How to Buy Stocks for Beginners12-min read

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Buying Stocks in December 2024

Buying stocks is a significant move for beginners who are planning to start investing in the stock market. It is a long-term process that would help an investor in managing their finances and possibly even grow generational wealth or retire early should they so wish. Investing in stocks is a great opportunity for people who want to get into the financial market but the initial phase might be a little complicated for beginners thus requiring a careful understanding of the market operations.

With increasing financial literacy and awareness, the younger generation is looking towards the stock market to grow their money and, at the same time, educate themselves in both the art and the science of investing techniques. This article will cover the ins and outs of how to buy stocks in India along with the knowledge of how to know what stock to buy for beginners.

As a beginner investor, the optimal time to purchase stocks relies on various aspects, such as market trends, personal risk tolerance, and investment approach. Although there is no absolute method to forecast stock prices, adhering to some fundamental principles can assist in guiding your investment choices. Irrespective of whether you opt for “buying the dip,” regular investing, or an alternative strategy, it is crucial to stay informed and select options that correspond with your financial objectives.

In This Guide:

1. The Structure of the Indian Stock Market
2. The Role of Stockbrokers in Facilitating Investments
3. Broker Comparisons: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Investment Journey
4. Opening Demat and Trading Accounts: The First Step to Entering the Market
5. Funding Your Trading Account: Efficient Money Management
6. How to Buy Stocks in India and Abroad
7. Researching and Selecting Stocks: The Analytical Core of Investing
8. Choosing the Right Stock Exchange for You
9. The Art of Choosing the Right Stock
10. Diversification: Minimising Risk Through Portfolio Balance
11. Advanced Order Types and Trading Strategies: Mastering the Mechanics of Market Operations
12. Advanced Trading Strategies: Adapting to Market Conditions
13. Tax Policies on Stock Earnings
14. Investing Responsibly
15. Conclusion

The Structure of the Indian Stock Market

India’s stock market comprises two primary exchanges: the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). These institutions form the backbone of the trading ecosystem, hosting thousands of companies across various sectors.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE)

The NSE, established in 1992, is India’s largest and most advanced stock exchange. It is renowned for its technology-driven trading environment, offering seamless access to equities, derivatives, and currency markets. The NSE’s flagship index, Nifty 50, tracks the performance of 50 top companies, serving as a barometer for market health.

NSE’s focus on innovation has revolutionised trading in India. It introduced a fully automated screen-based trading system, which replaced the traditional floor-based trading. This move enhanced transparency, reduced transaction costs, and increased market efficiency.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

Asia’s oldest exchange, the BSE, boasts a rich history dating back to 1875. Its benchmark index, Sensex, represents the 30 largest and most actively traded stocks. The BSE is particularly favoured for its comprehensive listing of small and mid-cap companies, making it a go-to platform for investors seeking growth opportunities beyond blue-chip stocks.

The BSE’s trading platform, BOLT, ensures rapid execution of trades, handling millions of transactions daily. Over the years, the BSE has expanded its offerings to include mutual funds, bonds, and derivatives, catering to diverse investor needs.

The Role of Stockbrokers in Facilitating Investments

Stockbrokers serve as intermediaries, bridging the gap between individual investors and the stock exchanges. They provide platforms, research, and support, enabling informed decision-making.

Types of Brokers

1. Full-Service Brokers:
   • Offer a wide array of services, including portfolio management, advisory, and market research.
   • Suitable for investors who prefer a guided approach.
   • Examples: ICICI Direct, Kotak Securities.
2. Discount Brokers:
   • Focus on low-cost trading, providing a self-service platform.
   • Ideal for experienced investors who conduct independent research.
   • Examples: Zerodha, Upstox.

Selecting the Right Broker

Choosing a broker involves evaluating several factors:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure SEBI registration.
• Fee Structure: Understand brokerage fees, maintenance charges, and hidden costs.
• Platform Features: Advanced charting tools, real-time data, and a user-friendly interface are crucial.
• Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable support is vital, especially for beginners.

