Ithis is the the largest experiment ever carried out in participatory capitalism. As India’s stock market surged, households were quick to claim its success. As barriers to entry fell, an estimated 100 million people near the poverty line became capitalists, holding tiny stakes in publicly traded companies. One in five households now own shares, compared to one in 14 just five years ago. This figure is expected to increase further. A new mutual fund with a minimum monthly contribution of 250 rupees ($3) will soon be launched, according to India’s financial regulator.