The Motilal Oswal Chairman during a 2022 podcast ‘Market Ki Baat’ by Groww, which was later compiled in a book named ‘The αlpha bets’, said that a book becomes a part of him. “I take it to my office, keep it at home, and carry it while travelling until I finish reading it,” he said, adding that if a book is particularly engrossing, he sometimes takes two days off work to finish reading it.

According to Agrawal, investors should focus on only two books but study them in depth. “Absorb their essence. Let them enhance your knowledge base,” he advised, adding that whether you agree with the author or not is irrelevant.

Here is Raamdeo Agrawal’s list of book recommendations for investors.

Legendary American investor Peter Lynch‘s 1989 classic, One Up on Wall Street, laid out a deceptively simple approach to investing. The book is a classic take on spotting investment opportunities from everyday life. In the book, Lynch explains that investment opportunities are everywhere – from the supermarket to the workplace. By paying attention to the best ones, investors can find companies to invest in before professional analysts discover them. When investors get in early, they can find the “tenbaggers,” the stocks that appreciate tenfold from the initial investment.

Also read: Why Rakesh Jhunjhunwala bought Titan shares when everyone else was selling? Raamdeo Agrawal explains

Warren Buffett’s annual reports

Raamdeo Agrawal also recommends investors to go through all of Warren Buffett’s writings in the annual reports of his company, Berkshire Hathaway. The legendary investor made it a point to communicate his thinking to his shareholders in a letter at the end of every year. These much-awaited letters were not only lessons in investing, but also in history.

Live Events

The Snowball

For those not keen on reading such voluminous material, The Snowball, Buffett’s biography, is a good alternative, according to Raamdeo Agrawal. The book details Buffett’s life and his investing career, which began to take off in 1956. That’s when he gathered $105,000 from four relatives and three close friends to start the Buffett Partnership. Later, the partnership began buying the stock of Berkshire Hathaway, a New England textile firm, for $7 and $8 a share in 1962. After 1969, Berkshire became Buffett’s investment vehicle.

Also read: AI bubble or boom? Why Warren Buffett called Big Short fame Michael Burry ‘Cassandra’

The ‘Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits’ by Philip A. Fisher is also on Raamdeo Agrawal’s list of books for investors to read. He in fact called it an essential read for investors keen on the stock market. “It is a very good book — a must-read,” he said, as quoted by the book which added that the market expert read it four or five times, and believes it should be kept as a guide.

Expectations Investing by Michael Mauboussin

‘Expectations Investing’ by Michael Mauboussin and Alfred Rappaport provides a powerful and insightful alternative to identifying gaps between price and value. In this book, the authors advise that investors should start with a known quantity, the stock price, and ask what it implies for future financial results. The book then explains how to assess the likelihood of revisions to these expectations.

The Theory of Investment Value by John Burr Williams

Raamdeo Agrawal also highlights a classic from 1938, The Theory of Investment Value by John Burr Williams. “Everyone talks about how to assess value, but nobody explains how price is determined. This book discusses that. It is truly unique in that way,” Raamdeo Agrawal was quoted as saying in Groww’s podcast.

The Motilal Oswal Chairman also named Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks as another good read for promising investors. “Every book contains one or two powerful lessons. Internalise them. Apply what you learn. That’s how you elevate yourself beyond a CA into a CA+++,” he suggests.
Also read: Wealth lesson by Charlie Munger | ‘The big money is not in the buying or selling, but in the waiting’ The timeless wealth lesson from Warren Buffett’s legendary partner ‘Oracle of Pasadena’(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

While large-cap oriented indices are expected to participate in the country’s long-term economic expansion, the fund house believes micro-, small- and mid-cap stocks could be better positioned to deliver excess returns during the next phase of the market cycle, the fund house said in its monthly factsheet.

Also Read | Why is Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund still a top recommendation despite underperformance? Expert explains

“The markets are expected to consolidate over a period of time, and the large-cap oriented indices will do well to grow along with the macro-economic expansion of the country. Thus, it will be the micro, small and mid-caps spaces, which will drive alpha generation,” the fund house said.

Sandeep Tandon led Quant Mutual Fund further said that in its portfolio capital remains nearly fully allocated to capitalize on appealing valuations across diverse market sectors. Further its portfolio construction strategy is to focus on under-owned, under-researched, under-valued and neglected territory stocks.

