FINANCE

SIP Micro-Investing: How to Start Systematic Investment Plans With Small Sums

1. IntroductionInvesting is often associated with large amounts of money. Many beginners believe they need thousands or even lakhs of rupees before they can start building an investment portfolio. SIP micro-investing challenges that idea by allowing investors to begin with relatively small, regular contributions.A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method of investing a fixed amount periodically in a mutual fund scheme. In India, SIPs can be started with amounts as low as ₹500 in many schemes, while some products offer even lower minimums. AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds of India) states that SIPs can be started with ₹500 per

Morgan Stanley Asia Plans Leak: What Happened and Its After-Effects

Updated: 24 September 20261. IntroductionInvestment banking depends heavily on confidentiality. Before an initial public offering (IPO), merger, acquisition, or private-equity transaction becomes public, banks may possess commercially sensitive information about companies, investors, valuations, and possible transactions.That confidentiality came under scrutiny in September 2026 after an internal Morgan Stanley document containing information about more than 100 investment-banking deals in Asia was accidentally sent outside the intended internal audience.According to reports citing people familiar with the matter, the document included potential IPO candidates across China, South Korea and India, as well as information involving private-equity and pension-fund investors. Some transactions were active

Preferred Stock – Nature, Advantages, Drawbacks and Key Differences

I. IntroductionWhen a company needs money to expand its business, develop new products, acquire another company, or strengthen its financial position, it can raise capital in several ways. Two common methods are issuing shares and borrowing through debt.Between ordinary shares and debt instruments lies an interesting form of corporate security known as preferred stock. It combines some characteristics of equity with features that resemble fixed-income investments.Preferred stockholders generally have a higher claim on dividends and company assets than common shareholders, but they usually have fewer voting rights. This makes preferred stock different from ordinary equity shares and bonds.For investors, understanding

Vehicle Loan Interest Rates in India: Rates, EMI Calculation, Repayment & Pre-closure

I. IntroductionBuying a car, two-wheeler, commercial vehicle, or other automobile is a major financial decision. For many buyers, paying the entire purchase price from savings is not practical. A vehicle loan allows the buyer to spread the cost over several months or years through Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs).However, the actual cost of borrowing depends significantly on the vehicle loan interest rate. Even a small difference in the interest rate can affect the total interest paid over a long repayment period.This guide explains vehicle loan interest rates in India, how interest is calculated, how EMI works, repayment options, pre-closure, benefits and

Values-Led Spending and Mindful Budgeting for Gen-Z and Millennials: A Guide to Smarter Money Choices

1. IntroductionFor Gen-Z and Millennials, managing money is no longer simply about earning more and spending less. Young consumers are asking a deeper question: “Does the way I spend my money reflect what I actually value?”That question is at the heart of values-led spending.Instead of purchasing something merely because it is fashionable, heavily advertised, or popular on social media, values-led spending encourages people to consider whether a purchase supports their priorities. Those priorities could include financial security, etc.At the same time, mindful budgeting provides a practical framework for turning those values into everyday financial decisions.The need for this approach is

The Proposed Sale of IMAX: Will It Happen? Potential Buyers, Business Value, and Future Outlook

1. IntroductionIMAX has been one of the most recognizable names in premium cinema for decades. Its giant screens, advanced projection systems, and immersive sound have made it a preferred format for many blockbuster films and moviegoers worldwide.But in 2026, IMAX attracted attention for a different reason: reports that the company was exploring the possibility of a sale.The news immediately raised important questions. Why would a company with strong brand recognition and growing box-office momentum consider selling itself? Who could afford to buy IMAX? Would a streaming giant, Hollywood studio, cinema chain or private-equity firm be interested?Most importantly, will the proposal

Present Oil Price Movements and US Sanctions on Iran: What Happens to Global Oil Prices?

1. IntroductionOil remains one of the most strategically important commodities in the global economy. Changes in crude oil prices can influence transportation costs, electricity generation, manufacturing, inflation, currencies, interest rates, and even household budgets.The oil market is currently facing an unusually complicated geopolitical environment because of the continuing conflict between the United States and Iran, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, and Washington's expanding sanctions campaign against Tehran.Oil prices had gained more than 5% during the previous week as peace negotiations stalled and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained.Interestingly, oil prices were falling on August 24 despite

Foreign Technology Companies’ Interest in Opening Data Centres in India: Opportunities, Benefits, and Drawbacks for India

I. IntroductionThe rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital payments, e-commerce, streaming services and connected devices is creating an enormous demand for computing infrastructure. Behind many of the digital services people use every day are large facilities known as data centres.India is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for such facilities. Global technology companies, cloud service providers, infrastructure investors and international businesses are expanding their data-centre presence in the country because India combines a huge digital market, growing demand for cloud and AI services, a large technology workforce, improving connectivity and an increasingly supportive policy environment.India's data-centre capacity has

Gold ETF vs. Physical Gold vs. Digital Gold: Which Is Better in 2026?

I. IntroductionGold has remained one of the world's most recognised stores of value for centuries. Traditionally, people bought gold as jewellery, coins or bars. Today, investors can gain exposure to gold through financial products such as Gold Exchange Traded Funds (Gold ETFs) and technology-enabled products commonly called digital gold.This gives investors more choice—but also creates an important question: Which is better among physical gold, Gold ETFs and digital gold?The answer depends on the purpose of the investment. Someone buying jewellery for a wedding has very different needs from an investor seeking portfolio diversification. Similarly, a person wanting to accumulate small