Shares

CHAPTER 1DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STOCKS AND BONDS
INTRODUCTIONSometimes it’s difficult for the new investor
Are you bored with the 9 to 5 job? Wantto differentiate the difference between the two.
something in your life to change instantly? WantIf I must say so, there are people who have
your dreams come true. Your dream of relaxingbeen investing for a long time, but still they have
in a big house and there is a flow of money in thenot been able to articulate the difference. People
form of dividend cheque. Imagine yourself anthink that stocks are more riskier then bonds and
owner of a business and watch your companybasically it is true also,
grow.STOCK means ownership of certificates in
All of this and much more is now possible bymultiple companies. The price to the stocks will
owning STOCKS.actually depend upon the performance of the
In today’s fast moving world , stocks whichcompany. If company is doing well you will share
was always the ball game of the rich and wealthythe appreciation, but if the company has gone in
people , with the trading technologies expandingloss, then u will equally be sharing the loss.
itself , the market has opened its doors to eachBONDS are “credit “given by the investor
and all who wish to own stock.to the company. It’s a kind of loan provided
If you wish to multiply your money and want buildto the company to carry on their activities. The
wealth then owning stock is the thing for you .Butpercentage the investor gets is fixed.
before you take the plunge in this deep sea ofThe shareholder would stick to the shares even in
stock market ,its vital and important for youbad times and would expect that the company
understand about the stocks and how they trade.would do better in future, but the bondholder is
Most people have heard about stocks fromjust concerned with his initial amount and the
friends or often have overheard a conversation,interest from the company.
like “oh Mr. Shah, did wonders on the stockIt is possible that investor has invested in a small
market and now is starting a new firm “orand a risky company and if the company shuts
“Mr. Patel lost  ...XYZ amount in the stockdown then the bond holder has to lose his initial
market. Though being a very popular topic ofinvestment as well, but this happens in a rear
discussion in most of the places, there is a lot ofcase.
misconception about it. Everything in life is notSo what would be a wise investment BONDS OR
free so even this money building financial tool alsoSTOCKS?
has risk factors in it.Well. It depends on the person personal decisions
The only way is to educate our self and protectand what is his risk tolerance. Though the ideal
our self by investing the money at the right place.long term portfolio could be a blend of little bit of
CHAPTER 2both.
WHAT ARE STOCKS AND SHARES?CHAPTER 19
To run a company or a business, you need funds.FUNDAMENTAL ANALYSIS
This capital can either be generated from withinIt is always been a difficult and a confusing
or one has to be borrowed from outside.decision as to which stocks to buy. The financial
Borrowing the money can always be a veryanalysts heavily depend to the Fundamental
expensive option , what companies do is give aanalysis at that time.
unit of ownership interest in a corporation or aFundamental analysis is looking at the basic or the
financial asset, which is called a  SHARE  and thefundamental financial level. It helps as key to
person possessing the share is called  SHAREdetermine the company’s health and gives
HOLDER.the idea of the value of its stock. Fundamental
It does not mean that if a person isanalysis is the cornerstone of investing. Its core
SHAREHOLDER he/she gets to make decisions inobjective is to do the financial forecast of the
the day to day operations of the business. Theycompanyv  To conduct companies stock
get the equal share in the profits of the businessevaluationv  To make projections about its
in the form of dividends.business performancev  To evaluate its
STOCK signifies the ownership on themanagementv  To calculate its credit risks.
company’s assets and earnings. So in totalityTECHINCAL ANALYSIS
SHARES and STOCKS in today’s financialTechnical analysis forecasts the future directions
market mean the same thing.of the prices, through past data and market
Normally a layman would buy certain shares andtrend. It ‘ignores’ the actual financial
keep it just to earn dividends, where as fewcondition of the company, market currency, it
investors who want to deal in the stock tradingjust solely goes by the “charts “that is
would buy and sell them. The prices of the sharesthe price and volume information only. It is just
keep on rising and falling, so you should d benot limited to charting but it also considers price
prepared to lose your investment anytime.trends.
There are investors in the stock market whoTechnical analysts believe that the investors
have lost their fortune in it and few have billions.collectively repeat the behaviors of the investors
So what is most important before entering intowho preceded them. While it will take long time
the big well of stock market is to educatefor the technical analyst to be picked as the one
yourself properly and learn in which shares toto manage your trade, but certain financial
invest which can give you big returns.institutions and banks are using them as tools.
CHAPTER 3CHAPTER 20
TYPES OF STOCKSFAQ ‘Sv  If I buy, when should I sell?
There are generally 2 types of Stocks.Stock market is a creature in and of itself. When
COMMON STOCK: A common stock also knownwill the bull market is going to change to bear
as Voting share or an Ordinary share gives themarket is anyone’s guess. Hence, we should
right to the shareholder to vote on the corporatehold the shares which are stable and are moving
matters .policy and to elect the Board Members.up. When you see the company’s shares you
Mostly the companies issue Common stocks. Thehave taken are dropping, dipping continuously,
dividend paid on these stocks is not fixed andthen I guess it is time to abandon the ship from
would vary. The return on the Common stocks isthose share, meaning it would be wise to sell
much higher than in any other investment, butthose shares which are falling in price.v  How
this return are with cost as common stockmany shares should I hold?
involves maximum risks. If the company goesIf they are fewer the better it is good to be
bankrupt or chooses to close down Commondiversified, but you should hold that many share
stock holders are only paid after the preferredthat you can manage, and handle on your own.
shareholders, bondholders and the creditors areWhat is the point of holding 1000 shares and If
paid. The biggest benefit of a common stock is itsyou cannot know them all… instead it’s
can be converted in cash, that is can be liquiditiesbetter to have 25- 30 which are manageable.v 
very fast.How can I buy and sell my shares tax efficiently?
PREFERED STOCK : A Preferred stock is alsoYou will be able to do this inside a self select Isa
known as known as Preference share orMost of the brokers provide you with this facility
Preferred share, is a  higher ranking stock thenwhere they give you an empty Isa wrapper. You
the Common stock, and its terms are negotiatedhave to fill it pound 7000 worth of shares and
between the company and the investor. Preferredthen trade tax free. All capital gains you make will
stock generally does not carry a voting rights butbe tax free.v  What are Penny stocks?
it does carry priority over the Common stock inThere is no set accepted definition for the Penny
payment of dividend and upon liquidation. AStock. Some define it as stock priced under 1$
Preferred stock holder has option to convert hisand some say 5$. They are actually type of
stock to common stock after predeterminedstock that generally trades at very low value and
dates, which are called CONVERTIBLEmarket capitalization. They are highly speculative
PREFERRED SHARES.and have high risk due to lack of liquidity. They
CHAPTER 4are generally traded over the counter (OTC) and
WHAT MOVES STOCK PRICES.on pink sheets.v  What is buying on margin?
