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A Demat Account—short for Dematerialized Account—is the foundation of modern investing in India. It allows investors to hold shares and securities electronically instead of physical certificates. This digital system, regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), ensures safety, transparency, and ease of access for every investor.
However, investors—especially beginners—often get confused by different Demat account charges, such as AMC, brokerage, and hidden fees. Let’s break them down clearly so you can make informed decisions.
A Demat account is essential for trading and investing in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, ETFs, and IPOs. It acts like a digital locker that securely stores your holdings under depositories such as NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited).
Every investor must open a Demat account through a Depository Participant (DP), which could be a brokerage firm like Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, Upstox, ICICI Direct, or Swastika Investmart.
The key benefit of this system is investor protection — all holdings are regulated by SEBI, making the system safe and traceable.
Most brokers charge a one-time account opening fee when you create your Demat account. Many platforms offer zero-cost onboarding, but sometimes a small fee ensures proper KYC verification, compliance, and documentation.
Swastika Investmart stands out here for offering personalized account setup support, ensuring investors—especially first-timers—complete their onboarding with full regulatory compliance and clarity.
AMC, or Annual Maintenance Charge, is one of the most common Demat account costs. It’s levied yearly for maintaining your digital holdings with depositories like NSDL/CDSL.
This fee covers:
Some brokers waive AMC for the first year, while others adjust it based on your portfolio size.
At Swastika Investmart, the AMC structure is transparent—you know exactly what you’re paying for. The firm emphasizes no hidden deductions, coupled with strong customer support for resolving investor queries promptly.
Brokerage is the fee brokers charge to execute trades on your behalf—whether buying or selling shares.
While discount brokers like Zerodha and Groww focus on minimal brokerage with DIY platforms, full-service firms like Swastika Investmart or ICICI Direct provide value-added services like research reports, market insights, and advisory—helpful for both beginners and serious investors.
Remember, brokerage is not just about the lowest cost—it’s about reliability and execution quality. A slightly higher brokerage may actually save you money by ensuring timely trades and better returns through expert research.
What differentiates Swastika Investmart is its open communication policy. Investors receive clear fee breakdowns, helping avoid confusion or mistrust—a strong sign of SEBI-aligned ethics.
The SEBI framework ensures every investor’s money and securities are protected.
Through depositories like NSDL and CDSL, SEBI mandates:
This ensures no unauthorized movement of securities, even if your broker faces operational challenges.
Swastika Investmart’s SEBI registration and long-standing reputation in the Indian financial market underline its commitment to these standards. Its combination of regulatory discipline and human advisory makes it a trusted partner for long-term investors.
If you’re new to investing, here’s a checklist to follow before opening your account:
By ensuring these points, you can start your investment journey confidently and safely.
1. What is AMC in a Demat account?
AMC stands for Annual Maintenance Charge, a yearly fee brokers charge for maintaining your Demat account with NSDL/CDSL.
2. Can I hold multiple Demat accounts?
Yes, you can open multiple accounts with different brokers. However, managing them responsibly is crucial to avoid confusion or additional costs.
3. Which is the safest Demat account in India?
All SEBI-registered brokers linked to NSDL/CDSL are safe. Look for brokers like Swastika Investmart that emphasize compliance and transparent communication.
4. Do I need a Demat account for mutual funds?
It’s optional. Many platforms allow you to invest directly without a Demat account, but having one centralizes all your holdings efficiently.
A Demat account is your gateway to India’s growing capital markets—but understanding AMC, brokerage, and hidden charges is vital to a stress-free investing experience.
While platforms like Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox offer convenience, Swastika Investmart provides something deeper—trust, regional guidance, and transparent SEBI-compliant support.
As an investor, prioritize clarity, compliance, and confidence. Because in finance, knowing what you pay for is the first step to growing what you own.
A Demat Account—short for Dematerialized Account—is the foundation of modern investing in India. It allows investors to hold shares and securities electronically instead of physical certificates. This digital system, regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), ensures safety, transparency, and ease of access for every investor.
