The real estate share market is not driving a lot of investors currently but one does need to remember that it is a cyclic sector. In the recent few years, the real estate market in India has undergone massive changes.  This is in a large part due to the regulatory reforms implemented through frameworks as part of the Real Estate Regulatory Act [RERA], and Goods & Services Tax [GST] as well as an inability of many builders in delivering projects in time.  However now it is mandatory for all the real estate projects to be in compliance with the provisions of RERA, which attempts to address a majority of consumer interest.

This will now make it quite difficult for fly-by-night operators to be in the market and only the professional and committed players will be able to navigate the roadmap. This is expected to benefit both buyers and sellers, in the long term and thus create positive sentiments for the sector.

The implementation of the regulatory mechanisms has inspired a higher level of confidence from the global investor community. As per certain reports the real estate sector may receive Private Equity [PE] investments amounting to more than US$4 billion during the current fiscal year.  In parallel, global sovereign wealth funds which are traditionally quite risk averse and conservative in their investing approach have also begun increasing their exposure to the market. All these together augur well for the sector. Some key stocks that investors can opt for in this scenario are:

1. Prestige estates projects ltd Share price – 309

The company with over 23 years of experience in real estate development is among the  leading real estate development companies in south India. It has completed 142 real estate projects of approximately 27.09 million sq. Ft. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 11420.63 crore. The company has seen decent share price growth and is giving positive signals.

2. Sobha ltd Share price – 550
   

Analyst reports suggest that this stock is expected to deliver above-industry growth with it being poised to deliver close to 20% growth over the next couple of years compared to the industry’s growth rate of 11 to 12 %. Recent quarterly sales results have also boosted the stock.

3. Indiabulls real estate Share Price – 190
   

Indiabulls Real Estate recently registered growth riding on positive investor sentiments following the announcement of a business restructuring which is part of strategy to have a focussed approach on segments. The company’s profits are expected to grow by a double-digits  over the next couple of years and thus the outlook is positive for Indiabulls Real Estate. Also higher cash flows is on the cards which is a good sign.

4. Oberoi realty Share Price – 508
   

Oberoi realty with its market capitalization of IN?159.94B is in the league of established companies and has been showcasing positive stock performance.  IT is a low beta stock and is expected to perform consistently.

5. Brigade enterprise Share price – 262
   

The shares of the Bengaluru-based Brigade Enterprises (Brigade) are a good bet right now. . The company develops and sells both residential and commercial property and owns and operates hospitality assets, offices and malls. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 3398.46 crore. The shares of the company are expected to bring in positive returns riding on the growth planned by company.

There is no denying the fact that the stock market can perform exceptionally well over a short period and post a record high after high. Investors may feel excited due to the upward movement and expect the market to continue to move in the same direction. However, seasoned investors are well aware of the fact that the market never moves in one direction forever. With the upward trend, the market will eventually come down but there is no reason to panic.

Things to remember when the market falls

Here are a few things every investor needs to remember about equity investment and stay calm while making investment decisions.

Occasional declines are normal

The world does not end when the market declines. It is very normal for the share market to show a decline occasionally. It should be expected by the investors. Market analysts who study the historical returns and offer equity tips are of the opinion that market declines happen from time to time. There could be a massive decline yet the market may finish the year with a positive return. It is important to accept the fact that investment in the equity market has its own difficulties. Hence, investors must stay invested and remain patient.

No one can predict the market movement

The movement of the market cannot be predicted by anybody. Investors, media, and wealth managers who study the markets have never been able to time the market accurately as to when to get out and when to get back in. Sometimes investors get lucky and exit the market at the right time. However, this rarely happens. Investors should focus on what they can control and leave out the rest.

The biggest threat is not the market

If investors put all their money in a specific sector or industry, they will end up losing all the funds when the market falls. In this case, the threat to an equity portfolio is not the market but it is the investment strategy. This is why analysts recommend diversification of the portfolio. It helps reduce losses and spread out the risks.

Investors should make logical decisions and not let emotions drive their financial goals. The emotion of panic and fear of loss will lead to irrational decision making. Accept the highs and lows of the market as a part of the investment strategy and deal with it calmly. The stock market has resulted in significant results in the past but it requires patience for every investor to achieve the same in the long run.

Processing of cards may be confusing and overwhelming. To enjoy a positive experience, it is important for individuals to understand some basics. They must understand what they are being charged for and the different options that are available.

Here are six parties involved in a transaction.

