Step by step guide on how to invest in derivatives

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 07 May 2019
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Step by step guide on how to invest in derivatives

Derivatives. That single word made many young students drop maths as a subject in favour of a totally different educational path. Luckily, derivatives are not limited to the world of mathematics alone. There is a whole financial market that involves trading in derivatives. Remember, this has nothing to do with maths (well, not much anyway).
A derivative is a financial contract that derives its value from an underlying asset. This could be stocks, commodities, exchange rates or currencies. Through derivative trading, you can take a measured bet on the future value of an underlying asset. Here are a few steps to guide you in your journey in derivatives.

1) Understand how derivatives work
It is often said that knowledge is power. To add to it, knowledge is money too. Trading in derivatives offers great potential for investors to make money. But this is possible only if you are equipped with sound knowledge of how the market functions. Also, be updated with market events. For example, if you are interested in futures trading in the commodities segment, you should keep track of how the prices of metals, oil and other commodities are changing in India and international markets.

2) Find a broker
You can trade in futures and options through most online brokerages in the market. If you are already trading in stocks, you can get started on your derivatives trading at the same place. If you are a beginner, you need to find a good brokerage firm and open a trading account. Select a broker who offers dedicated support and competitive commission rates.

3) Identify where you wish to trade
Alright, you want to trade in derivatives. But which category are you interested in? There is a huge market open right in front of you. Agriculture, crude oil and metals are some of the categories available in commodities alone. You can also trade in the stock market, forex market and indices. Identify which category interests you to begin trading.

4) Create a trading plan
Once you identify a category, you need to do some research to get a better idea about the market. If you already have knowledge about a particular sector, you can start there. For example, if you work in the mining industry, derivative trading in the metals sector is a good idea. After this, you need to create a trading plan to guide you along on your investment journey. Make a list of contracts, time periods and investment goals in a journal. It is quite common for investors to make investment decisions based on emotions once their money is on the line. Instead, what you need is rational thinking. And for this, a trading plan is important.

5) Set up stop loss and profit targets
When trading in derivatives, it is always recommended to create a stop loss and profit target. The market can be unpredictable. For example, stock prices may be rising for a certain period of time but all of a sudden, the prices could drop without warning due to some macroeconomic effect. That’s why, even when you are doing well in the market, it is better to create a profit target and exit when you reach the target. Similarly, when the market moves in the opposite direction, good traders identify when to exit the trade and accept losses. By staying in the trade and waiting, you only risk losing a larger sum of money as time passes.

6) Keep track of your position
Your work does not end once you enter into a futures or options contract. You need to keep track of your positions. A single derivatives trade can go on over a period of months. For instance, you may enter a call option to buy a stock at a particular price (say, Rs 50) in the next six months. To go through with the trade, the stock price should be lower or equal to what you expected. If the stock price goes beyond Rs 50, you don’t need to complete the trade. And for that, you need to be aware of how the stock moves regularly. Keep a record of market movements and adjust your positions in a suitable manner.

To sum up
Investing in derivatives is not very hard. Anyone can trade in derivatives but to consistently earn good returns is a different matter altogether. You need to know your risk appetite and investment goals and invest accordingly. These steps can help you begin your journey into derivatives. Over time, you can gain more experience and identify your own investment system.

 