However, investors—especially beginners—often get confused by different Demat account charges, such as AMC, brokerage, and hidden fees. Let’s break them down clearly so you can make informed decisions.
A Demat account is essential for trading and investing in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, ETFs, and IPOs. It acts like a digital locker that securely stores your holdings under depositories such as NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited).
Every investor must open a Demat account through a Depository Participant (DP), which could be a brokerage firm like Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, Upstox, ICICI Direct, or Swastika Investmart.
The key benefit of this system is investor protection — all holdings are regulated by SEBI, making the system safe and traceable.
Most brokers charge a one-time account opening fee when you create your Demat account. Many platforms offer zero-cost onboarding, but sometimes a small fee ensures proper KYC verification, compliance, and documentation.
Swastika Investmart stands out here for offering personalized account setup support, ensuring investors—especially first-timers—complete their onboarding with full regulatory compliance and clarity.
AMC, or Annual Maintenance Charge, is one of the most common Demat account costs. It’s levied yearly for maintaining your digital holdings with depositories like NSDL/CDSL.
This fee covers:
Some brokers waive AMC for the first year, while others adjust it based on your portfolio size.
At Swastika Investmart, the AMC structure is transparent—you know exactly what you’re paying for. The firm emphasizes no hidden deductions, coupled with strong customer support for resolving investor queries promptly.
Brokerage is the fee brokers charge to execute trades on your behalf—whether buying or selling shares.
While discount brokers like Zerodha and Groww focus on minimal brokerage with DIY platforms, full-service firms like Swastika Investmart or ICICI Direct provide value-added services like research reports, market insights, and advisory—helpful for both beginners and serious investors.
Remember, brokerage is not just about the lowest cost—it’s about reliability and execution quality. A slightly higher brokerage may actually save you money by ensuring timely trades and better returns through expert research.
What differentiates Swastika Investmart is its open communication policy. Investors receive clear fee breakdowns, helping avoid confusion or mistrust—a strong sign of SEBI-aligned ethics.
The SEBI framework ensures every investor’s money and securities are protected.
Through depositories like NSDL and CDSL, SEBI mandates:
This ensures no unauthorized movement of securities, even if your broker faces operational challenges.
Swastika Investmart’s SEBI registration and long-standing reputation in the Indian financial market underline its commitment to these standards. Its combination of regulatory discipline and human advisory makes it a trusted partner for long-term investors.
If you’re new to investing, here’s a checklist to follow before opening your account:
By ensuring these points, you can start your investment journey confidently and safely.
1. What is AMC in a Demat account?
AMC stands for Annual Maintenance Charge, a yearly fee brokers charge for maintaining your Demat account with NSDL/CDSL.
2. Can I hold multiple Demat accounts?
Yes, you can open multiple accounts with different brokers. However, managing them responsibly is crucial to avoid confusion or additional costs.
3. Which is the safest Demat account in India?
All SEBI-registered brokers linked to NSDL/CDSL are safe. Look for brokers like Swastika Investmart that emphasize compliance and transparent communication.
4. Do I need a Demat account for mutual funds?
It’s optional. Many platforms allow you to invest directly without a Demat account, but having one centralizes all your holdings efficiently.
A Demat account is your gateway to India’s growing capital markets—but understanding AMC, brokerage, and hidden charges is vital to a stress-free investing experience.
While platforms like Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox offer convenience, Swastika Investmart provides something deeper—trust, regional guidance, and transparent SEBI-compliant support.
As an investor, prioritize clarity, compliance, and confidence. Because in finance, knowing what you pay for is the first step to growing what you own.
Every Dhanteras, Indian households turn into mini investment hubs. It’s a day deeply rooted in tradition — symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and new beginnings. But this year, amid fluctuating global markets, rising inflation, and geopolitical tensions, one question stands out: “Should I invest in gold or silver this Dhanteras?”