Broker Comparisons: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Investment Journey

AvaTrade

Key Features:
AvaTrade is a globally recognised broker offering advanced trading tools and support for multi-asset trading, including forex, commodities, and indices. The platform caters to both beginners and experienced traders, with a focus on educational resources.

Pros:

• Low trading fees and transparent pricing.
• Extensive educational content, including webinars and eBooks.
• Access to a variety of trading instruments beyond equities.

Cons:

• Limited India-specific features, such as localised market insights or INR-denominated accounts.
• May not fully integrate with domestic banking systems for fund transfers.

Zerodha

Key Features:
As a pioneer in discount broking in India, Zerodha revolutionised the industry with its low-cost trading model. It offers an intuitive and feature-rich platform called Kite, which supports equities, derivatives, and mutual funds.

Pros:

• Extremely low brokerage fees, making it cost-effective for frequent traders.
• User-friendly platform with advanced charting and analytical tools.
• Extensive educational initiatives like Varsity for self-learning.

Cons:

• Does not provide personalised advisory services, which may be a drawback for beginners seeking guided investment strategies.
• Customer support could be improved during high traffic periods.

ICICI Direct

Key Features:
ICICI Direct is a full-service broker integrated with ICICI Bank, offering a seamless banking and trading experience. It is well-suited for investors seeking comprehensive research and advisory support.

Pros:

• Access to detailed research reports and personalised investment advice.
• Wide range of investment products, including equities, derivatives, IPOs, and mutual funds.
• Strong customer support and a robust platform for experienced traders.

Cons:

• High brokerage fees, especially for small trades or occasional investors.
• Complex fee structure may confuse new investors.

Each broker has its strengths and limitations. AvaTrade excels in offering a global perspective with robust educational resources. Zerodha is the go-to for cost-conscious, self-directed traders, while ICICI Direct is ideal for those seeking full-service support and integrated banking solutions. Your choice should align with your trading style, financial goals, and the level of guidance you require.

Opening Demat and Trading Accounts: The First Step to Entering the Market

Introduction: Why Demat and Trading Accounts Are Essential

In India, a Demat (dematerialised) account and a trading account are mandatory for participating in the stock market. While the Demat account securely holds your securities in an electronic format, the trading account facilitates buying and selling them on stock exchanges. These accounts form the foundation of your investing journey.

Understanding the Difference Between Demat and Trading Accounts

1. Demat Account:
   • Similar to a bank account but for holding securities like shares, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.
   • Eliminates the risks associated with physical share certificates, such as loss, theft, or forgery.
2. Trading Account:
   • Used to place orders for buying or selling securities.
   • Acts as a bridge between your bank account and the Demat account, enabling transactions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Accounts

Step 1: Select a Broker

Your first step involves choosing a broker that meets your requirements. As covered earlier, brokers can range from full-service to discount, each with its unique offerings.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To comply with regulatory standards, you’ll need the following:

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory in India for any financial transaction).
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Utility Bills.
• Bank Details: A cancelled cheque or a bank statement.
• Income Proof: Necessary if you intend to trade in derivatives.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Most brokers provide an online application process. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Fill in personal details.
• Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
• Complete the In-Person Verification (IPV), often conducted through video KYC.

Step 4: Account Activation

Once your documents are verified, your Demat and trading accounts are activated. Brokers will share login credentials for their trading platform, granting you access to the stock market.

Understanding Account Charges

• Account Opening Charges: Many brokers waive these fees as part of promotional offers.
• Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC): A fee for maintaining your Demat account, usually ranging from ₹300 to ₹800.
• Transaction Charges: For debiting or crediting shares.

Key Considerations

• Ease of Integration: Ensure seamless linking between your Demat, trading, and bank accounts.
• Multiple Trading Platforms: Check for access to platforms across web, desktop, and mobile.

Funding Your Trading Account: Efficient Money Management

Introduction: The Importance of Smooth Fund Transfers

Before you can trade, you must fund your trading account. Efficiently transferring money ensures you can seize market opportunities without delays.

