Online Trading – 5 Essential Tips for Trading Online in 2020

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 14 Jan 2020
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Online Trading – 5 Essential Tips for Trading Online in 2020

Technological advancements and digitalisation have changed the online arena for every business, and the online share trading is no exception to the trend. Over the last few years, online trading has become very popular, especially amongst the millennials and generation Y. Prevalence of smartphones, lower costs, opportunity to earn extra income, low entry barriers, ease of access, etc has had a profound impact on online trading.

Even though online stock trading today is huge, and many people are motivated to explore online trading for a rewarding career, by no figment of imagination it should be assumed that it is easy, and they can become financially self-sufficient in a short period.

Here are 5 essential online trading tips to help improve your chances of success in your endeavours as a trader-

1. Do the research and gain relevant information about the markets

The economic conditions are constantly changing and it has a significant impact on the stock markets. To be successful in online share trading you have to do your research, collect relevant information and be updated about matters relating to markets. With information being available at the click of a button, it is easy to get access to information from various sources. Keeping your eyes and ears open about the official announcements being made, reading up market-related articles and financial publications can help you ace the game of online stock trading and avoid making whimsical trade calls.

 
2. Get acquainted with the trading terminologies and tools

Getting yourself familiar with various terminologies and trading tools beforehand is extremely important so that you do not falter when you start trading. Clearing your basics about the important workings, different types of trades, important terms are critical. If you are not clear about the basics, then you may end up placing a wrong order.

Once you are trading online, you are investing real capital and you cannot undo the trade. So, it is essential that you must be familiar with the features and the functions of the trading platform which you are going to use. Practice trading on dummy versions to get a hang of the trading interface before you can start with online trading. Once you have enough practice you will not be flustered and confused at the time of real trading.


3. Start with small capital and practice risk management

There are infinite opportunities in the trading world and you do not want one experience to be the deciding factor for you. As online trading is risky, you should always make a small start in the beginning and invest little capital. Even the most successful traders do not put their entire investible surplus for trading but use only the capital which they have to spare after they have put aside for their long-term goals such as retirement. So, invest only the capital which you can afford to lose and which will not affect your financial planning.

Another important thing to keep in mind at the time of executing trades is that the risk associated with trading is high and hence you should take adequate measures to minimise risk. Setting a stop-loss to your order will automatically stop a trade if the losses hit a particular mark and help minimise your losses.


4. Be patient and disciplined

Online trading is a great way to make an income and many have successfully made a career out of it. If the success stories of other traders have motivated you to take the plunge, then, let’s be honest, online trading is risky and not for the light-hearted. Moreover, it is not something you can master overnight or become rich overnight on a single trade. To be successful, you need to have the right mindset and should be disciplined in your approach. Make a trade plan and stick to it. Trading out of impulse or greed will not help you become successful but following a plan and trading when you see opportunities can help you achieve the desired results.


5. Select the right broker and trading platform

Last but not least, choosing the right broker and opening the best trading account online is important, and hence you should be careful about your selection. Choose a trading platform that best meets your needs and has a user-friendly interface. You should be comfortable using their software. Your success rate would be greatly affected by the timely execution of your orders. Other aspects to consider are a level of customer service and satisfaction, market reputation and competitive fee structure.

 

Conclusion

With the above essential online trading tips, you can give your income a boost. We at IndiaNivesh have one of the best online trading platforms at the most competitive price and also offer expert advisory and research to meet your investment needs.








Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

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Risk Management – What is Risk Management & its Process

