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Nifty BeEs is an exchange-traded fund that replicates the S&P CNX Nifty Index. It is the first ETF introduced by the benchmark in 2002 January. It trades on the National Stock Exchange and hence can be bought or sold in dematerialised format only. They offers multiple benefits to its investors, for example, diversification. This article covers in detail Nifty BeEs and their benefits.
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What is Nifty BeES in India?
Nifty BeEs is the short form of ‘Benchmark Exchange Traded Scheme’. It is an exchange traded fund that aims to offer returns similar to the S&P CNX Nifty Index. They trade on the National Stock Exchange similar to any other share in rolling settlement. Since it is an ETF, it is a combination of a mutual fund and a share (equity securities).
Each unit of Nifty BeEs is 1/10th of the value of the S&P CNX Nifty Index. The face value is INR 10. And investors can easily transact in them through a demat account. The purchase and sale of the units of this ETF are possible only in dematerialized format. Since it’s an ETF, the buying and selling of the units happen at real-time NAV or market price. Investors can also do a systematic investment in this ETF.
The expenses of Nifty BeEs, including all fees, is 0.80%. If the Asset Under Management(AUM) is over INR 5 billion, then the expenses will be 0.65%. It is the least expense ratio among mutual funds in India. Hence investing in this ETF is very economical. Moreover, the returns from Nifty BeEs are similar to S&P CNX Nifty. Hence there is no fund manager bias.
Nifty BeEs are very liquid as they trade on the capital market. One can also place limit orders for these ETFs. Since Nifty BeEs follows the S&P CNX Nifty Index, the investor is informed about the portfolio at all times. Also, investing in Nifty BeEs ETF offers diversification as the investor can invest in 50 different companies by purchasing just one unit.
Features of Nifty BeES
The following are the features of Nifty BeES:
- Launched: Launched on 28th December 2001, Nifty BeES is the first ETF in India.
- Managed By: Currently, Nippon India Mutual Fund manages Nifty BeES.
- Units: Each unit of Nifty BeES is 1/10th part of the S&P CNX Nifty index value and 1/100th part of the Nifty 50 Index value.
- NAV: The NAV computation is on a real-time basis as it trades on the stock exchange (NSE).
- Buying and Selling: Nifty BeES units are traded in dematerialized form. Thus, investors can buy and sell the units anytime on the stock exchange. Furthermore, intraday trades can also be done.
- Minimum Investment: INR 50,000
What are the Benefits of Investing in Nifty BeES in India?
Following are the benefits of investing in Nifty BeES in India:
Simple and Economical
Buying and selling of NiftyBeES are as easy as equity securities trading. One can buy and sell through any NSE terminal at the prevailing market prices. The underlying portfolio of Nifty BeES closely replicates the S&P CNX Nifty. The NiftyBeES scheme is a no-load scheme. In other words, the total expenses, including the management fees, is not more than 0.80% of the Daily Average Net Assets. The percentage is among the lowest expense ratio for any mutual fund scheme. Furthermore, the costs are as low as 0.65% for assets over INR 500 crore.
Convenience and Liquidity
The NiftyBeES is listed and trades on the capital market (NSE). Therefore, one can buy it during trading hours in a day. Investors can react to an opportunity quickly and even place limit orders. One can hold their Nifty BeES investments in their DP account along with other portfolio holdings. The nature of Nifty BeES itself attracts liquidity. For example, from investor buying and selling, arbitrage by authorized participants with the underlying shares, and arbitrage with index futures. The trade volume is significant hence offering good liquidity to the investor.
Neutral and Transparent
There is no fund manager bias for this ETF. In other words, the performance of these funds depends on the S&P CNX Nifty Index and the demand and supply in the market. And not on the fund manager’s research and analysis. Since the Nifty BeES replicates the S&P CNX Nifty, the unit holders can know where and how much is invested in a share at any given time.
Diversification and Equitable Structure
Investing in one unit of the mutual fund gives exposure to fifty shares of S&P CNX Nifty. Therefore, offering a good spread of risk and diversification. Nifty BeES has a unique “in-kind” mechanism of buying and selling by exchanging a pre-defined portfolio. Through this long-term, investors do not bear the cost of short term trading unlike other open ended mutual funds. In other words, it insulates the long-term investors from short-term trading activity.
How to Invest in Nifty BeES in India?
One can invest in Nifty BeES through their trading and demat account. Just like purchasing equity securities (stock), one can buy Nifty BeES. Unit holders can buy and sell anytime during the trading day at the prevailing market prices. Furthermore, these transactions attract some brokerage fees similar to that of buying equity securities.