Let’s decode this Dhanteras investment dilemma with a data-driven and research-backed approach.
Gold has long been India’s favorite asset — not just for cultural reasons but for its proven ability to preserve value during uncertainty.
In 2025, gold prices have shown resilience, hovering around ₹71,000 per 10 grams (as of mid-October 2025), driven by:
Example: During 2020–2023, when equity markets were volatile, gold delivered an average annualized return of 10–12%, protecting investor portfolios.
However, the current trend indicates a consolidation phase — meaning that while gold remains a long-term wealth preserver, short-term upside could be limited.
Best Ways to Invest in Gold (2025):
Silver may not have the same emotional appeal as gold, but its dual nature — both as a precious and industrial metal — makes it extremely relevant in today’s green-tech economy.
In 2025, silver has been gaining traction due to:
Example: In FY24, silver outperformed gold globally, delivering ~20% returns amid the clean energy push.
However, investors must be prepared for price swings since silver’s demand is heavily tied to industrial growth cycles.
Ways to Invest in Silver (2025):
Market analysts believe that 2025 could be a pivotal year for precious metals. With the US Fed nearing rate cuts and global inflation cooling down, both gold and silver could shine — but in different ways.
According to Swastika Investmart’s commodity research team, investors should consider a balanced allocation — 70% gold and 30% silver — to capture both stability and growth.
Let’s take an example — Meera, a 35-year-old professional from Mumbai. Last Dhanteras, she invested ₹1 lakh in gold ETFs and ₹50,000 in silver coins.
Today, her gold investment has grown moderately (~7%), while silver has delivered nearly double-digit gains, thanks to industrial demand. This diversified approach helped her balance returns and risk — a strategy that reflects modern investor sentiment.
Dhanteras investments should not just be emotional but strategic.
Here’s how you can approach it smartly with Swastika Investmart:
👉 Open your investment account today:
Start Investing with Swastika Investmart
1. Is gold still a good investment in 2025?
Yes. Gold remains a strong hedge against inflation and global uncertainty, especially with central banks increasing their gold reserves.
2. Why should I consider silver this Dhanteras?
Silver offers higher potential returns due to its growing industrial demand, particularly in renewable energy and electric vehicles.
3. Which is safer: Gold or Silver?
Gold is safer due to lower volatility, while silver offers better short-term growth potential. A mix of both can balance risk and reward.
4. Are Gold ETFs better than physical gold?
Yes, for investors seeking liquidity, safety, and no storage hassles, Gold ETFs are a practical alternative.
5. How can I invest in precious metals with Swastika Investmart?
You can open an account online and invest in gold/silver ETFs, sovereign bonds, or other digital options easily through Swastika’s platform.
Dhanteras 2025 is not just about tradition — it’s about making informed financial choices. Whether you choose gold for stability or silver for growth, remember that the smartest investment is one backed by research and discipline.
Swastika Investmart empowers investors with expert insights, reliable tools, and tech-enabled platforms — making your festive investments secure and future-ready.
🎉 Invest Smartly. Celebrate Prosperity.
Open Your Account with Swastika Investmart
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Global crude oil markets are undergoing a significant shift. After years of supply cuts, OPEC+ (including Russia) has started rolling back production curbs sooner than expected. The International Energy Agency predicts that the world could face a surplus of up to 4 million barrels per day in 2026, roughly 4% of worldwide demand. This surplus is intensified by tepid demand, with economic growth forecasts being trimmed for major markets. As a result, oil prices dropped by 17% so far in 2025, with Brent trading near $62 and WTI below $59 per barrel — the lowest levels seen in five months.
Real-World Example:
In April 2025, OPEC+ announced faster output restoration. By September, global supply had already risen by more than 3 million barrels per day, outstripping demand growth. The result: traders now anticipate Brent staying below $60 for an extended period, with timespreads flipping into contango — signaling excess near-term supply and lower spot prices moving forward.
