What is Nifty and How It is Calculated?

3 Dec, 2024
3 mins read

Table of Contents

The Nifty 50, or simply Nifty, is one of India’s most prominent stock market indices. Managed by NSE Indices Limited, it represents the top 50 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) across diverse sectors such as information technology, consumer goods, and financial services. Launched in 1996, the index is a reliable indicator of the overall performance of the Indian stock market and economy.

How is Nifty Calculated?

Nifty is calculated using the free-float market capitalization-weighted method, which reflects the market value of the 50 constituent companies while considering only publicly traded shares. The formula for calculation of Nifty is:

Index Value = (Current Market Value/Base Market Capitalisation) X1000

Where:

- Current Market Value is the sum of the market capitalization of all Nifty 50 companies.

- Base Market Capitalization was determined during the base year (1995) when the index was set to 1,000 points.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Company to Be Listed in Nifty? 

For a company to be part of the Nifty 50, it must meet specific criteria:

1. Domicile: Must be registered in India and listed on the NSE.

2. Liquidity: The stock’s average impact cost should be 0.50% or less over six months, considering a portfolio size of ₹10 crores.

3. Trading Frequency: The stock must have been traded 100% of the days during the preceding six months.

4. Market Capitalization: The stock's average free-float market capitalization must be at least 1.5 times larger than the smallest company in the index.

5. Differential Voting Rights (DVR): Companies with DVR shares are eligible.

The index is reviewed semi-annually, and companies are added or removed based on their performance and compliance with these criteria. The last rebalancing of Nifty happened on September 30, 2024 with BEL and Trent being added into the index and Divi's Lab and LTI MindTree making an exit.

What are the Different Types of Nifty Indices Available? 

The Nifty family of indices includes several broad-based, sectoral, and thematic indices designed to cater to diverse investment needs:

1. Broad-Based Indices:

- Nifty 50: The flagship index, representing the top 50 companies by market capitalization.

- Nifty Next 50: Tracks the next 50 largest companies after the Nifty 50.

- Nifty 500: A broad index covering 500 companies, representing nearly 95% of NSE’s total market capitalization.

2. Sectoral Indices:

- Nifty IT: Tracks the performance of the top IT companies in India.

- Nifty FMCG: Focuses on fast-moving consumer goods companies.

- Nifty Bank: Represents the banking sector.

- Nifty Pharma, Auto, Metal, and Energy: Highlight sector-specific performance.

3. Thematic and Strategy Indices:

- Nifty Dividend Opportunities 50: Includes companies with high dividend yields.

- Nifty Growth Sectors 15: Represents high-growth industries.

These indices enable investors to track and invest in specific market segments.

How Can Investors Gain Exposure to Nifty?

Investors can explore various options to gain exposure to the Nifty index:

1. Index Funds: Mutual funds that mirror the Nifty 50 portfolio, offering cost-effective diversification.

2. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs trade on stock exchanges like regular shares, tracking the Nifty’s performance.

3. Derivatives (Futures and Options): Nifty-based contracts allow speculative trading or hedging.

4. Direct Investment: Investors can buy any individual stocks listed on Nifty 50 directly from the secondary market.

5. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Regular investments in Nifty-focused funds enable disciplined, long-term investing.

Why is Nifty Important?

Nifty is critical for assessing the health of the Indian stock market. It serves as:

● A benchmark index for fund managers and investors to measure portfolio performance.

● A barometer for market trends and sentiments.

● A tool for passive investors seeking exposure to India’s top-performing companies.

Conclusion

Nifty is more than just a stock market index; it is a lens into India’s economic pulse. With tools like Nifty 50 index funds, ETFs and derivatives, you can seamlessly align your investment strategy with the growth of the Indian markets. Ready to take the next step? Explore FYERS’ advanced trading platforms today!

FAQ

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FAQ

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Companies must meet several criteria, including domicile in India, liquidity metrics, market capitalization thresholds, and consistent trading activity. Stocks with DVR shares are also eligible.

Investors can use index funds, ETFs, derivatives like futures and options, or invest directly in Nifty 50 stocks.

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