One can invest in Nifty BeES either through the lump sum or systematic investment plan route. For lump sum investing, the investors have to buy the units at real-time price. Lump Sum investing is often preferable when market corrections are cyclically. While for SIP investing, investors can pick a date and start their monthly instalments. SIP investment provides an opportunity for the investor to make an investment at every level of the market.
About Nippon ETF Nifty 50 BeES
Nippon India ETF Nifty 50 BeES (Formerly Nippon India ETF Nifty BeES) aims to provide investment returns that (before expenses) closely correspond to the total returns of the Nifty 50 Index. It invests in the same proportion as that of the benchmark.
Top 10 Stocks in Nifty BeES
| Company Name | Weightage |
| Reliance Industries Ltd. | 11.02% |
| HDFC Bank Ltd. | 8.25% |
| ICICI Bank Ltd. | 7.93% |
| Infosys Ltd. | 7.05% |
| Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. | 5.61% |
| Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. | 4.10% |
| ITC Ltd. | 3.85% |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. | 3.50% |
| Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | 3.06% |
| Axis Bank Ltd. | 3.00% |
Is Nifty BeES a Good Investment?
Nifty BeEs is an ETF and hence offers diversification to the investors. The mutual fund invests in 50 different companies, and therefore, when investors buy one unit of an ETF, they get instant diversification and hence spreading the risk. Also, investing in Nifty BeEs is very economical as the expenses are limited to 0.8%.
Since it replicates S&P CNX Nifty, the investment portfolio is known to the investors, making it a very transparent form of investment. It trades on the NSE and hence is very convenient to buy and sell, and it is also very liquid. Moreover, Nifty BeEs follows an in-kind mechanism of portfolio creation and redemption. Hence it protects long term investors from trading activity and additional costs of short term investors. Therefore they can be considered as a good investment.
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Do Nifty BeES Give Dividends?
Giving dividends to its investors depends on whether the scheme is having surplus funds available or not. Trustee of the scheme often takes the decision of dividend payouts, dividend amount and frequency. Dividends are paid to the investor after deducting the applicable TDS taxes. Usually, the dividend payment is within 30 days from its date of declaration. However, the fund doesn’t guarantee the dividend amount and the frequency of the dividend payments. Furthermore, upon dividend payment, the NAV of the scheme reduces by the dividend amount and the dividend distribution tax (DDT) amount.
Dividends distribution is through any of the following ways:
- Cheque
- Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)
- Electronic Clearing System (ECS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nifty BeES safe?
Nifty BeES is a benchmark exchange-traded fund that invests in 50 different companies of the S&P CNX Nifty. Since the mutual fund invests in equities, it is a volatile investment. Moreover, the companies in which Nifty BeES invests are large and stable companies. These companies have a strong track record. Therefore, the performance of Nifty BeES is dependent on the share of CNX Nifty. Furthermore, Nifty BeES offers good diversification to the portfolio. However, it is important to note that mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Hence, do not guarantee any returns.
Can we short sell Nifty BeES?
Short selling means selling shares that the investor does not own like the shares borrowed from a brokerage. Although short selling is applicable for ETFs, it is not possible to short sell Nifty BeEs.
Can I buy nifty for long term?
Yes, you can buy Nifty for the long term through ETFs. Nifty BeES is a benchmark ETF that invests in S&P CNX Nifty companies. You can invest in Nifty BeES through a demat account. It is similar to investing in stocks. Furthermore, you can invest either through the lump sum or systematic investment plan route.
What is the difference between Nifty Bees and ETF?
Nifty BeES trades on NSE’s capital market segment. It is the combination of a share and a mutual fund unit. While ETFs trade like shares in the stock market with a considerably lower expense ratio. The main difference is that ETFs can be of equity, gold, debt, or currency whereas Nifty Bees only replicates the S&P CNX Nifty funds.
How is Nifty BeEs different from Index Fund?
Nifty BeES is an ETF. The units of which trade on the stock exchange. While an index fund is a mutual fund that replicates the underlying index holdings. Units of an index fund do not trade on the stock exchange. Know more about the differences between ETF and Index Fund.
Is intraday allowed in Nifty Bees?
Yes, since Nifty BeES trade on the stock exchange, intra-day trades are allowed.
How can I trade in Nifty Bees?
To invest and trade in Nifty BeES you need a Demat Account. The units are held in dematerialized form and thus can be bought and sold anytime.
Is Nifty Bees a mutual fund?
Nifty BeES is an Exchange Traded Fund. It replicates the underlying index (S&P CNX Nifty) and the units trade on the stock exchange.
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