Stock prices are directly related to theA risky technique where in you are buying stocks
company’s earnings, but what exactly makeswith borrowed money from the broker. You can
this prices move? There are no hard and fastterm it as a loan from the broker to buy the
rules to this. The news report of a specificstocks. In this it allows the investor to be paid the
company would make the investors have morefractional amount and the rest in borrowed from
stocks of it or the negative news can make thethe broker. The broker sets a margin account
investors move out of those companies’with you and also charges you with brokerage on
holdings by selling them.the loan and you have to pay interest as well.
The other reason for the market to sway isThey can also hold the shares as collateral against
countries attempt to correct the inflation.the loan you have taken and can take the stocks,
 Generally changes the stock prices are affectedif you become a defaulter.
if the If the country usually higher or lowers the.
interest ratesCHAPTER 1
According to analyst, amateur investors also canINTRODUCTION
be a reason to move the stock market up andAre you bored with the 9 to 5 job? Want
down. Amateur investors out of inexperiencesomething in your life to change instantly? Want
normally make decisions on press releases oryour dreams come true. Your dream of relaxing
rumorsin a big house and there is a flow of money in the
The day traders are also considered the majorform of dividend cheque. Imagine yourself an
contributor for the ups and downs of the stocks,owner of a business and watch your company
as they generally deal in huge numbers of stockgrow.
which affect the stock.All of this and much more is now possible by
1. If the company’s are able to show thatowning STOCKS.
they have met or exceeded their profit margin ,In today’s fast moving world , stocks which
the stocks of the company will automatically gowas always the ball game of the rich and wealthy
up, but if vice a versa .. If company falls short inpeople , with the trading technologies expanding
meeting the profit margin the immediate reactionitself , the market has opened its doors to each
of the investors would be to sell the stockand all who wish to own stock.
holdings of that company.If you wish to multiply your money and want build
So to conclude, there is no exact reason for thewealth then owning stock is the thing for you .But
stock prices to move up or down…before you take the plunge in this deep sea of
Success in investing comes not with how and astock market ,its vital and important for you
dash of luck, but with analytical and cool mind.understand about the stocks and how they trade.
MARKET TREND: BEAR OR BULL!!!!Most people have heard about stocks from
Where these names do came from? friends or often have overheard a conversation,
Remember bears are sluggish and bulls arelike “oh Mr. Shah, did wonders on the stock
forceful. The bull flairs its thorns up when tries tomarket and now is starting a new firm “or
attack its prey and the bear swipes downs, this is“Mr. Patel lost  ...XYZ amount in the stock
metaphorically depicted in the stock market.market. Though being a very popular topic of
When the market has trend is upwards it’sdiscussion in most of the places, there is a lot of
said to be a Bull market and Bear market whenmisconception about it. Everything in life is not
the trend hits the downward graph.free so even this money building financial tool also
BULL MARKEThas risk factors in it.
A bull market trend is associated with increasingThe only way is to educate our self and protect
confidence of the investors, and anticipation ofour self by investing the money at the right place.
the future rise in the prices which would motivateCHAPTER 1
the investors to buy the stocks. India’sINTRODUCTION
Mumbai Stock Exchange Index, SUNSEX, was inAre you bored with the 9 to 5 job? Want
the Bull Run for almost five years fro2003 tosomething in your life to change instantly? Want
2008.your dreams come true. Your dream of relaxing
BEAR MARKETin a big house and there is a flow of money in the
A Bear market is a steady drop in the stockform of dividend cheque. Imagine yourself an
market over a period of time. It is accompaniedowner of a business and watch your company
by pessimistic approach taken by the investorsgrow.
anticipating future down fall in the prices andAll of this and much more is now possible by
hence starts selling the shares. No specificowning STOCKS.
definition is available for the Bear market. But oneIn today’s fast moving world , stocks which
generally accepted measure is a price decline ofwas always the ball game of the rich and wealthy
15 % over a two month period of time.people , with the trading technologies expanding
CHAPTER 5itself , the market has opened its doors to each
STOCKMARKETSand all who wish to own stock.
A stock market is a public for trading of theIf you wish to multiply your money and want build
company stock at an agreed price. It iswealth then owning stock is the thing for you .But
considered the fast way to get the money frombefore you take the plunge in this deep sea of
an individual and give it to the company thatstock market ,its vital and important for you
needs it.understand about the stocks and how they trade.
The concept of stock trading comes from wayMost people have heard about stocks from
back in 1600 , when the East India Company wasfriends or often have overheard a conversation,
launched, it needed money from the people forlike “oh Mr. Shah, did wonders on the stock
their voyages, without any guarantee of return market and now is starting a new firm “or
.hence they approached the investors to whom“Mr. Patel lost  ...XYZ amount in the stock
they gave shares in return of the cash.market. Though being a very popular topic of
The idea was that the risk would be shared anddiscussion in most of the places, there is a lot of
divided among the investors, no fixed returnsmisconception about it. Everything in life is not
would be paid to them but if company progressedfree so even this money building financial tool also
and did well then the investors will be benefited.has risk factors in it.
The idea worked and the investors made profitsThe only way is to educate our self and protect
and by the end of 17th century many more wereour self by investing the money at the right place.
entering the ball game of trade.CHAPTER 2
In 1801 the LSE (LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE)WHAT ARE STOCKS AND SHARES?
was formulated, the systems were formulatedTo run a company or a business, you need funds.
and there was no looking back after that. LSEThis capital can either be generated from within
also runs AIM (Alternative investment Market) foror one has to be borrowed from outside.
the young companies as “starter marketBorrowing the money can always be a very
expensive option , what companies do is give a
Today, along with Britain, LSE runs the biggestunit of ownership interest in a corporation or a
exchange with 1800 + companies, which is calledfinancial asset, which is called a  SHARE  and the
the “main market “.person possessing the share is called  SHARE
CHAPTER 6HOLDER.
