How retail investors shape markets

Best Investment Strategy for 2026 Market Uncertainty | How to Protect and Grow Wealth in Uncertain Markets — In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Chintan Haria, Principal Investment Strategist at ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited, about how investors should think about investment strategy in 2026 as markets face rising uncertainty across geopolitics, trade tensions, commodities, inflation, global debt, and shifting capital flows.As volatility returns and the easy gains of recent years fade, investors everywhere are asking the same question: how do you protect and grow wealth in uncertain markets? In this conversation, we explore where to invest in 2026, how to build a resilient portfolio, and why asset allocation may matter more than stock picking alone.From stocks, gold, silver, fixed income, and hybrid funds to sector rotation, commodities, global markets, and India’s economic growth, this episode provides a clear framework for navigating market volatility and investment decisions during uncertain times.Govindraj Ethiraj and Chintan Haria discuss the best investment strategy for 2026 market uncertainty, why protecting capital is critical in volatile markets, and how investors can think about portfolio diversification, wealth creation, and long-term investing. The discussion also covers India vs global investing, investor behaviour, sector opportunities, and the importance of disciplined asset allocation.Key topics covered in this episode include:(00:00) Introduction(01:20) Has Investment Strategy Really Changed in 2026?(03:48) Post‑COVID Euphoria Fades, New Cycles Emerge(06:00) Metals, Turbulence and Rethinking Portfolio Strategy (07:56) Sector Rotation and the IT Conundrum(12:02) Retail Investors Now Shape Market Behaviour(16:30) How ICICI AMC Applies Strategy Across Funds(19:10) Tracking the 650‑Stock Portfolio(20:30) India’s Market Depth and New Listings(21:50) Capital Formation vs IPO Frenzy(23:25) The Next Wave of Emerging Themes(25:38) India’s GDP as the Market’s North Star(28:29) Stock Picking in a Fast‑Shifting Economy(29:58) Commodity Cycles and Marginal Cost of Extraction and Mining(31:30) Staying Calm Through Turbulent Markets(34:32) Global Money Printing and the Reset Ahead(38:20) Beyond SIPs: Hybrid Funds for Volatile Times(39:40) Fear vs Greed: What Drives Markets Today?With markets increasingly shaped by global debt, geopolitical tensions, and commodity cycles, this episode offers insights for investors looking to navigate volatility, build resilient portfolios, and make smarter investment decisions in 2026 and beyond.Whether you are a professional, investor, entrepreneur, or someone interested in business, finance, markets, and wealth creation, this episode of The Core Report will help you understand how smart investors approach uncertainty and long-term investing.Watch till the end for an important insight: fear in markets can create opportunity, but disciplined asset allocation remains the foundation of successful investing.Subscribe to The Core Report for more conversations on business, markets, economics, investing, and the forces shaping India and the global economy.