Frequently Asked Questions About Investing

Get clear answers to your most pressing investment questions and make informed decisions with confidence.

The stock market is a collection of markets where stocks (shares of ownership in companies) are bought and sold. It allows investors to trade shares and provide capital to businesses.

To start investing, you need to open a demat account, research potential investments, and develop a strategy based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Stocks represent ownership in a company and can provide dividends and capital gains. Bonds are loans made to a company or government that pay interest over time.

A mutual fund pools money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities, managed by a professional fund manager.

Dividends are payments made by a corporation to its shareholders, usually derived from profits. Not all companies pay dividends; some reinvest profits back into the business.

Market volatility refers to the degree of variation in trading prices over time. High volatility means that prices can change dramatically in a short period, which can increase investment risk.

Diversification, setting clear financial goals, and having a well-thought-out investment strategy can help minimize risks. Consider your risk tolerance when selecting investments.

An investment portfolio is a collection of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities held by an investor to achieve specific financial goals.

Stock prices can be influenced by various factors, including company performance, market conditions, economic indicators, and investor sentiment

Technical analysis involves analyzing historical price and volume data to forecast future price movements. Investors use charts and various indicators to make trading decisions.

An IAP (Intelligent Advisory Product) is a financial product or service provided by advisory firms or institutions to guide clients in making informed investment decisions. These products offer tailored strategies, market insights, and expert recommendations to help individuals grow and manage their wealth effectively.

Smallcases are curated portfolios of stocks or ETFs designed around specific themes or investment strategies. They allow investors to easily diversify their holdings and invest in a structured way without managing individual stocks. Each smallcase provides transparency about its components and investment rationale, making it a convenient option for both novice and experienced investors.

PMS (Portfolio Management Services) refers to a professional investment management service where a portfolio manager manages a client’s investment portfolio on their behalf. PMS offers personalized investment strategies tailored to the client's financial goals and risk appetite, allowing for direct investment in stocks, bonds, or other assets. Clients benefit from expert management, regular monitoring, and performance reporting, making it suitable for high-net-worth individuals seeking customized investment solutions.

AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) is a type of investment fund that pools capital from multiple investors to invest in assets not typically covered by traditional investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or cash. AIFs can focus on various strategies, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate, or venture capital. They are generally suited for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, offering diversification and the potential for higher returns, albeit with higher risks.

IAP (Intelligent Advisory Services) offers personalized investment advice, allowing clients full control over their decisions based on tailored strategies, while Smallcase provides curated portfolios of stocks based on specific themes, where investors can buy entire smallcases but have limited control over individual stocks. IAP typically involves advisory fees, whereas Smallcase primarily incurs brokerage fees, making it a more standardized, user-friendly option for retail investors seeking thematic investments.

IAP (Intelligent Advisory Services) provides personalized investment advice, allowing clients to make their own decisions based on tailored recommendations, while PMS (Portfolio Management Services) involves professional managers who directly manage a client's investments with discretionary authority. IAP typically charges advisory fees, whereas PMS generally has management and performance fees, and PMS usually targets high-net-worth individuals with a higher minimum investment threshold compared to IAP, which can cater to a broader range of investors.

PMS (Portfolio Management Services) offers individualized investment management where portfolio managers directly handle clients' investments based on their specific goals and risk profiles, while AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) is a pooled investment vehicle that collects money from multiple investors to invest in alternative strategies like private equity or hedge funds. PMS typically targets high-net-worth individuals with a focus on active management, whereas AIFs can cater to various investor types and often have a defined investment mandate with less liquidity and potential lock-in periods.

SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds, helping investors accumulate wealth over time through disciplined investing.

SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is an investment strategy that allows investors to withdraw a fixed amount of money from their mutual fund investments at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly. This method provides a steady income stream while allowing the remaining investment to continue growing. SWPs are commonly used by retirees or those looking for regular cash flow without having to liquidate their entire investment at once.

Asset allocation is the process of dividing investments among different asset categories (stocks, bonds, cash, etc.) to balance risk and reward based on individual goals.

Factors to consider include the company's financial health, industry position, market conditions, growth potential, and your investment goals

A stop-loss order is a type of order to sell a stock when it reaches a certain price, aimed at limiting potential losses.

It's advisable to review your portfolio at least annually or after significant market events, ensuring it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Yes, capital gains from investments are typically subject to taxation. The tax rate depends on how long you've held the investment (short-term vs. long-term).

KYC is a regulatory process that requires financial institutions to verify the identity of their clients to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with laws.

A demat account is an account that holds your shares in electronic form, making it easier to trade and manage your investments.

You can start investing with varying amounts depending on the brokerage and investment type. Some platforms allow you to start with as little as ₹100

Yes, investing in the stock market carries risks, but with research, planning, and a diversified approach, you can manage those risks effectively.

Term insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific period, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years. If the insured passes away during the term, the policy pays a predetermined sum (death benefit) to the beneficiaries. Term insurance is often more affordable than permanent life insurance because it does not accumulate cash value and only offers protection for the specified term. It's an ideal option for those seeking financial security for their loved ones at a lower cost.

Health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of medical expenses, including hospital visits, treatments, surgeries, and preventive care. It is important because it provides financial protection against high healthcare costs, ensuring access to necessary medical services without significant out-of-pocket expenses. Health insurance also promotes regular check-ups and preventive care, contributing to overall health and well-being. By having coverage, individuals can mitigate the financial burden of unexpected health issues, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care.