a note of caution regarding mid- and small-cap stocks. They advised against indiscriminate buying in these segments, where valuations can remain stretched even during market pullbacks. Rigorous research into individual company prospects is considered a more effective strategy than attempting to time the market or chasing recovery themes. The consensus among the advisors was that investors who prioritize fundamental analysis over short-term timing tools are better positioned to mitigate the impact of economic uncertainty and maintain steady exposure to growth.