Methods of Funding Your Trading Account

Net Banking

Most brokers allow you to link your trading account to your bank account for direct transfers.

• Pros: Instant fund transfer.
• Cons: May incur transaction charges.

UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

An increasingly popular method due to its speed and convenience.

• Pros: Real-time transactions, minimal fees.
• Cons: Daily transaction limits.

Cheque Deposit

A traditional method, albeit slower.

• Pros: No online fraud risk.
• Cons: Takes 2-3 business days to process.

NEFT/RTGS/IMPS

Used for higher-value transfers.

• Pros: Suitable for large transactions.
• Cons: NEFT and RTGS are limited by banking hours.

Managing Withdrawals

Withdrawals typically follow a T+2 settlement cycle (trade day + two days). Ensure you understand your broker’s specific process and any associated fees.

Key Considerations

• Transaction Limits: Understand any imposed limits on fund transfers.
• Security Features: Look for brokers employing encryption and two-factor authentication for transactions.

How to Buy Stocks in India and Abroad

1. Select a broker
2. Create trading and Demat account
3. Deposit funds
4. Search for stocks
5. Start trading

Stocks can be brought through exchanges in just a few clicks. No lengthy procedures, no waiting, all you have to do is follow some basic steps. To start with, you will be required to select a broker (Libertex, Admirals, Saxobank, AvaTrade). Moving forward, you are required to create a Demat and trading account to carry on with the trade in the stock market. The next step would be transferring money from the bank to the respective trading account. Now explore the live market on the trading account and analyse the share prices before making any move. After careful market research, move ahead with buying your first stock and start the investment journey.

Researching and Selecting Stocks: The Analytical Core of Investing

Introduction: Why Stock Research Matters

Investing without research is akin to gambling. Effective research helps identify high-potential stocks while avoiding duds. This section covers everything from basic financials to advanced indicators.

Fundamental Analysis

Focuses on evaluating a company’s intrinsic value.

Key Metrics:

• Revenue Growth: Consistent revenue growth indicates a robust business model.
• Net Profit Margin: Reflects the company’s efficiency in converting revenue into profit.
• Debt-to-Equity Ratio: A low ratio indicates financial stability.
• Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Helps gauge whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued relative to its earnings.

Qualitative Factors:

• Management Quality: A strong, ethical leadership team often correlates with long-term success.
• Industry Position: Market leaders generally offer more stability and growth potential.

Technical Analysis

Relies on historical price and volume data to predict future movements.

Common Tools:

• Moving Averages: Identify trends by smoothing out short-term price fluctuations.
• Fibonacci Retracements: Pinpoint potential reversal levels.
• Bollinger Bands: Measure volatility and potential breakout points.

Choosing the Right Stock Exchange for You

The following pointers should be kept in mind while choosing any stock exchange:

Goodwill of the broker: Always check the background and reputation of the broker before making the final decision. Look for feedback and reviews by existing customers to check the broker’s credibility.

Type of investment: Investors must choose a broker according to the type of investment they are willing to make. Whether they are looking for long-term investment or they want to indulge in day-trading.

Brokerage Fees: Brokers charge some amount of brokerage fees as their commission for facilitating their services. Thus the investor should wisely select the broker according to the services they want from the broker.

Look for platforms that have additional security measures that protect your account.

Choose a platform that has a range of stocks. It’s always suggested to diversify your portfolio to mitigate the risk.

The exchanges mentioned are tried and tested beforehand. All the recommendations and information provided are genuine. All the recommendations have been accurately checked individually, we have created an account in each one of the platforms, explored all the features, and most importantly whether or not the exchange is safe to open an account. We have thoroughly gotten feedback from the community and where the exchange stands in the market. Before putting your money in, investors must check all the reviews before investing in any of the exchanges.

The Art of Choosing the Right Stock

The smartest way to enter the stock market is to diversify the portfolio to minimise the risk of uncertainty. Investors must have a clear vision of what they are expecting from their portfolios. Once an investor makes a list of industries or stocks that they are willing to invest in, they must stick to it. Investment and risk go hand in hand. Multiple factors are responsible for stock price fluctuations including demand and supply, inflation, economic growth, etc. Market conditions also have a significant effect on stock prices. The government’s fiscal and monetary policy has a great impact on the financial market. The flow of funds through international transactions affects the stability of a country’s economy and its currency along with a considerable effect on the stock markets as well.