1. Merchant: He is the business owner that accepts the payment
2. Cardholder: The individual who uses the credit card to make purchases
3. Card association: Governing bodies that set the interchange rate, maintain and improve networks, and arbitrate between issuing and acquiring banks
4. Acquiring bank: Is the merchant’s bank that holds the funds and acquires the money through sales
5. Issuing bank: Issue credit cards to customers and pay the acquiring bank for customer purchases
6. Payment processor: Handles batching and processing of the purchases made through cards

Credit card process

• The customer makes a purchase using the card
• The card is swiped through a processing terminal that recognizes the same and intimates the card issuing company
• Card authorization
• Card company remits the payment to acquiring bank through certified providers
• Acquiring bank deposits funds into the merchant’s bank
• Monthly statements detailing the interchange fees

The issuing bank lends the money to the cardholders who may pay it after the credit period or carry it forward by paying the finance charges. Both the issuing and acquiring banks deduct fees. Therefore, the amount received by the merchants is lesser than what is charged to the customers.

• Interchange fee: Issuing bank fees
• Discount fee: Acquiring bank fees, this may be supplemented with other charges

Both these fees are a certain percentage of the transaction. However, a small fixed amount may also be applicable for every transaction. Several banks issue cards to individuals and are issuing banks.

Interchange rates are published and may be found online. The interchange fee depends on several factors such as the type of card used, kind of merchant that accepts the payment, and if the card is available during the transaction.

The type of business accepting card payment affects the interchange fees. This to compensate the issuing bank in case of any charge-back. It occurs when customers successfully dispute a charge. In case a customer complains about the product or service, there is a possibility that the merchant’s bank account may be debited with the money paid by the acquiring bank along with an additional fee. Although merchants may dispute this, resolving the issue is time-consuming.

The acquiring bank’s responsibilities are often split between two entities. The merchant service provider stays in constant touch with the merchants. The other company, also known as the processing company does the execution of the transaction. It transmits the relevant information to the merchant, the issuing, and the acquiring bank.

Despite the potential risk, the acquiring bank remits the money to the merchant a few days after the transaction. This is perceived as a loan and therefore, the capability of the merchant to borrow these funds is evaluated. The credit score and ability to borrow is important.

A life insurance scheme is one of the best wealth-building vehicles due to the numerous benefits it has to offer. It is the perfect answer to obtain financial security and protection in the long run. You may, therefore, live your life stress-free, knowing that you are covered by such an insurance scheme.

There are multiple advantages of investing in a life insurance policy. Following are six major benefits of purchasing a life cover.

1. Risk cover

Life is uncertain. In case of an unfortunate event such as death, your family may lack a financial support system. Since a life insurance policy is a life risk cover, you and your family are protected in an event of a premature death.

2. Death benefit

Your beneficiary may avail of the death benefit in case of an untoward incident. The insurance provider is liable to pay the sum assured amount along with the bonus if any. This amount may be used by your near and dear ones to meet their lifestyle needs, pay off an existing loan, or meet funeral costs, among others.

3. Tax benefits

Not only may you enjoy a life cover through a life insurance policy, but you may also avail of tax benefits on the premium paid. You may avail of a maximum deduction up to INR 1.5 lakh under Section 80C, 80CC, and 80CCE of the Income Tax Act, 1961. You may, therefore, invest in life cover and reduce your tax liability largely.

4. Higher coverage

One of the most important benefits of investing in life insurance plans is higher coverage through riders. You may supplement your existing policy by opting for riders, also known as add-ons. Some of the most common riders that extend the scope of your life insurance cover include personal accident rider, critical illness rider, and waiver of premium rider, among others.

5. Life stage planning

You may consider a life cover to help you meet financial goals at every stage of your life. You may plan for your life stage needs such as meeting your children’s educational costs, arranging finance for their wedding, purchasing your dream home, and planning a retired life, among others.

Life insurance plans, therefore, provide numerous benefits to you and your family. These insurance plans not only provide support in case of a sudden death but also acts as a long-term investment. You may, therefore, consider such an insurance policy as a part of your wealth planning.

The number of smartphone users in the country has been steadily rising. You may increasingly be using your phone for various activities to get your work done efficiently and quickly. Stock trading through these smart devices is also gaining popularity because the entire process is easy and quick. A large percentage of retail investors, especially within the cash segment place orders through their phones.

According to a study conducted by The Economic Times, the turnover through mobile trading as a percentage has grown significantly in the last few years. A huge portion of this growth is within tier II and tier III, which often do not have a branch network.

Trade on the go

If you regularly trade on the stock market, it is important to place buy and sell orders at the right time to maximize your profits. During market volatility, the possible opportunities may get away through your fingers within seconds if you do not take immediate action. Such immediate action may be an issue if you have limited access to a trade terminal at your office. Moreover, you do not want to miss any investment opportunity while you travel. A share trading software overcomes all these limitations and ensures you are able to profit from all available opportunities.

