Author name: Mr. Sushil Alewa

Investors looking for high-growth opportunities beyond India can consider international ETFs, which provide exposure to global technology leaders, innovation-driven companies, and developed markets.International ETFs help investors diversify geographically, reduce dependence on a single economy, and participate in global growth trends. When held with a long-term perspective, these ETFs can complement Indian equity and small-cap investments effectively. Mirae Asset Hang Seng TECH ETF This ETF offers exposure to leading Chinese technology and internet companies listed on the Hang Seng Tech Index. It is suitable for investors seeking long-term growth from China’s evolving tech ecosystem. Parameter Details Market Exposure China Technology Sector 1-Year Returns 30.74% Expense Ratio 0.55% Assets Under Management (AUM) ₹413 Crore Tracking Error 0.12% Motilal Oswal MOSt Shares Nasdaq-100 ETF This ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index and provides exposure to some of the world’s most innovative and growth-oriented US companies, especially in technology and digital businesses. Parameter Details Market Exposure US Technology and Innovation 1-Year Returns 24.23% Expense Ratio 0.59% Assets Under Management (AUM) ₹11,211 Crore Tracking Error 0.10% Investors interested in understanding global tech trends can also explore technical analysis concepts here:https://isfm.co.in/technical-analysis-course-in-gurgaon/ Nippon India ETF Hang Seng BeES This ETF invests in companies listed on the Hang Seng Index, providing exposure to the Hong Kong equity market. It is suitable for investors with a higher risk appetite seeking aggressive international exposure. Parameter Details Market Exposure Hong Kong Equity Market 1-Year Returns 45.41% Expense Ratio 0.93% Assets Under Management (AUM) ₹1,020 Crore Tracking Error 0.13% Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF This ETF focuses on global digital and technology leaders across sectors such as e-commerce, cloud computing, social media, and advanced technology platforms. Parameter Details Market Exposure Global Technology Leaders 1-Year Returns 24.67% Expense Ratio 0.65% Assets Under Management (AUM) ₹3,456 Crore Tracking Error 0.04% Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF This ETF invests in the top 50 companies from the S&P 500 Index, offering exposure to well-established US large-cap companies with consistent growth and global presence. Parameter Details Market Exposure US Large-Cap Companies 1-Year Returns 25.19% Expense Ratio 0.60% Assets Under Management (AUM) ₹1,007 Crore Tracking Error 0.04% Motilal Oswal Nasdaq Q50 ETF This ETF tracks selected companies from the Nasdaq universe and is suitable for investors seeking focused exposure to US growth-oriented stocks. Parameter Details Market Exposure Select Nasdaq Growth Stocks 1-Year Returns 21.55% Expense Ratio 0.47% Assets Under Management (AUM) ₹126 Crore Tracking Error Not Available Conclusion International ETFs allow Indian investors to access global growth opportunities while maintaining diversification across geographies and sectors. When combined with domestic equity investments, they can enhance long-term portfolio stability and growth potential. For investors who want to gain practical understanding of global markets, ETFs, and portfolio construction, professional programs like the Chartered Stock Trading Expert Course can provide structured guidance:https://isfm.co.in/chartered-stock-trading-expert-course/

Indian equity markets witnessed sharp volatility on February 1, immediately after Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha. Benchmark indices reacted negatively to select policy measures, even as some sector-specific announcements triggered buying interest. The Sensex slipped nearly 1,547 points (1.9%) to close at 80,722.94, while the Nifty 50 declined over 495 points (2%) to settle at 24,825.45. Market experts believe the Budget sent mixed signals, with positives for select sectors but concerns around higher trading costs and lack of foreign investor incentives. What Worked for the Markets in Budget 2026 Despite the broader sell-off, the markets showed intermittent recovery during the session, driven by a few favourable announcements. 1. Buyback Taxation Tweaked One of the key positives was the reclassification of share buybacks as capital gains for shareholders, though promoters will continue to face an additional buyback tax. Amit Gupta, Partner at Saraf and Partners, noted that this change restores balance. Earlier, buybacks were treated as dividends to prevent misuse by promoters. Reverting to capital gains taxation is expected to reduce ambiguity and improve tax efficiency for investors. This move benefited IT stocks, which are frequent users of buyback programs. Shares of Wipro and Tata Consultancy Services rose around 2%, while Infosys, LTIMindtree, and Persistent Systems also closed higher. 