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It is always a good idea to have a financial expert manage your money. A mutual fund firm or an Asset Management Company (AMC) is exactly that expert when it comes to investing.  What are Asset management company(AMC)?  Asset Management Companies are businesses that collect money from different institutional and individual investors and invest it in a variety of securities. The corporation uses the money to buy capital assets like stocks, bonds, and other types of property. The research team chooses the appropriate assets, and the asset management companies employ specialists known as fund managers to oversee the investments.  Fund managers discover investment possibilities that align with the fund's goals. To safeguard the investment and generate a consistent return, they invest money in debt funds such as bonds and government securities. To maximize returns for investors, an equity fund is typically invested in company shares. Start Investing in Mutual Funds How are the funds managed by an Asset management company?  Direct mutual fund investments can be made through an AMC. The corporation is primarily in charge of managing the mutual fund and making choices that are beneficial to investors. It makes investments as per the scheme's set goals under the direction of a fund manager. The general steps are described below 1. Asset allocation  The specific investment goal of mutual funds aids the fund manager in selecting the assets in which investments can be placed. As an illustration, the majority of debt-oriented funds manage a sizable amount of their assets in bonds and other fixed-income securities. Another instance is how the majority of balanced funds blend their investments in stocks and fixed-income assets. 2. Research and Analysis  A lot of research and analysis of the performance of the asset classes goes into building the fund's portfolio. Experts conduct market, micro, and macroeconomic analyses and communicate their findings to the fund manager, who bases investment choices on the fund's goals.  3. Portfolio Building  The fund manager is often updated on market trends and results by a team of researchers and analysts who work for the AMC. The fund manager then determines which securities to acquire or sell based on these results and the investing goals of the fund. This is how a business develops a portfolio.  4. Performance Evaluation  AMCs are required to give their unit-holders information that directly affects their mutual fund investments. Additionally, it must regularly update investors on sales and repurchases, NAV, portfolio information, and other matters. Simply put, AMCs have a responsibility to represent and protect the interests of mutual fund participants. Additionally, they must address client complaints about their mutual fund schemes. source: pexels What criteria should an investor use to select an Asset management company?  Before selecting an AMC, you must look into both the AMC's track record and the assets it is currently managing. Selecting an AMC with substantial assets under management that can withstand rapid redemption demand from major investors is important.   When selecting an AMC, investors should take the following factors into account:  Credentials of the fund manager: You must look at the manager's history and investment philosophy. The investment approach and expertise of the fund manager determine the performance of many mutual fund schemes.  The AMC's reputation: It might take months or years for a fund house to establish its standing in the industry. An AMC usually develops a solid reputation after continuously performing for five or ten years.  Look at the ratings: Speaking with other investors will help you determine whether prior performance has been consistent and whether the AMC has had any complaints.  Are fund houses as reliable as banks?  There is a common misconception that mutual funds are less secure than bank accounts or bank-sponsored investing programs. People worry that AMCs might go out of business or steal their money at any time. People frequently forget that AMFI is responsible for investor education and that SEBI, the capital market regulator, oversees mutual funds.  AMFI and SEBI's Role in AMC Operations  AMCs operate under the direction of a trustee board. However, they must answer to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which oversees the country's capital markets. Another regulatory organization that answers investor complaints and protects their interests is the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). The set of risk management standards established by SEBI and AMFI must be followed by every mutual fund house.  The AMFI was created by mutual fund companies, whereas SEBI is a government organization. Together, they maintain the industry's ethical foundation and transparency. Mutual funds require clearance if they are establishing guaranteed schemes, and the RBI is crucial in regulating AMCs. Finally, all of these regulators are under the control of the Ministry of Finance. Guidelines for investors from SEBI and AMFI  Some of the standards and regulations that SEBI, AMFI, and RBI prescribe for mutual fund firms include the following:  SEBI has set some guidelines for the reports that AMCs must provide to the trustees.   The trustees must receive the compliance certificate from AMCs every two months.  They must provide the trustees with quarterly updates on their operations and adherence to these rules.  The firm is not allowed to invest in any of its schemes unless the offer documents fully disclose the company's intention to do so.  The AMC Chairman is not allowed to serve as a trustee for any mutual funds.  AMC's top employees should have a spotless record (not convicted of any financial offense such as fraud or insider trading).  The AMC should be under Rs 10 crores in net value.  AMCs are not permitted to act as mutual fund trustees.  FAQs Which is the best AMC for mutual funds? Some of the best AMCs in India for investing in mutual funds are: SBI Mutual Fund ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund TATA Mutual Fund DSP Mutual Fund Kotak Mutual Fund How many AMCs are there in India? There are over 44 AMCs in India managing thousands of mutual funds. SBI mutual fund is one of the oldest mutual fund management companies in the country. How do I invest in AMC mutual funds? You can directly invest with a particular AMC by visiting and setting up an account on their official website. Many AMC lists their mutual funds on different investment platforms which you can visit and select the best fund based on your financial preferences. How do I choose the right AMC? To choose the right AMC, you need to answer certain financial questions - What is your investment objective and goal of investing? What is your time horizon and how long can you stay invested? What is your risk tolerance? What kind of performance and growth has the particular AMC recorded in the last few years? What is the consistency of performance, fund manager's experience, AMC Track Record, and investment objective? Are fund houses as reliable as banks? There is a common misconception that mutual funds are less secure than bank accounts or bank-sponsored investing programs. Which is the biggest AMC in India? SBI Mutual fund is the biggest AMC in India. There are over 44 AMCs in India managing thousands of mutual funds. If you are interested in investing via AMC curated mutual funds for your child’s education then check out the EduFund App and select the top performers!  TALK TO AN EXPERT