STOCK EXCHANGESIt does not mean that if a person is
WHY DO COMPANIES LIST ON THEM?SHAREHOLDER he/she gets to make decisions in
Stock Exchange is an organization or athe day to day operations of the business. They
corporation which helps in trading of stocks toget the equal share in the profits of the business
investors and stock brokers. The main aim ofin the form of dividends.
listing the companies on stock exchange could beSTOCK signifies the ownership on the
Raising Capital for the businessescompany’s assets and earnings. So in totality
Mobilizing Savings for further Investment andSHARES and STOCKS in today’s financial
Facilitating Companies Growthmarket mean the same thing.
NYSENormally a layman would buy certain shares and
The biggest and the most prestigious stockkeep it just to earn dividends, where as few
exchange is the NYSE ( NEW YORK STOCKinvestors who want to deal in the stock trading
EXCHANGE) .NYSE came in existence way backwould buy and sell them. The prices of the shares
in 1972 , when 24 New York stockbrokers andkeep on rising and falling, so you should d be
merchants  got togetherprepared to lose your investment anytime.
Sign the Buttonwood Agreement.There are investors in the stock market who
NYSE is first exchange of its kind and trades inhave lost their fortune in it and few have billions.
the open outcry system.  Each stock is tradedSo what is most important before entering into
by a specialist (who is the employee of NYSE) onthe big well of stock market is to educate
a specific location on the trading floor. Thisyourself properly and learn in which shares to
specialist actually works as auctioneer betweeninvest which can give you big returns.
buyer and the seller in particular stock. This typeCHAPTER 3
of trading makes NYSE different from otherTYPES OF STOCKS
exchanges which are totally dependent onThere are generally 2 types of Stocks.
electronic devices.COMMON STOCK: A common stock also known
Today with changing times half of NYSE is alsoas Voting share or an Ordinary share gives the
trading on electronic devices, and is come out ofright to the shareholder to vote on the corporate
the Stone Age.matters .policy and to elect the Board Members.
NASDAQMostly the companies issue Common stocks. The
The NASDAQ (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ofdividend paid on these stocks is not fixed and
SECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATEDwould vary. The return on the Common stocks is
QUOTATION) is the second type of exchangemuch higher than in any other investment, but
and the largest electronic screen based tradingthis return are with cost as common stock
market of United States of America. Theinvolves maximum risks. If the company goes
exchange does not have central locations ofbankrupt or chooses to close down Common
specialist, neither do they floor trading. The entirestock holders are only paid after the preferred
trading is done through computers andshareholders, bondholders and the creditors are
telecommunications.paid. The biggest benefit of a common stock is its
AMEXcan be converted in cash, that is can be liquidities
The third largest exchange of America is thevery fast.
AMEX (AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE), whichPREFERED STOCK : A Preferred stock is also
has been taken over by NASD (parent companyknown as known as Preference share or
of NASDAQ) in 1998.Preferred share, is a  higher ranking stock then
OTHER EXCHANGESthe Common stock, and its terms are negotiated
There are many other stock exchanges aroundbetween the company and the investor. Preferred
the world. Almost all countries have stockstock generally does not carry a voting rights but
exchanges, with Americas stock exchange beingit does carry priority over the Common stock in
undoubtedly be the largest.payment of dividend and upon liquidation. A
List of other exchanges,Preferred stock holder has option to convert his
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGEstock to common stock after predetermined
HONG KON GSTOCK EXCHANCEdates, which are called CONVERTIBLE
MUMBAI STOCK EXCHANGEPREFERRED SHARES.
JOHENSBURG SECURITIES EXCHANGECHAPTER 4
And the list can go on…………WHAT MOVES STOCK PRICES.
CHAPTER 7Stock prices are directly related to the
WHAT ARE STCOK INDEXEScompany’s earnings, but what exactly makes
A stock market index is a method of measuringthis prices move? There are no hard and fast
a section of stock market. Statistical indicatorrules to this. The news report of a specific
used in measurement and reporting changes incompany would make the investors have more
the market value of group of stocks. Bystocks of it or the negative news can make the
measuring the performance of a one companyinvestors move out of those companies’
based on the performance of other companies inholdings by selling them.
the same type of business, which will help theThe other reason for the market to sway is
investors to make best investment.countries attempt to correct the inflation.
Major types of stock indices:- Generally changes the stock prices are affected
There stock indices may classified in many ways.if the If the country usually higher or lowers the
GLOBAL market index includes all types ofinterest rates
companies irrespective of where they areAccording to analyst, amateur investors also can
domiciled or traded. The 2 best examples of suchbe a reason to move the stock market up and
index are MSCI WORLD and S&P GLOBALdown. Amateur investors out of inexperience
100.normally make decisions on press releases or
NATION market index indicates the performancerumors
of a stock exchange of a nation and reflects theThe day traders are also considered the major
economy of the country. The examples of suchcontributor for the ups and downs of the stocks,
index are the INDIAN SUNSEX and the JAPANESEas they generally deal in huge numbers of stock
NIKKEI 225which affect the stock.
More specialized indices comprise of tracking the1. If the company’s are able to show that
performance of the certain sector of the market,they have met or exceeded their profit margin ,
the example is MORGAN STANLEY BOITECHthe stocks of the company will automatically go
INDEX, it comprises of 36 American companiesup, but if vice a versa .. If company falls short in
under biotechnology industrymeeting the profit margin the immediate reaction
Other indexes may track the companies from itsof the investors would be to sell the stock
size, or a certain type of management etc.holdings of that company.
WeightingSo to conclude, there is no exact reason for the
The index can be also classified under the criteriastock prices to move up or down…
as to how is it pricedSuccess in investing comes not with how and a
PRICE WEIGHTED INDEX also known as equaldash of luck, but with analytical and cool mind.
dollar weighted index, each component stockMARKET TREND: BEAR OR BULL!!!!
contributes only to its price when determine theWhere these names do came from? 
overall value. The size of the company or theRemember bears are sluggish and bulls are
volume in which its trading is not taken intoforceful. The bull flairs its thorns up when tries to
considerations, hence evens a slight up or down inattack its prey and the bear swipes downs, this is
a single company highly influences the indexmetaphorically depicted in the stock market.
