The stock-ification of society was once viewed as a place for surplus wealth and patient investments. However, nowadays, driven by stagnant wages, diminishing job security, and the allure of quick profits, it is increasingly becoming a critical lifeline—or a shortcut—for individuals seeking to escape their daily struggles. This transformation, according to financial educator Akshat Shrivastava, highlights a more profound issue within the economy. He suggests that this trend might offer short-term rewards but poses significant long-term risks for productivity, innovation, and equitable economic growth.
Akshat Shrivastava, the Founder and CEO of Wisdom Hatch, openly criticised this trend in a comprehensive post on X, previously known as Twitter, terming it the “stock-ification of the economy.” He believes this shift signifies deeper structural challenges.
“When an excessive number of individuals begin to rely on stock purchases for survival rather than traditional employment, it indicates a troublesome economic landscape. This phenomenon could be known as the stock-ification of the economy,” he explained.
Shrivastava identified stagnant salaries, insufficient job security, and a growing disenchantment with conventional jobs as the core issues. “Hard work at the same position seems uninviting (due to stagnant wages)… therefore, if one is affluent, achieving a mere 2-3% extra returns on a portfolio of 10 crore or more makes more sense. This inaction is detrimental to the economy.”
In contrast to China, where citizens were traditionally discouraged from stock trading in favour of value creation, Shrivastava noted that even their focus on real estate investments ultimately had negative repercussions. “Their recent real estate crisis made it clear: investing doesn’t equate to guaranteed wealth.”
He also highlighted the emergence of elite investment firms, remarking, “A wealthy billionaire in India recently mentioned that the offspring of other billionaires have ceased to engage in traditional work or entrepreneurial activities. Instead, they now operate ‘family investment offices’ managing vast sums of wealth.”
Shrivastava emphasised a paradox: neglecting the stock market results in relative impoverishment. “When your capital remains stagnant while others’ wealth grows in the market, you will inevitably become poorer in comparison… both world leaders such as Modiji and Trumpji have visibly endorsed stock investment… they aim for a stock-ified economy.”
In his closing remarks, he illustrated this reality: “We find ourselves in a scenario where: 1) The impoverished engage with basic leisure, 2) The middle class plays casual games, 3) The affluent participate in stock trading, while 4) The ultra-wealthy control everything.”
His post generated a flurry of reactions. One user expressed concern about lost ambition: “We have replaced productive hustle with digital hashtags—exchanging tools for stock tickers while seeking instant gratification… our future isn’t shaped by spreadsheet analysts… Let’s refrain from betting on temporary gains and start building.”
Another individual commented, “Capital circulating without generating real value hinders growth and exacerbates the divide between the wealthy and the rest.”
A third person added, “The reason affluent young people pursue portfolio management early on is that our regulatory framework fails to reward risk-takers and instead seeks to extract wealth from them.”
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