You've probably heard of Nasdaq if you follow financial news. After the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq is the world's second-largest stock exchange and is home to tech titans such as Apple, Google, and Amazon.  The Nasdaq market has grown to accommodate over 4,000 corporate listings since its inception in 1971, including many of today's largest corporations.  The value of the Nasdaq-listed portfolio changes with the performance of the companies under consideration.  But what is the Nasdaq, and how does it function? Let's have a peek at one of the most well-known stock exchanges in the world. What is Nasdaq?  Nasdaq stands for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; in case you didn't know. It was a division of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), now the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).   Nasdaq was set up as a platform for investors to trade assets automated, fast, and transparently.  The Nasdaq split from the NASD in 2006 and formed its own company. Nasdaq announced in 2007 that it would merge with the OMX Nordic Exchange to form Nasdaq OMX the following year.  How does the Nasdaq work?  The Nasdaq was built from the ground up to deliver automated quotes. It regularly supported over-the-counter (OTC) trading in the years after its creation, when Nasdaq became associated with OTC and was frequently synonymized as an OTC market by mainstream and trade magazines.  Later, the implementation of automated technologies was done to generate trade and volume information – it became the first exchange to offer electronic trading.  All deals made by investors on Nasdaq's electronic exchanges are executed through dealers, often known as "market makers," rather than directly through auctions.  Trading hours on the Nasdaq  The Nasdaq, like the NYSE, is open for trading from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Traders can take advantage of Nasdaq's "pre-market" and "post-market" hours. From 4 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET are the pre-market and post-market hours, respectively.  It is critical to account for the time difference between the United States and India while investing in India. The NYSE and NASDAQ open at 8 p.m. and close at 2.30 a.m. respectively, in Indian Standard Time (IST). The US stock markets open at 7 p.m. IST and close at 1:30 a.m. IST during daylight saving time. Source: Freepik Requirements for Nasdaq listing  A corporation must meet the following criteria to be on the Nasdaq electronic exchange  Meet specific financial, liquidity, and corporate governance standards.  Be a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (SEC)  At least three market makers are required.  Companies should meet the criteria regarding their size and trading volume  The approval of a company's listing might take anywhere from four to six weeks after an application is submitted.  Nasdaq Market Tiers in the United States  A corporation's shares will be offered under one of three market tiers, depending on the listing requirements:  1. Global select market This composite is weighted based on market capitalization and comprises stocks from domestic and international companies.   Companies listed here must meet Nasdaq's strict criteria. Nasdaq's Listing Qualifications Department Reviews Global Market listings on an annual basis and, if they are eligible, moves them to the Global Select Market.  2. Global market Nasdaq's Global Market comprises equities from companies listed in the United States and worldwide – classified as a mid-cap market.  3. Capital market Before Nasdaq changed its name, the Capital Market was known as the SmallCap Market. It is an extensive list of companies with smaller market capitalizations.  Nasdaq performance  Nasdaq's overall performance has been quite robust in the previous quarter-century because it is mostly tech stocks. The NASDAQ-100 index, which comprises the exchange's top 100 stocks, had a five-year return of 196.31 percent and a 10-year return of 552.24 percent as of November 3, 2021.   Meanwhile, the Composite Index returned 171.64 percent over five years and 444.12 percent over ten years. The Nasdaq has outpaced other vital indices, such as the S&P 500.  The Nasdaq Composite and Nasdaq 100 indexes  Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Tesla (TSLA) make up most of the Nasdaq Composite Index. On the other hand, Nasdaq includes corporations in the oil, industrial, consumer products, and healthcare areas.  The Nasdaq 100 index, for example, measures 100 of the Nasdaq Composite's largest and most commonly traded securities.  All things considered, the Nasdaq is a stock market where businesses can list their stock. Investors can purchase and sell corporate shares on these markets through brokers. Nasdaq is famed for its ingenuity.   To summarize many of the world's most prestigious businesses are now listed on the Nasdaq, and you trade in their securities either directly or via instruments like ETFs and mutual funds FAQs What is Nasdaq? Nasdaq stands for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations. It was a division of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), now the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).   Nasdaq was set up as a platform for investors to trade assets automated, fast, and transparently. How does Nasdaq work? The Nasdaq was built from the ground up to deliver automated quotes. It regularly supported over-the-counter (OTC) trading in the years after its creation, when Nasdaq became associated with OTC and was frequently synonymized as an OTC market by mainstream and trade magazines.  What is in the Nasdaq? Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Tesla (TSLA) make up most of the Nasdaq Composite Index. On the other hand, Nasdaq includes corporations in the oil, industrial, consumer products, and healthcare areas.  The Nasdaq 100 index, for example, measures 100 of the Nasdaq Composite's largest and most commonly traded securities. Who owns the Nasdaq? Nasdaq is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and the USA. It is owned by the AB Wallenberg family.

If you pay attention to your daily routine, you'll see that many firms' products/services have a link with your life and the lives of millions of families across the nation and the globe. But it begs the question: Are you taking advantage of such opportunities?  During talks, we frequently hear statements like, "The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a terrific program introduced by the government to make banking inclusive" but what are we doing to turn this into wealth?  Today's world is constantly evolving, and there has been a massive paradigm shift due to disruptive ideas, unparalleled technical advancements, and changing consumer tastes. Thematic investing is a type of investment strategy that identifies more significant macro-level trends as well as the firms and sectors that will benefit from those trends materializing.   A good investor seeks to predict these trends and buy in the underlying assets and businesses ahead of time. The goal of thematic investing is to profit from these transitions by selecting and investing in firms most likely to gain from them.   It entails matching our values and ideals to our assets. Thematic investing is gaining popularity to identify future contributors of return from stock investments allowing investors to outpace traditional broad indexes, which reflect the market's overall movement. The good news for many investors is that thematic investing offers the potential to assist in positioning holdings for long-term growth. What is the process of Thematic investing?  A conventional thematic investing strategy considers the following variables when selecting stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, and other assets.  You can engage in themed mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which provide you with expert investment analysis and management benefits.   While investing in ETFs or mutual funds, you can benefit from experienced financial planners and research groups who strive to build high-performing products.   Investing in a thematic fund enables you to diversify your risk by investing in a single theme.  Manually creating a thematic portfolio involves the following steps Finding Themes and Categories - As a first step, you should screen out the themes you are interested in.  Research and Choice - Examine various concepts and sectors, compare them to other asset classes, and decide.  Managing Weights - Consideration is for the market-cap-weighted or risk-weighted allocation in the portfolio. You can, however, shuffle and personalize your portfolio based on your risk appetite.  