Live Events

Over the last couple of years, the main concern of the fund house has been over-ownership by foreign institutions. Now, our concern is shifting towards over-ownership by domestic institutions.
As part of its sectoral positioning, Quant Mutual Fund remains underweight on manufacturing companies, citing uncertainty around input costs and supply-chain dynamics. The fund house continues to maintain a positive outlook on sectors such as energy, large-scale infrastructure, select non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), asset management companies (AMCs), select private sector banks, hotels, pharmaceuticals, telecom and data-centre-related businesses.

In its monthly report, the fund house said India will be a big beneficiary of improved trade terms with the US following the trade agreement, which is expected to be finalized soon, because India’s productivity is maximized (Export services) and financial costs are optimized (Forex reserves) better than with any other nation or region in the world.

However, the fund house cautioned that higher crude oil prices, rising input costs and logistics-related challenges could weigh on corporate earnings in the near term.

It further said that we believe that the era of easy money and seemingly perpetual operations of a nebulous ‘Plunge protection team’ is drawing to a close. The new Federal Reserve Chair is setting out to dismantle Wall Street’s expectation of this Fed Put on the markets.

On performance, Quant Mutual Fund said its investment framework has delivered consistent results across market cycles. As of May 31, 2026, the fund house said that nine of 10 equity and hybrid schemes with a 10-year track record outperformed their benchmarks, with all nine ranked in the first quartile.

Around 10 schemes of 12 schemes with a five-year track record outperformed their benchmarks, including eight ranked in first-quartile. Nearly 14 schemes of 16 schemes outperformed their benchmarks over three years, with 13 ranking in Quartile 1 and lastly, 15 schemes of 16 schemes with a one-year track record beat their benchmarks, while 12 ranked in Quartile 1.

It added that instead of relying on traditional buy-and-hold or quasi-passive strategies, investors should focus on adaptive asset allocation and active portfolio management to navigate changing market conditions.

Also Read |11 equity mutual funds multiply lumpsum investments by 4x in 7 years. Do you own any in your portfolio?

The fund house also highlighted the growth of its proprietary VLRT (Valuation, Liquidity, Risk Appetite and Timing) framework, which recently completed six years. During this period, Quant Mutual Fund’s assets under management have grown from around Rs 135 crore to over Rs 1 lakh crore, while its investor base has crossed one crore folios. It currently offers 34 mutual fund schemes and specialised investment products.

According to the fund house, its investment philosophy centres on generating superior risk-adjusted returns by maintaining a high active share and avoiding benchmark-hugging portfolios. It said the objective is to actively manage risk rather than simply replicate benchmark indices, with returns viewed as an outcome of effective risk management.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle

Advertisement

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NVO, ADP, ACN, FAST, ZTS, ROL, BMI, TJX, ODFL, INTU, V, MPWR, DRI, MA, LLY, AVGO, MSFT, RELX, WING, MSCI, MCO either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Retail investors placed their bets on small-cap stocks last March ’26 quarter—and the market rewarded many of them in a big way. Shareholding data shows that retail investors increased their stake in nearly 195 stocks in the Nifty Smallcap 500 Index compared with the previous December ’25 quarter. (Note: Retail investors refer to resident individuals holding nominal share capital of up to Rs 2 lakh.)

The move proved rewarding, with more than half of these companies delivering strong returns. Around 100 small-cap stocks rallied between 25% and 185% in just over three months, from the start of April to date. Among the biggest winners, 10 stocks skyrocketed 80% to 185%, while four emerged as multibaggers, more than doubling investors’ wealth in a little over three months. (Data Source: ACE Equity)

The demand for software, data and AI skills is pushing learners and employers to rethink how technical education is accessed, funded and applied.

Technology skills are no longer confined to the IT department. Retailers need data teams, manufacturers depend on software systems, financial firms compete through automation and small businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to reach customers. The result is a labour market in which computer science knowledge has become a practical business asset.

For many people, however, the route into the sector is still difficult. Leaving work to study full-time is not realistic for every learner, while employers cannot always wait for traditional graduate pipelines to meet urgent skills needs. This is why the online Computer Science Degree has become more relevant: it offers a structured academic pathway for students and working professionals who need flexibility without reducing the importance of depth.

The growth of online degrees also reflects a broader change in how businesses think about training. Short courses can solve narrow problems, but complex digital roles require foundations: programming, databases, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence. A degree pathway can provide that broader architecture.

The business case for flexible computer science education

Businesses across the UK are facing a familiar contradiction. They need more digital capability, yet the people who could develop those skills are often already in work, tied to family responsibilities or located far from traditional academic hubs. Flexible online study can widen access and support reskilling without forcing learners to step out of the labour market entirely.

