Investing 2.0 Where to Invest: How to select investments


Investing may not be rocket science, but it does require basic understanding. First and foremost, it is important to understand yourself as an investor, before selecting the right investment options. A portfolio that is just right for you may not work for someone else. This is because each individual has a different attitude towards risk.
Further, each individual has a different set of financial goals depending on which stage you are in in your life. Thus, while it is correct to state that everyone has a different investment selection philosophy, the ground rules for sound investment selection remain the same. They are:
Understand your risk tolerance
This is the first and foremost step of investment. Know yourself, your risk appetite before taking the next step.
Identify your financial goals
Different life stages demand different life goals. For instance, if you are just beginning your investment journey, you may have a short-term plan of going on a family vacation. Your medium-term goal may be to buy your first home a few years down the line. Finally, you may also want to save for your retirement that is 30 years away. This can be classified as a long-term goal. For each of these goals, you need to plan differently and may have to invest in different financial products to meet each of these goals. This process of selecting various investment options based on your financial goals is called asset allocation.
Diversification is the key to success
While investing, you do not want to put all your eggs in one basket. The key to success is to diversify. But diversification too, has to be according to your risk appetite. You may thus wish to diversify among different asset classes such as equity, debt, real estate and commodities. This is called vertical diversification.
You can also diversify within the same asset class. This is called horizontal diversification. For instance, if you are investing in equity mutual funds, you may want to invest in a combination of large cap and mid cap funds to spread your risks. Similarly, if you are investing in debt funds, you can choose fund with varying durations. The duration of the fund, determines the level of risk in a debt fund.
Avoid what you don’t understand
Do not go overboard in your effort to diversify. At all cost, stay away from financial products that you do not fully understand or know the specific risks they entail. Consider high risk or complicated products only when you have the raequisite knowledge.
Keep monitoring your investment status
Once your portfolio construction is complete, you need to keep a watch over it to ensure your investments are meeting your financial goals. It is always best to review your portfolio at least once a year. However, don’t keep a tab on your investments on a daily basis. That’s because you may be tempted to act every time markets move unexpectedly. Such decisions may work over a short period but may not help you meet your long-term financial goals. Remember that volatility is part and parcel of the market movement, and you have to accept this fact if you are a long-term investor.
The bottom line is that there is no one “right” way to select investments. But so long as you are focused on your financial goals, these ground rules should hold good under any circumstances.
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Investing 2.0 Where to Invest : Commodities
When it comes to investing, a key ingredient to success is diversification. Simply put, it is the act of reducing risk by distributing resources among various financial instruments. Diversification can happen not only within a single asset class such as equity, but can also be achieved among various asset classes. For instance, retail investors may consider investing commodity besides equity and debt. Unlike popular perception, investing commodity is not as complicated or risky and offer immense potential for market-savvy investors. Basics of investing commodity To understand what are commodities investments, let’s look at how commodities are classified into five broad sectors: ● Agriculture● Metals and materials● Energy ● Services● Precious metals Each of these categories have different commodities under their heads as explained below: Where does trading happen? Now that you know what are commodities investments, it is a good idea to know there are three main exchanges where you can trade in commodities. These are the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) and the National Multi Commodity Exchange of India. All the three exchanges have a national presence and electronic trading and settlement systems and can offer benefits of investing in commodities. Investing in commodities made easyThere are a host of equity traders who have a well established presence in commodities as well, and offer trading facilities through the internet platform. If you are new to trading, you can also check the list of brokers registered with the above exchanges to make a final choice. You can begin trade by entering into an agreement with the broker and undergo the normal Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure. Besides a bank account, you will need a commodity demat account from National Securities Depository Ltd. You will need to pay your broker a percentage of the contract value. For different commodities there will be different brokerages. It will also differ on the basis of transaction type meaning trading or delivery. However, it cannot exceed the maximum limit as specified by the commodity exchanges. Pricing and contracts in commodity trading There are two types of prices in commodity trading: spot and future. ● Spot price is the price in which one buys and sells a commodity on the spot ● Future price is the price of the same commodity at a future date. A futures contract is thus an agreement to buy or sell a stipulated amount of a commodity of your choice at a certain price on a future date. On this date, the commodity being traded (type and quantity) must be delivered at the contracted price, irrespective of a rise of fall in the market