In recent days (August 2025), a public exchange between two prominent leaders—Zerodha’s co-founder Nithin Kamath and Perplexity AI’s CEO Aravind Srinivas—has caught the attention of Indian investors. Their conversation hints at a possible collaboration that could bring Indian stock market data directly into the AI-powered browser Comet. While exciting, this development also raises concerns—could it unsettle the stock market?
1. The Spark: A Social Media Ping-Pong
The conversation began when a user on X (formerly Twitter) named "Prudent AI" asked: “Why don't @perplexity_ai team up with @zerodhaonline and add Indian stock markets to the Comet finance page?” Aravind Srinivas picked up the idea, tagging Nithin Kamath with the question: “Should we?” Kamath responded almost immediately: “Absolutely, setting up a call for Monday…”.
Perplexity’s Comet browser, launched in July 2025, blends traditional web browsing with real-time AI assistance capable of reading, summarizing, and acting on live data—making it a natural fit for market tracking.
2. Why It Could Upset the Market Mood
a) Increased Volatility: Instant access to live market data via Comet could drive emotional — instead of rational — reactions, especially among retail investors. Decisions made in split seconds can fuel swings in trading volume and sentiment.
b) Speed Meets Thin Markets: Indian markets, though growing, are still less buffered compared to developed economies. Quick, AI-driven data access may amplify moves, raising concerns about flash crashes or herd behaviour.
c) Regulatory Scrutiny & Tax Talk: Just days prior, Kamath publicly called for lower Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and increased leverage to stimulate trading volume—highlighting how sensitive the market is to cost and policy changes.
3. Context from Kamath: A Voice of Caution
Nithin Kamath has a history of advising caution. In early 2025, he recommended that investors take a break from trading amidst market volatility, noting that markets had dropped over 15% from their 52-week highs and that emotional fatigue matters.
He also called out misleading comparisons between India’s and the US's trading volumes, pointing out that India’s markets are less mature and leveraged—and that simplistic volume comparisons are misleading.
4. Perplexity’s Aim: Reinventing Browsing with AI
Aravind Srinivas envisions Comet not just as a browser, but as an AI-powered assistant—possibly automating complex workflows, from recruitment to scheduling, with a single prompt.
He argues browsers are ideal platforms for AI agents due to their ability to manage context, data, and workflows natively, transforming browsing into a seamless, productivity-enhancing experience. Adding Indian stock data could be another step toward making Comet the go-to tool for investing—not just browsing.
5. Risks to Market Safety and Investor Behavior
- Impulse Trading: Easy access to AI summaries may override patience.
- Information Overload: With real-time data, even minor updates can trigger mass reactions.
- Unverified Insights: If AI delivers summaries or alerts that lack adequate context, investor decisions could be skewed.
- Unequal Access: Institutional players may adapt faster; retail traders may be left reacting to trends they barely understand.
6. Finding Balance Amid Innovation
- Contextual Alerts: Provide not just raw data, but also guidance on what it means and how to interpret market moves.
- Delay Features: Introduce mild delays or ‘cool down’ phases during extreme volatility.
- Investor Education: Blend AI insights with simple education modules to help users think critically.
- Phased Access: Roll out features gradually—starting perhaps with watchlists, then live quotes, with safety checks in place.
Conclusion
The idea of integrating Indian stock data into the Comet AI browser is a bold, intriguing move—one that could democratize access to live market intelligence. Yet, with that access comes responsibility. Without thoughtful controls, it could spark reactive behavior, volatility, and misinformation.
Nithin Kamath’s insistence on measured, thoughtful markets and Aravind Srinivas’s vision for browser-based AI innovation are both valid. If they combine forces wisely—with safety nets, context, and patience—the result could be transformative. But if done too quickly or carelessly, it might “spoil the mood” in markets that are still finding their balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Comet AI browser?
Comet is a new AI-powered web browser developed by Perplexity AI. It blends regular browsing with real-time AI assistance, allowing users to get instant answers, summaries, and data insights without leaving the page.
How is Zerodha linked to Comet?
Zerodha’s co-founder Nithin Kamath recently discussed the possibility of integrating Indian stock market data into Comet. If implemented, this could give Comet users direct access to real-time Indian market information.
Could AI-based stock data affect market stability?
Yes. While fast access to data can help informed decision-making, it can also trigger emotional or impulsive trading, leading to higher volatility, especially in retail-driven markets like India.
Is it safe to rely on AI for stock market decisions?
AI tools can help with research, but they should not replace human judgment. Stock market investments require careful analysis, risk assessment, and awareness of market conditions.
What precautions should investors take?
Investors should cross-check AI-provided insights with trusted sources, avoid making quick decisions based on single alerts, and follow a disciplined investment strategy to manage risks.
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