New Delhi, Jan. 27 -- 2025 was all about FOMO investing.

Crypto SIPs grew by 60%, while gold and silver assets under management surged from Rs.57,000 crore to Rs.2 trillion by the end of the year. Retail participation in IPOs hit a record high, with subscriptions totalling nearly Rs.42,000 crore-three times the amount invested in 2023 and almost on par with the Rs.45,700 crore deployed by foreign portfolio investors in new equity issuances this year.

The pressing question now is whether these investments will actually deliver returns over the long term.

Investor behaviour, however, has not changed much over the years. FOMO and the pursuit of quick returns-fuelled by greed and amplified by social media-continue to shape investment decis...