Rebalance - It is customary to restructure your portfolio regularly to get optimal returns and risk balance. As the performance of the constituents diverges, you should change your portfolio to bring the weights back into line with the original strategy. Sector Investing vs Thematic Investing  Since sector investment and thematic investing are similar, it's easier to get these two methods mixed up. Targeting companies in specific parts of the economy, like information technology or energy, is known as sector investing.   On the other hand, a theme investing strategy can span many industries to correspond with a potential market or specific goal.  1. Sectoral investing Investing in companies that are parts of a specific industry, such as semiconductor manufacturers, healthcare, or social media companies.  2. Thematic investing Investing in one or more of the following industries simultaneously, as long as they are related to a disruptive communications theme: semiconductor manufacturers, mobile phone tower operators, and social media firms.  Benefits of Thematic Investing Thematic investing allows you to profit from future trends. It assists you in investing in 'Future Businesses' due to its forward-looking character.  A themed investment strategy focuses on a single theme, idea, event, or government policy and invests in linked industries.  To understand future trends, thematic investing necessitates a thorough awareness of the impact of all patterns on various areas and sectors and a forward-thinking cognitive process.  Thematic investing can operate as a portfolio hedge since it focuses on global trends and disruptive innovations.  Thematic investing gives the possibility for investors to earn more alpha.  Limitations of Thematic Investing  Thematic funds carry a high level of risk because of their basis on a single idea or subject that may or may not generate high returns, particularly during market cycles.  If you invest in themed mutual funds, you should expect a higher expense ratio than conventional mutual funds.  FAQs What is Thematic investing? Thematic investing is a type of investment strategy that identifies more significant macro-level trends as well as the firms and sectors that will benefit from those trends materializing. This type of investment allows you to take advantage of upcoming trends and invest in profitable upcoming investments. What does thematic mean in investing? Thematic investing researches a particular theme and its consequent investment opportunities. It you to profit from future trends. It assists you in investing in 'Future Businesses' due to its forward-looking character.  A themed investment strategy focuses on a single theme, idea, event, or government policy and invests in linked industries.  How do you do thematic investing? Fund managers or advisors research a theme that they believe will become profitable in the future. They develop a strategy to study its development and investment opportunities. For example, digitization and AI are considered futuristic themes worth evaluating from a thematic investing perspective. Is thematic investing risky? Yes, just like any form of investing, thematic investing carries a level of risk and return. Emerging opportunities and structural transformations that can provide superior returns or intangible gratification to the investor are the focus of thematic investing.  To create optimal returns and maintain a balanced risk profile, you should regularly monitor and review your portfolio. Consult our expert advisor to get the right plan  TALK TO AN EXPERT

Are you worried about your children’s higher education? Read this article to find the best bachelor’s degree for your kid.  You might know a lot of good options but don’t know which one to opt for. Bachelor in Business and Management  A bachelor's degree in business and management is the best choice if you see an entrepreneur or businessperson when you look in the mirror.  There are up to 11,000 study possibilities in the broad area of business and management. It makes sense that this is one of the most sought-after Bachelor's disciplines given the wide range of options available.  Business administration, marketing, finance, and accounting are some of the most popular areas of study within this field, and after earning your degree, you can find work as a manager, market researcher, accountant, tax consultant, and financial inspector, among other positions. Bachelor in Electrical Engineering  It is not surprising that we include two specialties in engineering on our list given that engineering is a complicated profession that encompasses everything related to invention, design, construction, maintenance, and research.   Your ability to work with just about any system that uses electrical energy, including gadgets and digital devices, will be enhanced by studies in electrical engineering. And let's face it, who wouldn't want a degree that essentially exhorts them to never try looking up from their phones again?  It is possible to work as an aerospace engineer, broadcast engineer, network engineer, and of course as an electrical and electronics engineer in the telecommunications, media, aerospace, and broadcasting industries by pursuing higher studies in electrical engineering. Bachelor in Civil Engineering and Construction  Given that cities have developed into crowded population centers, civil engineering and construction are more important than ever. With this type of Bachelor's degree, you might work as a sustainable counselor, design engineer, or even as a consulting and contracting civil engineer. Bachelor in Computer Science and IT  Considering that practically every sector uses or is touched by digital technologies, we assume you are not shocked to see computer science and IT on our list. While IT focuses on developing networks & databases and maintaining computer systems, computer science is more concerned with programming & software.  Once you graduate from college, you should consider careers as a data analyst, IT consultant, technical support specialist, systems developer, or game developer. Bachelors in Medicine  Doctors always are going to be needed. And when we started this, I don't believe we completely blew anyone's mind. With our 6,000 programs, we can demonstrate that medicine will always be in style.  A Bachelor's in Medicine takes your dedication for at minimum 5–6 years, but it is worth it in the long run. Along with private hospitals and clinics, the government will provide you with employment opportunities. You should be aware that, in addition to human medicine, physiotherapy and nutrition & dietetics are two fields that are becoming more and more enticing.  The rising obesity prevalence in the population and the escalating posture issues among office workers are directly related to the rising demand for nutritionists and physiotherapists.  Kids, don't forget to exercise. Just refrain Bachelors in Architecture  Another discipline that takes time and commitment but pays off when you finish and enter the employment market is architecture.   Developers of real estate and local governments are always in need of architects, interior designers, and urban planners. And the study selection (which includes over 60,000 Bachelor's programs) reflects this.  Bachelors in Design  A subject with over 2,500 specialized programs, including Graphic Design and Interior Design, goes by the umbrella title of "design." A designer degree is certain to fulfill you, regardless of the program you select. Jobs in design are imaginative and well-paid. The majority of students choose to study design in nations like Spain, Denmark, and Italy.  Bachelor in International Relations  We may say if there is one field of social sciences that is rising in popularity, it is international relations, which offers more than 1,200 Bachelor's programs.  This is due to the fact that the field combines elements of political science, economics, and diplomacy. You can work as a public research officer, public affairs consultant, diplomat, or public relations specialist with knowledge and experience in these fields. Australia, the United States, and Switzerland are the best countries to pursue a bachelor's degree.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

