Start your stock market journey: How to regularly invest in equities

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds replicate the index that they represent. You need to open a demat account and a trading account for investing in ETFs. In the case of index funds, you can invest in them either directly from the mutual fund or through a distributor.

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You can invest in various stocks on a regular basis directly from the exchange by setting up a stock SIP. Various broker platforms provide this facility where the investor has to decide the regular amount to be invested and the allocation percentage to different shares. Investors need to set up a mandate for stock SIPs and transfer that amount to the trading account each month to ensure that the installment is invested regularly.

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Instead of researching different stocks to invest in, you can invest in an equity mutual fund that is managed by experienced fund management experts who carry out extensive research and analytics to create a scheme portfolio. It is simple to set up a systematic investment plan (SIP) in a mutual fund scheme, and this can be started with an amount as small as Rs 500. A SIP instruction can be given online or by filling up a physical form.

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1. Investors should consider the expense ratio and consult their tax adviser for tax implications on equity investments.
2.While investing for the long term, one should also review the portfolio periodically to 3 weed out the non-performers.

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