Showing posts with label epidemic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label epidemic. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Amidst Corona virus Epidemic: Know the Impact on Financial Investment in India


The whole world is facing the COVID-19 epidemic. And, while its outbreak in China has only ended a few months, it has already affected 74,61,261 people worldwide, recording 4,19,070 deaths so far. The rapid spread of the virus has prompted people to keep their money in liquid form. Thus, instead of investing in the market, more people are selling their property. In just a few weeks, the epidemic has shaken investor confidence. Thus, the SENSEX is showing an unprecedented slowdown. In addition, the crude oil war between Saudi Arabia and Russia has led to instability in the equity and debt markets.

It is estimated that very soon, corona virus can infect two-thirds of the world's population. This scenario is going to have a negative impact on the Indian economy as well as global economic growth. Let us examine the effect of COVID-19 on most investment routes in India.

1) Sensex is below its 10-year average


The stock market is in turmoil as broader market valuations have slipped below the 10-year average. This is the worst time to sell shares as the Sensex has turned negative. The value of shares in the market has fallen by 44 percent, yet due to uncertainty people are eager to sell their shares. While some financial experts suggest that this time may be optimal for long-term investors, hype is that the market may take several years to recover. In addition, there may be a further decline of 8 to 10% over the next few years. Therefore, there is no certainty for the recovery of higher returns in the future.

As the stock market is witnessing heavy selling, this is the worst time for short-term investment. Right now, you should stay away from small and mid-cap stocks until the volatility settles.

2) Tourism and aviation are showing a sluggish business


The rapid proliferation of corona viruses has severely affected the aviation sector. Most international flights have been canceled, and even domestic carriers are showing sluggish business. Tourism is an important opportunity for income generation in India, but unfortunately, there is a panic in the tourism sector as thousands of tourists are barred from visiting India.

As a result, the hotel and restaurant industry is also showing a petty business. Also, all places of entertainment have been closed because avoiding public meetings is a preventive measure against COVID-19.

3) Gold is not so good for investment


Currently, gold prices are touching an all-time high due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Gold has been seen as a place of investment, with equity markets taking a step back from risk. Although gold is expected to benefit from the low yield scenario, it cannot be considered an interest-bearing asset. Eventually, gold prices will definitely decline after a few months.

If you are already investing in sovereign gold bonds, this is an opportune time to sell them and profit from gold price movements. But now investing in these bonds will not be beneficial.

4) Real estate shines amidst all the uncertainties


As the novel corona virus continues to spread throughout the world, the residential real estate market will feel the effects of quarantine. According to an estimate, only 15% of households in India provide at least one room per person, which is mandatory for self-quarantine. Therefore, in the next few months, there may be high demand for fully furnished homes on rent. And, property owners can take advantage of high rental demand.

As the government focused on the need for social isolation, the sale, purchase and construction of real estate will continue for the next few months. According to a survey, between the COVID-19 hit markets, there has been no change in the interests of the buyer and seller. Therefore, there will be almost no impact on the prices of assets. Although the commercial real estate market may not attract new rental interests over the next few months, there will be no drop or rise in their prices.

While each avenue of investment is showing a degree of uncertainty, real estate is the safest option at hand. Investing in stock and tourism businesses cannot be rationalized at present as these sectors are showing no signs of recovery soon. While gold prices have gone up, there is a strong possibility of a fall in prices after a few months. Therefore, if you are thinking about investing your money, then real estate is the best option as it is possible to drop its prices due to any market fluctuations or political, economic and social scenarios.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

What are the important precautions need to take care after lockdown?


As we make our way into normal life, there are still things we need to be cautious about. We still need to do our best to stay safe and protect ourselves, as well as the people around us.


We can no longer be careless and as things return to normal, they are far from it. But we cannot stop life; we need to bring back our regular routine, but keeping safety and our health in mind. Here are some precautions you need to do now –

1.  Wear a mask when you are out of the house. Even if it is going for a walk inside your construction society, you should wear a mask.


2.  Avoid social gatherings. It is very enticing to catch all the people you missed during the lockdown, but do not meet in groups. Try to catch as much as possible through a phone call or video call.


3.  Build and carry a safety kit. Like a first aid kit, a safety kit should have basics such as:-

  • A face cover - This will help prevent you from touching your face when you exit.
  •  Hand Sanitizer - This should be handy when you are going out or otherwise.
  •  Hand Soap - If you are going out and have a soap bar in place, it is better to use your own soap.
  •  Gloves - This is required when you are touching high contact surfaces such as lift buttons, ATMs etc.
  •  Toilet seat sanitizer and tissue paper - If you are using the toilet at work or anywhere, you will need to keep both of these items with you.
  •  Tissue - If you have a cold or allergic cough / sneeze, be on the safe side and cover your mouth with a tissue every time you cough. You need to throw the tissue in the bin as soon as possible.
4.  Do not take a shared ride in a cab or auto. Sit on the back seat and place your mask exclusively in the cab.


5.  Try and spend less time on the roads, especially if you do not have your own transport. Talk to your company to find out if you can travel during non-peak hours.


6.  If you are using public transport such as rail, metros and buses, use gloves when you are sitting on the railings and transacting money. Use an e-wallet and pass to avoid touching as much money as possible. If you can't avoid it, use the sanitizer as soon as you do.


7.  Avoid crowded lifts, take the stairs or wait for the next lift. If you are using stairs or escalators, do not touch the railing.


8.  At work, make sure you have tissue on your table and a sanitizer. As you work, wipe your desk, mouse, keyboard, and screen with a sanitizer or alcohol rub.

9.  Make sure that there is enough distance between you and your colleague when you are at your work center. There should be a minimum distance of 6 feet between you and the next person.


