2 weeks ago
Zombie stocks: How to identify and exit forgotten portfolio holdings
Sometimes people buy stocks, which are tiny pieces of a company.
Over the years, some companies stop being traded on the stock market.
These are called 'zombie stocks' because they are not really active anymore.
A writer named Devina Mehra says almost three out of four stocks ever listed in India no longer trade.
That means many people might be holding stocks they cannot easily sell.
Mehra says people should check all the stocks they own, even very old ones.
A good question to ask is: 'If I had cash today, would I buy this stock now?'
If the answer is no, maybe it is time to sell.
Waiting just to get back the money you paid is not always a smart idea.
Cleaning up your portfolio regularly makes sure your money is being used well.
Nearly three-quarters of all stocks ever listed on Indian stock exchanges no longer trade.
Around 4,500 stocks currently trade actively in the Indian market.
Devina Mehra advises investors to ask if they would buy a stock at today's price rather than wait for the purchase price to return.
Investors should download their complete demat/DP statement and review every security, including illiquid, delisted or forgotten holdings.
A periodic portfolio clean-up ensures every rupee invested continues to have a reason for being there.
Holding a stock for many years does not make it a good investment; investors should acknowledge mistakes rather than keep them in portfolios.
- Who
- Indian stock market investors holding demat portfolios, advised by market commentator Devina Mehra.
- What
- Guidance on identifying and exiting 'zombie stocks' — shares that are illiquid, delisted or long forgotten in old portfolios.
- Where
- India, specifically Indian stock exchanges and investor demat portfolios.
- When
- Column and related social media post dated August 14, 2026.
- Why
- Because nearly three-quarters of all stocks ever listed on Indian exchanges no longer trade, and forgotten holdings can clutter portfolios and lock up capital that could earn better returns elsewhere.
Key facts
- Author/Advisor
- Devina Mehra
- Stocks currently trading in India
- About 4,500
- Stocks ever listed that no longer trade
- Nearly three-quarters
- Key screening question
- "If I had cash today, would I buy this stock at today's price?"
- Recommended first step
- Download complete demat/DP statement and review every security
- Signs of zombie stocks
- Illiquidity, delisting, negligible trading volumes, changed business fundamentals
- Column/social post date
- August 14, 2026









