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As you might be aware, the normal heart rate for humans ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A beat per minute (bpm) rate below or above this normal range may indicate an unhealthy heart and suggests medical attention. Now you might be like, why are we discussing this bpm here & what it has to do with the stock market? Okay, Let, me tell you that this has nothing to do with that open F&O position of yours, which sometimes gets your heart rushing.

We are Today going to talk about the VIX i.e. Volatility Index. The volatility index is like the heartbeat of the stock exchange. Similar to our heartbeat, when VIX is out of its normal range, it suggests lower or higher than normal volatility in the market. Let’s understand this VIX in a bit more detail.

What is VIX?

Being a measure of volatility, VIX is often called the “Fear Index” or “Fear Guage”. The Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE) first launched the Volatility Index (VIX) for the US markets in the year 1993. VIX was launched in India in the year 2008 by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The Volatility Index is widely used to measure the expected market movement in the coming 30 days. Though VIX is an annualized rate, we first divide it by the square root of 12 (12 stands for 12 months). E.g.: - At the time of writing this blog, the India VIX is 13.4775 which means that the NIFTY Index is expected to move 13.4775% in the coming year. Thus, 3.89% (13.4775 / √12) gives us the expected monthly movement.

Though, VIX tells us the expected movement in the index, it does not indicate the direction of the movement. Therefore, though we can say that the expected movement is 3.89%, this movement can be 3.89% up or 3.89% down.

I am sure that you are wondering how is this VIX value calculated. Well, there is a mathematical formula behind the calculation of VIX, but honestly, there is no need to understand this formula as VIX is readily available on google or any other trading platforms. The interpretation of VIX is more important rather than its calculation. We will understand it in the next part of the blog, till then do visit my YouTube channel CA Rachana Phadke Ranade and for all the Marathi folks out there also visit my Marathi YouTube channel CA Rachana Ranade (Marathi).

Interpretation of VIX

As we said, the VIX indicates the expected movement in the market. It helps us know the expected performance in the market for a definite period say 1 month, 1 year, etc. Volatility implies the tendency to change. Hence, when the markets are highly volatile (high VIX), they tend to move steeply up or down. But, what do we exactly mean when we say that the VIX is high? Generally, the following categorizations are followed:

VIX below 11: - Very Low.

VIX within the range of 11-20: - Stable.

VIX above 20: - Very High.

VIX in the “Very Low” category and “Very High” category indicates unusual volatility in the market. But again, we cannot predict the direction. Hence, if say the VIX is high, the market can be very bullish or very bearish in this phase. On the other hand, a VIX in the “Stable” category indicates a stable or gradual movement in the market.

The VIX is a very good indicator of the mood of the market. But it is not a sole indicator and hence needs to be used in combination with other indicators like the open interest, put-call ratio, etc. But what are the other indicators and how to calculate them? Don’t worry! I have covered all these indicators and many more interesting concepts in my course on Futures and Options. Until next time!

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard flight- Basics of Stock Markets with service from level newbie investor to a smart investor. Please fasten your seatbelts and keep your devices, notebook, and pen handy. Tips/calls are prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing team CARR. Happy learning!

You might be wondering that why is ma’am making this announcement. Well, learning about the stock market is no less than a flight. When you start learning about the stock market, you take off in the market, you might even face some turbulence during the journey and ultimately you land well only if you have learned the secrets to successful and efficient investing. If you wish to board on this fun flight you have arrived at the right airport, my friend. We will make sure that you understand all the concepts, right from the basic to the advanced level in the stock market, in the most simplified manner.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Why should one invest in the Stock Market?

Because I said so? Absolutely no! We all have dreams and aspirations in our lives which we are passionate about. For some people, it might be getting a nice car, for some, it might be going on a fancy vacation or some might wish to build their dream home. Irrespective of what the dreams are, they become achievable when the finances are in the right place. So, let’s understand how investing in the stock market can help us in our financial life.