2. Tourism, Textiles & Medical Tourism Get a Push Tourism-related stocks rallied after the government announced plans to develop 15 archaeological sites, including Sarnath and Hastinapur, into global cultural destinations. Additionally, the TCS rate on overseas tour packages has been reduced from 5–20% to 2%, regardless of transaction value—boosting travel companies such as Easy Trip Planners. Other sectoral positives included: What Dragged the Markets Lower 1. STT Hike on Futures & Options The biggest disappointment for traders was the increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives. Experts warn that the uniform STT structure does not distinguish between hedging and speculative trades, making risk management more expensive for genuine investors. Shripal Shah, MD & CEO of Kotak Securities, said the move could dampen derivative volumes, indicating that the government’s intent appears to be volume moderation rather than revenue generation. As a result, capital market stocks fell sharply. MCX dropped nearly 12%, while Angel One and BSE declined over 8% each. 2. Pressure on PSU Banks PSU bank stocks came under selling pressure, dragging the Nifty Bank index lower. Concerns emerged after the government announced the formation of a high-level committee to review the banking sector, raising fears of possible PSU bank mergers. Historically, such mergers tend to create short-term operational and valuation challenges, according to BFSI analysts. 3. No Big Relief for Foreign Investors Market sentiment was further hurt by the absence of major incentives for foreign investors, who have already pulled out nearly $23 billion from Indian equities since early 2025. Experts believe higher trading friction, combined with global uncertainty, may continue to delay FII inflows. 4. Defence Stocks Disappoint Defence stocks declined after FY27 defence spending projections failed to exceed expectations. While total defence expenditure was pegged at ₹5.94 lakh crore, analysts felt the pace of capital expenditure growth was modest. Although defence capex rose 21% year-on-year, the allocation did not deliver a strong upside surprise for listed defence manufacturers. Bottom Line Union Budget 2026 delivered selective positives for IT, tourism, healthcare, and textiles, but higher STT, PSU bank concerns, and lack of FII incentives weighed heavily on overall market sentiment. Near-term volatility may persist as investors reassess costs and sectoral opportunities. 👉 You can follow official Budget documents and announcements on the Union Budget portal.

When you invest in the stock market, you expect your shares to remain listed and tradable on recognised exchanges. However, there are situations where a company decides—or is compelled—to remove its shares from the stock exchange. This corporate action is known as delisting of shares. For many retail investors, delisting creates confusion and concern: Can I sell my shares? Will I lose my money? What happens to ownership?Understanding delisting clearly helps you respond calmly and make informed decisions. What Is Delisting of a Stock? Delisting means a company’s shares are removed from stock exchanges such as NSE and BSE.Once delisted, the shares can no longer be bought or sold through the normal exchange platform. It is important to note that delisting does not mean the company ceases to exist. Shareholders continue to own the shares, but liquidity is significantly reduced. Delisting in the Indian Stock Market Vedanta Ltd – Voluntary Delisting Attempt In 2020, Vedanta Ltd announced a proposal to voluntarily delist its shares from Indian stock exchanges. The promoters aimed to increase their ownership and take the company private. As per regulations, a reverse book building (RBB) process was conducted, allowing public shareholders to quote their desired exit price. However, the prices quoted by shareholders were much higher than what promoters were willing to accept. As a result, the delisting proposal failed, and Vedanta remains a listed company. Types of Delisting 1. Voluntary Delisting Voluntary delisting occurs when a company chooses to delist its shares for strategic reasons. Common reasons include: 2. Compulsory Delisting Compulsory delisting is enforced by the stock exchange due to serious issues such as: Delisting Procedure in India Voluntary Delisting Process Compulsory Delisting Process Impact of Delisting on Shareholders 1. Exit Opportunity In voluntary delisting, shareholders usually receive a buyback offer, often at a premium. 2. Liquidity Risk After compulsory delisting, selling shares becomes very difficult due to lack of buyers. 3. Difficulty in Selling Investors may remain stuck with shares for months or even years. 4. Effect on Share Value 5. Ownership Continues Even after delisting: Should Investors Worry About Delisting? Not necessarily. Investor insight: Monitoring company announcements, financial health, and promoter intent is the best way to manage delisting risk. Final Thoughts Delisting of shares is an important concept every stock market investor should understand. While voluntary delisting can provide a fair exit, compulsory delisting can lock your capital for long periods. Knowing why a company is delisting is far more important than the delisting itself.