The stock market has been increasing each year providing its investors with a higher rate of return. Let’s talk about the type of stocks:

Defensive stocks – A kind of stock that ensures consistent returns and steady earnings irrespective of the state of the overall financial market. Thus defensive stocks tend to be more reliable during the different phases of the business cycle.

Offensive Stocks – These are those stocks wherein an investor tries to take advantage of a rising market by purchasing stocks that are outshining for a given level of risk and volatility. An offensive strategy also calls for options trading and margin trading.

If the money is invested in the right securities with an ample amount of research and analysis the projections mentioned are very promising, especially in the long-term and that one can still become very rich by investing at the right time.

Apart from stocks/shares, buying ETFs (exchanged traded funds) is one the safest forms of investing. It is a bucket of securities that investors can buy or sell through a broker/firm on a stock exchange. ETFs provide a wide variety of securities and automatically diversified it to shareholders. S&P is a stock market index that tracks 500 publicly traded domestic companies, since its establishment, it has returned 11.82%. It is safe, low maintenance, and positive return investment.

There are many different options for ETFs including S&P 500 SPDR (SPY), Nasdaq QQQ Invesco, etc. This way investors can diversify their assets in different companies without the hassle of managing them individually.

Diversification: Minimising Risk Through Portfolio Balance

Introduction: The Role of Diversification

The adage “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” holds true for investing. Diversification helps reduce risk by spreading investments across asset classes, sectors, and geographies.

Types of Diversification

Asset Class Diversification

Mixing equities, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs to balance risk and reward.

Sectoral Diversification

Investing in multiple sectors (e.g., IT, healthcare, energy) to mitigate sector-specific risks.

Geographic Diversification

Investing in international stocks or ETFs to hedge against country-specific risks.

Portfolio Rebalancing

Periodically adjust your asset allocation to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Advanced Order Types and Trading Strategies: Mastering the Mechanics of Market Operations

Introduction: Moving Beyond Basic Trades

For investors aiming to elevate their stock market game, understanding advanced order types and trading strategies is crucial. Basic market or limit orders may suffice for beginners, but as you grow more sophisticated in your approach, leveraging advanced orders can provide better control, mitigate risks, and maximise returns. Similarly, employing diverse trading strategies enables investors to profit in various market conditions, whether bullish, bearish, or neutral.

Advanced Order Types: Tools for Precision Trading

Advanced order types allow investors to automate trades based on specific conditions, reducing the need for constant monitoring and helping manage risks effectively.

Trailing Stop Loss

A trailing stop loss automatically adjusts the stop price as the stock price moves in your favour, locking in profits while protecting against significant losses.

• How It Works: If you set a trailing stop at 5%, the stop price will increase as the stock price rises but will remain static if the stock price falls. This ensures you exit the trade before significant downturns.
• Use Case: Ideal for volatile stocks where you want to capture upside potential without manually adjusting the stop price.

Bracket Orders

Bracket orders combine three components: an entry order, a target price (take-profit order), and a stop-loss order. This type of order is particularly useful for day traders.

• How It Works: Once your entry order is executed, the system automatically places a stop-loss and a take-profit order. Whichever condition is met first will close the trade and cancel the other order.
• Use Case: Enables disciplined trading by predefining profit and loss limits.

Conditional Orders

These orders execute only if specific market conditions are met, providing flexibility and automation.

• Stop-Limit Orders: A stop order that becomes a limit order once a particular stop price is reached.
• OCO (One-Cancels-the-Other) Orders: Simultaneously places two orders, and when one is executed, the other is automatically cancelled.

Advanced Trading Strategies: Adapting to Market Conditions

Successful trading requires strategies that align with your risk tolerance, market conditions, and financial goals. Here are some advanced approaches:

Swing Trading

Swing trading capitalises on short- to medium-term price movements. Investors hold positions for a few days to weeks, aiming to profit from market “swings.”