1. Start with a small amount : 

Believe me or not, but investing in the market could cost as low as a pizza! Yes, you read that correctly. On average, we spend between Rs. 500 - 1000 on pizza. There are several quality stocks within this price range to invest in. We can even invest with a minimum of Rs. 500 regularly in stocks or mutual funds. This proves that investing in the stock market doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket. Just imagine how well your wealth and health can improve only by redirecting your pizza money into the market.

2. Enjoy the magical power of compounding :

We all have learned about compound interest in our schools. What we did not know then was how it is rightly called the 8th wonder of the world. It is simply a way of earning more interest on the already earned interest. Let’s understand this with an example. Let’s say you invest Rs. 1000 every month for 25 years expecting 10% return p.a. Your total investment amount of Rs. 3 Lacs would have grown to approximately Rs. 13 Lacs. And that, my friend, is the power of compounding!

It’s like your money is earning more money for you, isn’t it? The compounding effect would be more if you stay invested for a longer period. Hence, it is correctly said that “Time is money” and one must start investing as early as possible.

3. Victory over inflation

Inflation is like a hanging sword over our necks. It is reducing the purchasing power of our money. As per the trading economics, the average rate of inflation between 2012 to 2021 was around 6.01 percent in India. The bad news is that inflation is here to stay and we can’t do much about it. The good news is that the stock markets can help us generate inflation-beating returns of around 10-12% if invested efficiently.

This is possible because India is a developing country. Hence, our industries grow in tandem with our economic growth and have the potential to reflect and generate returns by outperforming the inflation rate.

4. Higher returns than traditional investment avenues:

FDs have been a popular choice for investment amongst Gen X (born before the 1980s) and Gen Y (Born between 1980-95). They are considered to be a safe and secure option. Currently, FD rates range between ~4.50% to 6.00% percent for tenures between 1 and 10 years. Now, have a look at the Nifty chart below. The Nifty50 index has grown ~150% in the last 10 years! I agree stocks can be volatile however, the risk gets averaged out over a longer investment term. Investing in sound and proven companies can help you generate stable and better returns than FDs

5. Additional income source:

It is always wise to have more than one source of income. If at all you face any difficulties in your professional or personal life and are forced to discontinue your job then you might experience financial distress after a while. Hence, having an additional source of income comes in handy and the stock market can be of help in this case. You can earn through value appreciation and dividends from your investments providing steady income apart from your paycheck.

6. It is not rocket science:

You do not need any fancy degree or qualifications to understand investing in the market. No matter what your educational background or age is. If you approach it in the right way, you can perform the required analysis and research all by yourself.

Bottom Line:

There are several exciting concepts to learn like- the structure of the Indian financial market, what is Nifty, the basics of IPO, different types of corporate actions, Dividends, Stock splits, Block deals, and many more!.

Click the following image to know how to start learning about the stock market.

The Stock market is intriguing if you can dedicate your time and devotion to learning and applying it practically. It is rightly said that “Practice makes you perfect”, and that is exactly what we need to apply here as well. Even Spider-Man had to learn how to use his power and figure out the best possible way to apply it while fighting the bad guys. So, what makes us any different when it comes to learning about the stock market?

People have different opinions on how one should initiate this journey. However, I am sharing the top 5 things you can do as a beginner to learn about Stock Market below. Let us find out, without further ado.

1. The first step is to track news related to the stock market daily. You can watch news channels like CNBC, Zee Business before 9 am and/or after 3.30 pm wherein you can watch shows parting knowledge on the subject. If you watch these channels between 9 am to 3.30 pm (which is market hours) you might get overwhelmed with all the information being telecasted about the market throughout the day. So, remember one day at a time. You can also download media apps like Economic Times, Livemint, moneycontrol, etc. which will further add to your knowledge basket.

2. For my reader folks, you can subscribe to market-related magazines like Dalal Street Investment Journal, Money life, Business Today, Outlook Money, etc. Apart from this, you can also read books related to investments and trading to understand the market in depth. You can check out my book suggestions here.

