Things to keep in mind while investing in property

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 08 May 2019
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Things to keep in mind while investing in property

Investing in a real estate property comes with a lot of terms and conditions. When you decide to invest in a property, you may find that the situation is completely different from what you have in mind. To avoid the confusion and legal hassles later on, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you invest in a property.

1) Background of the builder
Real estate deals involve large sums of money. When you buy a property, you make huge upfront payments followed by regular EMIs. So, after buying the property, you don’t want to find out that the property or the piece of land is under litigation. Experts recommend that you do an extensive background check on the builder, just to be on the safe side. Check out his past projects to verify his authenticity.

2) Ensure all documentation is proper
When you zero in on a property, you should ensure that all the required documentation for the property is in order. For instance, if you buy a residential property on the outskirts of the city, you should ensure that the land in discussion is not an agricultural land. Get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the development authority in the city to avoid legal hassles. Similarly, ensure that you obtain the necessary approvals for the entire layout of the project from the local authorities in the city.

3) Total cost of the property
In order to make the deal exciting, many brokers often mention only the basic cost of a property. However, when you sign on the dotted line, you may find out that there are additional costs included such as development fees, parking charges, club charges and other statutory charges. Adding up all these additional charges can escalate your costs pretty quickly. That’s why you should always ask for the final cost of the property before you make the transaction.

4) List of banks financing the project
It is no secret that many real estate projects in cities across the country are simply languishing because of lack of funds. The project may have kicked off very well but without enough cash to complete, banks may hesitate to finance them. That’s why, when you finalise a particular property, see which all banks are ready to fund the project. Go through the list and select the bank that offers a loan with the best rates that are suitable for you.

5) Check size of property
If you are investing in a residential property, remember that the ‘super built-up’ area is different from the actual size of the apartment. The super built-up area that is generally mentioned in advertisements and brochures includes common areas in the apartment like the lobby and the staircase. In reality, the carpet area of the apartment could actually be almost 30% lesser than the super built-up area. Ensure that you always go by the carpet area and not by the super built up area to avoid any surprises later.

The bottom line
As an investor, you are paying good money for a property. In return, you need to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. By keeping the above points in mind, you can make good investment decisions when you plan to buy a real estate property.


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

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Things to keep in mind while investing in commodities

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 08 May 2019

If you wish to diversify from traditional investment products like bonds, shares and mutual funds, trading in commodities is an interesting idea. But where should you start and how should you invest? Here are some things to keep in mind when you invest in commodities1) How to start investing in commoditiesThere are a lot of different products you can choose. Gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas and agricultural products are some of the popular options. But where should you start? Well, it is always good to begin trading in a commodity you know. For example, if you work in the mining industry, you may have sufficient knowledge about metals. Similarly, if you work in the confectionery industry, you may be updated with regular changes in the price of sugar. Having a basic idea of a commodity can be a good starting point. 2) How to tradeIn commodity trading, an investor decides to buy or sell a commodity at a pre-determined price on a specified date in the future. There are different ways to trade in commodities. You can purchase Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Some funds invest in a commodity or a specific sector. Others diversify and invest in many different sectors. If you are a novice investor, it is best to allocate your capital into different assets so that you can minimize your risk. You can also invest in stocks of companies related to commodities. 3) Manage riskMetals, agricultural products and petroleum products are all clubbed under the title commodities. However, this does not mean they are all the same. Different commodities have different risks. Some of them have small price movements during a day while others show great volatility. Identify your risk appetite and invest accordingly. You don’t want to find out any unwanted surprises after investing. 4) Create a stop lossLosing money in the financial markets is nothing new. Most investors make wrong investments from time to time. But those who create a stop loss can rebound from these losses. For example, would you rather lose Rs 10 or Rs 100? The answer is obvious, right. Trading in commodities can be a bit risky, especially if the commodity is volatile. By creating a stop loss, you can manage the risk and minimize your losses. 5) Be preparedTo gain success in the commodities market, you need to be prepared. Be updated on the latest events (nationally and globally) that influence commodity prices. Identify the factors which influence the change in prices of a commodity and take appropriate investment decisions based on these factors. Also, don’t forget to improve your trading strategies through research and analysis. This is very important in a commodities futures market.ConclusionThe commodities market is influenced by many factors. Government policies, macroeconomic factors and global events are some of the key influencing factors. As an investor, it may not be possible to control all these different factors. However, you can control your own emotions. And this is a very important trait in commodities trading. In addition to the above points, remember not to let fear or greed influence your investment decisions. Do your research and invest confidently and over time, you can enjoy the fruits of your investments. Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

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Trading vs. Demat account – which account is needed for different investments

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 08 May 2019

Demat account and trading account: both of them are one and the same, right?Wrong.Demat account and trading account are very different and serve different purposes. Let’s explore the differences between the two.Demat and trading account: what are they?If you wish to invest in the stock market, you need both a demat account and a trading account. But what exactly is the difference between the two?Well, a demat account is needed to deposit and hold your stocks when you buy them. Think of a demat account as a savings account (or a storage facility) for your stocks. Just like how you can deposit and withdraw money from your bank account, you can deposit and remove stocks from your demat account whenever you like.On the other hand, a trading account is needed to place ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ orders in the market. A trading account is necessary to conduct any transactions in the stock market. You can register with any online stock broking firm to create an online trading account. When you register, you are provided with a unique ID that allows you to trade in the market.How are the two accounts different?Both demat and trading accounts are necessary to trade in stocks. However, they are quite different. Here is an example to help you identify the difference.Imagine you want to buy a loaf of bread from your local supermarket. You pick a loaf and go to the billing counter. Here, you remove a specific sum of money from your wallet and pay the cashier.In this example, the money stored in your wallet is similar to stocks stored in your demat account. Removing the money from the wallet and paying the cashier is like trading. For this, you need to have a trading account.Which account is necessary for which investment?A major question among investors is: which account do I need to conduct different investment transactions?Well, let’s find out.If you wish to trade in stocks, you need to have both trading and demat accounts. Here, a demat account is needed to store your stocks while your trading account is necessary for conducting the transactions.When is only a demat account necessary?In case of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), only a demat account is necessary. When you apply for an IPO and you are allotted shares, the shares are transferred to your demat account. However, this is applicable only as long as you decide to hold these shares in your account. But if you wish to sell these shares at a later date, you need to have a trading account.When is only a trading account necessary?If you wish to trade in instruments such as futures, options or currency, only a trading account is required. However, if you wish to trade in stocks, you require a demat account. This includes even intra-day trading when the stocks are held in your account for a single day or less.ConclusionMany investors confuse between trading account and demat account and mix up the two of them. However, the two of them are very different and both of them are required for trading in stocks. Make sure you know the difference before you start your investment journey. 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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