India’s market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has proposed a major overhaul of the trading-related regulatory framework at stock exchanges. The move aims to simplify rules, eliminate duplication, and reduce compliance burden for brokers, exchanges, and other market participants. These proposals are part of SEBI’s broader initiative to enhance ease of doing business across all stock exchanges, including commodity derivatives platforms. 👉 Official source: SEBI Consultation Papers Unified Trading Framework Across Market Segments In its consultation paper, SEBI has suggested consolidating several overlapping provisions into one comprehensive and unified framework applicable to both equity and commodity segments. The proposed consolidation covers regulations related to: Trading hours for all segments—equity, derivatives, commodities, currency, RFQ platforms, EGR, and the Social Stock Exchange—will now be covered under a single consolidated section. Separate Master Circular for Clearing Corporations To prevent regulatory overlap, SEBI has proposed that provisions specifically applicable to clearing corporations (CCs) should be removed from exchange circulars and shifted into a dedicated master circular. Improved Transparency in Trade Disclosures To enhance transparency and reduce manual reporting, SEBI has proposed: Additionally, market-wide circuit breaker rules, dynamic price band flexing, IPO price bands, and call auction procedures will be presented in tabular formats, while outdated examples and duplicative clauses will be removed. Rationalisation of Margin Trading Facility (MTF) Norms SEBI has suggested tightening MTF eligibility norms by: Streamlined Liquidity Enhancement Scheme (LES) Obsolete market-making provisions in the cash segment will be removed and merged into a principle-based LES framework covering: Under the revised structure, exchanges will have greater flexibility to design schemes, conduct half-yearly board reviews, and offer incentives. Higher incentive caps may be allowed for new exchanges or newly launched segments. Removal of Outdated and Redundant Provisions SEBI has proposed scrapping several obsolete provisions, including: Liberalised Client Code Modification Rules To allow genuine operational corrections, SEBI plans to: Penalties will also be harmonised across stock exchanges and clearing corporations. Clarity on Short Selling, SLB, and Commodity Disclosures Short-selling and Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) provisions will be clearly incorporated into the main framework, with: Commodity-specific disclosures—such as hedge delivery intent, open interest data, and listed entity risk disclosures—will also be included in the unified circular. UPI-Based Trading and Public Consultation SEBI has further proposed updates to UPI-based secondary market trading with blocked amounts, while moving settlement-related provisions to the clearing corporation master circular. The regulator has invited public comments on these proposals until January 30, after which the final framework is expected to be notified.