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 21 Nov 2019

Risk management is the process of identifying risks, analyzing them and taking adequate measures to curb these risks to achieve the desired results. The term financial risk management is most often associated with businesses; it is equally important and applicable to your investment portfolio. Risk management process in financial investments comprises of determining the risks that exist for the particular investment and implementing strategies to mitigate the risk in the way. Risk management is an important aspect of investing as it helps reduce the risk depending on your individual goals.    Whenever you make investments, you try to look at the potential returns from the investment. However, just like the returns, there is also a degree of risk attached to the investment. Your choice of investment will depend upon your financial requirements and the level of risk you are willing to take for your investments. Types of risk management Longevity Risk People today are living healthier and longer, thanks to the rapid advancements in the medical world. However, living longer also means that you need to plan your investments for a longer retirement. This risk of outliving your money is known as longevity risk. You need to take adequate measures to limit this risk. Some of the ways to can mitigate this risk are by investing for retirement corpus from an early age; keeping a high savings rate in working years, look out for second employment post-retirement, etc. Inflation Risk Inflation is a constant increase in the cost of goods and services in the country. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money and higher inflation means we can buy fewer things in the future as compared to the past or present for the same amount. As an investor, you need to select assets and implement investment strategies that have potentially higher returns much above the rate of inflation. When you are investing in fixed income instruments such as a Bank FD, Corporate bonds, etc. always be watchful that the return on investment is above the inflation rate. Interest Rate Risk Change in the interest rate can affect your portfolio. When the rate of interest is high, there is a decrease in the value of corporate bonds. A higher interest rate can have impact on an industry or a sector, which in turn could affect your equity investments if they are impacted negatively by the increased rates. Diversifying your investments in different asset classes, choosing debt investments of varying maturity can help you limit the risk associated with the changing interest rate. Liquidity Risk Many people associate liquidity risk with just real estate investments. Undoubtedly real estate is one of the most illiquid assets, but many other investments to have a lock-in period and pre-mature withdrawal attracts a penalty. To protect yourself from liquidity risk, it is important that you have an emergency fund in place and also limit your exposure in assets which are difficult to liquidate or involve incurring expenses. Market Risk Market risk is the risk associated with the decline in the value of your investments due to economic or other developments, which affect the entire market. Market risks are unavoidable when you make any investment, however, you can lower the impact on your investments through adequate measures. As an investor, have a well-diversified portfolio in different asset classes such as equity, debt, gold, etc. as not all the assets would not be affected in the same way or magnitude in any development. Moreover, you can reduce the risk of wanting to time the market by buying stocks at different times to average out the cost of your investments. Credit Risk Credit risk applies to debt investments such as bonds and corporate FDs. It is the risk of the inability of the issuing entity to repay the interest and/or interest on maturity.  As an investor, you can mitigate credit risk by looking at the credit ratings of the issuer. Higher the rating, the lower is the risk. AAA bonds have the lowest credit risk.   Risk management process to mitigate the various types of investment risk in your portfolio Goal setting and investing as per your requirement Investments are made keeping in mind your individual goals and needs, your time frame of investment and your tolerance to risk. Once you are clear about all these things, you can allocate your savings in assets which would help you achieve your goals in the desired time frame.  It is important to remember that long-term investments in growth assets may be volatile in the short-run and you should not make any hasty decisions. Portfolio Diversification Diversification is the process of distributing the investments in your portfolio in different asset classes. Diversifying your investments in different assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, gold, etc. helps reduce the overall risk of your portfolio as the performance of all the assets is not correlated and in a given economic condition the performance of the asset classes will not be same. Diversification is one of the most crucial risk management techniques for you to mitigate the risk of your investment portfolio as it helps you to take advantage of the different price movements of different assets. Regularly monitor your investments Depending on the performance of various asset classes in your portfolio, their percentage holding in your portfolio may change from the original allocation. Thus, monitoring your portfolio regularly and rebalancing would ensure that your portfolio remains well-diversified. Take financial advice from experts Financial planning and risk mitigation of your portfolio requires knowledge, time and expertise. Taking the help of financial experts, who can guide you to select the right financial products as your risk profile and unique investment needs. Conclusion A disciplined approach to your investments and sticking to the basic principles of risk management will help you achieve your financial goals. If you are unsure on how to manage risk of associated with your investments and need guidance to help you prepare a portfolio most suited to your investment needs and minimising risk, you can consult our financial advisors at IndiaNivesh who can help guide you through your investments and also manage your portfolio risk. Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

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IPOs for 2020 - Top 20 IPOs to watch out for in 2020