3.You can also use your Google skills to read about the market via various websites available on the internet. Blogs on Investopedia, Groww, Zerodha Varsity provide good content which a beginner can easily comprehend. You can also check out my Blogs here for easy reference.

4. If you are not a reader, no worries, I got you covered. There are so many YouTube channels that can help you understand basic concepts in the stock market. You can check out my YouTube channel where I have explained numerous concepts right from the ‘Basics of the Stock market’ in the most simplified manner that even a non-finance person can understand, that too ‘FOR FREE!’

5. If you are keen on learning about the market in a detailed and structured format, you can check out my readily available courses here. I have designed all of my courses from beginner level with ‘Basics of Stock Market’, ‘Basics of Technical Analysis’, ‘Magic of Mutual Funds’ to advance level with ‘Art of Value Investing’. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Now you are all geared up and eager to invest. But wait, to participate in the market, you need to open a Demat A/c with a SEBI registered broker. This process is very simple and completely online. Click on the image below to know more.

If you have watched Pokémon, you might know how all the Pokémon’s used to evolve when they reached a certain level. Pikachu would evolve into Raichu, Charmander would evolve into Charmeleon, etc. After their evolution, they turn into an advanced version of themselves with new looks, moves and, even skills. So, why not take inspiration from our favourite childhood show and advance ourselves in this journey of learning about the stock market. Till now, we have learned so many basic concepts about the stock market in the most simplified manner through my YouTube channel, course, and blogs. But now the question remains on how do we go ahead from here and what should be the next step. This is exactly what we are going to discuss in this blog.

KYS- Know yourself

You are at a stage where you know about financial markets and how they work, nifty, corporate actions, IPO terminologies, etc. but do you know yourself enough to step into the stock market? It is crucial to find out how much risk you can take. You may check out this video to understand how to check your risk profile. Other important points include understanding your investment horizon, capital and keeping your short-term liquidity intact with an emergency fund.

But wait, what factors could you consider in deciding all of this? Factors like your monthly income expenses, the number of dependents in your family, your/family’s medical expenses, your age, and your other financial goals will help you find out the answers you need before jumping into the market. Another important question to ask yourself is whether you possess the required skills to make well-informed investment decisions ahead. There are 2 branches in equity analysis namely- Fundamental analysis (FA) and Technical analysis (TA) and I think understanding both works the best to make good investment decisions. Let’s find out more about them as you read ahead.

Why learning Fundamental analysis is important?

FA helps us understand the actual value or the intrinsic value of a company based on its financials, economic environment, competitive position, and other qualitative factors. More focus is given to finding stocks that are undervalued i.e., stocks available at a cheaper price than their fair value. Investors believe that as the company is performing better, it will be recognized soon by the market, leading to a rise in its price because of the increased demand. This will help investors grow their wealth exponentially with not the only capital appreciation but also dividends and compounding. Hence, FA will help you pick financially strong and well-positioned stocks at a better price to gain the best out of the investments.

So, how to start learning about Fundamental Analysis. To find an undervalued stock, first, you must understand how to perform a financial analysis of a company. You can find out all about it in my "Fundamental analysis" course. After gaining confidence in FA, you can level up a little to learn more about the “Art of value Investing” which will help you fetch undervalued stocks.

Why learning Technical analysis is important?

To put it simply for you, Technical analysis involves observing past price movement and patterns of a financial asset to predict future price direction. TA will help you understand the current market trend. This is possible by studying various candlesticks, charts, and indicators. Investors and traders both need to learn TA. Now, you might be wondering, “For traders, it’s understood, but why do investors need to learn TA?” The answer is simple. After performing an extensive FA of a company, don’t you wish to get the stock at the best possible price available in the market? Of course, you do! Hence, you must learn TA to know the best time and best price to enter/exit a stock. Now the big question is how do you know what is the best time & price to enter/exit stocks. I got you covered. I have designed a course on “Technical analysis” which will help you understand TA in the most systematic, simplified, and practical way. 