PPFAS Mutual Fund has officially announced the New Fund Offer (NFO) dates for the Parag Parikh Large Cap Fund, marking its first new equity fund launch in nearly five years. The announcement provides clarity to investors who have been awaiting PPFAS’s entry into the large-cap equity space. NFO Dates and Benchmark Details According to the fund house, the NFO will open on January 19 and close on January 30. The scheme will reopen for continuous purchase and redemption from February 6. The fund will be benchmarked against the Nifty 100 Total Return Index, allowing investors to evaluate performance after accounting for both price appreciation and dividends. A Strategic Expansion After Five Years The launch was first communicated in November 2025, when Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services (PPFAS) revealed plans to introduce an actively managed large-cap equity fund in early 2026. This scheme becomes: This measured expansion reflects PPFAS’s preference for focused product offerings rather than frequent launches. Investment Strategy: Index-Like Structure With Active Execution The Parag Parikh Large Cap Fund is positioned as a low-cost, index-style portfolio with active fund management. According to the AMC: Instead, the fund aims to optimize trade execution, avoiding inflated prices during index reshuffles and short-term demand spikes. Competitive Expense Ratio Despite being actively managed, the expense ratio is expected to be between 0.10% and 0.30%, making it competitive with many existing Nifty 100 index funds. Portfolio Construction and Asset Allocation As per the draft Scheme Information Document (SID): This limited flexibility allows the fund to manage liquidity and valuation mismatches without deviating significantly from its large-cap mandate. Fund Management Team and Execution Philosophy The equity portfolio will be managed by PPFAS’s core investment team: The debt component will be overseen by Tejas Soman and Aishwarya Dhar. PPFAS Chairman and CEO Neil Parikh has described the fund as “an active fund designed to behave like an index”, with the objective of generating incremental alpha through smart execution rather than stock selection churn. According to Rukun Tarachandani, potential sources of additional returns include: Investor Takeaway The Parag Parikh Large Cap Fund may appeal to investors who: For investors evaluating large-cap mutual funds in 2026, this NFO adds an interesting alternative to both traditional active funds and passive index options

India’s equity markets move in cycles. At different phases of economic growth, interest rate changes, or global cues, certain sectors outperform while others lag. To help investors navigate these shifts, JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund brings a thematic, data-driven equity strategy designed to dynamically rotate across sectors with high growth potential. The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on 27 January 2026 and closes on 09 February 2026, making it one of the key launches in the 2026 product roadmap of Jio BlackRock Asset Management. What is JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund? JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund is an Equity Thematic Fund that aims to promptly and effectively capture sector trends. Instead of sticking to fixed sector allocations, the fund actively overweights sectors expected to perform well and underweights those likely to underperform. What makes this fund unique is its systematic, technology-led approach. The investment process combines the fund managers’ expertise with advanced signal research scores from BlackRock group entities, analysing multiple factors such as: By leveraging big data and advanced analytics, the fund seeks to bring discipline and objectivity to sector allocation decisions. Key Fund Details at a Glance Category: Equity | Thematic | Direct | Growth The fund can be invested via JioFinance and MyJio apps, making it easily accessible to retail investors. Why Sector Rotation Matters Equity markets are cyclical by nature. For example, capital goods and infrastructure may outperform during economic expansion, while defensives like FMCG or pharma may do better during slowdowns. Sector rotation strategies attempt to align portfolios with these cycles, rather than relying on static diversification. The JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund is designed for investors who want: Who Should Consider Investing? This fund may be suitable for: Given its very high risk profile, it may not be ideal for conservative investors or those with short investment horizons. Experienced Fund Management The fund is managed by a professional team: Their approach is supported by BlackRock’s Systematic Active Equity (SAE) framework, which blends quantitative models with active portfolio oversight. Part of a Larger 2026 Roadmap The launch of this fund marks an important step in Jio BlackRock’s broader strategy. Along with sector rotation, the AMC is expanding into: Final Thoughts The JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund offers a modern, technology-backed way to participate in India’s evolving equity landscape. By combining global investment expertise with data-driven decision-making, it aims to help investors capture sectoral opportunities as market conditions change. As with all thematic and high-risk equity funds, investors should assess their risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals before investing.

