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Investing in Gold or Silver: A Guide for the Festive Season in India

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  Introduction As the festive season approaches in India, many investors are considering adding precious metals like gold or silver to their portfolios. Both gold and silver have long been favored as investments and have their own unique benefits. In this blog post, we will summarize the findings from an article on Business Today regarding investing in gold or silver ahead of the festive season. The article highlights the various ways investors can own gold or silver. These include purchasing physical bullion, investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold the precious metals, buying mining stocks, or investing in ETFs that own mining stocks. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, such as storage concerns for physical bullion or the potential for higher returns through mining stocks. When comparing the long-term returns of gold and silver since 1925, the article notes that gold has outperformed silver. The price of gold has returned an annual compounded rate of 4.

Sensex Jumps 405 Points, Nifty Settles Near 19,550; Infibeam Avenues and Edelweiss Surge Up to 13%

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  In a significant recovery, the Indian stock market witnessed a substantial surge as buying in heavyweight sectors and positive global cues drove investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex surged by 405.53 points, closing at 65,631.57, while the NSE Nifty50 experienced a slight decline of 109.65 points, settling at 19,545.75 . Although the broader markets underperformed, with the BSE midcap index remaining steady and the BSE smallcap index rising modestly, the fear gauge India VIX dropped by around 6% to 10.96 levels. The market rally gained momentum due to various factors including a recovery in global markets, a sharp drop in international crude oil prices, and a steady trend in US bond yields. As a result, investors showed increased interest in sectors such as information technology (IT), banking, automobile, and capital goods. However, selective profit-taking limited the overall gains. The Nifty media index witnessed a gain of around 2%, followed by the Nifty IT and auto indices, whic

Bajaj Finance Board Approves Proposal for Rs 10,000 Crore QIP and Preferential Allotment

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Introduction Bajaj Finance, one of India's leading non-banking financial companies, made a significant announcement recently. The company's board of directors has given the green light to a proposal for a qualified institutional placement (QIP) and preferential allotment. This move aims to raise funds worth up to Rs 10,000 Crore. Here's a summary of the article in simple language for a blog post. Key Points 1. Bajaj Finance, a prominent player in the financial sector, is looking to boost its capital base through the issuance of shares. 2. The board of directors has approved a proposal for a QIP and preferential allotment, enabling Bajaj Finance to raise funds through equity infusion. 3. The company plans to mobilize up to Rs 10,000 Crore, which will support its growth initiatives and enhance its financial position. 4. A QIP allows listed companies to issue equity shares to qualified institutional buyers, such as mutual funds and insurance companies, in order to

How Byju's New CEO Arjun Mohan is Transforming the Future of EdTech in India

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Introduction In a major move towards revamping its operations, Byju's, the leading edtech giant, has appointed Arjun Mohan as the new CEO of its India operations. Arjun Mohan is determined to clean up the operational mess within the organization and bring about notable changes that will shape the future of India's education technology sector. Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Cost Control One of Arjun Mohan's primary strategies is streamlining operations. Insiders suggest that he plans to reduce the size of the local unit by one-third. This move aims to improve cost control and optimize resource utilization within the organization. By implementing a more efficient operational structure, Byju's aims to enhance its financial stability and deliver a more sustainable growth trajectory. Workforce Reduction in Restructuring Drive As part of his efforts to restructure the organization, Arjun Mohan plans to cut the workforce by around 5,000 employees. This move is

87% Bitcoin holders regularly send or receive cross-border remittances: Survey

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  According to a survey conducted by tech firm Block, 87% of Bitcoin holders regularly engage in cross-border remittances, highlighting the role of the cryptocurrency in international money transfers. The survey gathered data from 6,600 adults across 15 countries . Cross-border remittances are payments sent from one country to another, often by individuals to their families or friends in their home countries. These payments are an important source of financial support for many families and are crucial for the economies of developing countries. However, traditional remittance methods can be expensive and time-consuming, with high fees and long processing times. Bitcoin, on the other hand, offers a potential solution to these challenges. It is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a technology called blockchain(click to learn more) , which enables secure and transparent transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin transactions can be sent and recei

Unlocking the Power of Blockchain: A Game Changer in Modern Technology

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  Introduction Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary force reshaping various industries. Beyond its association with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain offers a decentralized and secure way to record, store, and transmit data, which has the potential to transform the way businesses operate. In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals of blockchain, its applications, and how it is changing the technological landscape. What is Blockchain? At its core, a blockchain is a distributed and immutable digital ledger. It is a chain of blocks, each containing a list of transactions or data records. What makes it unique is the decentralized and transparent nature of the technology. Unlike traditional centralized systems, blockchain operates on a network of computers (nodes) where each participant has a copy of the entire ledger. This makes it virtually tamper-proof and resistant to data corruption. Key Characteristics of Blockchain 1. Decentralization: Bl

HDFC Bank Shares: What Led to India's Most Valued Bank Stock Becoming 2023's Worst Performer?

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Introduction HDFC Bank, India's most valued bank, has been facing a downward trend in its shares during 2023. This article aims to analyze the reasons behind HDFC Bank's poor performance and explore possible next steps for the bank. HDFC Bank's Stock Performance HDFC Bank, which held the title of India's most valued bank, has experienced a slump in its shares during 2023. Despite its previously strong track record, the bank has not been able to sustain its growth and profitability, leading to a decline in investor confidence. Factors Contributing to Poor Performance 1. Asset Quality Concerns: The bank has been grappling with asset quality issues, primarily in its retail and small business loan portfolios. The rise in non-performing assets (NPAs) and a lower-than-expected recovery rate have negatively impacted the bank's financial health. 2. Regulatory Issues: HDFC Bank has faced regulatory hurdles in recent times, which have affected its operations. Th