CAPITALIZED WEIGHTED INDEX also known asWhen the market has trend is upwards it’s
market value weighted index, whose componentssaid to be a Bull market and Bear market when
are weighted according to the total market valuethe trend hits the downward graph.
of their outstanding shares. The impact of theBULL MARKET
component’s price change is proportional toA bull market trend is associated with increasing
the issues overall market value.confidence of the investors, and anticipation of
CHAPTER 8the future rise in the prices which would motivate
HOW DO I BUY AND SELL SHARES?the investors to buy the stocks. India’s
In ancient days buying and selling stocks/sharesMumbai Stock Exchange Index, SUNSEX, was in
was the privilege of the rich , who with the helpthe Bull Run for almost five years fro2003 to
of certain share brokers use to buy and sell2008.
shares and among those few , the ones who hadBEAR MARKET
the inside information of the companies use toA Bear market is a steady drop in the stock
mint most money.market over a period of time. It is accompanied
But the today’s internet age, the entireby pessimistic approach taken by the investors
information is available to the common man,anticipating future down fall in the prices and
making him pretty much the part of this neverhence starts selling the shares. No specific
ending market. As now most of the information isdefinition is available for the Bear market. But one
available on the internet, the stock brokers givegenerally accepted measure is a price decline of
their services with no frills attached , meaning you15 % over a two month period of time.
tell them which shares you want to buy or sellCHAPTER 5
and they would do exactly the same , no adviceSTOCKMARKETS
given .A stock market is a public for trading of the
There are big stocks brokers like Barclays,company stock at an agreed price. It is
Brennan etc who charge for the service theirconsidered the fast way to get the money from
certain amount of commission for each deal, andan individual and give it to the company that
also few brokers charge you yearly and quarterlyneeds it.
fee just to keep your account open and do theThe concept of stock trading comes from way
dealing on your behalf.back in 1600 , when the East India Company was
Investors buy shares only for the purpose oflaunched, it needed money from the people for
income in forms of dividend, and then they shouldtheir voyages, without any guarantee of return 
scrutinize properly and buy such shares that yield.hence they approached the investors to whom
the most dividends.they gave shares in return of the cash.
Some investors are not interested in income butThe idea was that the risk would be shared and
are more inclined towards capital growth, hencedivided among the investors, no fixed returns
when the share price increases in anticipation thatwould be paid to them but if company progressed
the company will yield more profits in future andand did well then the investors will be benefited.
which will affect the increase in the dividendThe idea worked and the investors made profits
payments… hence investors who are interestedand by the end of 17th century many more were
in capital growth, should invest in share that areentering the ball game of trade.
expected to yield huge dividends in future.In 1801 the LSE (LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE)
CHAPTER 9was formulated, the systems were formulated
WHAT TYPE OF TRADER ARE YOU?and there was no looking back after that. LSE
Each individual who is the stock market and isalso runs AIM (Alternative investment Market) for
intending to make money has to identify himselfthe young companies as “starter market
from the various trader types he falls into and
has to utilize that strategy.Today, along with Britain, LSE runs the biggest
The following are the types of traders,exchange with 1800 + companies, which is called
POSITION TRADERSthe “main market “.
Most investors fall in this category, as they buyCHAPTER 6
stocks and hold them for months and yearsSTOCK EXCHANGES
expecting to get more profits out of it.WHY DO COMPANIES LIST ON THEM?
Institutional investors, mutual funds andStock Exchange is an organization or a
investment banks are interested in such stockscorporation which helps in trading of stocks to
which yield profits in long term. They concentrateinvestors and stock brokers. The main aim of
more on the financial strength of the companylisting the companies on stock exchange could be
and not in technicalities.Raising Capital for the businesses
SWING TRADERS.Mobilizing Savings for further Investment and
These are the traders who look for the fastFacilitating Companies Growth
movement in the market. Fast buying and selling ,NYSE
and in this short term of holding shares theseThe biggest and the most prestigious stock
types of traders make lots of wins and lossesexchange is the NYSE ( NEW YORK STOCK
.They have the fast profit making mentality ,EXCHANGE) .NYSE came in existence way back
they have high risk to reward ratio.in 1972 , when 24 New York stockbrokers and
DAY TRADERS.merchants  got together
The stock market moves up and down everySign the Buttonwood Agreement.
day and these types of traders make the mostNYSE is first exchange of its kind and trades in
and capture the big portion of the move. He doesthe open outcry system.  Each stock is traded
not believe in keeping the stocks for more periodby a specialist (who is the employee of NYSE) on
of time like position and swing traders. He usesa specific location on the trading floor. This
the stock market as source of income and notspecialist actually works as auctioneer between
investment.buyer and the seller in particular stock. This type
CHAPTER 10of trading makes NYSE different from other
INVESTINGexchanges which are totally dependent on
PICKING STOCKS AND PLANNIGN TRADESelectronic devices.
Stock picking in many ways is as good asToday with changing times half of NYSE is also
choosing a spouse for you.  There are lots oftrading on electronic devices, and is come out of
options available to you if you have money. Oncethe Stone Age.
you have decided that you want to invest inNASDAQ
shares, the biggest question which comes to theThe NASDAQ (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of
mind is how to I buy stocks? How do I plan mySECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATED
trades?QUOTATION) is the second type of exchange
It is up to you to decide in which category ofand the largest electronic screen based trading
investors you want to be and which strategy youmarket of United States of America. The
would followexchange does not have central locations of
GROWTH INVESTING STRATEGYspecialist, neither do they floor trading. The entire
IF you are kind of optimistic investor, then thistrading is done through computers and
strategy is good for you. Here the investortelecommunications.
foresees the growth of the company’sAMEX
earnings and invests in it. This type of strategy isThe third largest exchange of America is the
considered to the best for beginners in the stockAMEX (AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE), which
market.has been taken over by NASD (parent company
VALUE INVESTING STRATEGYof NASDAQ) in 1998.