The economic impact of Covid-19 has kept Indian and global markets volatile. Markets can trade at higher valuations and drop suddenly without investors realizing it.   This has caused a lot of confusion among investors about how to protect their investment portfolios.  With markets still unpredictable, experts suggest it's the right time to invest in overseas equities like the U.S., especially for investors looking to manage risk through diversification.  Market experts suggest investing in U.S. stocks through Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Funds of Funds (FoFs). So how can you invest in U.S. stocks through a mutual fund?  Read on, to know about U.S. stock mutual funds. What are the mutual fund options to invest in U.S. stocks? 1. Actively managed international mutual funds  International equity mutual funds are the funds that invest a subsequent portion of their total amount in U.S. equities; meanwhile, maintaining some portion focused on Indian equities can be an ideal choice for fresh investors who want to have exposure to the U.S. stock market.   2. ETFs and FoFs  Barring exposure to the U.S. stock markets, Exchange-traded funds and Funds of Funds can provide diversification benefits to the investor's portfolio looking for portfolio stability. ETFs track an underlying index, providing an organized and transparent investment approach while providing exposure to foreign markets. Fund of funds invests in several other mutual funds and allows investors to benefit from exposure to various investments with minimal investment amount. ETFs or FoFs are the cost-effective mode of investment to gain exposure to the U.S. market.  3. Index mutual funds  These funds are passively managed funds and track a specific index from the U.S. stock market. These funds replicate the composition of an index and try to match the returns generated by the same index while charging a low expense ratio.  Benefits of investing in U.S. stocks  Many investors ask why they invest in U.S. stocks when many Indian stocks offer high growth. Let's discuss some benefits of investing in U.S. stocks: Portfolio diversification: By investing in U.S. stocks, an investor can broaden & diversify the overall investment portfolio across the U.S. economy. This helps in mitigating any India-specific economic risks.  The benefit of dollar appreciation: In 2011, the USD-INR exchange rate stood at about Rs. 47. And today, it is around Rs. 82. This indicates that an investor who has invested in the U.S. stock market could have gained 36% by simply taking advantage of the currency appreciation. This gain is apart from the gains that could be made from the U.S. stock market.  Higher returns possibility through international exposure: Compared to the Indian stock market, the trends in the U.S. market have reflected comparatively lower volatility. The former has also provided higher returns on a currency-adjusted basis.  Exposure to companies with higher growth potential: The U.S. market is considered a leader compared to other international markets due to technological innovation, pharmaceutical advancements, and industrial expansion. Investing in U.S. stocks allows Indian investors to benefit from many innovative and high-potential companies.  Who invests in U.S. Stocks through Mutual funds?  Investing in U.S. equities through mutual funds is ideal for investors who:  Are seeking to attain diversification by widening their portfolio's geographical exposure  Want to gain international stock market exposure but at lower risk levels  Seeking higher gains beyond what domestic markets could provide  Have a longer investment horizon and higher risk appetite  Mutual funds help reduce the overall risk that can arise from exposure to the U.S. stock market, but investors should be aware that equity investments carry the risk of loss.  Factors to consider when investing in International mutual funds Investors should be aware of the following risks and tax considerations associated with investing in international mutual funds.  Every international fund has some common risks that investors must be prepared to take while investing in these to gain exposure to U.S. stocks. These are:  Exchange rate risk  Foreign market risk  Concentration risk  Investors must also remember that any returns from international fund investments attract taxes in India. Some points to note here are:  Any dividends of more than Rs. 5,000 from these funds attract TDS at 7.5% for resident investors.  Long-term capital gains tax at 20% is applicable on returns from units redeemed after staying invested for three years.   Short-term capital gains tax is applied per an individual's tax slab for returns from fund units that are redeemed before the completion of 3 years.  Conclusion  The pandemic has forced the world to adopt a new normal in many ways: how we invest, spend, and think about saving. Investors are now focused on keeping their available capital safe. At the same time, more investors are more willing to take risks when working internationally with their portfolios. What better way to explore international markets than to invest in U.S. stocks easily through mutual funds? Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Dozens of colleges, universities, and institutions have hundreds of scholarships. The criteria for winning the scholarship differ; some are need-based and merit-based, some are for specific communities, and some are for specific courses. Need-based scholarships for students  1. Fullbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships It’s given to students who are extraordinary to further study in master in the US universities.  Type of scholarship: merit-based  Total expenses covered: tuition cost, J-1 visa support, living expenses, transportation allowance, health or emergency help.  Eligibility criteria: a master's degree from a well-known Indian institution.  Time period: one to two years 2. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship  It's given to students who are doing research related to climate change in India and the USA.  Total expenses covered: a monthly allowance, j-1 visa support, round trip economy class flight allowance, and health/emergency help.  Eligibility criteria: this is given to students who are registered as Ph.D. students in Indian colleges and affiliated with the U host association. The Ph.D. thesis submission should not be before than 3 months earlier than the given date. Required copies of articles published or presented should be there given.   Time period: one to two years 3. National Overseas scholarship scheme by the Indian Government  It’s given to those students who uplift economic and students with low family income of SC, Denotified nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisans who are in need of higher education.  Type of scholarships: Student-centric  Total expenses covered: Tuition fees, cost of books, air allowance, living expenses, health/emergency expenses, and visa fees.  Eligibility: Comes from SC, denotified nomadic and semi-nomadic, landless agricultural laborer and traditional artisans  Scored: at least 55% marks in UG or 55% in PG   Below 35 years  Combined family income less than 6 lakh.  Not having more than one sibling who got the same scholarship.  4. Great Wall program  The Chinese Ministry of Education provides learners and intellectuals from poor nations who want to study and support research in China the completely financed Great Wall Program Scholarship. The program offers support to both junior and senior research fellows. If the program being considered is offered in Chinese, the individual's competence in the language will be assessed.  Total expenses covered: tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, and accommodation.  Eligibility: less than 45 years and having a bachelor’s or master's degree.   Time period: 1 year  5. GREAT Education Scholarships  Type of scholarship: merit-based and chosen college. Amount covered: £10,000 (Rs 9,41,648.52) for one year.  Eligibility: student has to be an Indian resident and has got admission to a selected college in the UK.  Time period: one year  6. Scotland’s Saltire scholarships  Type: merit-based  Expenses covered: £8000 (Rs753318.81), towards tuition fees  Eligibility: Indian residents, admission to selected universities in Scotland, also need to prove they can afford the remaining tuition fees.  