EXCLUSIVE: India-US trade deal boosts long-term outlook, buy stocks on dips, says veteran investor Jim Rogers

Veteran investor and bestselling author Jim Rogers has turned more optimistic on India following the announcement of the India-US trade deal, calling the country’s recent policy direction 'dramatically positive' and supportive for long-term growth. Speaking to ET Now, Rogers said his enthusiasm for India is higher than ever, even as he advised investors to stay disciplined and buy equities only during market corrections.Indian equity markets surged after news of the trade agreement, with benchmark indices hitting fresh record highs. Reacting to the rally, Rogers said India appears to be finally benefiting from smarter political and economic decision-making.“I am more enthusiastic about India than I have ever been in my life,” Rogers said. “I have always liked the country, but earlier the politicians were not very smart. Now it seems they know what they are doing. It is good for India and good for the world.”Buy Indian Stocks Only When They Get CheapWhile upbeat on India’s direction, Rogers made it clear that he does not chase markets at peak levels. With Indian equities trading near all-time highs, he prefers patience over excitement.“The Indian market recently made all-time highs. I do not own shares in India right now,” he said. “But if things go down, if they get cheap, I hope I am smart enough to buy India again.”Rogers repeated his long-standing investment philosophy of buying when assets are depressed and avoiding entries when prices are stretched.“I like to buy low and sell high. Things are not depressed in India right now. If you can tell me when they will be depressed, I will tell you when I will buy,” he added.His message to investors is simple: enthusiasm should not replace valuation discipline, even when the macro outlook looks strong.Volatility in Gold and Silver Doesn’t Change the Big PictureRogers also addressed the recent swings in precious metals, where gold and silver have corrected from recent highs. He said he does not focus on short-term price moves and instead looks at long-term structural trends.“I try to be a long-term investor. I invest when things are down and hold them for many years,” Rogers said. “Gold and silver have been going straight up, so I am not buying now, but I am not selling either.”He revealed that he already owns both metals and plans to add more only if prices cool off meaningfully.“If they go down, I hope I am smart enough to buy more. Everybody should own some gold and silver. That is something I learned in India long ago,” he noted.Gold Slightly Preferred Over Silver for NowAsked to choose between gold and silver, Rogers said gold looks relatively more attractive at present because silver has rallied sharply in recent months.“Gold is a little cheaper right now. Silver went up a lot recently, so if I had to pick one today, it would be gold,” he said, while stressing that he is not rushing to buy either at current levels.Rising Debt and Money Printing to Support MetalsLooking ahead, Rogers remains firmly bullish on precious metals due to global macro risks.“Gold and silver are going to go higher over the next few years because the world is running up huge debt and printing lots of money,” he explained. “Governments borrow, print and spend. That makes the outlook for gold and silver better and better.”According to him, the world will need massive quantities of precious metals over the next few decades as financial stress builds across economies.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf_4hZaxs6g“The world is getting in much worse shape. Please do not sell your gold and silver. If prices fall, I hope I buy more,” Rogers concluded.