Small ticket size

A large majority of retail investors prefer to use this option to execute small ticket size trades. The demand for mobile trading has increased because of the reduction in the prices of smartphones that come with high-tech features. This, coupled with the affordability of Internet plans has contributed to the surge in the demand.

You may simply download the share trading software offered by a reliable and reputed broker. To activate your account, you may need to send an email request. On the successful activation, you may trade through the account using your username and password.

Accessibility Another major factor that has contributed to the popularity of mobile trading is its easy accessibility. The investors who reside in small towns and may not have access to a computer may easily trade on the stock market using a basic smartphone. Such software applications provide you access to the share markets even from a remote location as long as you have an Internet connection.

Unique features

Most of the reliable brokers offer high-end share trading software that comes with several unique features. Several discount brokers are increasingly using mobile technology to provide improved services to their clients. Here are three unique features of such trading apps.

1. Multiple segments

Mobile trading apps allow you to trade in the cash segment of the stock markets. In addition, you may invest in the derivatives segment [futures and options] on the leading share markets. Several apps allow you to trade in commodity and currency markets. Therefore, you are able to benefit from trading through multiple segments.

2. Real-time price tracking

You may create a watch list for your favorite stocks. The prices of these may be streamed live to receive real-time updates. This allows you to make accurate investment decisions that will maximize your benefits.

3. Seamless fund transfer

Most of these share trading software mobile apps provide seamless and hassle-free fund transfers between the trading and bank accounts. Therefore, you are assured of never missing on an investment opportunity due to lack of adequate funds.

The brokers may offer discounts on the commissions charged on the mobile apps. However, before you choose one of the several brokers, it is important you compare the features, and terms and conditions of these different service providers.

According to the World Health Organization [WHO], India has around 15-20 million individuals suffering from asthma. This disease is said to affect a large number of people due to numerous factors such as climatic changes, pollen and dust, strenuous physical exercise, lifestyle habits, stress, and chemicals, among others.

Asthma, a chronic condition, is triggered by allergens that inflame and constrict sensitive airways. This narrows the air passage and reduces airflow to the lungs, thus making it difficult to breathe. Depending on the severity and length of exposure, the symptoms of asthma may last for a few minutes or even for days. For proper management of this chronic ailment, it is necessary to visit your doctor regularly and receive treatment for the same. Given the rising medical inflation, this may be financially burdensome.

In order to protect yourself against unforeseen medical costs imminent with asthma, you may consider investing in an asthma health insurance plan. Such an insurance policy offers financial security against medical expenses, thus allowing you to receive quality treatment without any worry.

Scope of coverage

Many asthma patients often find it difficult to get an insurance cover due to their chronic ailment. However, the good news is that there are numerous insurers, who offer health insurance for asthma patients. Though the approval is unpredictable and the premium rate is a bit higher, it is a small price to pay for receiving coverage. The disease-specific health insurance policy offers coverage for your doctor’s consultation fee. This means you may visit the best doctors specialized in this field, without having to worry about meeting high consultation costs. An asthma health cover offers protection against expenses towards diagnostic tests, as well as condition-specific medicines. This ensures that you focus on your health while the health insurance company takes care of the medical bills.

Asthma-related costs

While purchasing health insurance for asthma, it is imperative to consider numerous aspects. One of the most important things to keep in mind while deciding the coverage amount is the costs related towards the treatment of asthma.

Following are three major expenses involved in treating asthma.

1. Doctor’s charges

With no insurance plan in place, high doctor’s consultation charges may turn out to be a huge financial burden. Besides, specialists may charge a higher fee given their expertise in the field. You may, therefore, shield yourself against such expenses by investing in an asthma health insurance policy.

2. Medicines

The price of commonly used medications for the treatment of asthma can be expensive. Besides, the cost of injection that is used to prevent asthma symptoms when you are exposed to asthma triggers is high. Asthma patients may also need inhalers to get spot-on relief from asthma attacks. The cost of inhalers too may be expensive. Buying an asthma health insurance plan provides financial protection against the cost of these medicines.

3. Hospital costs

Individuals suffering from asthma bouts may need to be hospitalized to get their illness under control. There are numerous costs involved such as room rent expenses, nursing costs, and respiratory therapy costs, among others.

It is best to remain prepared against such exigencies. In case you are an asthma patient, you may consider investing in an asthma health insurance policy. Such a health cover will help you meet the aforementioned asthma-related costs rather easily. You must focus on your health and have peace of mind knowing that you are covered at all times.