Through the smallcase platform, I am offering model portfolios with either single or multiple asset classes represented currently by units of exchange traded funds, real estate and infrastructure investment trusts, and direct stocks.

I will evaluate and include other investment products and securities as and when they are available for inclusion as an underlying constituent of a smallcase portfolio.

I am a believer of the evidence based investing approach which is based upon the analysis of long term market behaviour and the evidence borne out of it. Instead of trying to "predict" which markets, asset classes, etc. are likely to perform well in the future, it is rooted in facts and observation.

Long term analysis of markets over several decades gives us the evidence that:

• Asset Allocation trumps individual security selection and is the primary determinant of portfolio volatility. A strategically diversified portfolio delivers a relatively superior risk-adjusted outcome in contrast to a concentrated portfolio.

• Emotions are the primary obstacle in the wealth creation journey causing investors to act irrationally. Using predefined set of rules for allocation and action during different market situations helps in taking the emotion and guesswork out of decision making.

• Costs are arguably the best predictor of long term investment performance. A low cost option trumps its expensive counterpart, other things being equal.

In essence, evidence-based investing is about maintaining a diversified portfolio using low cost instruments and rebalancing periodically when necessary as per predefined rules.