Introduction:
The Motilal Oswal 5th Wealth Creation Study, covering from 1995 to 2000, further refined the structured approach to investment research in India. As the Indian economy continued its liberalization journey, this study analyzed the key trends, companies, and sectors that played a pivotal role in wealth generation.
Building upon previous editions, it reinforced the importance of identifying wealth creators—businesses that consistently enhance shareholder value—offering invaluable insights for long-term investors.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of the Motilal Oswal 5th Wealth Creation Study:
Focus Area:
- Analyzed wealth creation in the Indian stock market from 1995 to 2000.
- Emphasized the significance of identifying businesses with sustainable long-term growth potential.
Top Wealth Creators:
- Hindustan Lever (now Hindustan Unilever): Maintained its dominance in the consumer goods sector.
- Reliance Industries: Expanded its footprint across petrochemicals and refining, solidifying its leadership position.
- Infosys & Wipro: The IT boom propelled these companies into the limelight, marking the industry’s rise as a key wealth creator.
Themes and Trends:
- IT Revolution: The late 1990s witnessed the rapid ascent of Indian IT companies, driven by global demand for software services.
- Consumption Growth: Rising incomes and urbanization continued fueling demand for FMCG and retail-driven sectors.
- Liberalization Impact: Economic reforms led to increased participation from foreign investors, boosting market liquidity.
Lessons for Investors:
Tech Boom & Wealth Creation
Investing in early-stage, high-growth industries—such as IT in the late 1990s—can yield exponential returns.
Resilience of Consumption-Driven Businesses
Companies catering to everyday needs remained steady wealth generators amid economic fluctuations.
Economic Reforms & Market Opportunities
Structural shifts in policy created long-term investment opportunities in emerging sectors.
Notable Companies and Sector Focus
- Hindustan Lever: Reinforced the power of brand equity in consumer markets.

- Infosys & Wipro: Established India’s IT sector as a major force in global software services.


- Reliance Industries: Showcased the impact of large-scale industrial expansion and strategic diversification.

- Sectoral Leaders: FMCG, IT, and energy emerged as dominant wealth-creating sectors during this period.

Conclusion and Learnings:
The Motilal Oswal 5th Wealth Creation Study underscored key investment principles, including:
- Investing in businesses with scalable and sustainable growth.
- Recognizing macroeconomic trends, such as the IT revolution, to identify high-potential sectors.
- The importance of patience and long-term vision in wealth creation.
Even today, the insights from this study remain highly relevant, shaping investment strategies focused on value and growth.
Download the Full Study:
- Access the complete Motilal Oswal 5th Wealth Creation Study PDF here.