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 14 Jan 2020

The number of IPOs last year was relatively low but, fetched high returns for the investors. Attractive valuations, global liquidity and growth in the economy are few factors that will contribute to growth of capital markets and define the fate of some of the most anticipated IPOs in 2020. Here is a tentative list of 20 upcoming IPOs in this year which can fetch good returns for investors: 1. SBI Cards and PaymentsSBI Cards and Payment Services Limited, subsidiary of India’s largest commercial bank SBI, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming IPOs of 2020.  With a market share of 18% in the Indian credit card market, it is the second-largest credit card issuer in the country. The size of the issue of the likely IPO is estimated to be around Rs 8500 crore to Rs 9500 crore. State Bank of India currently has a 74% stake in the company and will divest up to 4% through the IPO. The remaining 26% is owned by CA Rover Holdings of the Carlyle group. 2. UTI AMCUnit Trust of India AMC, India’s oldest mutual fund is looking at selling up to 8.25% of the stake through an IPO. The size of the issue is expected to be around Rs 3,800–4,800 crore. The IPO will consist of the sale of shares by its five stakeholders which include State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, LIC, Punjab National Bank and T Rowe Price.3. Burger King(India) Limited The Indian arm of the QSR chain Burger King had filed for a proposed IPO in November last year. The IPO is expected to raise approximately Rs 400 crore through fresh issue of shares. The company currently operates 202 outlets in 47 cities and intends to increase the number of outlets to 325 by the end of the year. 4. Home First FinanceHome First Finance Company (HFFC), a Mumbai-based mortgage financier, is looking to raise Rs 1500 crores from an IPO this year. In November last year, the company had filed a draft red herring prospectus with SEBI for its proposed IPO. If launched, this IPO is expected to raise Rs 1,500 crore. It would comprise of a fresh issue of Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale by promoters and investors of Rs 1,100-crore.5. HDB Financial ServicesHDB Financial Services, the NBFC subsidiary of India’s largest private sector bank HDFC is currently valued over Rs 80,000 crore. It is ranked as the fourth most valuable non-banking lender in the country.  HDFC Bank which currently holds a 95.53% stake in HDB, is planning to offload a part of its holding through an initial public offer and raise around Rs 10,000 crore this year. So, if this IPO is launched this year, it would surely be one of the most anticipated IPOs of 2020.6. NSEAfter its IPO being delayed for nearly three years, India’s largest bourse NSE is likely to launch the most awaited IPO in 2020. The company aims to raise around Rs 10,000 crore from the IPO. Stakeholders are likely to offload 20%-25% of their holdings.7. Rossari BiotechRossari Biotech, a Mumbai-based speciality chemicals maker, founded by Edward Menezes and Sunil Chari in 1996, is looking at raising Rs 700 crore through an IPO. The company has an impressive clientele which includes brands like Vim, Lifebouy, IFB, Bosch, Panasonic to name a few.    8. Equitas Small Finance BankChennai-based Equitas Small Finance Bank is looking to raise fresh capital of Rs 550 crore through a fresh issue IPO and remaining via the OFS route. The total IPO size is estimated to be around Rs 1000 crore9. EaseMyTripEaseMyTrip, an online travel company has filed papers to float an IPO of Rs 510 crore in 2020 through the OFS route. The founders of the company, Nishant Pitti and Rikant Pitti would sell shares worth Rs 255 crore each in case the IPO is launched this year. 10. Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL)State-run EESL, which is a part of India’s ambitious energy efficiency program, is looking to raise money through the capital markets to fund its energy efficiency plans.  The company is currently valued at around Rs 5,000 crore11. Computer Age Management Services(CAMS)CAMS, a registrar and transfer agent which is leading technology-driven service provider to the growing mutual fund industry is likely to come out with an IPO of Rs 1500 to Rs 1600 crore by the end of this year. The IPO is expected to be an OFS which will see investors offloading part of their stake holdings in the company.12. Integrated Renewable Energy Development Agency(IREDA)IREDA, a 100% government-owned entity, which is registered as a non-banking financial company, received approval from SEBI last year for an IPO. The government is looking at offloading a part of its stake worth Rs 700 crore. The company will also issue fresh shares worth Rs 13.90 crore.13. Mazgaon Dock ShipbuildersMazagon Dock Shipbuilders, the country’s leading shipyard company is likely to float an IPO this year after receiving approval from SEBI. The company is a fully owned subsidiary of the Government of India and the stake sale is a part of the divestment plan to offload 13% of government share in the company.14. SAMHI hotelsSAMHI Hotels Ltd, a Gururgram-based hotel company, owning the largest number of Marriot, IHG, and Hyatt hotels in the country, has received approval for an IPO. The company aims to raise Rs 1,100 crore of fresh capital through the IPO.15. Bajaj EnergyBajaj Energy, which is a fully owned by Bajaj Power has received capital Sebi’s approval for an IPO of Rs 5,450 crore and is expected to comprise a fresh issue of shares up to Rs 5,150 crore and an offer for sale of up to Rs 300 crore by Bajaj Power Ventures.16. Fincare Small Finance BankThe Bengaluru-based financial bank Fincare is planning an IPO of Rs 1200 crore by the mid of 2020. The IPO will be a combination of stake sale of existing shareholders and a fresh issue of shares. Incorporated in June 2017, the company is likely to come out with an IPO this year as per the new RBI guidelines which require small banks to list themselves within 3 years of commencement of operations.17. ESAF Small Finance BankThe Kerala-based ESAF Small Finance Bank has filed draft papers with SEBI for an IPO issue which would be a combination of fresh issue of Rs 800 crore and offer-for-sale of Rs 176.2 crore, after approval. The bank currently has a presence in 16 states and 1 union territory. 18. Route MobileRoute Mobile has recently received SEBI’s approval to raise capital through the IPO route and likely to raise Rs 600 crore through the IPO. The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 240 crore and the remaining Rs 360 crore through stake sale of promoters.19. Mukesh Trends Lifestyle LtdAhemdabad–based Mukesh Trends Lifestyle, in the fabric processing business, has filed draft papers with markets regulator SEBI for its proposed initial public offer. The size of the IPO is expected to be between Rs 70 crores to 90 crores, once launched.20. Angel  Broking LtdAngel Broking Ltd which received SEBI’s approval for an IPO in June last year will come out with the IPO this year. The size of the IPO is expected to be Rs 600 crore.CONCLUSION 2020 could be a rewarding year for investors with some of the big IPOs likely to come out this year which have the potential to give huge returns to the investors. Reach out to our experts at IndiaNivesh to help you with your IPO investments. Disclaimer: These are only the list of IPOs that would be coming in 2020. However, whether you should invest or not should be a decision one should take on the basis of the research reports. "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