Benjamin Graham and David Dodd bothOTHER EXCHANGES
professors at Columbia Business School, andThere are many other stock exchanges around
professors too many big investors, are known asthe world. Almost all countries have stock
FATHER of this strategy.exchanges, with Americas stock exchange being
In this strategy, the investors tend to buy stocksundoubtedly be the largest.
whose price has recently fallen and are availableList of other exchanges,
at cheap prices. But you have to be careful, valueLONDON STOCK EXCHANGE
investing does not mean “JUNKHONG KON GSTOCK EXCHANCE
“.Investors has to do their homework on theMUMBAI STOCK EXCHANGE
companies, and distinguish between the valueJOHENSBURG SECURITIES EXCHANGE
company and the companies with declining prices.And the list can go on…………
The company should have its fundamentalsCHAPTER 7
healthy to prove its worth.WHAT ARE STCOK INDEXES
DIVIDEND INVESTING STRATEGYA stock market index is a method of measuring
In this strategy the investors, buys stocks whicha section of stock market. Statistical indicator
pay dividends regularly to them on quarterly orused in measurement and reporting changes in
yearly basis... The choice of companies in thisthe market value of group of stocks. By
strategy should be sound and healthy. Thismeasuring the performance of a one company
strategy may not be the sexist strategy, but inbased on the performance of other companies in
the long run, this time tested investment strategythe same type of business, which will help the
would definitely yield returns.investors to make best investment.
CREATING A STOCK TRADING PLANMajor types of stock indices:-
If you want to build your wealth, keep yourThere stock indices may classified in many ways.
wealth and grow your wealth you should have aGLOBAL market index includes all types of
solid Stock Trading Plan .A stock trading plan is acompanies irrespective of where they are
fixed set of rules and actions which formulatedomiciled or traded. The 2 best examples of such
your trading strategy. Every trade you do shouldindex are MSCI WORLD and S&P GLOBAL
be governed by your trading plan.100.
Your trade plan is your road map to tell yourselfNATION market index indicates the performance
and affirm yourself and reach your goals.of a stock exchange of a nation and reflects the
You will have to consider certain criteria for youreconomy of the country. The examples of such
plan like,index are the INDIAN SUNSEX and the JAPANESE
1. the timingNIKKEI 225
2. Price of the stockMore specialized indices comprise of tracking the
3. Current news about the stockperformance of the certain sector of the market,
4. Liquidity of the stocksthe example is MORGAN STANLEY BOITECH
5. How long to keep the stock i.e. to hold themINDEX, it comprises of 36 American companies
6. When to sell the stockunder biotechnology industry
7. What to do when the prices of the stock doesOther indexes may track the companies from its
not move. Etcsize, or a certain type of management etc.
You can think of other aspects as well, but theWeighting
above is the major point s you have to consider.The index can be also classified under the criteria
Once you have made a plan, mock run of theas to how is it priced
plan in the stock market which will help you toPRICE WEIGHTED INDEX also known as equal
know if your plan is effective or it needsdollar weighted index, each component stock
amendments.contributes only to its price when determine the
CHAPTER 11overall value. The size of the company or the
THE MECHANICS – PLACING THE ORDERvolume in which its trading is not taken into
STEP 1considerations, hence evens a slight up or down in
OPENING A SHARE DEALING ACCOUNTa single company highly influences the index
Once you have decided that you want to deal inCAPITALIZED WEIGHTED INDEX also known as
shares, you have to open a standard sharemarket value weighted index, whose components
dealing account, which usually is free. The basicare weighted according to the total market value
share dealing account offers certain services forof their outstanding shares. The impact of the
free , that means “ No ADVICE “ theycomponent’s price change is proportional to
would simply buy or sell as per instructions given.the issues overall market value.
They allow you to trade over the phone or thruCHAPTER 8
internetHOW DO I BUY AND SELL SHARES?
If you have opened an account with your brokerIn ancient days buying and selling stocks/shares
then you have to send them money stating whichwas the privilege of the rich , who with the help
and how many shares you want to buy. Theyof certain share brokers use to buy and sell
would charge you certain brokerage fees for theirshares and among those few , the ones who had
services. Also few of them charge trading fee, ifthe inside information of the companies use to
there is no activity for a certain period of time asmint most money.
inactivity fee.But the today’s internet age, the entire
If you are trading through a web site, then itinformation is available to the common man,
would ask for a username in which you want tomaking him pretty much the part of this never
open an account and then a password, that’sending market. As now most of the information is
it and you are on. Once you put the  usernameavailable on the internet, the stock brokers give
and the password , it would ask you whichtheir services with no frills attached , meaning you
companies shares you want to buy, how muchtell them which shares you want to buy or sell
you want to buy it would then give you a shareand they would do exactly the same , no advice
quote , if acceptable to you .they get theirgiven .
research on the trading charts andThere are big stocks brokers like Barclays,
You can always think and come back again. If theBrennan etc who charge for the service their
quote is acceptable to you u confirms it and incertain amount of commission for each deal, and
return you will get an email confirmation by thealso few brokers charge you yearly and quarterly
broker and the deal is done.fee just to keep your account open and do the
Yes, it sounds a little tensed but you will get usedealing on your behalf.
to it over a period of time.Investors buy shares only for the purpose of
CHAPTER 12income in forms of dividend, and then they should
RESEARCH STOCKSscrutinize properly and buy such shares that yield
STEP2the most dividends.
RESEARCH STOCKSSome investors are not interested in income but
It is very important that you do proper researchare more inclined towards capital growth, hence
on the stock because the stock markets behavewhen the share price increases in anticipation that
in weird ways and you should have properthe company will yield more profits in future and
knowledge to it. Never buy the stocks at random,which will affect the increase in the dividend
as the market is not random and it works on lotspayments… hence investors who are interested
of principles and attributes. If you want toin capital growth, should invest in share that are
succeed in the stock market you have to doexpected to yield huge dividends in future.
proper research. Either you do the research onCHAPTER 9
your own or you can hire someone to do it forWHAT TYPE OF TRADER ARE YOU?
you.Each individual who is the stock market and is
5 VITAL ISSUESintending to make money has to identify himself
- Fundamentals about the company. How is thefrom the various trader types he falls into and
company doing, is it a profit making company andhas to utilize that strategy.
a sound company.The following are the types of traders,
- What is the price history of the stocks of thatPOSITION TRADERS
company, i.e. how much are the investors payingMost investors fall in this category, as they buy
for the stocks.stocks and hold them for months and years
- Price target is also a vital factor; you have toexpecting to get more profits out of it.
see how much the investors would pay for theInstitutional investors, mutual funds and
stocks in future.investment banks are interested in such stocks
- What catalysts would change the investor’swhich yield profits in long term. They concentrate
perception of the stock?more on the financial strength of the company
- The most important of all compare the stocksand not in technicalities.
with others in the same industry.SWING TRADERS.