Time: one year  7. The JN Tata Endowment  A partial fund of between INR 1-10 lakh to Indian candidates of masters, doctoral, postdoctoral, or research studies abroad.   Type: Rs 1- 10 lakh  Eligibility: It’s the most popular loan for students. Students applying for it should be an Indian resident. Students in their final year can also apply for this scholarship.  FAQ Which scholarship is best for Indian students?  These are some scholarships that are provided to students:  Oxford and Cambridge Society of India scholarships.  QS undergraduate scholarship  Cornell university TATA scholarship etc. Which country provides free scholarships to Indian students?  Germany offers to finance for all higher education programs, regardless of country, making it one of the best free college education nations for Indian students and their foreign colleagues.  Can poor Indian students study abroad?  Scholarships are among the keys to achieving your ambition of studying abroad if you're struggling financially. There are A lot of scholarships available, so regardless of your major, history, final destination, or financial circumstances, there is one with your name on it.  Which country is the cheapest for Indians to study in?  Norway has long been well-known for its high-quality, cost-free education system. Now that everyone, regardless of nationality, is entitled to free education at public universities, it can be regarded as the least expensive country for an Indian student.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

How to earn money by investing and where to invest so that you can save a good amount for later years is a dilemma that many individuals encounter. There are numerous options, and an individual needs to choose the best-suited investment plan to grow their savings. We will look at some of the most popular investment opportunities to help investors understand “How to earn money by investing”. Some investment options to earn money 1. Debt Mutual Fund Schemes Debt Mutual Fund Schemes are fixed-income generating securities with a fixed interest rate and maturity date. These are good options for short and medium-term investments and ideal for risk-averse investors who are looking for good returns and stable investments.  The gains from the Debt Mutual Fund Schemes are eligible for indexation benefits after three years and are taxed at 20%.  Some of the important Debt Mutual Fund Schemes are Certificates of Deposit, Commercial Papers, Treasury Bills, Corporate Bonds, Government Securities, etc. There are different types of Debt Mutual Funds, like Liquid Funds, Money Market Funds, and Corporate Bond Funds and investors must choose the right option. Open an account on the Edufund App and start investing in Direct Mutual Funds with no hidden costs.  2. Equity Mutual Fund Schemes Equity Mutual Fund Schemes are the preferred investment tools of investors who are ready to take high risks for higher returns. The fund manager has to invest 65% of the assets in equity shares of different companies and the balance in any other money market instruments.  The Equity Mutual Fund Schemes can be actively managed by the fund manager by handpicking the stocks or passively managed by tracking the market index like the ETFs. These schemes are categorized based on investment strategies like the Sectoral Funds, market capitalization like the Large Cap Funds, or tax treatment like the ELSS Funds.   3. Investment in Gold Investment in actual gold, like bars, coins, or ornaments, is one of the traditional investment options, but it has several drawbacks like safety and higher cost. Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds are comparatively safe and cost-effective investment schemes. 4. Equity Shares Investing in equity shares is not for faint-hearted investors as the risk is very high, and there is no guarantee of returns. Over the years, equity shares have delivered higher returns compared to other asset classes. Hence investors should invest with care.  5. Bank Fixed Deposits Bank Fixed Deposits have been the most common choice for investors who are looking for safe and secured investment options and assured returns. FDs can be for short, medium, or long periods depending upon the individual choice.  Banks offer a 5% to 7% rate of interest depending upon the tenure, although senior citizens are granted better interest rates than the general population. The Government of India has recently increased the limit of insurance cover on Fixed Deposits for both the principal and interest in case of bank failure to INR 5 Lakhs from the previous amount of INR 1 Lakh for each depositor in a bank.  6. Sweep-in Fixed Deposit The Sweep-in Fixed Deposit allows the investor to enjoy the interest rates of a regular bank FD with liquidity and flexibility features that the FDs do not enjoy.  For such a scheme, the account holder of a savings or current account gets his account linked to an FD. He has to specify a certain amount, above which the additional amount must be converted into an FD without any hassle. It is easy to withdraw the amount without penalties.  7. Post Office Schemes The Post Office Schemes are government-backed safe, and secured investment options. Some of them also offer tax-savings benefits U/S 80C of the Income Tax Act. The interest rates are generally set by the government at the start of every quarter of the fiscal year.  Prime examples of Post Office Schemes are National Savings Certificates with 6.8% per annum interest compounded annually, Sukanya Samriddhi Account with 7.6% per annum interest compounded annually, and Kisan Vikas Patra with 6.9% per annum interest compounded annually. TALK TO AN EXPERT

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant. The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. Let us talk about the flagship product – DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund. DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund  Investment objective The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to invest in companies that are constituents of the NIFTY 50 Equal Weight Index (underlying Index) in the same proportion as in the index and seeks to generate returns that are commensurate (before fees and expenses) with the performance of the underlying Index, "subject to tracking error".  Investment process   By matching the Nifty 50 Equal Weight TR Index, it allows you to invest in India's top 50 companies, each with the same weight in the portfolio. The portfolio is re-aligned every quarter so every stock's weight is brought back to 2%.  Portfolio composition  The portfolio has an entire equity exposure of 100% in large-cap companies. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 48% of the portfolio, with major exposure to the banking and automobile sectors. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: dspim.com https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MlOiPHJjTjs Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Axis Bank Ltd. Bank 2.34 Coal India Ltd.  Coal Mining company 2.19 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Pharmaceutical 2.16 HCL Technologies Technology 2.16 Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.  Electric Services 2.12 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC Performance over 5 years  If you had invested 10,000 at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 16,625. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Note: Performance of the fund since launch as on Nov 11, 2022. Source: Moneycontrol  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of more than 5 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 10.58%. Fund managers  Anil Ghelani - Total work experience of 22 years. Managing the scheme since June 2019. He was also the CIO of DSP Mutual Fund.  Diipesh Shah - Total work experience of 20 years. Managing the scheme since November 2020.  Who should invest in the DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund?  Investors  Aiming to build wealth by investing conveniently & equally in the top 50 Indian companies.  Have the patience & mental resilience to remain invested for a decade or more.  Why invest in the DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund?  Can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term.  