Hedge funds are very similar to mutual funds except for fewer regulations

What are Hedge funds? Hedge funds have been around since the fifties but only grew in popularity in the 1960s.

The bloodbath on the bourses has left investors completely shaken and in a state of financial mess. Let’s look at the reasons for the market mayhem and what you, as an investor, should focus on at this stage…

Over the last few months there have been more than a handful of global fund launches and there are more in the pipeline. These funds invest in global stocks and/or mutual funds that invest in global markets. Here’s a look at what you must take into account when you invest in such funds …

Diversification is the name of the investing game and there is an attractive form of investment in the nature of real estate investment trusts (Reits) or real estate mutual funds, which can add diversification to your portfolio. A large number of investors want to reap the benefits of a rising real estate market. However, there are constraints in terms of finance required, risk appetite and liquidity of investment, which may deter investors from making a direct investment in the realty sector. Real estate mutual funds, for which the draft guidelines are out, are ideal for taking an exposure in real estate. After all, it makes great sense that your investment portfolio should have an ideal mix of all forms of investment - including stocks, bonds, real estate and other assets.

As in all other stock markets in the world, stock trading in India happens on an invisible market that handles the stocks of various companies from the public and private sectors. One can buy shares or sell one’s holdings based on the stock market quotes of these companies on any given trading day. Stocks trading in India used to take place on the basis of stock quotes give in the form of fractions. Those days are over now, and the decimal system has been introduced to make it easier to buy shares.