So, to sum up we can say that it’s importantThese are the traders who look for the fast
that as an investor you should have understandingmovement in the market. Fast buying and selling ,
of wider markets trends, knowledge of individualand in this short term of holding shares these
sectors. Also you should be able to analyze thetypes of traders make lots of wins and losses
financial records. You should not be able to have.They have the fast profit making mentality ,
access to rumors and upcoming deals. Last butthey have high risk to reward ratio.
the most important is No emotional bias, generallyDAY TRADERS.
this last point is overlooked.The stock market moves up and down every
Research before buying the shares; this can beday and these types of traders make the most
done in many ways,and capture the big portion of the move. He does
- Go through the TV SHOWS and thenot believe in keeping the stocks for more period
newspapers, they have all the details of theof time like position and swing traders. He uses
shares which are doing well.the stock market as source of income and not
- Take valuable tips from friends and familyinvestment.
members who have the knowledge of theCHAPTER 10
subject,INVESTING
- Never take any decision in HASTE and do notPICKING STOCKS AND PLANNIGN TRADES
ignore any ADVICE.Stock picking in many ways is as good as
- Full service brokers also help to do the research,choosing a spouse for you.  There are lots of
they hire the stock analysts and they in turn findoptions available to you if you have money. Once
out which would be the ideal stocks purchase foryou have decided that you want to invest in
the client. They charge a specific fee for theirshares, the biggest question which comes to the
services.mind is how to I buy stocks? How do I plan my
- Interviews of the owners, CEO’S, directorstrades?
etc also are helpful as they normally give theIt is up to you to decide in which category of
correct synopsis of their company.investors you want to be and which strategy you
- In today’s world the internet technology haswould follow
made the things easier for the investors to theGROWTH INVESTING STRATEGY
research on their fingertips, they can research onIF you are kind of optimistic investor, then this
trading charts and platforms. Some of thesestrategy is good for you. Here the investor
charts are available for free and some have costsforesees the growth of the company’s
attached to it.earnings and invests in it. This type of strategy is
It is of very important that you get all relevantconsidered to the best for beginners in the stock
and correct information on time so as to grow inmarket.
the market and make maximum profits. YouVALUE INVESTING STRATEGY
should be aware of that in the stock tradingBenjamin Graham and David Dodd both
wrong and unreliable information is veryprofessors at Columbia Business School, and
dangerous.professors too many big investors, are known as
CHAPTER 13FATHER of this strategy.
HOW TO READ QUOTESIn this strategy, the investors tend to buy stocks
HOW TO READ SHARE QUOTES INwhose price has recently fallen and are available
NEWSPAPERS / INTERNETat cheap prices. But you have to be careful, value
Most of the people track their stock trades in theinvesting does not mean “JUNK
business sections of the newspaper or on the“.Investors has to do their homework on the
internet. The information provided on the stockcompanies, and distinguish between the value
table is the most current data available.company and the companies with declining prices.
The stock table looks something like belowThe company should have its fundamentals
STEP1healthy to prove its worth.
Column 1 and 2 are the 52 WEEK High and LowDIVIDEND INVESTING STRATEGY
– This is the highest and the lowest price paidIn this strategy the investors, buys stocks which
for the single stock over the last 52 weeks i.e.pay dividends regularly to them on quarterly or
one year.yearly basis... The choice of companies in this
STEP 2strategy should be sound and healthy. This
Column 3 is the Companies name and the Typestrategy may not be the sexist strategy, but in
of stock – This column lists the name of thethe long run, this time tested investment strategy
company. If there are no special letters orwould definitely yield returns.
numbers following the name it is considered to beCREATING A STOCK TRADING PLAN
a common stock, but For example “pf” isIf you want to build your wealth, keep your
return then it means the preferred stock,wealth and grow your wealth you should have a
different symbols imply different types of stocks.solid Stock Trading Plan .A stock trading plan is a
Step 3fixed set of rules and actions which formulate
Column 4 is the Ticker Symbol (SYM) – Thisyour trading strategy. Every trade you do should
is the unique alphabetic name which identifies thebe governed by your trading plan.
stock issued by the firm. If you are looking forYour trade plan is your road map to tell yourself
the stocks quotes online you should search forand affirm yourself and reach your goals.
the company by the Ticker Symbol.You will have to consider certain criteria for your
STEP 4plan like,
Column 5 is the Dividend per Share – This1. the timing
indicated the annual dividend paid for each share,2. Price of the stock
but if the space is blank then the company is not3. Current news about the stock
paying any dividends.4. Liquidity of the stocks
STEP55. How long to keep the stock i.e. to hold them
Column 6 is the Dividend Yield –This is the6. When to sell the stock
percentage return on the dividend. Some7. What to do when the prices of the stock does
companies do not pay dividends regularly; thenot move. Etc
Board of Directors decides how much to pay onYou can think of other aspects as well, but the
quarterly basis calculated on annual dividend of theabove is the major point s you have to consider.
share divided by the price per share.Once you have made a plan, mock run of the
STEP 6plan in the stock market which will help you to
Column 7 is the Price/ Earnings Ratio –Mostlyknow if your plan is effective or it needs
commonly known as P/E, this is calculated theamendments.
current stocks prices by earnings per share fromCHAPTER 11
the last 4 quarters. The higher the P/E, the moreTHE MECHANICS – PLACING THE ORDER
investors are paying for the company’sSTEP 1
potential.OPENING A SHARE DEALING ACCOUNT
STEP 7Once you have decided that you want to deal in
Column 8 is the Trading Volume –The figuresshares, you have to open a standard share
shows the total number of shares traded for thedealing account, which usually is free. The basic
day, listed in hundreds. To get the actual numbershare dealing account offers certain services for
traded add”00” to the end of thefree , that means “ No ADVICE “ they
numbers listed or multiply the number in thewould simply buy or sell as per instructions given.
column by 100They allow you to trade over the phone or thru
STEP 8internet
Column 9 and 10 are the Days High and LowIf you have opened an account with your broker
– This indicates the maximum and thethen you have to send them money stating which
minimum people have paid for the stock in a dayand how many shares you want to buy. They
STEP 9would charge you certain brokerage fees for their
Column 11 is the Close – The close is the lastservices. Also few of them charge trading fee, if
trading price recorded at the end of the day, i.e.there is no activity for a certain period of time as
at market close.inactivity fee.
