NIFTY: Meaning, Full Form, Companies List, Calculation | National Stock Exchange
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Investing in the stock market is a key strategy for building wealth, and the NIFTY Index has emerged as a significant indicator of the market's health in India. This detailed guide is aimed at investors looking to understand what is NIFTY, its mechanism, and its importance in the financial landscape.

What is Nifty?

At its core, NIFTY's full form is National Stock Exchange Fifty and it represents the top 50 Indian company stocks traded on the NSE. It mirrors the market's movements, offering insights into the general market direction.

NIFTY meaning transcends a mere number on the screen; it reflects the Indian economy's pulse. It's crucial for domestic and international investors wanting to gauge market sentiment, evaluate economic conditions, and make informed investment decisions.

How Does NIFTY Work?

The NIFTY Index serves as a barometer for market performance. It includes companies from different sectors, ensuring a comprehensive snapshot of economic activity.


Methodology for Calculating NIFTY

The Methodology for Calculating NIFTY uses the free-float market capitalisation method, which considers the company's market value accessible for trading and avoids locked-in shares.

The formula for calculating the index is as follows:

Index Value= (Current Market Value/Base Market Capital) X Base Index Value
 

nifty-value-image

  • Current Market Value is the total free-float market value of the companies included in the index at any given time.
  • Base Market Capital is the total market value of the stocks during the base year. The NIFTY 50 uses November 3, 1995, as its base year and 1000 points as the base index value.


Example

Suppose the total free-float market capitalisation of the NIFTY 50 on a certain day is Rs. 10 trillion, and the base market capitalisation in 1995 was Rs. 2.06 trillion. The Base Index Value is 1000.

Using the formula:
 

formula-example-image
 

Index Value=4854.37

Eligibility Criteria for NIFTY Index Listing

For a company to qualify for inclusion in the NIFTY index, it must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
  • The company should be based in India.
  • Its shares need to exhibit high liquidity.
  • It should have been actively traded during the previous six months.
  • The company's average market capitalisation on a free-float basis must be at least 1.5 times greater than that of the smallest entity in the index.
  • Its shares must be available for trading in the NSE's Futures & Options segment.
  • The entity should have a minimum listing history of six months on the exchange.
  • It must possess shares with differential voting rights.
  • The company should be authorised to trade through derivatives contracts.

What are the Top Constituents of NIFTY?

This segment dwells on the top companies listed under NIFTY, showcasing sectors like IT, Banking, and Pharmaceuticals that dominate. The list is as follows with their explanation:

  1. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): TCS is an Indian multinational information technology and services company.
  2. HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank is one of India's leading private sector banks, offering various financial products and services.
  3. Infosys: Infosys is a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing solutions focusing on innovation.
  4. Reliance Industries: Reliance Industries Limited is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, India.
  5. ICICI Bank: ICICI Bank Limited is an Indian multinational banking and financial services company.
  6. HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd.: HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd., a joint venture between Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (HDFC) and Standard Life Aberdeen, is one of India's top private life insurers.
  7. Bharti Airtel: Bharti Airtel Limited is an Indian multinational telecommunications services company headquartered in New Delhi, India.
  8. Hindustan Unilever: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is a British-Dutch manufacturing company that provides consumer goods products.
  9. Kotak Mahindra Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank is an Indian private sector bank offering various financial services.
  10. Wipro: Wipro Limited is an Indian multinational corporation providing information technology, consulting, and business process services.


Apart from these top companies, other sectors that make up the NIFTY include Consumer Goods, Automobiles, Financial Services, Oil and Gas, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals. These sectors contribute to the growth of India's economy and provide employment opportunities for millions of people.

How is NIFTY Calculated?

The calculation methodology focuses on the available market cap and entails routine adjustments to reflect accurate market movements, factoring in corporate actions and changes within listed companies.

Benefits of Investing in NIFTY

Portfolio Diversification Benefits and Potential Returns from NIFTY Investments are significant. NIFTY offers a snapshot of India's top companies, making it an attractive option for diversified investment with potential for solid returns.

How to Invest in the NIFTY Index?

Here's a guide on how to invest in the NIFTY index:

  1. Initiate a Demat and trading account with a broker that provides access to NIFTY 50 ETFs.
  2. Decide on the particular ETF you're interested in investing in.
  3. Establish a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) via your chosen broker.
  4. Define the amount you wish to invest, along with the frequency and duration of your investments.
  5. Execute a purchase order for the chosen ETF through your broker.

Notable Highs and Lows in the History of NIFTY

The NIFTY stock of the National Stock Exchange of India has seen several significant dips over time, with key instances including:

  • 2020: A 13% plunge on March 23, 2020, resulted in an INR 13.95 lakh crore reduction in investor wealth.
  • 2008: A sharp fall of 1,408 points in the BSE led to one of the biggest declines in investor fortunes.
  • 2004: The BSE faced its most significant drop in history, with a 15.52% decrease.
  • 1992: The BSE suffered a 12.77% dip due to the Harshad Mehta Scam.


Conversely, NIFTY has also experienced some impressive peaks, such as:

  • January 12, 2024: NIFTY 50 achieved an all-time high of 21,928.25, ending the day at 21,894.55
  • March 4, 2024: NIFTY increased by 27.20 points to wrap up at 22,405.60, setting a new record
  • January 15, 2024: NIFTY 50 saw a gain of 142.65 points to hit 22,037.20, breaching the 22,000 threshold
  • December 28, 2023: NIFTY 50 started the day at 21,715 and reached a peak of 21,801.45, closing at 21,778.70

Factors to Consider While Investing in NIFTY

Risk Management Strategies and a Long-Term Investment Perspective are essential when considering NIFTY investments, underscoring the need for a well-thought-out plan and resilience against market volatility.

Other factors include:

  1. Market Analysis: It is important to understand the current market trends and sentiments before making any investment decision in NIFTY.
  2. Sectoral Performance: The performance of different sectors within the index can have a significant impact on overall NIFTY returns, making it essential to analyse sectoral trends.
  3. Macroeconomic Factors: Factors like inflation, interest rates, GDP growth, and currency fluctuations can significantly influence the performance of NIFTY and should be taken into consideration.
  4. Diversification: Diversifying your investment across different sectors and asset classes can help mitigate risks associated with investing solely in NIFTY.
  5. Costs and Fees: Consider all costs and fees associated with various investment options, such as management and transaction costs, to ensure maximum returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many companies are there in the NIFTY Index, and what does NIFTY 50 mean?

A: NIFTY Index consists of the top 50 companies by market capitalisation.
 

Q: Nifty started in which year?

A: NIFTY was officially introduced in 1996.
 

Q: Who manages the NIFTY Index?

A: NSE Indices Limited manages the NIFTY Index.
 

Q: What is Bank NIFTY?

A: Bank NIFTY index contains the most significant and liquid Indian banking stocks.
 

Q: When can I access NIFTY?

A: NIFTY can be accessed during trading hours on the National Stock Exchange.
 

Q: What is NIFTY 50?

A: The NIFTY 50 is a broad-based benchmark index representing a portion of the total market capitalization of the stocks listed on the NSE.
 

Q: How is Nifty 100 calculated?

A: Like NIFTY 50, Nifty 100 is calculated using the free-float market capitalization method but includes the top 100 stocks by market cap.

 

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Disclaimer: This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time. The above information is for general understanding and reference. This is not legal advice or tax advice, and users are advised to consult their tax advisors before making any decision or taking any action.