price. Trading in commodity futures is done on margin. This means, as an investor you have deposit only a fraction of the futures contract with the broker. This provides higher leverage and the option to reap higher returns. Cash or delivery settlement mechanism A contract may be settled through a cash or a delivery mechanism. If you want a cash settlement, you must indicate so at the time of placing an order. Else, if you wish to make a delivery, you need to have the required warehouse receipts. You have the option of changing this mechanism as many times till the expiry of the contract date. How does a transaction take place? A transaction is made electronically between the brokers of both the buyer and seller of a commodity. Both parties enter into respective obligations. While one party decides to purchase, the other decides to sell. The buyer is obliged to take delivery and pay for the commodity for the ascertained price, while the seller has the obligation to deliver the commodity on the said date. Both the buyer and seller can however absolve themselves can absolve themselves of this obligation by offsetting their trade before contract expiry. This is what most speculators do to make gains by speculating on the direction of the price of the commodity. How is commodity trading advantageous? The right mix of commodities in your portfolio can help your portfolio as they are an excellent means of diversification. For instance, gold has a low co-relation to equities and will typically provide gains when equities are down. You could also consider mutual funds investing in commodities to add to your portfolio. Further, as commodity prices determine inflation, investing in commodity futures may be used as a hedge against inflation. However, it is imperative to understand the risks involved in commodity trading before taking a leap. Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Types of stocks
Everyone wants to create wealth. Stock market is a great place for long term wealth creation .Though stocks are risky, they can offer lucrative returns if decisions of investments are made with reasonable care. Understanding the basics of stock investments such as what are the different types of stocks, how to choose them, etc. can help you manage risk and succeed in stock market investing.Stocks are classified on various criteria. Let’s take a look at some common types of stocks along with tips to choose them.Based on ownership rights✓ Common stocks: Such stocks come with voting rights. However, common stocks are the lowest in priority in the event of company’s liquidation. Therefore, common stockholders do not get their money back until the preferred stockholders and bondholders get their respective shares. However, common stocks usually perform better than preferred stocks and bonds and so there is a possible upswing in the longer run.✓ Preferred stocks: These stocks pay regular dividends to the investors, which is either fixed or set against a benchmark performance. They are also less volatile than common stocks. Tips to choose: Common stocks are easier to trade on the stock exchange. Also, preferred stocks are offered under private placement where retail investors can hardly participate. Since large corporates buy preferred stocks, it is a common way to raise money. Some companies also offer convertible preferred stocks that can be exchanged with common stocks after a point of time. So, even though preferred stock is equity, it works a lot like bonds and can behave like debt from a tax angle.Based on market capitalization✓ Large-cap stocks: These are stocks of well-established companies with a large market capitalization. These companies usually have a valuation of Rs 10,000 crore or more. The large cap or blue-chip stocks, as they are commonly known as, are of large financially sound companies with a steady growth rate. However, they generally do not provide tremendous growth in a short span of time. They usually provide steady growth in the longer run. Some common examples of blue-chip stocks in India are SBI, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, ONGC, ITC, Maruti Suzuki, Kotak Mahindra Bank, etc.✓ Mid-cap stocks: These are stocks of companies that have a market capitalization of Rs 500 crore to 10,000 crore. These stocks are however more volatile than large cap stocks and are preferred by intraday traders than long-term investors. Some examples of mid-cap stocks would be Bata India, Colgate-Palmolive, Emami Ltd., Berger Paints, Canara Bank, Godrej Industries, etc.✓ Small-cap stocks: These are stocks of companies that have a market capitalization of less than Rs 500 crore. These are highly risky in nature. Foretelling the fortunes of these stocks is notoriously difficult as the price movements can be volatile. These stocks are usually preferred by intraday traders who use technical analysis to pick the right stocks. They do so in the hope of making a quick buck over a single day. Some popular small cap stocks are Pfizer Ltd., Spice Jet Limited, L&T Technology Services Ltd., Fortis Healthcare, etc. Tips to choose: You need to know which stocks would work best for you. If you are looking for a steady portfolio which does not need to be actively managed, then you can opt for large-cap stocks. If you want high growth along with some stability in the portfolio, then mid-cap stocks are a good buy. And if you are an aggressive investor with sufficient market knowledge, small-cap funds would be a good bet, provided you have done the basic groundwork on the company and the management before investing! Based on price trends✓ Defensive stocks: Such company stocks are unaffected by market conditions. For example, stocks of pharma companies, insurance, tobacco, food and beverage companies etc. perform moderately in all market scenarios.✓ Cyclical stocks: Such stocks get affected more by market cycles and trends and have a particular cycle of operation. For example, stocks of travel companies, automobiles, airlines and hotels etc. are cyclical in nature. Tips to choose: Defensive stocks are preferable during tough market conditions and cyclical stocks can be an option during a booming market. Cyclical stocks are more market sensitive and choosing them at the right time of the cycle is more important.Based on investing style✓ Value stocks: These stocks have some potential but are undervalued compared to their peers. The stock could be underpriced due to multiple reasons like change in management, cyclical, financial distress, investor sentiments, etc. ✓ Growth stocks: Such stocks are in the midst of a growth phase. Price of such shares rise faster as companies ideally reinvest their earnings instead of distributing dividend. ✓ Income stocks: Usually these are the stocks of stable companies who distribute higher dividend and thus provide some stability to the investors. Tips to choose: ‘Buy low, sell high’ is the common philosophy followed for value stock. Growth stocks are best for aggressive investors who are primarily looking for capital gains. Income stocks are relatively less risky can be a secondary source of income. However, these stock prices may witness a huge fall during market downturn. To conclude, it’s important to choose the stock that fits your investment profile. There are lots of factors that need to be considered like market conditions, company fundamentals, tax implications, volatility, etc. that goes into the process of stock picking. Knowing the basics can help you make the right and informed choice. You can also seek help of financial advisers with regard to strategies, individual stock selection and key investment decisions. Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market 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 2019Financial 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 2019Gold 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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Investing 2.0 Where to Invest : Commodities
When it comes to investing, a key ingredient to success is diversification. Simply put, it is the act of reducing risk by distributing resources among various financial instruments. Diversification can happen not only within a single asset class such as equity, but can also be achieved among various asset classes. For instance, retail investors may consider investing commodity besides equity and debt. Unlike popular perception, investing commodity is not as complicated or risky and offer immense potential for market-savvy investors. Basics of investing commodity To understand what are commodities investments, let’s look at how commodities are classified into five broad sectors: ● Agriculture● Metals and materials● Energy ● Services● Precious metals Each of these categories have different commodities under their heads as explained below: Where does trading happen? Now that you know what are commodities investments, it is a good idea to know there are three main exchanges where you can trade in commodities. These are the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) and the National Multi Commodity Exchange of India. All the three exchanges have a national presence and electronic trading and settlement systems and can offer benefits of investing in commodities. Investing in commodities made easyThere are a host of equity traders who have a well established presence in commodities as well, and offer trading facilities through the internet platform. If you are new to trading, you can also check the list of brokers registered with the above exchanges to make a final choice. You can begin trade by entering into an agreement with the broker and undergo the normal Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure. Besides a bank account, you will need a commodity demat account from National Securities Depository Ltd. You will need to pay your broker a percentage of the contract value. For different commodities there will be different brokerages. It will also differ on the basis of transaction type meaning trading or delivery. However, it cannot exceed the maximum limit as specified by the commodity exchanges. Pricing and contracts in commodity trading There are two types of prices in commodity trading: spot and future. ● Spot price is the price in which one buys and sells a commodity on the spot ● Future price is the price of the same commodity at a future date. A futures contract is thus an agreement to buy or sell a stipulated amount of a commodity of your choice at a certain price on a future date. On this date, the commodity being traded (type and quantity) must be delivered at the contracted price, irrespective of a rise of fall in the market price. Trading in commodity futures is done on margin. This means, as an investor you have deposit only a fraction of the futures contract with the broker. This provides higher leverage and the option to reap higher returns. Cash or delivery settlement mechanism A contract may be settled through a cash or a delivery mechanism. If you want a cash settlement, you must indicate so at the time of placing an order. Else, if you wish to make a delivery, you need to have the required warehouse receipts. You have the option of changing this mechanism as many times till the expiry of the contract date. How does a transaction take place? A transaction is made electronically between the brokers of both the buyer and seller of a commodity. Both parties enter into respective obligations. While one party decides to purchase, the other decides to sell. The buyer is obliged to take delivery and pay for the commodity for the ascertained price, while the seller has the obligation to deliver the commodity on the said date. Both the buyer and seller can however absolve themselves can absolve themselves of this obligation by offsetting their trade before contract expiry. This is what most speculators do to make gains by speculating on the direction of the price of the commodity. How is commodity trading advantageous? The right mix of commodities in your portfolio can help your portfolio as they are an excellent means of diversification. For instance, gold has a low co-relation to equities and will typically provide gains when equities are down. You could also consider mutual funds investing in commodities to add to your portfolio. Further, as commodity prices determine inflation, investing in commodity futures may be used as a hedge against inflation. However, it is imperative to understand the risks involved in commodity trading before taking a leap. Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Types of stocks
Everyone wants to create wealth. Stock market is a great place for long term wealth creation .Though stocks are risky, they can offer lucrative returns if decisions of investments are made with reasonable care. Understanding the basics of stock investments such as what are the different types of stocks, how to choose them, etc. can help you manage risk and succeed in stock market investing.Stocks are classified on various criteria. Let’s take a look at some common types of stocks along with tips to choose them.Based on ownership rights✓ Common stocks: Such stocks come with voting rights. However, common stocks are the lowest in priority in the event of company’s liquidation. Therefore, common stockholders do not get their money back until the preferred stockholders and bondholders get their respective shares. However, common stocks usually perform better than preferred stocks and bonds and so there is a possible upswing in the longer run.✓ Preferred stocks: These stocks pay regular dividends to the investors, which is either fixed or set against a benchmark performance. They are also less volatile than common stocks. Tips to choose: Common stocks are easier to trade on the stock exchange. Also, preferred stocks are offered under private placement where retail investors can hardly participate. Since large corporates buy preferred stocks, it is a common way to raise money. Some companies also offer convertible preferred stocks that can be exchanged with common stocks after a point of time. So, even though preferred stock is equity, it works a lot like bonds and can behave like debt from a tax angle.Based on market capitalization✓ Large-cap stocks: These are stocks of well-established companies with a large market capitalization. These companies usually have a valuation of Rs 10,000 crore or more. The large cap or blue-chip stocks, as they are commonly known as, are of large financially sound companies with a steady growth rate. However, they generally do not provide tremendous growth in a short span of time. They usually provide steady growth in the longer run. Some common examples of blue-chip stocks in India are SBI, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, ONGC, ITC, Maruti Suzuki, Kotak Mahindra Bank, etc.✓ Mid-cap stocks: These are stocks of companies that have a market capitalization of Rs 500 crore to 10,000 crore. These stocks are however more volatile than large cap stocks and are preferred by intraday traders than long-term investors. Some examples of mid-cap stocks would be Bata India, Colgate-Palmolive, Emami Ltd., Berger Paints, Canara Bank, Godrej Industries, etc.✓ Small-cap stocks: These are stocks of companies that have a market capitalization of less than Rs 500 crore. These are highly risky in nature. Foretelling the fortunes of these stocks is notoriously difficult as the price movements can be volatile. These stocks are usually preferred by intraday traders who use technical analysis to pick the right stocks. They do so in the hope of making a quick buck over a single day. Some popular small cap stocks are Pfizer Ltd., Spice Jet Limited, L&T Technology Services Ltd., Fortis Healthcare, etc. Tips to choose: You need to know which stocks would work best for you. If you are looking for a steady portfolio which does not need to be actively managed, then you can opt for large-cap stocks. If you want high growth along with some stability in the portfolio, then mid-cap stocks are a good buy. And if you are an aggressive investor with sufficient market knowledge, small-cap funds would be a good bet, provided you have done the basic groundwork on the company and the management before investing! Based on price trends✓ Defensive stocks: Such company stocks are unaffected by market conditions. For example, stocks of pharma companies, insurance, tobacco, food and beverage companies etc. perform moderately in all market scenarios.✓ Cyclical stocks: Such stocks get affected more by market cycles and trends and have a particular cycle of operation. For example, stocks of travel companies, automobiles, airlines and hotels etc. are cyclical in nature. Tips to choose: Defensive stocks are preferable during tough market conditions and cyclical stocks can be an option during a booming market. Cyclical stocks are more market sensitive and choosing them at the right time of the cycle is more important.Based on investing style✓ Value stocks: These stocks have some potential but are undervalued compared to their peers. The stock could be underpriced due to multiple reasons like change in management, cyclical, financial distress, investor sentiments, etc. ✓ Growth stocks: Such stocks are in the midst of a growth phase. Price of such shares rise faster as companies ideally reinvest their earnings instead of distributing dividend. ✓ Income stocks: Usually these are the stocks of stable companies who distribute higher dividend and thus provide some stability to the investors. Tips to choose: ‘Buy low, sell high’ is the common philosophy followed for value stock. Growth stocks are best for aggressive investors who are primarily looking for capital gains. Income stocks are relatively less risky can be a secondary source of income. However, these stock prices may witness a huge fall during market downturn. To conclude, it’s important to choose the stock that fits your investment profile. There are lots of factors that need to be considered like market conditions, company fundamentals, tax implications, volatility, etc. that goes into the process of stock picking. Knowing the basics can help you make the right and informed choice. You can also seek help of financial advisers with regard to strategies, individual stock selection and key investment decisions. Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.