STEP 10If you are trading through a web site, then it
Column is 12 is the Net Change – This is thewould ask for a username in which you want to
dollar value change in the stock price then the lastopen an account and then a password, that’s
day’s closing price. If the + (positive) signit and you are on. Once you put the  username
indicates rise and a - (negative) sign indicates aand the password , it would ask you which
drop in the price.companies shares you want to buy, how much
CHAPTER 14you want to buy it would then give you a share
HOW TO BUY SHARES?quote , if acceptable to you .they get their
We have already discussed this before, but justresearch on the trading charts and
to refresh it further, in ancient days dealing inYou can always think and come back again. If the
trade market was only the privilege of the richquote is acceptable to you u confirms it and in
people, but now it is not so a common man isreturn you will get an email confirmation by the
also a part of the trade market.broker and the deal is done.
You can buy shares through any of the followingYes, it sounds a little tensed but you will get use
waysto it over a period of time.
Stock broking through bank, custom stockCHAPTER 12
brokers over the telephone or on line tradingRESEARCH STOCKS
through internet.STEP2
If you have no idea how to go about investingRESEARCH STOCKS
and really need a lots of help then in thatIt is very important that you do proper research
circumstances , you can go for ADVISORYon the stock because the stock markets behave
SERVICE , where in the stock broker looks in toin weird ways and you should have proper
you individual account and advices you on buyingknowledge to it. Never buy the stocks at random,
and sellingas the market is not random and it works on lots
But , if you wish to hand over the entire thing toof principles and attributes. If you want to
someone else, then in that case you can go forsucceed in the stock market you have to do
DISCREATIONARY SERVICE, in this there isproper research. Either you do the research on
certain strategy between you and the brokeryour own or you can hire someone to do it for
which is agreed upon and the stock broker takesyou.
all the decisions of buying and selling on your5 VITAL ISSUES
behalf with your money. This type of service risk- Fundamentals about the company. How is the
factor is more.company doing, is it a profit making company and
You can categorize the brokers in two majora sound company.
types,- What is the price history of the stocks of that
Discount brokers - these brokers will collect acompany, i.e. how much are the investors paying
certain amount of annual fee form you and willfor the stocks.
only carry out what has been told to them, over- Price target is also a vital factor; you have to
the phone, in person or on the internet.  Theysee how much the investors would pay for the
would give ZERO advice to you.stocks in future.
Full Service brokers- these brokers give you- What catalysts would change the investor’s
recommendations and advices on which stocksperception of the stock?
are good to buy, which will yield profits and which- The most important of all compare the stocks
stocks are overvalued. They provided thesewith others in the same industry.
services with a little higher fees and sometimesSo, to sum up we can say that it’s important
even commissionsthat as an investor you should have understanding
CHAPTER 15of wider markets trends, knowledge of individual
HOW TO PICK A BROKERsectors. Also you should be able to analyze the
Now, the question arises is HOW DO I PICKfinancial records. You should not be able to have
BROKER?access to rumors and upcoming deals. Last but
You should first decide whether you want athe most important is No emotional bias, generally
telephoning broker or he should be an onlinethis last point is overlooked.
broker as well. Then next you should find theResearch before buying the shares; this can be
following factors.done in many ways,
ü  Quality of information- Go through the TV SHOWS and the
ü  How fast is the execution of tradenewspapers, they have all the details of the
ü  The markets availableshares which are doing well.
ü  Costs attached with them- Take valuable tips from friends and family
ü  Check how much equities they would paymembers who have the knowledge of the
ü  Would they provide with CFD’Ssubject,
ü  How much fees would he charge on the- Never take any decision in HASTE and do not
unused cash in your trading accountignore any ADVICE.
ü  How much discounts. Penalties will be there- Full service brokers also help to do the research,
on frequent /infrequent trading.they hire the stock analysts and they in turn find
WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS YOU WILL ASKout which would be the ideal stocks purchase for
DISCOUNT BROKERSthe client. They charge a specific fee for their
- How much do they charge for buying and sellingservices.
shares?- Interviews of the owners, CEO’S, directors
- Do they have any subscription feesetc also are helpful as they normally give the
- How do they buy and sell sharescorrect synopsis of their company.
- Do they deal with telephone and internet both?- In today’s world the internet technology has
- Do they offer trade discountsmade the things easier for the investors to the
- Do they offer and added services like alerts,research on their fingertips, they can research on
dynamic market data etc.trading charts and platforms. Some of these
CHAPTER 16charts are available for free and some have costs
GOLDEN RULES OF BUYING SHARESattached to it.
9 golden rules of buying sharesIt is of very important that you get all relevant
1. STICK TO THE RULES- Always remember thatand correct information on time so as to grow in
the stock prices would go up and down, what isthe market and make maximum profits. You
needed is to stick to your strategy which youshould be aware of that in the stock trading
have planned. Swaying away from the rules wouldwrong and unreliable information is very
only bring losses.dangerous.
2. DIVERSIFY – Do not invest all your eggs inCHAPTER 13
one basket; invest in various sectors not just theHOW TO READ QUOTES
one which is mining.HOW TO READ SHARE QUOTES IN
3. BUY SHARES THAT SUIT YOUR TRADINGNEWSPAPERS / INTERNET
CYCLES – if you are buying shares for a longMost of the people track their stock trades in the
term it definitely wont suit you if you are shortbusiness sections of the newspaper or on the
term trader and it goes other way also... shortinternet. The information provided on the stock
term shares wont suit the long term trader astable is the most current data available.
well.The stock table looks something like below
4. KNOW YOUR RISK TOLERNACE – ASTEP1
speculative share has a different risk profile as toColumn 1 and 2 are the 52 WEEK High and Low
out of favor  “ blue chip “.Allocate your– This is the highest and the lowest price paid
capital according to your own risk tolerance andfor the single stock over the last 52 weeks i.e.
the risk profile of the trade.one year.