10.  If you need to have meetings, try calling them, especially if it is for a group of more than 5 people.


11.  Reduce the amount of paper you use, send documents digitally and have an e-signature. This will cut down on the amount of paper you come in contact with.


12.  If you have your meal at the office, make sure to at least carry your cutlery. Avoid using shared cutlery.


13.  When you return house, wash your hands immediately. If possible, take a shower as soon as you get house.


14.  At house, keep your house clean and hygienic regularly.

15.  When possible, get professionals to visit and consecrate your house, apartment building, and workplace. This needs to be done regularly until the number of cases is zero.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

How smart house devices can save you money?


A 'smart house' is a discussion that has caught the attention of many house owners. From the popular Amazon Echo or Google's House Pod to essential smart house devices such as television sets, people are eager to see these devices to upgrade their house's look as well as electricity bills. Globally, market penetration of these cool, smart house appliances is projected to touch 38.7% by 2021, a big jump from 2016 when the rate was only 8.2%. Such large-scale development shows the popularity of these smart house appliances and paves the way for greater innovation and advancement in technology.

Most popular smart house appliances include smart refrigerators, smart thermostats, smart air conditioners, and even Wi-Fi routers. These smart house devices can be remotely controlled via the smart phone app by you or anyone at house. Enabling control of these devices from an app ensures that you can turn it on and off at any time and from anywhere. This will definitely reduce power consumption and many users have been stunned after seeing a substantial reduction in their monthly bills. While these devices are expensive, they can save you money in the long run. So, make a smart decision and get the necessary smart house device for your house today.

It is possible to control these smart thermostats via any device connected to your Internet, such as a tablet or smart phone. Since they are operated via Wi-Fi, you can control them from any remote location as well. For example, if you have left your house and have forgotten to lower the temperature, you can do it from your office, and do not need to stay indoors for any changes. These smart devices for your house understand your living pattern and change or adjust accordingly. Smart thermostats can ensure that no heat is being wasted and temperature changes can occur if it makes sense that no one is at house.

Smart ceiling fans

These ceiling fans work in the same way as a smart thermostat. Like other smart devices, these fans can be operated through Internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets. They are thus allowing you to start, stop or change the speed of the fan through the application on your mobile device.

Smart light bulb

Clap for these smart bulbs! Smart bulbs are the future of the 21st century smart world. Replace your existing bulbs with these smart bulbs, and you are sure to save some extra money. When watching a movie, if you want to lower your room's light, do it through an app in your smart phone, just no need to get up to turn the light on or off. Is your child scared before entering a room with low light? Install smart bulbs that switch on any movement felt or switch off bedroom lights directly.


Smart outlet

To get a small start towards smart devices, you can start by installing smart plugs. These plugs help you control any device such as your bedside lamp, iron, or any electronic items attached to the socket so that if you leave your house in a hurry, do not remember that you unplugged the curling iron There is no need for it or not worry, just do it from your smart phone.


Conclusion

All these smart devices for your house are meant to add extra convenience to your life and will save you some money in the long run. If you want to make your house smart, you can start with the devices listed above.

Monday, May 4, 2020

How Credit Cards Can Help Tenants During Coronavirus Epidemic

More and more people are adopting digital payments to pay rent to their landlords. And while paying digitally, credit card is the best option as it not only gives reward points but also free credit period.

The nationwide lockdown has required a lot of lifestyle changes for many of us and has shown us our ability to adapt to change. It has initiated some very welcome steps in our day-to-day lives and has changed traditional ways of doing things.

Let us look at the change that has come to the real estate industry in a few days. The changes that industry giants envisioned will only happen in the distant future. For example, we have come a long way from the time when a trip to a physical property was mandatory to finalize an asset. Today there are many customers who have finalized a property for rent through a video walkthrough!

The most sensational aspect of the change is the payment of rent through credit card. But the current situation required customers to move faster in the process. Rent is the biggest monthly expense for most of us these days. And while paying rent through credit cards helps us win a lot of reward points and cannot be stressed enough at this point, Indian consumers have been slow to catch the trend. However, three factors have catalyzed the adoption of this method - a buffer period offering credit card payments, fear or inability to handle cash payments, and, unfortunately, fear of layoffs. 

Many state governments have urged landlords not to take rent from tenants for the months of March-May 2020 as the epidemic has affected the livelihoods of many people. But it cannot be enforced, and it is up to individual landlords to pay a three-month rent or postpone it or take out the middle ground.
There has been a sudden increase in the number of people availing the service of paying rent through credit cards. Credit cards offer a much needed buffer period or flexibility for tenants to make payments. This ensures that rent is paid to the landlords on time and the tenants do not have to face liquidity crisis. They get a free loan period of about 45 days.

Most customers do not want to conduct any cash transactions for fear of infection with notes. Furthermore, the lockdown has ensured that no one can physically move out of their homes. This is why more and more people are adopting digital payments to pay rent to their landlords. And while paying digitally, credit card is the best option as it not only gives reward points but also free credit period.

We are going through difficult times and many companies are unsure whether they will have to let go to keep employees away because the current situation has a huge business impact. Paying rent through credit cards matters a lot in such a scenario, as the current crisis is temporary, and it makes sense to have additional liquidity until more clarity comes. Until things return to normal, and the state of the economy improves, it is prudent to take advantage of liquidity that digitization has opened up.

It is worth seeing the silver layer with the clouds of darkness. The way the infection has occurred may not be the best, the cause of the infection may be the worst ever but it has helped the Indian people take a giant leap. The epidemic has set the pace more disciplined and a more efficient way of closing transactions. Once the situation gets better and we hope that it will be real soon, then we will enter a more efficient, a more digitally equipped era and it will only be for our benefit.