Radhika Gupta Defends SIPs Against 'Brainwashed' Investor Claims

Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, addressed market veteran Shankar Sharma's recent remarks on X, where he labeled Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) investors as 'brainwashed'. Sharma had resurfaced an opinion piece from 2025 criticizing mutual fund trends as a significant wealth transfer, allegedly with the help of financial industry professionals.

Sharma expressed his view that such narratives misled investors, suggesting foreign participants profited at the expense of Indian retail investors, leading to a 'macro crisis'. He had previously alluded to Gupta's critique of his article as 'clickbait'.

Gupta responded by stating that market outcomes vary with cycles, and any data can support a critic during downturns or a proponent during rallies. She reiterated that SIPs are intended for consistent, long-term investment, not to guarantee against volatility or losses. She emphasized their proven effectiveness over speculative or timing-based approaches, advising evaluation over extended periods.

Concluding her rebuttal, Gupta advocated for optimism and discipline as fundamental to wealth creation. She contrasted this with cynicism, quoting that success belongs to those actively participating rather than those merely criticizing.