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  • Value Investing - What is Value Investing & its Fundamentals
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 15 Jan 2020

    Value investing is the dark horse of stock markets. And this dark horse has created huge wealth for none other than Warren Buffet. Read on to know what value investing is, and what are the critical factors in this strategy. All that glitters is not gold and all that is gold does not always glitter. This holds true for investment decisions as well and forms the core principle of value investing. What is Value Investing? The value investment strategy was popularised by Benjamin Graham along with David Dodd after successfully surviving the period of the great depression. It involves proactively identifying stocks which are trading at a significantly lower value than their intrinsic value. Intrinsic Value refers to the true value of a stock. The two factors behind value investing are market price and value. Price is the amount you pay, and the value is what you get in return. Value investing believes that the stock market does not always remain in an efficient or balanced state. It sometimes overreacts to events such as political announcements, organisational restructuring, economic conditions and results in stock price fluctuations which do not correspond to the company’s actual worth or long-term fundamentals. Hence, there is a good probability that there are undervalued or overvalued stocks in the market. Value Investing and Behavioral Finance Value Investing and Behavioral Finance are two sides of the same coin. Value investing aims to exploit irrational or impulsive behaviour of investors. Emotions heavily influence investment-related decisions. Greed, fear, peer-pressure lead to poor investment decisions. This creates a huge potential for dispassionate or objective investors. Value investors do not get carried away by market sentiments or herd mentality, instead, they look at the real value of a stock in the long run. They also do not fall into a “growth trap” without actually understanding the history or behaviour of stocks. Fundamentals of Value Investing1. Find the intrinsic value Investors who follow value investing strategy are more interested in a stock’s intrinsic value and not just the current market price. There are multiple ways and valuation methods that are used to identify the intrinsic or true value of a stock. Such as discounted cash flow analysis, dividend discount model, Earning per Share valuation, etc. There is also a formula coined by Benjamin Graham to arrive at the true value of a stock. It is:  Intrinsic Value = Earnings Per Share (EPS) multiplied by (8.5+ Twice the growth rate of the company in the coming 7-10 years).  This formula has been now tweaked to reflect the current market conditions correctly. It is now:  Intrinsic Value = [Earnings Per Share (EPS) multiplied by (8.5+ Twice the growth rate of the company in the coming 7-10 years) multiplied by 4.4] divided by current corporate bond (AAA) yield.  4.4 in the above formula referred to the minimum rate of return in the USA in the year 1962. For the purpose of valuation of Indian stocks, 4.4 should be replaced by the corporate bond yield in the same year in India. When the stock’s market value goes below the calculated intrinsic value, investors purchase those stocks. Then they sit back and relax till the time the market corrects itself and the stock price reaches its actual value.  2. Margin of Safety Margin of Safety enables value investors to manage risks and avoid losses. It is also the key element which distinguishes value investing from mere speculation. It refers to the difference between the stock’s current market price and its intrinsic value. Higher the gap, greater is the safety margin. By investing in a stock with an adequate security margin, investors know that any negative event or volatility will not adversely impact the value of the investment. 3. Don’t follow the crowd Value investing is not for those who like to follow the herd. Value investors focus on stocks which are overlooked or avoided by others because of their low valuations but are inherently solid stocks.   Are there risks in Value Investing? Yes. Just like all the other things in our life, there are risks involved in Value Investing as well. One of the biggest risks is falling into Value Traps. All cheap stocks do not translate into good investment decisions. Value traps are stocks which seem to cheap due to low PE multiple or cash flows, but never go up in value. It is important to do full due- diligence before investing. This includes not just financial metrics, but also qualitative aspects such as quality of management, stability, competition, etc. Final Words Value investing is a proven strategy for wealth appreciation in the long run. But it can be an intimidating way of investing without the right support. A partner like IndiaNivesh can make the process smooth and more fruitful for investors. IndiaNivesh is a reputable financial service provider which offers a wide range of services related to Broking, Institutional equities, strategic investments, wealth management, investment banking and corporate finance. With their in-depth understanding of the Indian markets, the organisational experience of three centuries and cutting-edge technological tools, they help investors make well-informed and profitable decisions.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

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  • Tips on Investing Money in Mutual Funds
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 20 Nov 2019

