Markets test investors' patience, so play the waiting game for rewards

Equities perform in short bursts. Make sure you are not out of the market on those crucial days

On September 20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in corporate tax rates. A day ago, on September 19, the Nifty had closed at 10,704 and its one-year return stood at -4.71 per cent. The announcement galvanised the equity market. The Nifty closed at 11,600 on September 23, a gain of 8.37 per cent within two trading days. From a negative -4.71 per cent, its one-year return rose to 4.08 per cent. Imagine the loss to your portfolio if you were not invested in equities on those two crucial days – September 20 and 23. It is owing to