How Does This Impact Investors?
For Indian Market Participants:
Crude oil is central to India’s economy, with over 80% of consumption met via imports. Low prices can ease inflation pressures, improve trade deficits, and strengthen the rupee in the short term. However, sectors that rely on oil, such as upstream exploration and refining, may see profit margins squeezed, while downstream users (aviation, paints, adhesives, transport) could benefit from reduced costs.
Market Context:
Regulatory Perspective:
India’s government and RBI closely monitor import bills, currency flows, and inflation data. Decisions on fiscal and monetary policy — such as interest rates or excise duties — are often calibrated with crude price movements.
Investor Strategies in an Oil Glut
With record supply likely to depress prices further, investors should consider these approaches:
Relatable Scenario:
An investor exposed to ONGC shares may consider trimming positions or switching to airline stocks or FMCG firms that gain from cheaper energy costs. Portfolio balance is critical, and commodities can be used for hedging when markets are volatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are oil prices falling despite OPEC+ supply actions?
A: OPEC+ is increasing output faster than demand growth, resulting in oversupply and downward price pressure.
Q: What does a supply glut mean for Indian investors?
A: It can support sectors consuming oil, reduce inflation, and influence government monetary policy — but could hurt oil producers and exporters.
Q: Should I buy or avoid energy stocks now?
A: Consider sector trends; downstream users often benefit when oil is cheap, while upstream producers risk margin contraction. Diversification is key.
Q: How does the rupee respond to falling oil prices?
A: Lower oil import bills strengthen the rupee and dampen inflation, but global currency trends can still introduce volatility.
Q: Where can I learn to position my portfolio more effectively?
A: Leverage platforms like Swastika Investmart for comprehensive research, strategy tools, and investor education on commodity market trends.
Conclusion
The record oil surplus reshaping markets in 2025–26 means investors must adapt. Focusing on sector rotation, hedging, and attention to macro trends will help navigate volatility and identify new opportunities. With Swastika Investmart’s SEBI registration, advanced research, and pro investor support, you can position your portfolio smartly for evolving market conditions.
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India’s mid-cap IT giant Persistent Systems continues to deliver robust results despite global and domestic market challenges. The Q2 2025 earnings not only surpassed analyst expectations but also highlighted Persistent’s operational agility, AI strategy, and broad-based demand.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2025, Persistent Systems reported consolidated revenue of ₹3,580 crore — a 23.6% year-on-year surge, and an impressive 7.5% sequential growth over Q1. Dollar revenue rose to $406.2 million, up 17.6% YoY.
The EBIT margin expansion signals a sharp improvement in operational efficiency, even as global IT spending showed signs of volatility during the period.
Persistent’s order book momentum remained strong with Total Contract Value (TCV) for the quarter at $609.2 million and Annual Contract Value (ACV) at $447.9 million. Growth was broad-based across BFSI, healthcare, and product engineering services, with the company leveraging its domain strengths and proprietary AI solutions for digital transformation.
Leadership cited their platform-led AI strategy as a key differentiator, helping global clients modernize operations and drive measurable business value. The company’s ongoing partnerships with hyperscalers and strategic enterprise customers continue to drive annuity revenues.
Persistent’s strong results led to a 6–8% rally in its stock price, touching new highs as investors and brokers upgraded their outlook for the stock and sector. The company’s consistency, marked by its 22nd consecutive quarter of revenue growth, has bolstered market confidence even as some peers struggle with margin compression.
Examples from the recent analyst calls include enthusiastic responses to Persistent’s ability to manage wage hikes and cost pressures, with management sharing a clear roadmap to sustain margins even as wage costs rise in Q3.
Indian Market Context & Regulatory Notes
Persistent’s performance comes amid a broader wave of resilience among India’s leading IT and digital engineering firms. The company operates in full compliance with SEBI and Indian IT regulatory frameworks, maintaining best-in-class transparency in reporting and IR practices. As India’s digital transformation deepens — supported by government initiatives and Digital India policy — Persistent’s services remain well-placed to benefit from expanding technology adoption.
Swastika Investmart: Smart Investing in the Indian Tech Sector
For investors aiming to participate in the tech sector’s growth, Swastika Investmart offers a SEBI-registered platform with excellent research, tech-powered tools, and customer support. Its ongoing commitment to investor education ensures smarter decisions and a seamless investing experience in Indian and global IT stocks.
Q: What was Persistent Systems’ Q2 2025 revenue and profit?
A: Revenue was ₹3,580 crore (up 23.6% YoY), and net profit was ₹471.4 crore (up 45% YoY).
Q: Why did margins improve this quarter?
A: Expanded EBIT margin (16.3%) was due to operational efficiency, higher-value order wins, and cost management.
Q: How did the market respond to Persistent’s Q2 results?
A: The stock rallied 6–8% post-results, reflecting investor optimism and positive broker upgrades.
Q: What is the outlook for upcoming quarters?
A: Persistent targets continued growth, with a focus on AI, digital platforms, and managing wage-cost impacts in Q3.
Q: Why should investors consider Swastika Investmart?
A: For research-backed IT stock investing, SEBI compliance, and investor support, Swastika Investmart stands out in the market.
Persistent Systems’ Q2 2025 performance underscores its operational excellence, tech-forward growth strategy, and resilience in a competitive sector. As digital acceleration in India creates new investment opportunities, aligning with a trusted platform like Swastika Investmart can help investors make informed, confident choices.
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India’s non-life insurance sector continues to show dynamism, and ICICI Lombard’s Q2 FY26 results are an eye-opener for investors tracking the industry’s future trajectory. As the second largest private insurer, ICICI Lombard’s latest financial disclosures highlight resilience in a mixed market environment.
ICICI Lombard reported an 18% year-on-year rise in net profit for the second quarter, reaching ₹820 crore compared to ₹694 crore last year. This growth came despite a small dip in its Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI), which stood at ₹6,596 crore—a decline of 1.9% YoY. Excluding crop and mass health business, core GDPI rose 3.5%, showing strength across retail health and fire segments.
Investors and industry watchers closely monitor the combined ratio—a measure of underwriting profitability. ICICI Lombard’s combined ratio in Q2 was 105.1%, slightly up from 104.5% a year ago but competitive for the sector. The company maintained a healthy solvency ratio of 2.73x, well above the regulatory minimum of 1.5x.
ICICI Lombard shares responded positively to earnings, rallying by 7–8% after the release, reaching multi-month highs and drawing robust volumes on NSE. Investors noted strong momentum in retail health and fire insurance, with revenue from retail health premiums up over 12% YoY. The motor insurance segment underperformed due to subdued vehicle sales and competitive pricing pressures, but sector analysts maintain optimism for recovery as government and GST-led vehicle sales rebound.
This quarter’s GDPI numbers are not directly comparable with last year, as India’s insurance regulator introduced the “1/N accounting method” for long-term products, impacting premium recognition timing. The solvency ratio, however, remained sturdy and comfortably above regulatory requirements by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India).
Strong net profit, interim dividend, and robust solvency metrics highlight ICICI Lombard’s ability to navigate sector headwinds and regulatory changes. Leadership set an ambitious ROE target of 18–20% for the full year, signaling continued focus on shareholder value. Retail health and fire insurance are clear growth drivers, while the motor insurance segment remains a watchpoint for Q3 and Q4.
For those seeking to invest in India’s financial markets, Swastika Investmart offers SEBI-registered reliability, comprehensive research, customer support, and technology-enabled execution—integral for making informed insurance sector investments. The platform’s ongoing investor education ensures you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Q: What was ICICI Lombard’s net profit in Q2 FY26?
A: The company posted a net profit of ₹820 crore, an 18% increase YoY.