5. DON’T RUSH IN – The market will beSTEP 2
still there waiting for you when you are ready toColumn 3 is the Companies name and the Type
trade. Learn about the market before you startof stock – This column lists the name of the
trading particularly the new investors. The bestcompany. If there are no special letters or
way to start is with the PAPER TRADE, so as tonumbers following the name it is considered to be
learn the basics first.a common stock, but For example “pf” is
6. DO NOT GET GREEDY – Don’t thinkreturn then it means the preferred stock,
that you will be a millionaire in a day, be practicaldifferent symbols imply different types of stocks.
and not over realistic. Don’t think it’sStep 3
very easy, as it’s very easy to lose moneyColumn 4 is the Ticker Symbol (SYM) – This
also in the trade market.is the unique alphabetic name which identifies the
7. ONKY INVEST WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TOstock issued by the firm. If you are looking for
LOSE – if the shares are the cause of yourthe stocks quotes online you should search for
worries then definitely either you have invested inthe company by the Ticker Symbol.
the wrong ones, or you have far too many toSTEP 4
handle, so SELL them , nothing in the world d isColumn 5 is the Dividend per Share – This
more important than your peace of mind.indicated the annual dividend paid for each share,
8. NEVER EVER CHASE SHARES – exercisebut if the space is blank then the company is not
patience, never run behind the shares andpaying any dividends.
purchase beyond your limits, because the time willSTEP5
definitely come when you will be able to buyColumn 6 is the Dividend Yield –This is the
them within your limits.percentage return on the dividend. Some
9. KEEP ACCURATE UP TO DATE RECORDS-companies do not pay dividends regularly; the
The most important of all, for penalties for notBoard of Directors decides how much to pay on
declaring your profits and not paying the capitalquarterly basis calculated on annual dividend of the
gains are too much high. So stick to the rules.share divided by the price per share.
CHAPTER 17STEP 6
STOCK MARKET INVESTING TIPSColumn 7 is the Price/ Earnings Ratio –Mostly
What should you do to be successful in the stockcommonly known as P/E, this is calculated the
market, may be the following tips would help youcurrent stocks prices by earnings per share from
HAVE A PLANthe last 4 quarters. The higher the P/E, the more
If you want your money to grow, wealth toinvestors are paying for the company’s
multiply then the first thing you need is a fullpotential.
proof and solid strategy plan. If your plan is notSTEP 7
good then you would just end up fixing yourColumn 8 is the Trading Volume –The figures
errors.shows the total number of shares traded for the
INVEST REGULARLYday, listed in hundreds. To get the actual number
Investment in shares is not a onetime game. Youtraded add”00” to the end of the
should keep on investing if you want to yield goodnumbers listed or multiply the number in the
profits.column by 100
LOW COSTSSTEP 8
Frequent trading would definitely add up to costs.Column 9 and 10 are the Days High and Low
Certain fees are always there which you need to– This indicates the maximum and the
pay, but do not indulge yourself intominimum people have paid for the stock in a day
counterproductive things, which ultimately wouldSTEP 9
make you use up your profits too. Best is toColumn 11 is the Close – The close is the last
stick to the basic low cost transactions.trading price recorded at the end of the day, i.e.
DO NOT BUY TOO MUCH AT ONCEat market close.
Try to buy at a certain amount and a certainSTEP 10
period of time, which will give you advantaged ofColumn is 12 is the Net Change – This is the
best prices. Hence if you want to invest to do notdollar value change in the stock price then the last
invest at a time, do it over a time frame of days,day’s closing price. If the + (positive) sign
weeks or months.indicates rise and a - (negative) sign indicates a
DIVERSIFYdrop in the price.
It’s the most important and vital thing toCHAPTER 14
diversify as it would help to minimize the risk. AllHOW TO BUY SHARES?
the types of investment, goes thought the cycleWe have already discussed this before, but just
of setbacks ups and downs... hence you shouldto refresh it further, in ancient days dealing in
diversify to earn profits in long term.trade market was only the privilege of the rich
DO YOUR REASERCHpeople, but now it is not so a common man is
Before you decide to invest choose the rightalso a part of the trade market.
industry and in that choose the correct company.You can buy shares through any of the following
It would take a little bit of time but, do yourways
homework properly before investing becauseStock broking through bank, custom stock
it’s ultimately your hard earned money youbrokers over the telephone or on line trading
want to invest for betterment.through internet.
NO EMOTIONSIf you have no idea how to go about investing
The most basic thing of investment is, you haveand really need a lots of help then in that
to keep emotions aside what it needs is cool,circumstances , you can go for ADVISORY
calm and balanced mind.SERVICE , where in the stock broker looks in to
KNOW YOURSELFyou individual account and advices you on buying
You should now yourself about the market asand selling
well as which stock is good, if you are not able toBut , if you wish to hand over the entire thing to
do that than its always advised to have asomeone else, then in that case you can go for
professional do it for you .yes, we definitelyDISCREATIONARY SERVICE, in this there is
talked that we should keep our costs low, but incertain strategy between you and the broker
this respect it’s always good to havewhich is agreed upon and the stock broker takes
someone manage your trade if you are ignorantall the decisions of buying and selling on your
about it,behalf with your money. This type of service risk
CHAPTER 18factor is more.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STOCKS AND SHARESYou can categorize the brokers in two major
For the first time investors it is difficult to decidetypes,
where to invest his money .which option to selectDiscount brokers - these brokers will collect a
and when all the information seems to becertain amount of annual fee form you and will
confusing. In that the most common questiononly carry out what has been told to them, over
asked is what the difference between STOCKSthe phone, in person or on the internet.  They
and SHARES is.would give ZERO advice to you.
In today’s financial market, the distinctionFull Service brokers- these brokers give you
between the both is somewhat blurred, howeverrecommendations and advices on which stocks
STOCKS mean ownership of certificates inare good to buy, which will yield profits and which
multiple companies. You may not be only thestocks are overvalued. They provided these
stockholder but also the shareholder for eachservices with a little higher fees and sometimes
particular company as well.even commissions
SHARES mean ownership of certificates in aCHAPTER 15
certain company. It makes the person theHOW TO PICK A BROKER
shareholder of that company.Now, the question arises is HOW DO I PICK
The common misconception about stocks andBROKER?
shares is that they are different things. In realityYou should first decide whether you want a
they are the same thing but are referred totelephoning broker or he should be an online
differently when talking about more than onebroker as well. Then next you should find the
company.following factors.