A well-diversified portfolio avoids undue concentration in a few stocks/sectors.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  This is a zero-bias product since it only replicates an index and does not carry any stock or sector bias & does not have an 'active' fund manager. Relatively low-cost, with a comparatively lower expense ratio than active large-cap funds. It offers a well-diversified portfolio and avoids undue concentration in a few stocks/sectors. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant. The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. Let us talk about the flagship product – DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund. About DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund  - Investment objective To invest in companies that are constituents of the NIFTY 50 Index (underlying Index) in the same proportion as in the index and seek to generate returns that are commensurate (before fees and expenses) with the performance of the underlying Index, "subject to tracking error".  - Investment process   The portfolio of this index fund replicates the Nifty 50 TR Index - same stocks, same weights. The portfolio is rebalanced semi-annually to adjust for any stock additions or subtractions to the Index.  - Portfolio composition  The entire portfolio exposure of 100% is only in large-cap stocks replicating the Nifty 50 Index. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 67% of the portfolio, with major exposure to the banking sector. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: dspim.com  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Reliance Industries Ltd. Conglomerate 11.01 HDFC Bank Ltd. Bank 8.25 ICICI Bank Ltd. Bank 7.93 Infosys Ltd. Information Technology 7.05 Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. Financial Services 5.61 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC  Performance over 3 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 17,368. The DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Feb 21, 2019. Source: Moneycontrol  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of more than 3 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 15.98%. Fund managers  Anil Ghelani: Total work experience of 22 years. Managing the scheme since June 2019. He was also the CIO of DSP Mutual Fund.  Diipesh Shah: Total work experience of 20 years. Managing the scheme since November 2020. Who should invest in DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund?  Investors looking for  Aim to build wealth by investing conveniently in the top 50 Indian companies.  Relatively low-cost funds, with a comparatively lower expense ratio than active large-cap funds.  Why invest in DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund?  This fund can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term.  It has no sector or stock concentration.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  This DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund offers an affordable way to buy the top 50 Indian stocks. Since the fund only replicates an index & does not have an 'active' fund manager, it carries no human decision-making bias.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant. The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. Let us talk about the flagship product – DSP Quant Fund. About DSP Quant Fund - Investment objective The investment objective of the scheme is to deliver superior returns as compared to the underlying benchmark over the medium to long term through investing in equity and equity-related securities.  - Investment process   The portfolio of stocks will be selected, weighed, and re-balanced using stock screeners, factor-based scoring, and an optimization formula that aims to enhance portfolio exposures to factors representing 'good investing principles' such as growth, value, and quality within risk constraints.  - Portfolio composition  The equity exposure is majorly in large-cap stocks at 83% and sectoral major exposure is to banks and financial services. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 53% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: dspim.com  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Ltd. Bank 5.16 Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. Financial Services 4.36 HDFC Bank Ltd. Bank 4.28 Bajaj Finance Ltd. Financial Services 4.07 Bajaj Finserv Ltd. Financial Services 4.06 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC  Performance over 3 years If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the DSP Quant Fund, it would be now valued at Rs. 15,891. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Jun 10, 2019. Source: dspim.com  The DSP Quant Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 3 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 15.02%. Fund managers  Anil Ghelani - Total work experience of 22 years. Managing the scheme since June 2019.   Diipesh Shah - Total work experience of 20 years. Managing the scheme since November 2020.   Prateek Nigudkar - Total work experience of 9 years. Managing this fund since May 2022.   Aparna Karnik - Total work experience of 17 years. Managing this fund since May 2022.   Who should invest in DSP Quant Fund?  Investors looking for  Long-term wealth creation solution.  Looking for a portfolio with fundamentally strong sectors and stocks that do not experience very high volatility.  Why invest in DSP Quant Fund?  Investment in the active portfolio of stocks screened, selected, weighed, and rebalanced on the basis of a predefined fundamental factor mode.  It has no sector or stock concentration.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The fund has a strategy of quality, value, and growth while selecting the stocks for its portfolio. This fund uses a multi-factor approach to assess companies in a holistic manner. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

You have seen several different types of ETFs. There are some specialized ETFs that use complex strategies to deliver a return. Leveraged ETFs are one such type of specialized ETF.  What do leveraged ETFs mean? In layman's terms, it means exerting force. In ETF parlance, it means generating a multiple of returns given some return of the underlying index.   For instance, ProShares Ultra S&P 500 ETF is a leveraged ETF that returns twice the daily return of the S&P 500. If the S&P is up 2% daily, the ETF will be up 4% after adjusting the expense ratio. Conversely, if the S&P is down 1.5%, the ETF will be down 3%.  These leveraged ETFs rebalance their portfolio allocations daily. Thus, each day is considered a new day without any connection to the previous day.   Most investors confuse this leverage with more time-bound influence, as in if the S&P is up 10% in a year, the ETF will be up 20% if it's a 2x return ETF, which is entirely wrong! These ETFs work on a daily leverage basis, and in the long run, the fund will not exactly replicate the underlying index. The rebalancing of funds is done on a daily basis to generate an assured return. Continuing with our previous example, if the ProShares ETF is giving a 2x return, the ETF will have to acquire assets that are twice the value of the NAV of the fund.   As an illustration, if a fund has 100 units of securities, the fund will swap these with the counterparty for exposure to 200 units of the performing assets. This rebalancing is usually in the direction of the market.  Such leveraged ETFs can be shortly leveraged or long leveraged Long-leveraged ETFs will trace the market trend in the same direction. Short-leveraged ETFs will move on the contrary.   For example, the ProShares UltraShort S&P 500 ETF design is such that if the S&P rises 5% in a day, the ETF goes down 10%, i.e., a 2x return in opposite direction. Similarly, if the index value falls 5%, the ETF will be up 10%.  Since the rebalancing is on a daily basis, compounded growth, in the long run, doesn't resemble the development of the underlying index. Volatility in the market can severely dent the prospective gains of the ETFs, leading to severe underperformance compared to the underlying assets. For instance, if a triple-leveraged ETF loses 30%, the underlying index must have lost only 10%.   