For some time now, many of you might have been wondering what’s happening with the market. There is so much going on—the unsettling trade tariffs, the war, some of the strongest markets (including India) displaying red lines, and, to add to this, the rising rate of inflation.

We’re sure you’ve come across at least one video, post, reel, or blog by someone who claims to know exactly what is happening now and what will happen in the future. But ask yourself this—do you even know what your day tomorrow will look like? Will it be the same as yesterday? Or will it bring an entirely different experience?

Honestly, there is no right answer. And there shouldn’t be one!

A market crash is truly a panic-inducing moment. Seeing your lifetime savings plummet and your dreams seemingly come crashing down can trigger an overwhelming mix of emotions—sadness, guilt, misery, and fear.

Since the start of 2025, there have been hundreds and thousands of articles, posts, reels, and videos—with bold, attention-grabbing fonts and dramatic, fear-inducing visuals. But not once did we find any content that was comforting. Why?

Because, in our experience, panic is not a natural phenomenon—it’s an induced one.

And trust us, it’s the easiest way to get people to do what you want them to do.

Panic creates reactions. Reactions that are prompted by fear. And fear that leads us to defend. But what about defense?

History has already charted the way forward.

Building a defense is far better than defending a defeat.

That’s why we thought of writing this.

To share a note of comfort. To tell you that this is not the end.

Yes, we are experiencing a decline—the world is. But that doesn’t mean we give up.

You might be wondering—why such a long prelude to the main subject?

Because we want you to get comfortable with panic. We wanted to set the stage for this discussion by acknowledging the anxiety we’re all feeling. Before we can talk about opportunities, we need to address the emotions behind them.

And we genuinely believe that even during a market downturn, there are opportunities to be found.

So, on that note, let us take you through some experiences—ones that have provided comfort during uncertain times and why we believe the NEXT CRASH MIGHT MAKE MILLIONAIRES!

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First, let’s revisit the most recent crash-

COVID-19: Fear, Panic, and the Market

At the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, every cough felt like a warning. Fear took over. People lost jobs, loved ones, and the certainty they once had. Even the brightest days felt dark.

And the stock market? It’s not just money—it’s people. Their reactions, emotions, & motives drive transactions. During COVID, fear won. Many investors sold everything, abandoned dreams, and focused only on survival
But here’s where they were wrong.

Survival is brave. But planning is even braver. If an investor had planned strategically—redirecting travel funds to pay bills, withdrawing periodically, or budgeting for long-term investments—they would have seen massive gains.

Although NIFTY crashed to 8,806.75 then, today it’s standing at 22,000.

Only if an investor had remained invested!

Wait - there’s more -

The Global Crash of 2008

Lehman Brothers’ downfall in 2008 wasn’t just a market event—it was a revelation. By exploiting Repo 105, they masked $50 billion in liabilities, creating an illusion of financial stability. But illusions don’t last. When the truth surfaced, the bank collapsed and so did the market.

Strong financials on paper don’t always mean strong fundamentals. At Motilal Oswal, we look beyond numbers to assess real risks to uncover hidden risks and identify real opportunities—just like Warren Buffett, who invested $5 billion in Goldman Sachs during the crisis and walked away with $3.2 billion in profits.

By 2010, markets began to rebound. Indices that were down ~40% steadily recovered and went on to break their record highs.

2000- The Dot Com Bubble - When the Internet Hype Crashed

The late 90s were a gold rush—every internet startup was the next big thing, and investors threw money at companies that had nothing more than a website and a dream. Stock prices soared, fueled by speculation rather than profits. The NASDAQ hit a staggering 5,048 in March 2000, and it seemed like the digital revolution would never slow down.

Then, reality struck.

The bubble burst. NASDAQ collapsed by 78% over the next 2 years. Companies with no revenue models folded overnight. Even major players lost billions. Investors who chased hype instead of fundamentals saw their wealth vanish in real time.

But not everyone lost.

Brave buyers caught the moment. While panic selling wiped out weak companies, strong businesses like Amazon, eBay, Google and Apple were available at a bargain. These Tech Giants not only survived but came back stronger, delivering jaw-dropping returns to those who believed in their fundamentals. The few who held on saw their investments turn into gold over the next decade.

So, what do we learn?

Investing requires time to think. To pause, rethink, and build. You might wonder, how to identify which balance sheets are reporting the truth? Well, you wouldn’t—but we do! At Motilal Oswal, we have spent 37 years building research frameworks to find strong investments. There is a reason why, out of 6,000+ stocks listed in India, we focus on just 250+ stocks—because we know it’s not just your money you’re investing—it’s your trust.

The Blueprint: How to Spot Life-Changing Stocks in a Crash

The best investors don’t buy just anything when the market crashes.

They follow a strategy—a blueprint—that helps them separate the winners from the losers.

And here’s how you do it:

1. Look for Companies that will survive, no matter what

Not all companies make it through a crash. But some businesses are too strong to fail.

How to find them?

• Look for companies with low debt and high cash reserves.

• Choose market leaders—brands that dominate their industry.

• Avoid companies with weak financials or excessive borrowing.

Example: HDFC Bank survived 2008 because it had strong fundamentals, while weaker banks collapsed.

2. Find Stocks with Consistently Growing Profits

During a crash, even the best stocks fall. But only strong businesses recover.

How to find them?

• Look at a company’s past 5-10 years of earnings growth.

• Check if their revenue and profits are steadily increasing.

• If they have a history of weathering bad times, they will rise again.

Example: Infosys was beaten down in 2008 but had consistent revenue growth—investors who bought it saw massive returns.

3. Identify ‘Too Big to Fail’ Industries

Some industries always bounce back—because they are essential to the economy.

Where to invest?

• Banking & Finance – Essential for the economy’s recovery.

• Technology – Innovation always drives long-term growth.

• Healthcare & Pharma – People always need medicines and hospitals.

• Consumer Goods – Everyday essentials never go out of demand.

Example: Pharma stocks like Cipla and Sun Pharma surged post-2020 as demand for healthcare rose.

4. Watch What the Big Players Are Buying

Legendary investors like Warren Buffett, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, and others always buy when everyone else is scared.

How to track them?

• Follow investor portfolios to see what they’re buying in a crash.

• Read financial reports and see which stocks top investors are accumulating.

Example: Buffett invested billions in Goldman Sachs in 2008—turning the crisis into billions in profit.

5. Stick to the ‘Unbreakable Rule’—Hold for the Long Term

The easiest way to destroy wealth? Selling in panic.

The best way to build wealth? Holding strong businesses for years.

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History shows that every single market crash has been followed by a massive rally.

The investors who simply held their positions through the tough times?

They walked away with unimaginable wealth.

So, what will you do when the next crash comes?

We all know another market crash is coming.

Maybe next year. Maybe next month. Maybe next week.

And when it does, you will have two choices:

• Join the panic and sell in fear… locking in losses forever.

• Follow the blueprint, invest smartly, and build generational wealth.

The market crash will happen. That’s not a question.

The only question is: Will you use it to your advantage?

Above all, let us assure you—this is not the end of the road. You have not lost everything.

At Motilal Oswal, we are here for you 24x7. Whether you have questions about your investments, concerns about market uncertainty, or simply need reassurance, our advisors are always ready to guide you. We don’t just manage portfolios; we ensure that every investor sleeps peacefully, knowing their investments are in safe hands—free from the fear of market fluctuations.

So, take a break from the endless posts, videos, and reels that amplify market noise. Instead, use this time to reconnect—with your family, your friends, and even your advisors. A calm mind and the right perspective can make all the difference in times of uncertainty.

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