This matters for employers as much as for students. A member of staff who builds technical competence while remaining inside the organisation can apply new knowledge to real workflows. They understand existing processes, customers and constraints. When supported properly, they may become a bridge between business teams and technical specialists.

The value is not only in producing coders. Modern computer science education can strengthen analytical thinking, problem decomposition, systems design and awareness of security and data governance. These are skills that influence decision-making far beyond software development teams.

Why degree structure still matters

The technology training market is crowded. Bootcamps, microcredentials and tutorials can be useful, particularly for specific tools. Yet a degree programme serves a different function. It creates a sequenced learning journey in which concepts build on one another and assessment verifies progress.

Computer science requires this structure because the field is cumulative. Programming is easier to apply when learners understand algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering principles. Cloud and cybersecurity make more sense when the foundations of systems and networks are clear. Artificial intelligence becomes less of a buzzword when students understand data, statistics and computation.

The OPIT BSc in Computer Science is presented as a 180-credit online programme developed with input from employers, industry experts and academics. Its focus spans programming, software development, databases, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and AI, which reflects the breadth now expected from graduates entering digital roles.

Employability is more than learning to code

Businesses do not simply need people who can write code in isolation. They need professionals who can work with product managers, understand user needs, document systems, manage technical debt and communicate trade-offs. A technically capable employee who cannot collaborate or explain decisions may struggle to create business value.

This is why online learning needs to go beyond recorded lectures. Interaction, feedback and project work help students develop the habits required in professional environments. Remote collaboration is also increasingly realistic as a training ground, because many technology teams now work across locations and time zones.

For career changers, this combination of technical content and applied practice is particularly important. They may already bring domain knowledge from finance, education, logistics, healthcare or retail. Computer science training can help convert that domain experience into digital capability.

What employers should look for

When assessing online study options for employees or potential hires, businesses should look beyond headline claims. The credibility of a programme depends on academic recognition, curriculum breadth, assessment quality and the extent to which students are exposed to real problem solving.

Useful questions include whether the programme covers both theoretical and practical areas, how students are supported remotely, how collaboration is encouraged and how the curriculum responds to changes in the technology market. Cost and flexibility matter, but they should not be the only criteria.

Employers should also consider how learning will connect with work. If a company sponsors or encourages study, it can create internal projects that allow employees to practise new skills. This makes training more relevant and helps the organisation capture value from the investment.

The role of online degrees in widening access

A major advantage of online education is geographic reach. Learners are no longer limited to institutions within commuting distance, and employers can support development across dispersed teams. This is particularly valuable for smaller firms outside major technology clusters.

Online programmes also foster international learning communities. Students from different countries and professional backgrounds can collaborate on projects, exchange perspectives and build lasting professional networks. This global interaction enriches the learning experience and helps participants develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are increasingly valued in today’s workplace.

There is also a financial and practical dimension. Studying online can reduce relocation costs and make it easier to combine education with work. For some students, that flexibility determines whether higher education is possible at all.

However, flexibility should not be confused with informality. The strongest online programmes still require discipline, deadlines and sustained effort. The difference is that the learning environment is designed around accessibility rather than physical attendance.

Computer science as a strategic literacy

The increasing relevance of computer science does not mean every employee must become a developer. It means more people in business need to understand how digital systems are built, where risks arise and what is possible when data and software are used effectively.

Managers with technical literacy can ask better questions, commission better systems and evaluate suppliers more critically. Entrepreneurs can make more informed product decisions. Employees moving into analyst, product, security or operations roles can contribute more confidently to digital projects.

This broader literacy is one reason why degree-level computer science remains important even as tools become easier to use. Low-code platforms and AI assistants may change how work is performed, but they do not remove the need for underlying understanding.

A practical route into the digital economy

For learners, an online degree can provide a pathway into software, data, cybersecurity, cloud or AI-related careers. For employers, it can support retention, reskilling and a more resilient talent strategy. For the wider economy, it can help distribute opportunity beyond established technology centres.

The key is choosing education that combines flexibility with rigour. A successful online computer science programme should not merely replicate a classroom on a screen. It should create a structured, supported and professionally relevant environment for building durable technical capability.

As digital transformation becomes a permanent feature of business life, companies will need more than occasional training days. They will need people with the confidence to understand systems, question assumptions and build solutions. Online degrees are becoming one of the ways to develop that capacity at scale.