Shankar Sharma
Shankar Sharma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma mater | MBA in Finance |
| Occupation | Investor, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Co-founder & Vice Chairman of First Global |
| Spouse(s) | Devina Mehra |
Shankar Sharma is an Indian investor, financial analyst, and entrepreneur, widely recognized as a prominent voice in the Indian stock market. He is the co-founder and vice chairman of First Global, an international brokerage and investment firm. Sharma is often referred to in Indian media as a “Market Guru” for his long-standing career in equities, macroeconomic commentary, and global financial analysis.[1]
Early life and education
Shankar Sharma was born in India and completed his education in business and finance. He pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in finance before starting his professional journey in investment banking. His academic background laid the foundation for his later career as a stock market strategist and fund manager.[2]
Career
Sharma began his career in the financial sector in the late 1980s. In 1990, along with Devina Mehra, he co-founded First Global, a brokerage and research firm that became one of the first Indian companies to obtain memberships on international stock exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.[3][4]
Under Sharma’s leadership, First Global developed a reputation for data-driven research and independent equity analysis. The firm advised institutional investors, hedge funds, and high-net-worth individuals on global markets, with coverage extending beyond India to the United States, Europe, and emerging economies.[5]
Sharma gained widespread recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s for his contrarian views on the Indian stock market. He was among the early analysts to warn about overvaluation during the technology boom of 2000 and later voiced cautious perspectives during periods of market volatility. Over the years, his interviews, articles, and market predictions have been regularly featured in publications such as The Economic Times, Business Standard, Bloomberg, and CNBC-TV18.[6][7]
Investment philosophy
Sharma is known for his contrarian and macroeconomic approach to investing. He emphasizes the importance of global trends, liquidity cycles, and capital flows in shaping stock market movements. While many Indian investors focus on fundamental company analysis, Sharma often integrates top-down strategies, analyzing macroeconomic data, geopolitical developments, and central bank policies. He has advocated diversification across asset classes and geographies, often reminding retail investors about the risks of concentrated portfolios. His views on emerging markets, particularly India, have been influential in shaping investor sentiment both domestically and abroad.[8]
Public appearances and influence
Sharma is a frequent speaker at business forums, investment summits, and financial literacy programs. His opinions on market valuations, monetary policy, and corporate governance are often quoted by financial media. He has built a reputation for candid commentary, often challenging mainstream narratives.[9]
In addition to his investment work, Sharma has also authored articles and given keynote speeches on the role of developing economies in the global financial system.[10][11]
Personal life
Sharma is married to Devina Mehra, co-founder and chairperson of First Global. The couple is regarded as one of the most influential partnerships in India’s financial services industry.[12]
Legacy
Over three decades in the stock market, Shankar Sharma has emerged as one of India’s most visible and influential stock market experts. His blend of global outlook and contrarian strategies has made him a respected figure among institutional investors, retail traders, and financial analysts alike.[13]
References
- ↑ "Even a Gulf driver earns Rs 75k: Shankar Sharma wants young Indians to move abroad to tap uncaged capital". Business Today. 15 March 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Why GQuants' Shankar Sharma thinks mother of all bear markets is dead". Outlook Business. 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Coffee Break: Shankar Sharma steps back from First Global". The Hindu Business Line. Sep 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Shankar Sharma gives away his 100-bagger formula for D-Street". The Economic Times. 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "First Global's Shankar Sharma reveals the secret of his preference for small-cap stocks". CNBC-TV18. 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "First Global founder Shankar Sharma hails DeepSeek's success: China has kicked America's". Mint. 18 August 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Veteran investor Shankar Sharma on the best investing decision ever: Move abroad, unleash the power of uncaged capital". Fortune India. March 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Shankar Sharma: Let them suffer – a stern warning for new investors in a downturn". Business Today. 15 March 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Love marriages are like AAA bonds, while arranged ones are…: Shankar Sharma posts funny comparison on X". Mint. July 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Veteran investor Shankar Sharma's stance to remain underweight proven right". Business Standard. 18 September 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Shankar Sharma: The alchemist of Dalal Street". Forbes India. 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Shankar Sharma explains why he is bullish on India, global equities, commodities". Moneycontrol. 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ "Interview: India will gain 100% from global market meltdown – Shankar Sharma, Joint MD, First Global". Financial Express. Oct 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2025.