MC Learn is an initiative by Moneycontrol to help deepen your understanding of financial markets and various asset classes so as to be able to profit from it. A major part of it is devoted to the three key disciplines of the stock market—fundamental investing, technical analysis and futures and options. The stock market can be both inviting and yet intimidating at the same time. Inviting because of the promise of untold riches it holds. And intimidating because like in any other field, there are rules and concepts an aspiring investor or trader has to master before he or she can hope to succeed. The stock market of today is far more transparent and well-regulated than what it was in the late 80s and early 90s when retail investors first started taking notice of it. But that does not mean that getting rich from stocks has become any easier. If anything, it has become even harder because a lot more data and information is now publicly available than it was in the past. But like human nature, the fundamental character of the stock market has not changed over the years. Fear and greed remain the dominant emotions that throw up opportunities or can bring about ruin. At the same time, the basic skills like good understanding of businesses, the ability to spot trends and the need for patience and discipline, have stood the test of time. So what does it take to be successful in the stock market? Market veterans would say it is a combination of knowledge, experience and of course luck. Experience can come only with time, and lady luck is known to be fickle. But knowledge can be acquired. And that is where Moneycontrol aims to make a difference. Through the following chapters, we will try to answer commonly asked questions as well as explain complex concepts in an easy to understand language, such that by the end of it you should be the master of your investment decisions. More
A look at all the do's and don'ts of investing to help you become a mindful investor.
Stocks are categorised into sectors in order to make them easy to compare the businesses or companies that have a similar business model.
Timing the market means deciding to buy or sell anticipating a change in trend just before it happens. Experts say trying to time the market is a futile exercise. But is that really the case? In this chapter, we take a look at the pros and cons of timing the market.
Understanding the effects of business cycles on the market is essential to identifying a good investment.
Inflation is a macroeconomic phenomenon of price increases that directly affects your finances and money. Not only does it limit your ability to spend, it also eats away your returns.
Understanding the economic cycle is important for investors. It helps them decide when to invest and when to exit the market, as it directly impacts everything in the investment world such as stocks, bonds, returns and profits.
Active investment versus passive investment has been a topic of debate for decades. However, while comparing the two, it is very important to realise that both forms of investing have their pros and cons.
In this chapter, we look at the process of buying and selling, the different types of margins that brokers collect from clients, and grievance redress systems.
Trading and investing are different approaches, with their respective pros and cons. In this chapter, we will learn about them.
It is preferable to open a demat account with a bank or a custodian if you are not a frequent trader
All stocks carry risk. Nothing comes with a guarantee. This is the first thing to understand for any investor.
Stock markets enable businesses to raise what is called in market parlance as equity capital. At the same time, it provides savers with an alternate avenue to invest their money.
Betting on a particular stock vis-à-vis any other means that the investor has a view on why it is likely to do well. Absent this view, any such bet would be akin to gambling, or a coin toss.