• Key Tools:
  • Technical Indicators: Moving averages, MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence), and RSI (Relative Strength Index).
  • Support and Resistance Levels: Help identify potential entry and exit points.
• Best Markets: Works well in moderately volatile markets with clear trends.

Momentum Trading

Momentum trading involves riding the wave of strong price trends. This strategy seeks to capitalise on the inertia of market trends.

• How It Works:
  • Identify stocks that show high momentum based on indicators like the Momentum Indicator or Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP).
  • Enter trades in the direction of the trend and exit when momentum wanes.
• Risk Management: Use trailing stops to lock in profits as trends evolve.

Arbitrage Trading

Arbitrage involves taking advantage of price discrepancies for the same asset in different markets or forms.

• Types of Arbitrage:
  • Spatial Arbitrage: Exploiting price differences between exchanges.
  • Merger Arbitrage: Buying shares of a company being acquired and shorting the acquiring company.
• Challenges: Requires significant capital and rapid execution due to narrow margins.

Pair Trading

Pair trading involves identifying two highly correlated stocks, where one is expected to outperform the other.

• Example:
  • Buy the underperforming stock and sell short the outperforming one.
  • Profit from the price convergence of the two assets.
• Key Metrics: Use correlation coefficients and beta values to identify suitable pairs.

Hedging Strategies: Mitigating Risk in Volatile Markets

Hedging involves taking positions to offset potential losses in your primary investment. It’s particularly useful during periods of high volatility.

Options for Hedging

Options can serve as a hedge against potential losses in your stock holdings.

• Protective Puts: Buy put options on a stock you own to protect against downside risk.
• Covered Calls: Sell call options on stocks you own to generate income, offsetting potential losses if the stock price declines.

Futures Contracts

Futures allow you to lock in prices for future transactions, providing a hedge against adverse price movements in underlying securities.

• How It Works: If you own a portfolio of stocks, you can sell index futures to hedge against a market downturn.

Risk Management in Advanced Trading

Regardless of the strategy, risk management is paramount in advanced trading. Here’s how to integrate it effectively:

• Position Sizing: Never risk more than a small percentage (e.g., 1-2%) of your total capital on a single trade.
• Risk-Reward Ratio: Aim for a minimum risk-reward ratio of 1:3 to ensure long-term profitability.
• Diversification: Avoid concentrating too much capital in one strategy or market segment.

Tax Policies on Stock Earnings

Gains on stock earnings are taxable with the tax of 15% applicable to short-term capital gains, irrespective of your tax slab, and 10% if the long-term (12 months) capital gain is more than 1 lakh.

Investing Responsibly

Investors must always invest amounts that they can afford to lose. To understand that the market is volatile they do their own research and price analysis and try to diversify their portfolios to minimise the risk. They must keep an eye on their bankroll, to understand when to withdraw.

Conclusion

Stock investing can be a daunting prospect for anyone, but especially for those with no prior experience in the financial markets. With just a little knowledge about the stock market and how it operates, anyone can start trading stocks with confidence. You just need to know where to look for a reliable broker, how to put together an investment strategy, how to choose a company, and when would be the best time to buy or sell their stocks.

Now you have a 360-degree view of how to buy stocks in India and how to know what stocks to buy for beginners from the stock exchanges. You have also learned that it is a cost-effective and fast way of investing in stocks. The stock market is highly volatile in nature so an investor must have proper knowledge before entering the financial market.

Despite foreign institutional investors outflow in Indian stocks, the market has seen broad-based buying in sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, power, utilities, and capital goods. Experts suggest that this presents a prime opportunity for investors to systematically buy high-quality large-cap stocks in performing sectors such as banking, capital goods, telecom, and construction-related segments.

Main Takeaways

• First and foremost decide what you want and who is offering it.
• Have extensive research and analysis before making your choice.
• Compare all the pros and cons of each exchange, before making an account on their platform.
• Study the market thoroughly before investing.