Prajna Capital - An Investment Guide

THE impending realignment of NSE indices on the basis of free-float market capitalisation has put index funds and exchange traded funds in a spot of bother. According to mutual fund analysts, the exchange-proposed changes in stock weightages will result in widening of tracking error in index funds. Index funds are passively-managed funds wherein the fund manager attempts to mirror the performance of a benchmark index, by investing the corpus in the index components in proportion to their weightage in the index. Tracking error is the difference between returns from the index fund to that of the index. Lower the tracking error, closer are the returns of the fund to that of the target index. Funds with tracking error lower than 1% are good performers, according to mutual fund analysts. The NSE-proposed shift in stock weightages could deviate fund returns (from index returns) in the range of 6-10%, industry sources said. There could be some tracking error as weightage realignment ...

It can help you restructure your portfolio and survive - and even thrive - in these uncertain times The stock markets the world over have had a fabulous run over the last five years, with indices multiplying many times over. The domestic stock market has been at the forefront of this rally, and has been one of the best-performing markets and the darling of global investors. But all good things come to an end, and the dream run of stock markets worldwide has been no exception. This January was a rude shock that sent investors scurrying for cover. Traders have seen a year's profits get wiped out in a week, and most investors are also yet to recover from the bruises. But, over the last few weeks, markets have seen a semblance of normalcy again. There has been a handsome rally, but doubts and worries still linger. Inflation, an economic slowdown, and the fiscal deficit are the three demons haunting the markets. But we have already had a steep correction. Valuations are not as high as ...

If you have lost money, then have a hard look at your holdings. It is time to be patient ULTIMATELY, you cannot really lose money in the stock market! If you have, then either you have not been in the stock market long enough or you are in the process of getting the most expensive education. In the last 15 years, I have portfolios earning about Rs 5 lakh from share dividends alone against others who started with Rs 5 lakh and today owe the broker about Rs 3 lakh. When the markets, Sensex moved from 4,000 to 7,000 points, people thought it was a bubble and many sold out by the time it reached 12,000 points. A huge majority lost the run from 9k to 16k. Seeing their folly, many entered around 17-18k levels and in two months, saw their portfolios doubling. Greed peaked, speculation peaked and the fall shattered millions of dreams. Is there someone sitting on profits today? The answer is a resounding yes! Here are examples. HDFC was quoting at Rs 300 in 1999 and touched about Rs 3,000 earl...