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

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Currency Trading in India

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 07 May 2019

Currency Trading in IndiaIndia is ranked high in the list of fast growing economies in the world. The robust and stable financial environment in India makes it an ideal place for international businesses to carry out their operations with good profitability. Moreover, India is among the top countries of the world that attracts foreign direct investment. This makes India a very exciting place for carrying out currency trading as there are buyers and sellers of the Indian currency from across the globe. In this article, we will learn everything about currency trading and its related concepts.Basic Concept of Currency TradingForeign currency is often known a Forex Trading. You can indulge in currency trading in India through various Indian exchanges like NSE, BSE and MSEI. The RBI guidelines suggest that every Indian individual and financial institution can indulge in forex trading via currency pairs. The different types of currency pairs include EURINR, GBPINR, USDINR and JYPINR. You can trade in any of the currency pairs through a broker who has a membership of any of the Indian Exchange.As you are now aware of the basic concept of currency trading, let us learn the meaning of currency trading.What is Currency Trading?When individual, corporate, banks or financial institutions engage themselves in the act of buying or selling international currencies it is known as currency trading. The aim of this trading is to take the benefit of the fluctuations in the exchange rates of the various currencies. It is similar to equity trading where you can buy or sell the currency pair according to the expected price movements. Let us now learn about the common terms that are used while currency trading.Currency Trading BasicsIf you start trading in the currency, there are certain terms that you must be aware of. Below are the terms with their meaning that every currency trader must know.• Future PriceFuture price is the rate at which future contract trade in the futures market. • Cycle of ContractSEBI recognizes 12 outstanding contracts at any point in time in a year. The contract can be for one month, two months or up to 12 expiry cycle. • Expiry DateThe working future contracts expire on a specific date i.e. prior to two working days from the last business day of the contract month. Two days prior to the final settlement date or value date, shall be the last day of the trading contract. • Spread (tick)Difference between bid and ask price is called spread (tick). In case of currency futures market minimum spread is 0.0025 which fourth part of one paise. • Settlement DateThe last business day of the month is the final settlement date of every contract. • Size of ContractThe contract size of the contract is as follows; JPY/INR it is JPY 100,000; EUR/INR it is EUR 1000; GBP/INR it is GBP 1000 and in case of USD/INR it is USD 1000. • BasisWhen the future price is deducted from the spot price it is termed as a basis. In the future market, the price is more than the spot price. Basis is positive in the normal market. • Initial MarginWhen you trade in currency for the first time through future contracts, you must deposit a margin amount with the broker known as initial margin. • Cost of CarryThe future price and spot price relationship can be termed as the cost of carry. The rate of interest is the carry cost in the derivatives market. The cost of carry measures the storage cost after adding interest paid to finance or carry the asset delivery minus the income earned on the asset. • Marking to MarketDepending upon the closing price in the future’s market, the account of the investor is adjusted according to the profit or loss. This adjustment is known as marking