A leveraged ETF can lose its value in some tremendously sporadic cases, mainly when derivatives are part of the ETFs kitty.  Let's take some easy examples and understand how things pan out.  1. Let's take a scenario where the market is up 5% daily, and a 2x long leveraged ETF is traded. Days Daily market performance Expected index level Expected 2x leveraged long ETF level Daily ETF performance 0 0% 100 100   1 5% 105.00 110.00 10% 2 5% 110.25 121.00 10% 3 5% 115.76 133.10 10% 4 5% 121.55 146.41 10% 5 5% 127.63 161.05 10% 6 5% 134.01 177.16 10% 7 5% 140.71 194.87 10% 8 5% 147.75 214.36 10% 9 5% 155.13 235.79 10% 10 5% 162.89 259.37 10% 10-day cumulative change   62.89 159.37   2. Let's take a scenario where the market is down 5% daily, and a 2x long leveraged ETF is traded: Days Daily market performance Expected index level Expected 2x leveraged long ETF level Daily ETF performance 0 0% 100 100   1 -5% 95.00 90.00 -10% 2 -5% 90.25 81.00 -10% 3 -5% 85.74 72.90 -10% 4 -5% 81.45 65.61 -10% 5 -5% 77.38 59.05 -10% 6 -5% 73.51 53.14 -10% 7 -5% 69.83 47.83 -10% 8 -5% 66.34 43.05 -10% 9 -5% 63.02 38.74 -10% 10 -5% 59.87 34.87 -10% 10-day cumulative change   -40.13 -65.13   3. Let's take a scenario where the market is down 5% and up 5%, and a 2x long leveraged ETF is traded. Days Daily market performance Expected index level Expected 2x leveraged long ETF level Daily ETF performance 0 0% 100 100   1 5% 105.00 110.00 10% 2 -5% 99.75 99.00 -10% 3 5% 104.74 108.90 10% 4 -5% 99.50 98.01 -10% 5 5% 104.48 107.81 10% 6 -5% 99.25 97.03 -10% 7 5% 104.21 106.73 10% 8 -5% 99.00 96.06 -10% 9 5% 103.95 105.67 10% 10 -5% 98.76 95.10 -10% 10-day cumulative change   -1.24 -4.90   These are the types of results you can expect if you hold a leveraged ETF. So, an investor must not get deceived by the vocabulary of the ETF, i.e., 2x isn't the 2x that you think. Traders for making quick short-term gains have used leveraged ETFs.  Suppose an investor predicts that the price of natural gas will increase in the coming days or weeks, then investing in a leveraged ETF to enhance the return is sensible if the prediction is correct. However, if it's the other way around, he can buy some inverse leveraged ETFs to maximize his gains and thus act as a hedge to prevent potential losses.  If the prediction is wrong, the losses are magnified by such ETFs.  How do Leveraged ETFs Work?  Let’s say an investor buys shares of a 3 times-leveraged ETF for $200. If the underlying index rises 20% in a single session, the investor gains 60%, boosting the investment to $320.  Leveraged ETF resets every day for the next session. If the underlying index drops 10% the following day, the position's value declines 30% to $272.  As and when the stocks and market indexes fall or rise over time, longer-term positions in leveraged ETFs can become very challenging to hold, thanks to amplified gains and losses.  Who should invest in Leveraged ETFs? Leveraged ETFs are best for seasoned investors with a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved and how it works.  Leveraged ETFs offer an opportunity to add significant value to a trader's overall investment strategy who has an appetite for risk, significant experience, and wish to amplify daily returns in both uptrend and downtrend.  When volatility in the market increases, leveraged ETFs can be effectively used for hedging purposes. Leveraged ETFs can open up many new opportunities if the objective is to hedge your trades and enhanced returns.  Remember to research leveraged funds with caution, as losses can be magnified similarly to returns.  Proceeding with caution and doing due diligence before acting is the way to go. FAQs What is a leveraged ETF? Leveraged ETFs generate a multiple of returns given some return of the underlying index.   Who Should Invest in Leveraged ETFs? Leveraged ETFs are best for seasoned investors with a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved and how it works.  How Do Leveraged ETFs Work?  Leveraged ETFs offer an opportunity to add significant value to a trader's overall investment strategy who has an appetite for risk, significant experience, and wish to amplify daily returns in both uptrend and downtrend.  Consult our expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Thinking of buying Bitcoins? Maybe Bitcoin ETFs? But what is a bitcoin and what are bitcoin ETFs? How can you invest in bitcoins, what is the procedure and benefits? Lets find out! Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency founded by an unidentified person Satoshi Nakamoto, in 2009. This cryptocurrency makes blockchain principles its base, which enables a distributed network to maintain an immutable, decentralized ledger of transactions with no single-point failure.   Bitcoins are created through the "mining" process, using specialized computers to solve increasingly complicated arithmetic puzzles. Because this process is decentralized, buyers have appreciated the deflationary attraction of a limited and finite quantity of only 21 million bitcoins.   This cryptocurrency has enabled anonymous transactions, more efficient cross-border capital transfers, and the creation of a new digital store of value.  Since its inception, Bitcoin has been a disruptor, challenging the business practices of both traditional financial sector organizations and central banks. The Bitcoin economy is still in its early stages, with significant growth potential and associated hazards.   While trading in Bitcoin may offer huge profits in the short term, there is still a lot of ambiguity among authorities and various obstacles in safely keeping the asset across platforms.   Due to these risks, no ETFs that provide especially significant exposure to Bitcoin are currently available; however, numerous funds are in the plans. Investors can also have tangential access to Bitcoin by investing in Blockchain technology companies.  Trading in Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin necessitates a little more effort than investing in equities, bonds, and other traditional assets. To trade in cryptocurrencies, you have to open a trading account with a crypto trading exchange. There's also the issue of storing cryptocurrency, which necessitates the usage of a crypto wallet.  Buying a Bitcoin ETF or fund that operates on a stock exchange as a workaround for these concerns allows you to keep your Bitcoin investment in the same account as your other stocks, bonds, and traditional financial products.  What are Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs)?  Bitcoin ETFs are stock exchange-traded funds that seek to track Bitcoin's performance. When you purchase an ETF, you are not buying the fundamental investment.   Instead, you're purchasing stocks in a fund that invests in or tries to replicate the performance of a particular security or index in this case, Bitcoin.  Bitcoin ETFs would merge the most significant aspects of the two most popular investments: the simplicity of engaging in an ETF and access to bitcoin, the popular cryptocurrency.  The ETFs will function similarly to other ETFs. On the other hand, Bitcoin ETFs will monitor the price of Bitcoin rather than a market index like the S&P 500 or the DJIA.  Who should buy Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs)?  A Bitcoin ETF could be an excellent alternative for those searching for a more conventional approach to investing in Bitcoin. Investing in Bitcoin directly can be challenging, as it requires determining how the asset will be kept and which exchange to use to make the transaction. Crypto futures contracts are packaged into ETFs, which removes some complexity.  The ETF structure may make it easier for certain institutional investors to enter the cryptocurrency market, which may help maintain the Bitcoin demand. Where can you get Bitcoin ETFs?  Most online brokers who sell traditional assets such as equities and bonds will be able to offer Bitcoin ETFs. Traditional exchanges trade ETFs, such as the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq.  Are Bitcoin ETFs subject to regulation?  The establishment of any Bitcoin-related ETFs has proven to be problematic. The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF was the first ETF linked to Bitcoin when it was introduced last October; rather than investing in Bitcoin directly, the fund employs futures contracts.   