Pre-budget markets are noisy, volatile, and often misleading. While price direction becomes difficult to read, one thing is remarkably consistent: options turn expensive as volatility rises. Smart money doesn’t fight this reality—it trades volatility and behavior, not predictions. Why January Is Crucial for Traders January is one of the most action-packed months in Indian markets due to two powerful triggers: As the year begins, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and large traders start positioning themselves ahead of potential policy announcements. This early positioning changes market structure well before Budget Day. Retail traders, on the other hand, attempt to anticipate announcements with partial information. The result? Erratic price action, false breakouts, and aggressive sector rotation—sharp rallies with poor follow-through. More often than not, indices remain range-bound. What Actually Changes Before the Budget: Volatility During January, implied volatility (IV) in options steadily rises. Here’s a simple illustration: This spike isn’t random. As Budget Day approaches: 👉 Learn the basics of this setup here: What is a Long Straddle Strategy The Smart Money Strategy: Long Straddle When volatility is expected to rise, smart traders go for a long straddle: This approach doesn’t rely on predicting the Budget outcome—it relies on volatility expansion. Key Risk You Must Manage The biggest enemy of a long straddle is theta decay (time decay). Every day you hold the position, option premiums lose value. Risk management rules smart traders follow: What Directional Traders Should Do If you prefer directional trading: What NOT to Do Before the Budget ❌ Avoid short straddles or short strangles in JanuaryThese strategies carry unlimited risk, especially when options are already expensive. ❌ Avoid buying straddles 1–2 days before Budget DayBy then, options are usually near peak prices. Most of the volatility is already priced in, leading to poor risk–reward. The Real Edge: Trading Behavior, Not News Here’s the core insight:Smart money doesn’t try to predict Budget announcements. Instead, it: From this, they build repeatable, probability-based strategies. No gambling. No predictions—just disciplined execution. Disclaimer The views and strategies discussed are for educational purposes only. Readers should consult certified financial advisors before taking investment decisions. This disclaimer aligns with the standard practices followed by platforms like Moneycontrol and other financial publications.

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is fast emerging as India’s onshore international financial hub, enabling investors to access global equities, dollar-denominated mutual funds, and offshore-style insurance products—all within a regulated Indian framework. Operating as an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), GIFT City combines global-market access with simplified compliance, digital onboarding, and tax-efficient structures. At the heart of this ecosystem is the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), which provides streamlined cross-border regulations distinct from domestic SEBI norms—unlocking flexibility that traditional India-domiciled products often lack. Gift City as a Gateway to Global Stocks Indian investors can participate in overseas equities through IFSC exchanges such as India INX and NSE IFSC. Access is typically via Unsponsored Depository Receipts (UDRs) and other permitted instruments, offered by IFSCA-regulated brokers. Why this route stands out Compared with direct overseas investing, the GIFT City route reduces friction while remaining compliant with the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). How to invest Dollar-Denominated Mutual Funds via IFSC One of GIFT City’s most compelling offerings is dollar-denominated mutual funds, especially passive Fund-of-Funds (FoFs) tracking global indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. Key advantages These IFSC funds are designed to overcome constraints such as domestic fund limits and additional tax layers, which can dilute diversification benefits in traditional global mutual funds. How to invest Gift City Insurance: Designed Primarily for NRIs Insurance products offered from GIFT City operate under an offshore-style IFSC framework and are USD-denominated, making them particularly suitable for NRIs and globally mobile professionals. Available offerings Major insurers with IFSC presence include HDFC Life International, ICICI Prudential, IndiaFirst, and Star Union, all licensed by IFSCA under its Insurance Intermediary Offices (IIIO) framework. Why NRIs prefer Gift City insurance? Importantly, maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D) (subject to compliance). For NRIs residing in countries with a DTAA with India, there can be Nil TDS on maturity, with no requirement for TRC or Form 10—making these products highly efficient for cross-border estate and retirement planning. Bottom Line GIFT City is not just another financial district—it is India’s onshore bridge to global markets. Whether it’s US equities via IFSC exchanges, dollar-denominated global mutual funds, or NRI-focused insurance solutions, GIFT City offers a unique mix of global access, regulatory clarity, and tax efficiency. For investors seeking international diversification without the complexity of fully offshore structures, GIFT City is rapidly becoming the preferred gateway.