to market.After learning the basic terms related to currency trading in India, let us learn about the meaning of long and short positions.Meaning of Short and Long PositionsShort and long positions are two positions that a trader can take in the futures currency market. When the trader expects the currency price to fall in the futures market, he takes a short position by selling it. When the price declines, the trader covers his positions by purchasing from the market at a lower price. Similarly, when the trader expects the price of the currency to rise in the futures market, he takes a long position by purchasing from the market. On the price rise, the trader sells the long currency contract and books the profit. Such fluctuating prices helps the trader to trade and book profits. As the foreign currency is traded in pairs, the trader can take a short position in one currency and go long in another currency depending on the expected future price movement. Currency has always been an important tool for hedging and arbitraging. In this section of the article, we will learn about both the terms and its significance in currency trading.Currency as Hedging ToolCurrency is used as a hedging tool by firms and individuals to cover themselves against the potential risk of adverse events resulting in fluctuations of exchange rates. Hedging is important especially for exporters and importers who receive and make payments in foreign currencies. Any adverse fluctuation in the currency can impact their profitability. Therefore, currency hedging protects investors who are exposed to currency fluctuations and eliminate the losses that may happen. Hedging is done by entering into a forward agreement with the dealers.Currency as Arbitrage Trading ToolMany times there are price discrepancies between different market instruments across different exchanges or trading platforms. Arbitrage takes the benefit of such difference in the prices in the global markets. Like for example, $1 can have a different value in the Indian trading market and Singapore trading market. Arbitrage takes advantage of such price difference and the trader books profit using these opportunities. Arbitrage is one of the safest and risk-free trading practise. Now let us have a look at the factors that affect the pricing in the foreign exchange market.Factors Affecting Foreign Exchange MarketThere are three main economic variables that affect the foreign exchange market in India: Inflation, Interest Rates and GDP numbers. There are many other indicators like trade deficit, unemployment rate, fiscal deficit, etc. that affect the currency market. Sometimes even the news flow has an impact on the prices of the currency market and decide the direction in which the currency price will go.Let us now learn about some of the currency market facts that are essential for every trader to know.Facts about Currency Market The trading of currency futures is possible only on the exchange like Bombay Stock Exchange, National stock exchange, Metropolitan Stock Exchange Limited. The trading hours for currency is from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. For trading in the currency market, there is no requirement to open a demat account. You can simply open a trading account with the broker and trade in the currency market. There are only two segments in the currency market: future and options segments. When it comes to currency trading, it is advisable to seek the services of leading brokers for fast and hassle free trading experience.IndiaNivesh is one of the leading brokers in India offering affordable brokerage rates. Our currency research team provide clients with regular currency trading tips. We also provide online currency trading in India.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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Different Types of Derivatives in India

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 08 May 2019

People invest money in the financial market with the hope of making good returns. But the investment may turn risky due to volatility in the prices of securities like commodities, currency, equity, etc. During such fluctuations, all the predictions could go either way. This increases the chances of wiping out your entire investments. Thus, the primary concern of the trader is the risk that is associated with the financial market and flow of returns while trading in the market.There are various instruments available that can protect a trader from the risks and volatility of the financial markets. These instruments not only protect the traders but even guarantees returns to them. Derivatives are such instruments. In fact, you will be surprised to know about just the types of derivatives market that exist. In this article, we will understand the concept and different types of financial derivatives in detail.Before understanding the types of financial derivatives, let us first learn the meaning of derivatives.What are Derivatives?Derivatives are financial contracts that derive their value from an underlying asset. The value of the underlying asset keeps on changing depending on the market conditions. The derivatives can be traded by predicting the future price movement of the underlying asset.The derivatives contracts are widely used to speculate and make good returns. These are used for various purposes like hedging, access to additional assets, etc. Let us now learn about the different types of derivatives market in India.Different Types of Derivatives in IndiaThere are four types of derivatives that can be traded in the Indian stock market. Each type of derivative differs from the other and has different contract conditions, risk factor, etc. The different types of derivatives are as follows:• Forward Contracts• Future Contracts• Options Contracts• Swap ContractsLet us now study the different types of financial derivatives in detail.• Forward ContractsWhen two parties enter into an agreement to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified date and at an agreed price in the future, it is termed as a forward contract. Forward contracts are an agreement between the parties to sell something on a future date. The forward contracts are customised and have high counterparty risk. Since the contract is customised, the size of the contract depends on the term of the contract. Forward contracts are self-regulated and no collateral is required for the same. The forward contract's settlement is done on the maturity date and hence they must be reversed by the expiry period. • Futures ContractsJust like the forward contract, a futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell an underlying instrument at a specified price on a future date. In the futures contract, the buyer and seller are not required to meet each other to enter into an agreement. In fact, the agreement between them is done via exchange. Since there is a standardised contract in the futures contract, the counterparty risk is very low. In addition, the clearing house acts as a counterparty to the parties of the contract which further reduces the credit risk. Being a standardised contract, its size is fixed and it is regulated by the stock exchange. Since the future contracts are listed on the stock exchange and being standard in nature, these contracts cannot be modified in any way. To put it in simple words, future contracts have pre-decided format, pre-decided expiry period and pre-decided size. In future contracts, initial margin is required as collateral and settlement is done on a daily basis. • Option ContractsOptions contracts are the third type of derivatives contract. Options contracts are very different from futures and forwards contracts as there is no compulsion to discharge the contract on a certain date. Options contracts are those contracts that give the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an underlying asset. There are two types of options: call and put. In the call option, the buyer has the right to buy an underlying asset at a price determined while entering the contract. While in the put option, the buyer has the right but not the obligation to sell an underlying asset at a price determined while entering the contract. In both the contracts the buyer has the option to settle the contracts on or before the expiry period. Therefore anyone trading in the options contract has the option of taking any of the 4 positions i.e. long or short in either the put option or the call option. Options are traded at over the counter market and at the stock exchange. • Swap ContractsOut of the various types of derivatives contracts, swap contracts are the most complicated. Swap contracts are private agreements between two parties. The parties to the contract agree to exchange their cash flow in the future as per a predetermined formula. The underlying security under swap contracts is interest rate or currency. Since both interest rate and currency are volatile in nature, it makes swap contracts risky. Swap contracts protect the parties from various risks. These contracts are not traded on the exchanges and investment bankers are the middlemen to these contracts.To conclude, derivatives contracts like forwards, futures and options are one of the best hedging instruments. The traders can predict future price movements and make good profits out of them. For further assistance regarding derivatives contracts trading, you can contact IndiaNivesh who can assist you with trading in derivatives.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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  • Share Buyback – Meaning & Upcoming Buyback of Shares
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 14 Nov 2019

    “XYZ company announces a buyback of its shares”. You must have seen or read this headline multiple times in the last couple of years. Especially by companies from the IT or technology industry. According to reports, in the financial year 2018, buyback offers worth Rs. 50,000 crores were made in the Indian markets. Have you wondered what is share buyback and what are the technicalities involved with it? Or if you should give up your shares during buyback offers? Then read on and get all your queries resolved. What is share buyback? Buyback of Shares – Meaning:       A share buyback is a process through which a listed company uses its money and repurchases its own shares from the market. It is the opposite of an IPO (Initial Public Offer). Stock repurchase is also seen as a way for the company to re-invest in itself. Once        the stock buyback is complete, they are absorbed and cease to exist. There are two ways in which stock buyback can take place: Tender Offer: In this buyback channel, the company offers to buy back a certain number of stock at a quoted price. The buyback is done directly from the shareholders. Open Market: The open market buyback takes place through the secondary market (stock exchange). The resolution (special or board) needs to specify the maximum price for the buyback.       2. Buyback of Shares – Regulations:       SEBI has laid down the following guidelines for buyback of shares: It cannot be more than 25% of the total paid-up capital value and free reserves held by the company. It needs to be approved by the shareholders through a special resolution. If the buyback value does not exceed 10% of the total paid-up capital value and free reserves held by the company, it necessitates only a board resolution. Why do companies offer stock buyback schemes?1. Surplus cash but lack of investible projects This is one of the primary reasons behind stock repurchase by companies. Idle cash reserves come with a cost. Matured businesses do not need to invest exorbitantly in research, development or other such aspects. Also, holding on to unused equity funding results in ownership dilution without any good reason. Hence, companies prefer to buy-back their own shares.2. Tax-efficiencies Buybacks usually happen at a premium as compared to the market price. Companies prefer this route to reward shareholders rather than paying our dividends due to the tax implications. Dividends attract 15% DDT (Dividend Distribution Tax) for the companies as well as 10% tax in the hands of shareholders if the dividend income exceeds Rs. 10 Lakhs. Hence, earnings through buyback become more tax efficient for both the parties, even after considering the taxes applicable.3. Enhanced valuations Buybacks are associated with enhanced share valuations as a result of an improved PE multiple. Stock repurchase leads to a reduction in the number of outstanding shares and hence, capital base. This, in turn, improves the value of EPS (Earning per Share) as the same amount of dividend is now divided between lesser shareholders. The ROE (Return on Equity) also goes up as the cash assets on the Balance Sheets come down.4. Signal to the market Stock buybacks are also used to send indicators to the market. It signals that the company has great confidence in itself. Hence it is ready to repurchase its own shares (mostly at a premium) as it feels that the company is undervalued currently in the market. For instance, when the company management is highly optimistic about the future prospects but the stock price still reflects bearish sentiments based on past performance only.  In some cases, promoters can also use the buyback channel to tighten their hold on the company. This is especially true when the shareholding is highly diluted or is in the hands of individuals or investors who do not have the best interest of the company in mind. How to evaluate stock buyback offers? Now you know what is share buyback and the reasons why companies offer them. But the fundamental question remains – what should be your stance in case of buyback offers? Should you hold your stock or give them up? These pointers can help you take the final decision:1. Offer Price and buyback quantum Buybacks are lucrative only when they are offered at a significant premium amount. The offer price must be substantially above the current market price to make it worthwhile for the investor. Also, the quantum of the share repurchase amount should be substantial.  2. Look at the tax implications Till recently, shareholders had to pay capital gains tax on their buyback earnings. However, with the introduction of buyback tax for listed companies, investors are now exempted from the same. Companies will now have to pay 20% buyback tax. This move has been done as the Government observed that more companies were distributing their profits through the buyback channel rather than dividend as the latter attracted DDT (Dividend Distribution Tax). Note: The buyback tax is not applicable to companies who had announced their buyback schemes prior to 5th July 2019.3. Promoter Participation Promoters cannot participate in the buyback process if it is being done through the open market. However, they are allowed in case of tender offer. In case of participation by the promoter, there is usually a positive movement for the stock price in the long-term.    Final Words Buyback can be rewarding for both parties (company as well as investors). As an investor, it is important for you to understand the implications of each buyback offer and decide wisely. You should keep an eye out for the upcoming buyback of shares in 2019 and corporate news around the same. In case you feel that you are not able to decide on your own, you can always reach out to an expert like IndiaNivesh. Indiaivesh has been providing excellent financial solutions to investors since the last 11 years. It offers a wide range of products – broking, distribution, equities, strategic investments, investment banking as well as wealth management. With its “client-first” approach, skilled and experienced team members and state-of-the-art research and technological capabilities, you can be rest assured that your financial interests are in safe hands.  Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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  • SIP vs. RD - Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Vs Recurring Deposit (RD)
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 18 Oct 2019

    Financial planning plays an important role in today’s time. For your money to grow into wealth, it is required that you invest it in good avenues. Many individuals set aside a fixed amount every month for investment purpose. The two most popular investment avenues for investing a fixed sum of money every month are Systematic Investment Program (SIP) in Mutual Funds and Recurring Deposits (RD). In this article, you will learn about the difference between RD and SIP. Let us begin by learning the meaning of the two terms. What is SIP? Systematic Investment Plan or SIP is an investment scheme where you can invest a fixed sum of money on a monthly or quarterly basis. It is a disciplined approach of investing your money because you set aside a fixed amount of money for investment purposes. You can start SIP by selecting a mutual fund scheme. The best part of SIP is that you can start it with an amount as low as Rs. 500. Let us now learn the meaning of recurring deposit. What is Recurring Deposit? Recurring Deposit or RD is a term deposit scheme offered by the banks. In this scheme, you have to select the duration of time and amount of monthly deposit. Upon the start of the plan, you have to deposit a fixed amount of money every month during the tenure of the scheme. In general, the duration of the scheme is minimum 6 months and on completion, 3 months of addition can be made up to maximum tenure of 10 years. Recurring deposit schemes are easy on the pocket because in this scheme you get the option to select the amount and tenure for which you want to continue the scheme. Let us now learn about the SIP vs. RD. Scheme of Investment SIP is about investing in mutual fund plans where you have the option to select between debt or equity funds on the basis of your risk-taking capability. Whereas, RD is a deposit scheme that can give you a fixed rate of returns. If you are looking for more flexibility than you can opt for a flexible recurring deposit scheme.  Frequency of Investment SIP can be started with a small amount. It is your choice to invest in SIP on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. In the case of recurring deposits, you can invest a fixed amount on a monthly basis. Choice of Investment SIP gives you the option to invest as per your risk appetite. Based on your risk-taking capability you can invest in different mutual fund schemes like equity, debt, hybrid, etc. On the other hand, a recurring deposit has no investment options. To earn a fixed return, you have to invest a fixed amount of money on a monthly basis. Tenure You can opt for SIP investment for any tenure or duration of time. The minimum period of investment is 6 months. Whereas, in the case of recurring deposits, they have a fixed maturity date. The minimum period of investment is for 6 months and the maximum period up to which you can do a recurring deposit is 10 years. Return The rate of return in SIP is not fixed because their performance is linked to the market. In general, over the past 10 years, the equity mutual funds have given return of 12% to 14% per annum and debt mutual funds have given a return of 8% to 9% per annum. On the other hand, when you start investing in RD, the rate of return is already known to you. Liquidity SIP is highly liquid in nature i.e. they can be withdrawn whenever you want. However, you must remember that you would be charged an exit load on redeeming within 1 year of investment. Just like SIP, RD is also liquid in nature. RD attracts pre-withdrawal charges in case you make a withdrawal before the end of the tenure. Risk Investing in mutual funds is risky because the performance of the fund is dependent on market performance. Poor market performance can even lead to capital erosion. However, in comparison to the equity mutual funds, the debt mutual funds are less risky. On the other hand, RD is a safe investment option. This is because the funds are directly deposited into the bank and they have a fixed rate of return. Hence there is no risk of capital loss in RD. Tax Benefit The SIP investments and returns generated on it are exempt from tax only if the investment is made in Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) funds. Whereas, an investment made in the form of recurring deposit or interest earned on it is not exempt from tax. Investment Goal SIP acts as a one-stop solution to all types of investment goals. In SIP, depending on the frequency of your investment and funds selected, you can invest for short, medium or long term. On the other hand, RD investment, in general, is done for short term purposes. It cannot generate wealth like SIP. The above mentioned are a few differences between the SIP vs. RD scheme. Now the next important question that would arise in your mind is, SIP or RD which is better? Well, the answer to it is very subjective and will vary from person to person. Both the investment schemes are very different from each other and have their own benefits. Depending upon your risk appetite and tenure of the investment, you can select the right scheme for you. You can also refer to the difference between the two schemes and understand which investment option is ideal for you. The beginners or inexperienced investors often find it difficult to take the investment decisions on their own. To assist them in financial planning, IndiaNivesh Ltd. is always at their assistance. We understand your financial goals and risk appetite before suggesting you any investment plan or scheme. We provide our clients with innovative and customised financial solutions. Our aim is to exceed the expectation of client in all our endeavours. You can even open a demat account with us and trade or invest in the stock market on the basis of our regular research reports.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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  • Gold Exchange Traded Funds (Gold ETFs) - Overview & how to invest in it
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 16 Oct 2019

    Gold Exchange Traded Funds (or Gold ETFs) combine the two passions of many investors – stock trading and gold investments. They provide a channel through which you can be a part of the bullion (gold) market. The investor’s funds are invested in gold stocks but there is no physical delivery of the yellow metal. They are often referred to as open-ended Mutual Funds that invest the corpus in gold bullion. Key highlights of Gold ETFs: Gold ETFs in India started in the year 2007. Slowly but steadily they have started gaining momentum. Some of the key benefits offered by Gold Exchange Traded Funds are:1. Transparency: Transparent pricing is one of the USPs of Gold ETF. Like stock prices, information about gold prices are easily available to the general public. You can easily determine the value of their portfolio by checking the gold prices for that time or day.2. Ease of trade: Just like shares, Gold ETFs can be easily traded on the stock exchange. You need to buy a minimum of one gram of gold which is equivalent to one unit of Gold ETF. Investors can invest in Gold ETFs from any location in India. Moreover, the difference in price (due to GST) will not be applicable.3. Cost efficiencies: Unlike many investment avenues, there are no entry or exit loads with Gold ETFs. The only cost involved would be the brokerage fees. 4. Risk: Unlike physical gold, there are no storage hassles or theft fears with Gold ETFs. Additionally, gold prices are not prone to frequent fluctuations. This makes Gold ETFs a relatively safer choice. 5. Tax efficiencies: Gold ETFs do not attract any wealth tax or securities exchange tax. Also, if they are held for a period of more than one year, the gains are treated as long-term capital gains. For anyone interested in holding gold, these ETFs provide a tax-efficient alternative. 6. Diversification: Gold ETF investments can help to bring diversity in the investment portfolio. During volatile market conditions, they can help to stabilise or improve the overall returns for you.7. Collateral: Gold ETFs are accepted as security collaterals for loans or capital borrowings by many financial institutions. Why is investing in Gold ETFs better than traditional forms of gold? You do not need to worry about impurities or adulteration in the metal As ETFs are held in electronic form, there are no storage related issues or costs Easy trading on the stock exchanges and hence high liquidity Real-time tracking of investments No mark-ups costs such as making charges, wear and tear involved The price of Gold ETFs remains the same throughout the country. However, the gold prices can vary from one location to another.  How does Gold Exchange Traded Fund work? The investment is converted into unit of gold basis the cost applicable at the allotment time. For instance, the cost of gold (per gram) on a particular day is Rs. 3000. Ms. X wants to invest Rs. 60,000 in Gold ETFs. Her investment amount will get translated into 20 gold units. At the back-end, physical gold acts as security for these ETFs. For example, if you invest in Gold ETFs, the entity at the back-end purchases gold. They act as the custodian for the investment and also guarantee for the purity of the metal. The stock exchanges assign the responsibility of buying and selling gold to authorised members or participants which in turn can be used to issue ETFs. These are usually large companies. As a result, these authorised members ensure that there is parity between the gold cost and ETFs. How to invest in Gold ETFs? Gold ETF investments are a simple affair.1. Choose a broker or fund manager: Many financial institutions (including banks) offer Gold ETF products. Similar to the online share trading, you would need to reach out to a fund manager or a firm which will trade on behalf of you.2. Demat and Trading Account: In order to invest in Gold ETFs, you need to have a demat account and an online trading. You can apply for these accounts online with the broker or such service provider by providing details like PAN, Identity Proof, residential proof, photograph and a cancelled cheque (for bank account linkage).3. Online Order: Once the accounts are in place, you can select the desired Gold ETF and place the order through the broker’s online portal. You can also opt for Mutual Funds which have an underlying Gold ETF.4. Confirmation: The placed orders are then routed to the stock exchange. The purchase orders are matched with the corresponding sell orders and accordingly executed. A confirmation email or message is sent to you. Who all should invest in Gold ETFs? Gold is a relatively safe and stable investment. Its prices do not fluctuate as much as equities. Hence, Gold ETFs can be a good choice for you, if you do not want to take too much risk. Additionally, since these ETFs are tradeable easily on the stock exchange, they are useful if you are looking for an investment opportunity with high liquidity. Hence, it is a good option for you to diversify your portfolio. So, if you meet the requisite objective of investment, Gold ETF is a good option for you as well. Things to keep in mind while investing in Gold Exchange Traded Funds Here are some tips that you could use while investing in Gold ETFs Gold is generally considered as a stable asset. However, you should not forget that the Net Asset Value (NAV) of Gold ETFs can also fluctuate basis market volatility As an investor, you need to bear brokerage fees or commission charges for Gold Exchange Traded Funds. Hence, you should check these costs while deciding on the broker or fund manager However, you should not make the decision on the basis of price alone. Consider the broker/ fund house’s past track record, services provided, type of clients handled etc. before choosing the service provider Do not over-invest in Gold ETFs. It is usually suggested to restrict investment in these ETFs to 10% of the entire portfolio. Final Words A smart investor knows that all that glitters is not gold. A good fund manager or firm helps choose the best Gold ETF products in India. IndiaNivesh, a well-known financial services company can help in this regard. With their rich experience in the Indian market and in-depth understanding of the financial ecosystem, they have helped numerous customers to grow their wealth and fulfill their financial goals.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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