Due to various factors, the Securities and Exchange Commission is still yet to authorize ETFs that invest directly in Bitcoin.  While there are currently no ETFs that acquire Bitcoin directly, there are alternatives. Here are five things to think about  ETFAUMDescriptionGrayscale Bitcoin Trust (OTC: GBTC)$27.2 billionThis is an investment trust, not an ETF, but it's the first and largest fund tracking Bitcoin's performance.ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (NYSEMKT: BITO)$1.41 billionA recent ETF launch attempts to track Bitcoin using Bitcoin futures contracts.Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (OTC: BITW)$894 millionThis fund is 60% Bitcoin, with the balance invested in other cryptos.Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (NYSEMKT: BITQ)$117 millionThis ETF invests in Bitcoin and crypto stocks.Valkyrie Bitcoin Strategy ETF (NASDAQ: BTF)$51 millionThis is a new ETF that invests in Bitcoin futures from a crypto investment firm. FAQs Are there any Bitcoin ETFs? Bitcoin is indeed a recent addition to the exchange-traded fund market (ETF). Investors can access the alluring possibilities of Bitcoin through Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) without having to store it securely. Presently, Bitcoin ETFs could only hold equities of firms or other ETFs that have exposure to cryptocurrencies, along with Bitcoin futures contracts. Can one purchase Bitcoin ETF? Your choices are very constrained if you wish to purchase a Bitcoin ETF. The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF ($BITO) is the only Bitcoin ETF that is accessible in the United States. You will require a foreign securities account because the Bitcoin ETF BTCE is listed outside of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. What is an ETF for Bitcoin? An exchange-traded fund (ETF) for bitcoins maintains tabs on the currency market. Rather than using crypto exchange platforms, ETFs can be purchased, bought, and exchanged on standard stock market markets. Aside from the inherent volatility of Bitcoin investments, Bitcoin ETFs and funds aren't a great substitute if you want access to the world's largest digital currency.   However, choosing an ETF has advantages because it is useful as a workaround for tracking Bitcoin's performance. Consult our expert advisor to find the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

What financial barometer would you use to gauge the economy's health if you had to choose only one?  The S&P 500 is the de facto daily economic index in the United States. Even though the S&P 500 is given second billing in the financial press and receives little attention elsewhere, its significance is critical.   Let's learn about the S&P 500 in this article.  What is the S&P 500?  The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks the stock prices of 500 of the country's top publicly traded corporations. It covers corporations from 11 industries to represent the stock market's and economy's health in the United States.   The S&P 500, often known as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index – is one of the most used indices for tracking the performance of U.S. equities.  What companies make up the S&P 500, and how does the index stack up?  Companies need to meet some criteria in order to be in the index.   Have a market capitalization of at least $8.2 billion, which refers to the total value of the company's outstanding shares.  Be based in the United States.  Assume the form of a corporation and issue common stock.  Be listed on a U.S. exchange that qualifies. (REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are eligible for inclusion.)  Have positive as-reported earnings in the most recent quarter and during the last four quarters combined?  Due to this criterion, only the largest and most stable firms in the country can be included in the S&P 500. The list is re-evaluated and updated every quarter.  The index tracks the market capitalization of the businesses in the S&P 500 index. The entire value of all shares of stock issued by a corporation is its market cap.   It is calculated by multiplying the stock price by the number of shares issued. A corporation having a market capitalization of $200 billion will be represented twenty times as much as a company having a market capitalization of $10 billion.   As of January 2022, the S&P 500 had a cumulative market cap of $34 trillion.  Top 10 constituents by index weight in the S&P 500 CompanyStock TickerSectorMicrosoft Corp.MSFTInformation TechnologyApple IncAAPLInformation TechnologyAmazon.com IncAMZNConsumer DiscretionaryFacebook Inc AFBCommunication ServicesAlphabet Inc AGOOGLCommunication ServicesAlphabet Inc CGOOGCommunication ServicesJohnson & JohnsonJNJHealthcareBerkshire Hathaway BBRK.BFinancialsVISA Inc AVInformation TechnologyProctor and GamblePGConsumer Staples The S&P 500 sector breakdown as of January 2022 included  The S&P index performance  Without adjusting for inflation, the average yearly rate of return of the S&P 500 (that comprises dividends) has been around 10% for nearly a century. However, keep in mind that this does not guarantee a yearly return of 10% on an S&P 500 index fund.  S&P 500 milestones  The table below depicts several S&P 500 milestone events, including highs and lows and memorable occasions.  June 4, 1968100.38First time above 100Oct. 19, 1987224.84Black MondayMarch 24, 1995500.97First close above 500Feb. 2, 19981,001.27First close above 1,000Oct. 9, 20071,565.15Highest close before the financial crisisOct. 13, 20081,003.35Largest % gain of 11.6%Aug. 26, 20142,000.02First close above 2,000Sept. 21, 20182,929.67New record highFeb. 19, 20192,779.76New record highJuly 12, 20193,013.77First close above 3,000March 12, 20202,480.64Largest % decline since Black Monday entered bear marketMarch 23, 20202,237.40Stock crash lowAugust 18, 20203,389.78New record high end of a bear marketAugust 28, 20203,508.01Closes above 3,500April 1, 20214,019.87Closes above 4,000Oct. 13, 20214,519.63Closes above 4,500 How to invest in the S&P 500 index?  You don't have to buy all 500 stocks in the S&P 500 to invest in the index. Investors can also trade in individual equities directly.   Investors can choose from various index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds track the S&P 500 index's performance this is, in fact, one of the most effective strategies for novice investors to get their toes wet in the financial markets.   Some popular S&P 500 index funds Vanguard 500 Index Investor Shares (VFINX)  Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)  Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)  T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500 Fund (PREIX)  Some popular S&P 500 ETFs SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)  iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)  Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)  SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG)  FAQs What is the S&P 500 in simple terms? S&P 500, or Standard and Poor’s 500, is a stock market index that tracks 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. It is one of the most commonly followed equity indices. What is the S&P 500 and how does it work? S&P 500 is one of the most commonly followed equity indices in the United States. The index tracks 500 large companies listed on the stock exchanges. The S&P 500 is a free-floated weighted index. It is calculated by multiplying the stock price by the number of shares issued. What is the difference between S&P 500 and S&P 500 index? The S&P 500 index and the total stock market index fund represent US stocks only. While S&P 500 index tracks only large-cap stocks, the total stock market index includes small, mid and large-cap stocks. What does S&P 500 index include? The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks the stock prices of 500 of the country’s top publicly traded corporations. It covers corporations from 11 industries to represent the stock market’s and economy’s health in the United States. Consult an expert advisor to find the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT