A Demat Account (short for Dematerialised Account) is a digital repository for your investments. It holds shares, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, and other securities in electronic form, eliminating the need for physical certificates.
In India, the concept of Demat accounts was introduced in 1996 under the regulation of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to promote transparent and secure trading.
Whether you’re applying for an IPO or buying your first stock, a Demat account is non-negotiable. It’s your entry point into the Indian capital markets.
Opening a Demat account is now easier than ever. The entire process is digital, simple, and SEBI-compliant.
Select a Depository Participant (DP) registered with NSDL or CDSL. Popular brokers in India include:
Upload:
SEBI mandates In-Person Verification (IPV), which is typically done via live video.
You’ll also need a trading account and bank account to complete the ecosystem.
Once verified, your Demat account will be live. You can begin trading via mobile or desktop platforms.
When choosing a broker, trust, compliance, and advisory support are key. Here’s where Swastika Investmart stands out:
✅ SEBI-Registered & CDSL-Linked
✅ Deep Regional Presence with personalized investor support
✅ Strong Research Advisory for retail investors
✅ Robust Tech Infrastructure for secure and fast transactions
✅ Mobile App for seamless investing experience
Swastika is ideal for both beginners who need handholding and experienced traders who expect smart tools and reliable back-end support.
Riya, a 24-year-old marketing professional from Pune, wanted to start investing in SIPs and direct stocks. She chose Swastika Investmart for its human support, easy onboarding, and compliance assurance. With a few documents and a 10-minute eKYC, her Demat account was live—linked to both her bank and trading accounts.
💡 Tip: Always verify your broker’s SEBI registration before onboarding.
Throughout this journey, we’ve covered concepts tied to:
This ensures the blog speaks the language of both search engines and beginner investors.
Yes. As per SEBI guidelines, you cannot trade on NSE or BSE without a Demat account.
You can open a standalone Demat account, but to buy/sell shares, a linked trading account is necessary.
Yes. Swastika Investmart is a SEBI-registered stockbroker and a CDSL depository participant.
Usually within 24–48 hours, depending on document verification and IPV completion.
Absolutely. Your securities are held under NSDL or CDSL, both regulated by SEBI with strong safety protocols.
A Demat account is not just a compliance formality — it’s the foundation of your investing journey in India. Whether you're a college graduate starting with ₹500 in ETFs or a working professional entering equities, your Demat account connects you to a secure, regulated, and digital future.
If you are serious about automated trading, consider using Swastika’s Logic Bag, a powerful algo trading platform, For a trusted, transparent, and tech-savvy experience, consider Swastika Investmart, especially if you value human support backed by strong SEBI and CDSL compliance.
The Union Budget of India is the comprehensive financial plan of the government for the fiscal year, outlining its revenue and expenditure projections. Presented annually by the Finance Minister in Parliament, it serves as a blueprint for the country's economic policies and priorities. Beyond financial allocations, the budget addresses key aspects such as taxation, borrowing, and expenditure management, shaping the socio-economic landscape of India. It reflects the government's strategies to stimulate growth, promote development, and address fiscal challenges while aiming to achieve sustainable economic progress. As a critical policy document, the Union Budget influences sectors ranging from agriculture and infrastructure to healthcare and education, impacting the lives of millions across the nation.
The Union Budget 2024-25 is set to be an important event for India, scheduled for presentation on July 23, 2024, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. As the first budget of the re-elected government's new term, it carries significant weight and anticipation among various stakeholders, including investors, economists, and the general public.
This budget is the first financial plan of the re-elected government's new term. There is great anticipation about the government's fiscal policies and economic strategies.
Post-election, the political scenario emphasizes the importance of addressing both regional aspirations and national priorities, ensuring a balanced approach to governance and development.
Economic indicators, including robust GST collections and substantial dividends from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), are expected to strengthen the budgetary framework. These factors provide a solid foundation for improving fiscal health and implementing growth-oriented policies.
In the last ten years, each budget has shown how the government aims to double farmers' incomes and increase money flow directly to them. Budgets have set aside more funds for agriculture, focusing on rural development and improving farming methods.
Initial indications suggest that in FY25, the government will continue focusing on consolidating finances to boost economic growth and control inflation. Meeting the fiscal deficit goal of 4.5% of GDP by FY26 is crucial, requiring careful allocation of resources to sectors such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), food, fertilizers, and LPG subsidies.
Union Budget 2024-25 is expected to align closely with the Modi government's inclusive development agenda, prioritizing initiatives such as:
The railway sector is set to receive increased funding for capital projects, continuing the government's efforts to rejuvenate infrastructure. In the Interim Budget 2024, the railway ministry secured unprecedented financial support, highlighting the government's dedication to improving railway infrastructure.
Expectations of a favorable budget, without negative tax changes, are likely to maintain a positive trend in the stock market. Sectors like FMCG, infrastructure, renewable energy, housing, and railways, which stand to gain from rural sector improvements, are anticipated to see favorable market responses after the budget is announced.
As we await Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech on July 23, 2024, expectations are focused on the Union Budget reinforcing the core policies of the re-elected government, while steering clear of significant long-term expenses. Robust revenue streams from GST and RBI dividends are set to enhance fiscal flexibility, facilitating targeted investments in rural infrastructure and agriculture. The budget aims to prioritize inclusive growth and revive sectors, though it is not anticipated to introduce major reforms or extensive expenditures in this fiscal cycle. All eyes are on how the government addresses economic challenges and charts a path towards sustainable development and prosperity in India.
Within the financial sector, derivatives trading plays an important role in enabling investors to manage risk, speculate on market movements, and potentially enhance returns. While the term "derivatives" might sound complex, their underlying concepts are crucial for anyone looking to delve into financial markets. This guide aims to explain derivatives trading, explaining its basics, types, strategies, and significance in a simple and engaging manner.
Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from the performance of an underlying asset, index, or interest rate. They serve as instruments for investors to either hedge against risks or speculate on future price movements. Unlike stocks or bonds, which represent ownership or debt, derivatives offer a way to bet on or protect against price fluctuations without owning the underlying asset itself.
Example: Crude Oil Futures
Scenario:
Example: Nifty 50 Call Option
Scenario:
Example: Interest Rate Swap
Scenario:
Example: Currency Forward
Scenario:
While derivatives offer opportunities for profit and risk management, they also carry inherent risks:
Derivatives trading is a powerful tool in the financial markets, providing avenues for risk management, speculation, and market efficiency. Understanding the basics of futures, options, swaps, and forwards equips investors with the knowledge to navigate these instruments effectively. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newcomer to finance, grasping the fundamentals of derivatives trading is essential for smart decision-making in today's interconnected global economy.
In essence, derivatives are not just financial instruments but essential components of modern market dynamics, shaping how risks are managed and opportunities are seized in the ever-evolving landscape of global finance.
Unlock trading potential with swastika!
Nifty and Sensex are India's primary stock market indices, representing the performance of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) respectively. They are crucial for investors to measure the health and trends of the stock market.
Nifty, also known as the Nifty 50, is India's leading index of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Launched in 1996, it represents the weighted average of the 50 largest and most liquid stocks traded on the NSE, making it a crucial barometer of the Indian capital markets and a reflection of the overall market performance. The Nifty 50 includes companies across various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive view of the market.
In addition to the Nifty 50, the NSE offers several other indices to provide a broader and more detailed understanding of market dynamics:
Recent Developments
The NSE has recently introduced a new index focused on the electric vehicle (EV) sector, reflecting this industry's growing importance and potential. This index aims to capture the performance of companies involved in the manufacturing, development, and supply chain of electric vehicles, highlighting the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The Nifty 50 index is diversified across various sectors, with the top five sectors contributing significantly to its overall performance. As of the latest data, the sectoral weightage in the Nifty 50 is as follows:
Source - https://scripbox.com/pf/what-is-nifty/
Sensex or Sensitive Index, is India's benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Launched in 1986, it is one of the oldest stock market indices in the country. Sensex comprises 30 well-established and financially sound companies across various sectors. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization and liquidity, representing the overall performance and health of the stock market.
Both indices use free-float market capitalization, considering only the shares available for public trading. The formula involves stock prices and the number of publicly traded shares.
Both indices cover diverse sectors. Nifty includes companies from sectors such as IT, finance, consumer goods, and energy. Sensex also represents a wide array of sectors, providing a holistic view of the market.
Market capitalization is the total market value of a company's outstanding shares. The free-float methodology calculates market cap by excluding promoter and insider holdings, focusing only on shares available for public trading.
The formula for calculating the free float market capitalization is:
Free-Float Market Capitalization = Share Price × Number of Free-Float Shares
To determine the number of free-float shares:
Free-Float Shares = Total Outstanding Shares − Restricted Shares
Restricted shares include those held by promoters, insiders, and other strategic investors that are not available for public trading.
Nifty and Sensex have shown significant growth over the years, reflecting the overall economic development of India. Historical performance data can help investors identify long-term trends and investment opportunities.
These indices are not only indicators of stock market performance but also reflect the economic conditions of the country. They are influenced by various factors, including economic policies, geopolitical events, and global market trends.
Nifty and Sensex are essential tools for anyone involved in the Indian stock market. They provide a snapshot of market trends, economic health, and sectoral performances, helping investors make informed decisions. Understanding these indices can enhance your investment strategies and lead to better financial outcomes.
Dividends are a way for companies to share their profits with people who own their stock. But to receive a dividend pay-out, timing is key. Let’s break down what dividends are and the important dates you need to know if you're investing in the Indian stock market.
A dividend is a payment made by a company to its shareholders from its profits. When a company grows and decides to go public, it allows people to buy its shares through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Once people buy shares, they become shareholders and can receive dividends from the company’s profits. These payments are often made regularly, such as every three months or once a year.
The ex-dividend date is an important date for anyone buying stocks. It’s the deadline by which you must own the stock to get the next dividend payment. If you buy the stock on or after this date, you won't get the upcoming dividend; the previous owner will.
So in simple words, If you purchase a stock before the ex-dividend date, you're considered a shareholder of record. This means you'll be entitled to receive the next dividend pay-out.
If you buy the stock on or after the ex-dividend date, you won't be eligible for the upcoming dividend. The seller in this case will receive the pay-out.
When a stock goes ex-dividend, its price usually drops by the amount of the dividend. For example, if a company pays a ₹10 dividend and the stock price was ₹1000, it might drop to ₹990 on the ex-dividend date. This drop happens because the dividend is no longer included in the stock price.
There are three key dates to remember when it comes to dividends:
Knowing about dividends and the important dates can help you make better decisions when investing in stocks. The date is especially important because it determines whether you get the next dividend payment. By keeping track of these dates, you can manage your investments more effectively.
Dividends are a way for companies to share their profits with people who own their stock. But to receive a dividend pay-out, timing is key. Let’s break down what dividends are and the important dates you need to know if you're investing in the Indian stock market.
A dividend is a payment made by a company to its shareholders from its profits. When a company grows and decides to go public, it allows people to buy its shares through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Once people buy shares, they become shareholders and can receive dividends from the company’s profits. These payments are often made regularly, such as every three months or once a year.
The ex-dividend date is an important date for anyone buying stocks. It’s the deadline by which you must own the stock to get the next dividend payment. If you buy the stock on or after this date, you won't get the upcoming dividend; the previous owner will.
So in simple words, If you purchase a stock before the ex-dividend date, you're considered a shareholder of record. This means you'll be entitled to receive the next dividend pay-out.
If you buy the stock on or after the ex-dividend date, you won't be eligible for the upcoming dividend. The seller in this case will receive the pay-out.
As an example, a company that is trading at 60 per share declares a 2 dividend on the announcement date. As the news becomes public, the share price may increase by 2 and hit 62.
If the stock trades at 63 one business day before the ex-dividend date. On the ex-dividend date, it's adjusted by 2 and begins trading at 61 at the start of the trading session on the ex-dividend date, because anyone buying on the ex-dividend date will not receive the dividend.
There are three key dates to remember when it comes to dividends:
Knowing about dividends and the important dates can help you make better decisions when investing in stocks. The date is especially important because it determines whether you get the next dividend payment. By keeping track of these dates, you can manage your investments more effectively.
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An order is an instruction given to a broker or brokerage firm to buy or sell a security for an investor. It's the basic way to trade in the stock market. Orders can be placed by phone, online, or through automated systems and algorithms. Once an order is placed, it goes through a process to be completed.
There are different types of orders, allowing investors to set conditions like the price at which they want the trade to happen or how long the order should stay active. These conditions can also determine whether an order is triggered or cancelled based on another order.
A market order is an instruction to buy or sell a stock at the current price available in the market. With a market order, the investor doesn't control the exact price they pay or receive—the market decides the price. In a fast-moving market, the price can change quickly, so you might end up paying more or receiving less than expected.
For example, if an investor wants to buy 100 shares of a stock, they will get those 100 shares at whatever the current asking price is at that moment. If the price is ₹500 per share, they’ll buy 100 shares for ₹500 each. However, if the price changes before the order is executed, they might pay a different amount.
A limit order is an instruction to buy or sell a stock at a specific price or better. This allows investors to avoid buying or selling at a price they don't want. If the market price doesn't match the price set in the limit order, the trade won't happen. There are two types of limit orders: a buy limit order and a sell limit order.
A buy limit order is placed by a buyer, specifying the maximum price they are willing to pay. For example, if a stock is currently priced at ₹900, and an investor sets a buy limit order for ₹850, the order will only go through if the stock price drops to ₹850 or low
A sell limit order is placed by a seller, specifying the minimum price they are willing to accept. For example, if a stock is currently priced at ₹900, and an investor sets a sell limit order for ₹950, the order will only go through if the stock price rises to ₹950 or higher.
A stop order, also known as a stop-loss order, is a trade order that helps protect an investor from losing too much money on a stock. It automatically sells the stock when its price drops to a certain level. While stop orders are commonly used to protect a long position (where the investor owns the stock), they can also be used with a short position (where the investor has sold a stock they don't own yet). In that case, the stock would be bought if its price rises above a certain level.
Example for a Long Position:
Imagine an investor owns a stock currently priced at ₹1,000. They're worried the price might drop, so they place a stop order at ₹800. If the stock price falls to ₹800, the stop order will trigger, and the stock will be sold. However, the stock might not sell exactly at ₹800—it could be sold for less if the price is dropping quickly.
Example for a Short Position:
If an investor has shorted a stock at ₹1,000 and doesn't want to lose too much if the price rises, they might set a stop order at ₹1,200. If the price goes up to ₹1,200, the stop order will trigger, and the investor will buy the stock at that price (or higher if the price is rising quickly) to cover their short position.
To avoid selling at a much lower price than expected, investors can use a stop-limit order, which sets both a stop price and a minimum price at which the order can be executed.
A stop-limit order is a trade order that combines features of both a stop order and a limit order. It involves setting two prices: the stop price and the limit price. When the stock reaches the stop price, the order becomes a limit order. This means the stock will only be sold if it can meet or exceed the limit price, giving the investor more control over the selling price.
Example:
Let's say an investor owns a stock currently priced at ₹2,500. They want to sell the stock if the price drops below ₹2,000, but they don't want to sell it for less than ₹1,900. To do this, the investor sets a stop-limit order with a stop price of ₹2,000 and a limit price of ₹1,900.
If the stock price falls to ₹2,000, the stop order triggers, but the stock will only be sold if it can get at least ₹1,900 per share. If the price drops too quickly and falls below ₹1,900 before the order can be executed, the stock won’t be sold until it reaches ₹1,900 or higher.
In contrast, a regular stop order would sell the stock as soon as it hits ₹2,000, even if the price continues to fall rapidly and ends up selling for less. The stop-limit order gives the investor more control over the price, but there’s a chance the stock won’t sell if the limit price isn’t met.
A trailing stop order is a type of stop order that adjusts automatically based on the stock's price movement. Instead of setting a specific price, the trailing stop is based on a percentage change from the stock's highest price. This helps protect profits while allowing the stock to rise in value. If the stock's price falls by the set percentage, the order is triggered and the stock is sold.
Example for a Long Position:
Imagine an investor buys a stock at ₹1,000 and sets a trailing stop order with a 20% trail. If the stock price goes up to ₹1,200, the trailing stop will automatically move up to ₹960 (20% below ₹1,200). If the stock price then drops to ₹960 or lower, the trailing stop order will trigger, and the stock will be sold.
Example for a Short Position:
If an investor has shorted a stock at ₹1,000 and sets a trailing stop of 10%, the stop price would move down as the stock price falls. If the stock price rises by 10% from its lowest point, the trailing stop order will trigger, and the stock will be bought to cover the short position.
The trailing stop order allows the investor to lock in gains as the stock price moves favorably, while still providing protection if the market turns.
An Immediate or Cancel (IOC) order is a type of stock order that must be executed immediately. If the full order cannot be filled right away, whatever portion can be filled will be completed, and the rest will be canceled. If no part of the order can be executed immediately, the entire order is canceled.
Example:
Suppose an investor places an IOC order to buy 500 shares of a stock at ₹1,000 per share. If only 300 shares are available at ₹1,000 right away, the IOC order will purchase those 300 shares, and the remaining 200 shares will be canceled. If no shares are available at ₹1,000 immediately, the entire order will be canceled.
A Good Till Cancelled (GTC) order is a type of stock order that stays active until you choose to cancel it. Unlike other orders that expire at the end of the trading day, a GTC order remains open until you either cancel it or it gets executed. However, most brokerages set a limit on how long you can keep a GTC order open, usually up to 90 days.
Example:
Let's say an investor wants to buy a stock at ₹500, but the current price is ₹600. They place a GTC order to buy 100 shares at ₹500. This order will stay active until the stock price drops to ₹500 and the order is filled, or until the investor cancels the order. If the price never drops to ₹500 and the investor doesn't cancel the order, it will automatically expire after 90 days (or whatever time limit the brokerage sets).
A Good 'Till Triggered (GTT) order is similar to a Good 'Til Canceled (GTC) order but with a key difference: a GTT order only becomes active when a specified trigger condition is met. Once the trigger price is reached, the order is placed in the market. If the trigger price is not reached, the order stays inactive.
Example:
Imagine an investor wants to buy a stock currently priced at ₹600, but only if it drops to ₹550. They set a GTT order with a trigger price of ₹550. If the stock price falls to ₹550, the order is activated and placed in the market. If the price never drops to ₹550, the order remains inactive until it reaches the trigger price or the investor cancels it.
GTT orders can also have a time limit, so if the trigger price isn’t reached within a certain period, the order will expire.
In the stock market, an order is a fundamental instruction to buy or sell a security, tailored to an investor's strategy and market conditions. The various types of orders—such as market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop, IOC, GTC, and GTT—offer flexibility to manage price, timing, and risk. Understanding these order types empowers investors to execute trades more effectively, ensuring alignment with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
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