    Mutual Funds are the cynosure of the financial world. And rightly so! These investment havens pool in money from multiple investors and then invest the corpus across asset categories in line with the scheme’s objective. They are a great option for retail investors who would otherwise find it difficult to get exposure to such varied investment opportunities. What makes Mutual Funds a good investment tool? ·         Professional Management The USP of Mutual Funds is that they are managed by a team of experts. They are equipped with the necessary resources and information to continuously monitor the markets, analyze market trends and conduct in-depth research. As a result, the fund managers can devise the best investment strategy for the investors and guide them regarding the best mutual funds to invest in. ·         Financial Discipline One of the common problems faced by investors is that they lack the rigour or discipline to stick to their financial resolutions. Mutual Funds take care of this issue easily. Systematic Investment Plans ensure that investors continue to invest regularly. ·         Flexibility Mutual Funds offer a great deal of flexibility to investors. You can choose the frequency of contribution as well as opt to increase or reduce the investment amount as per cash flows. ·         Affordable Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) facility makes Mutual Funds affordable to everyone. One can start mutual fund investments with just Rs. 500. That is basically the cost of one pizza these days! They are perfect for novice investors who are overwhelmed or scared of equities but still want some exposure. ·         Tax savings ELSS are tax-saving Mutual Funds. Investment in these mutual funds qualifies for tax deductions (till Rs. 1.5 Lakhs) as per Section 80C. Owing to their potential of higher returns and shorter lock-in period, as compared to other tax-saving alternatives, ELSS have become a preferred choice for many investors.   Mutual Fund investment tips Now that you know what makes Mutual Funds a great investment tool, here are some mutual fund investment tips to help you make the most out of your hard-earned money. ·         Set a goal It is rightly said that “Dreams do not come true. Goals do”. The same rationale applies to investments too. Investments bring the best results when they have a purpose. So, the first step in mutual fund investments should be setting an investment goal. You should consider factors like budget, investment horizon, financial ambitions and most importantly your risk appetite.  ·         Select the right fund type When it comes to mutual fund investments, one size does not fit all. Just because your friend is investing in a fund does not mean it will benefit you as well.  Mutual Funds invest across a range of asset classes. Hence deciding which mutual fund to invest in can be slightly tricky. It is important to choose a scheme that is in sync with your needs and risk profile. For instance, if you are an experienced investor and can afford to take risks, you can easily go for equity funds. However, if you are a novice then most mutual fund tips for beginners will suggest going for debt or balanced funds. It is important to understand the risk-return relationship inherent in each asset category before making a decision. Rule of thumb being – higher the risk, higher the return! The asset allocation should be in sync with your risk appetite. Also, ask yourselves why you are investing in mutual funds. Is it to save taxes? Then ELSS Funds are your best bet. If you have a short investment horizon and want a fund type with high liquidity, then you can go with Liquid Funds. ·         AMC Credibility Check The right fund house can not only help you decide which mutual fund to invest in but optimize the potential of your overall portfolio. It is important to look at factors such as the credentials of the fund managers, expense ratio, components of the portfolio and AUM (Assets Under Management) of the Fund House. ·         Diversification is the key You should not put all your eggs in the same basket. Diversification across asset categories and investment styles is important. It helps to lower the risk quotient as it gets spread over different investments. Even if one fund underperforms, the other can compensate for it. The value of the entire portfolio is not at risk. ·         SIPs vs Lump-sum One of the best mutual fund tips for beginners is choose the SIP way. Especially if you are venturing into equity or equity oriented mutual funds. A SIP will allow you to spread out your investments over a longer duration of time. You will invest at different points in the market cycle and hence even out the associated risk. Also, the power of rupee-cost averaging in SIPs helps to generate higher returns in the long-term. ·         KYC KYC has become a necessity these days. Government of India has mandated KYC for most of the financial transactions including mutual fund investments. So, ensure that you have documents such as PAN Card, valid address proof, etc. before you venture into mutual fund investments. ·         Have a long-term view Mutual Funds are like a committed relationship and not a one-night stand. You need to remain invested for a longer duration in order to get the best rewards. Especially in the case of equity funds. This is because markets tend to be volatile in the short run but tend to move up in the long-term. The best combination is to invest in a mix of debt and equity to get best of both the worlds. Debt Funds would help to lower the overall risk of the portfolio and could help meet emergency fund requirements in the short run. While your equity funds work on wealth appreciation in the long run. ·         Ask the Expert Just like KBC, Mutual Funds also come with a helpline – Ask the Expert! There are so many options available in Mutual Funds. It can become rather overwhelming for a new investor to select the right mutual fund to invest in. A professional expert will not only help to select the right funds and schemes but will also constantly monitor the market on your behalf. One such expert is IndiaNivesh. They offer a wide variety of financial solutions related to broking and distribution, strategic investments, institutional equities, corporate advisory, investment banking and private wealth management. The team at IndiaNivesh has a combined experience of more than 300 years. With their cutting-edge technological and research capabilities, competent team and “client-first” approach, you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.   Final Words Now that the mystery is solved about how you can select the best mutual funds to invest in, what are you waiting for? Especially when you know that you have a guide like IndiaNivesh available at the click of a button.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

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  • Stock Portfolio – How to Monitor your Stock Portfolio
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 08 Nov 2019

    It is said that well begun is half done. But what about the other half? Smart investors like you know that their job does not end with stock selection or building a good portfolio. That is just half of the job done. To ensure wealth creation in the long-run, you need to monitor the stock portfolio on a regular periodic basis. But does that mean that you need to daily check the stock prices? The answer is a loud No. Read on to know how you can monitor your stock market portfolio in a sane and effective manner.1. Keep yourself updated Remember when your parents or teachers would ask you to keep yourself updated with current affairs? Well, that will pay off even while monitoring your stock portfolio. You should read up about the company and also any new developments in the industry. This will ensure that you are abreast with any policy revisions, regulatory changes or any macro-economic factor that might impact the profitability of the sector or stock portfolio. You do not need to rely only on newspapers. You can leverage technology for this task. Google Alerts make this task easier and more real-time. Especially for small or mid-cap companies which may not enjoy wide coverage by mainstream media. You can set Google Alerts for companies in your stock portfolio and enjoy information at the click of a button. Many financial service providers also provide important news and market highlights on their portals. 2. Check out corporate announcements Listed companies need to inform the stock exchange about all important events or company decisions that may impact their stock price. This could be any new acquisition, employment or resignation of key/senior personnel, etc. You should keep an eye out for such corporate announcements. This information is easily available on the company’s as well as the stock exchange’s site. Some companies also inform the shareholders about such corporate announcements via emails. Ensure to go through the details of corporate announcements as they will help you to monitor the stock portfolio. Moreover, it can influence you to buy more or sell from your share portfolio.3. Go through the company results Indian companies release their results on a quarterly basis. It is important to study the quarterly performance reports of your share portfolio. However, the important point is not to get overly concerned if the results are poor in a few quarters. Each company goes through ups and downs. The important factor is consistency. So, do not go into panic (and exit) mode if you notice a dip. Try to analyse the reason behind the poor performance and look at the overall economic scenarios before taking any decision. Continuous poor results (especially when the economy is doing fine) is a sign that you should consider removing that investment from the stock portfolio. Annual reports also contain information about the company’s future growth plans or strategies. This can influence your decision to stick around or bid adieu to their stocks in the long-run.  4. Observe changes in the Shareholding Patterns of promoters Companies declare their shareholding pattern on a quarterly basis. These details are published on the company’s and stock exchange’s website. Shareholder pattern can be a great indicator of the overall health of the company and its future. While analysing the changes in the company’s shareholding pattern, you need to focus only on the promoter’s shares. Promoters increasing its stake in the company is a positive sign. Promoters have access to the most pertinent and intimate information about the company. Hence, they will go for a higher share in the company only when they feel that the prospects are good. On the other hand, if you notice that there is a consistent reduction in the promoter’s shareholding, take it as a red flag. Try to figure out the reason behind the same. Sometimes, it may so happen that they sell their stake to raise funds for some personal exigency. But such events are not usually recurrent in nature. Hence, do a thorough root-cause analysis. If you feel that the promoters are trying to move out of the business, it is a good enough indicator for you to follow suit.  5. Look if promoter’s shares are pledged When promoters fall short of financial resources to meet the business’s working capital requirement or need to fund another venture, they can pledge their shares for loan money. Their shares act as a security or collateral for the borrowed funds. Like the shareholding pattern, companies need to disclose the pledge details of the promoter’s shares on a quarterly basis. You should follow this information and look for any alert signs. Generally, an increase in the promoter’s share pledging is seen as a negative indicator. It indicates that the business is under financial stress. If the promoters are not able to repay the loan amount, the lender can sell the shares in the open market. This will adversely impact the market share prices and bring down the value of your stocks portfolio.  6. Credit Rating Whenever a company raises debt, they need to get themselves assessed and rated by any of the accredited credit rating agencies (CRISIL, ICRA, CARE, India Ratings, etc.) These agencies review the company’s financial health at least on an annual basis and publish the information on their website. Along with the rating, they also give a summary document which gives an overview of the strengths and weakness of the concerned company. You should review these credit rating reports. They are an easy way of tracking the financial well-being of a company. If you notice a rating downgrade, take it as a serious matter and analyse it in detail. It can significantly help you to save or grow your hard-earned money.   Now you know what are the “DOs and DONTs” when it comes to monitoring your stock market portfolio. But still, if you feel that you need some support, don’t worry. Help is just around the corner. Many financial service companies collate all these data points and publish it on their website. This is highly useful for readers as all the relevant information is available in one commonplace. Also, their in-house analysts study the available information and give their expert opinion on the possible trends, etc. One such service provider is IndiaNivesh. It is a full-fledged financial solutions organization and offers a range of services in the domain of mutual funds,  equities, derivatives and commodities, insurance, strategic investments, wealth management, etc. IndiaNivesh’s team has a collective experience of 300 years. Their in-depth understanding of the Indian markets, ability to customise solutions and leverage technology gives them a clear edge. So, next time you find yourself wondering – How can I monitor my stocks portfolio? Reach out to the expert team at IndiaNivesh.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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