Q: Why did GDPI decline this quarter?
A: GDPI dipped 1.9% YoY due to new accounting standards and a drop in crop and mass health segments, but core business showed growth.
Q: What is ICICI Lombard’s combined ratio for Q2 FY26?
A: The combined ratio stood at 105.1%, reflecting underwriting pressure but operational resilience.
Q: Was a dividend declared?
A: Yes, an interim dividend of ₹6.50 per share was announced, up from the previous year.
Q: What segments are driving growth?
A: Retail health and fire insurance outperformed this quarter, while motor insurance faced challenges.
ICICI Lombard’s Q2 results offer important signals for investors—core profitability remains robust despite market and regulatory pressures. With leadership targeting further ROE growth and new insurance regulations in play, now is a strong time to evaluate opportunities in Indian insurance stocks. Swastika Investmart’s research, tech tools, and investor education can help you make smarter decisions in this dynamic sector. Take the next step in your investing journey today.
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Muhurat Trading is a unique tradition in Indian stock markets where exchanges open for a symbolic one-hour session on Diwali day. This year, the special session will be held on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM IST. Marking the beginning of the Hindu Samvat year 2082, this session brings together centuries-old auspicious beliefs with today’s vibrant market sentiment.
The word ‘Muhurat’ signifies an auspicious time when planetary alignments are thought to favor positive outcomes. Muhurat Trading is the practice of executing trades during this spiritually auspicious hour, believed to bring wealth and prosperity through the year. Since the Bombay Stock Exchange began this in 1957, and the NSE since 1992, Muhurat Trading has evolved into a cherished blend of culture and commerce, carrying deep symbolic value for investors.
In 2025, Muhurat Trading will take place from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM IST, an afternoon slot different from the usual evening hours. Both NSE and BSE participate in this session, which follows a pre-open session and a block deal segment to facilitate smooth trading. Though the market remains closed for the rest of the Diwali day, this hour sees heightened trading activity, marking the hopeful start of the new financial year. Trades carried out follow regular settlement rules while symbolizing good fortune for investors.
The tradition is more than symbolic; it encourages investment spirit and positive market sentiment at the year’s start. Over decades, Muhurat Trading has often coincided with bullish trends post-Diwali, reflecting renewed investor confidence and fresh capital inflows. It’s also common for families to perform a ritualistic puja of their trading accounts, blending spiritual faith with financial ambitions. Many investors treat this session as a time to buy blue-chip stocks or quality assets they intend to hold long-term.
Swastika Investmart stands out with SEBI registration ensuring compliance and trustworthiness. The platform delivers powerful research tools enabling data-driven decisions. Its customer support aids investors at every stage, and tech-enabled services simplify trading experiences. Moreover, Swastika Investmart’s commitment to investor education helps novices and experts to align strategies with market realities, making it an excellent choice this Muhurat Trading season.
Q: When is Muhurat Trading in 2025?
A: Muhurat Trading will be held on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM IST.
Q: What is the significance of Muhurat Trading?
A: It marks an auspicious start to the Hindu new financial year, blending tradition with optimism for market growth.
Q: Can anyone participate in Muhurat Trading?
A: Yes, any investor with a trading account can trade during the Muhurat session.
Q: Are trades during Muhurat Trading treated like regular trades?
A: Yes, all trades have the same settlement rules as regular trading days.
Q: Which stocks are recommended for investment from Diwali 2025 to Diwali 2026?
A: Stocks like INDIGO, MCX, SBIN, BAJAJFINANCE, and others are promising based on market trends.
Muhurat Trading 2025 offers a special opportunity to blend heritage and modern investing, marking a hopeful start to Samvat 2082. By focusing on promising stocks like INDIGO and BAJAJFINANCE through the next year and leveraging platforms like Swastika Investmart for smart, compliant trading, investors can set a prosperous financial journey in motion. Open your account today and embrace this auspicious season with confidence.
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