Bottom line

“Safar khoobsurat hai manzil se bhi..” I am sure you would totally relate to this line from the song - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, while you are on this amazing journey of learning about the stock market and investing. But the question that remains is what sequence you should follow while watching the courses. First, get your basics in place by completing the Basics of Stock Market course. Then you can go ahead with Fundamental Analysis, Art of value investing and lastly Technical Analysis to reach on that advanced level manzil you all wished for. I have designed these courses in the most simplified manner such that a person from a non-finance background, housemaker, student, retired, everyone, will understand it.

What is a Demat A/c?

Demat A/c is simply short for Dematerialized A/c. Its purpose is to hold all your Financial Securities in an electronic form, eliminating the need and hassle of physical handling of securities and related documents.

There are 2 depositories in India, namely National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) & Central Depository Services Ltd. (CDSL). These depositories hold all the securities in our Demat A/c, in order to offer efficient trading and settlement in the markets. For this, we must open a Demat A/c with a broker (also known as a depository participant) recognized by SEBI.

Just like we have a Bank A/c to keep our cash, we need a Demat A/c to store our securities in an electronic form.

Today, I am going to share my story of how I opened my Demat A/c with Zerodha. There are 2 ways through which this is possible: offline & online. I opened my a/c online; however, I will quickly walk you through the offline process as well. So, let’s begin!

a) Offline account opening

First, you need to download the application forms from their website. Take a printout, fill it up, sign it and send the application to Zerodha via courier at the address mentioned on their website. 
After this, you should schedule a meeting with a Zerodha representative who will complete your in-person verification. The representative will guide you with all the documents needed and take signatures wherever necessary, to complete the account opening process. Right now, all of this might take more time than before due to the pandemic. However, you can open an account online as I did. How? Let’s find out...

Before I started with the process, I ensured to keep a scanned copy of my PAN card, Aadhar, signature, and canceled cheque/bank statement in the device from which I was opening my account. 

Step 1: Mobile Number & Email verification

I visited the Zerodha website and clicked on the “Sign up” section to start my account opening procedure. The first step was mobile number verification wherein I had to enter my number. After I hit the ‘Continue’ button, I received a 6-digit OTP number which I had to key in on the screen. 

Next was email verification. I entered my email id and received a 6-digit OTP in my mailbox. I entered it and pressed continue.

Step 2: PAN verification

For this step, I had to enter my PAN and DOB as per my PAN. The portal asked me to pay a sum of Rs. 300 as an account opening fee. Various payment options like UPI and Net banking were available for the same. I had to fill in all the necessary bank details to complete the payment.

Step 3: Digilocker

After the transaction was successful, the Zerodha portal redirected me to the “Digilocker” window. Digilocker is an online locker wherein we can keep our government-issued documents in an electronic form. I had to separately sign in for Digilocker with my Aadhar, so Zerodha could access necessary documents uploaded in the locker.

Step 4: Personal Details

This step was very simple. Here, I just had to enter my personal details like Name, occupation, trading experience, and bank details carefully. 

Step 5: Webcam IPV

For In-person verification (IPV), all I had to do was give my webcam access to Zerodha, write the code flashed on the screen on a blank paper, hold it up to the camera and click a picture. I had to save this picture as my IPV and move ahead with e-signing.

Step 6: E-sign

E- signing was done by uploading my PAN, Aadhar, Income Proof, and signature which I kept handy before starting the process. A Digio dialog box appeared on my screen for registration with the NSDL. I verified my email again. After this, I could see my complete form, check everything, and click on ‘Sign now’.

Voila! I successfully applied for opening a Demat A/c. Within 24 hours I received a mail from Zerodha with a PIN to activate my account. I was instructed to Log in using the same and change my password immediately and that was all.

Isn’t opening a Demat a/c easy peasy lemon squeezy? So, hurry up and click the link below to open your Demat A/c today! 

Click the following image to read about financial markets.