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Nifty 50 Index Vs Nifty 500 Index – A Beginner’s Guide

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The stock market landscape has evolved significantly, with more investors and traders actively participating, leading to changes in stock exchange indices. One of the common questions that budding traders or investors may ask is whether to choose the Nifty 50 or Nifty 500 index. Regarding the stock market's all-star companies, NIFTY 50 represents the market's elite and the top-performing companies. On the other hand, NIFTY 500 tracks a broader chunk of the stock market with both large and small-cap companies with growth potential.

So, the catch is to choose the right index based on your investment goals and risk tolerance level. To do this, you first need to understand Nifty 50 vs Nifty 500 and the behavior of companies listed under these indices. Read on as we discuss all about NIFTY (all cap) indices. So, read on to learn more!

Understanding Stock Market Indices

Stock exchanges set benchmarks to assess the performance of their listed stocks. These benchmarks are commonly referred to as stock market indices. Some popular ones are the Nifty 50, BSE Sensex, NIFTY 500, etc. The Indian stock market comprises two major stock exchanges; NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) among others like CSE, India INX, etc. 

These stock exchanges have various indices that list their top-performing companies. The parameters for selecting these companies differ from one stock exchange to another. Let's understand the stock market index in detail:

  • What is a Stock Market Index?

A stock market index is primarily a list of top-performing companies on a stock exchange. You may have heard of NIFTY 50, the top 50 performing companies listed on the NSE. Sensex BSE is one of the top 30 performing companies of BSE. Similarly, the NIFTY 500 index is the top 500 performing companies listed on the NSE.

NSE (National Stock Exchange) and other stock exchanges have multiple indices for their listed companies. Depending on the performance and market value of the active stocks of a company, etc., they get listed on these indices. Two of the most popular indices of the National Stock Exchange are NIFTY 50 and NIFTY 500.

  • Importance of Indices in Trading

Indices have gradually become an important tool for investors and traders, helping them gauge market sentiments through benchmarking. Whether you are planning to invest in mutual funds or perform trading, indices of various stock exchanges can play a decisive role. They help them strategize their trading goals, understand global market scenarios (like the S&P 500, which indicates the U.S. economy), and diversify their portfolio.

Stock market indices are also indicators of the behavior of different companies. For instance, companies under NIFTY 50 are giant players in the Indian economy and are usually more stable than those under NIFTY 500, which also includes small and mid-caps. So, investors can easily decide which one to invest in based on their risk appetite.

Additional Read: Differences Between Nifty and Sensex

Overview of the Nifty 50 Index

Before investing in NIFTY 50, quickly understand this popular NSE index. Let's discuss the role of NIFTY 50 and the key sectors it presents in the stock market:

  • Definition and Composition

NIFTY 50 represents the top 50 performing companies on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The index comprises large companies with high market value and the most actively traded stocks making a major economic contribution to India.

The liquidity and the market capitalisation of the stocks are usually considered for companies selected under this index. The popular names under NIFTY 50 include Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), etc.

  • Historical Performance and Trends

NIFTY 50 is often seen as a major market indicator for the Indian market. A study of the past trends in NIFTY 50 can be helpful for traders and investors. NIFTY 50 has shown an annual return of 11.8% over the past 15 years, while for the past year, the returns have been at 28.4%. You may check the historical trends of NIFTY 50 for any date on the official website of NSE.

  • Key Sectors Represented in Nifty 50

The NIFTY 50 Index is a compilation of high-performing companies from various sectors. Check out the list of the top 10 sectors that are major contributors to this index:

Sectors

Companies

Banks

6

Automobile

6

IT-software

5

FMCG

3

Finance

3

Pharmaceuticals

3

Refineries

2

Power Generation & Distribution

2

Steel

2

Insurance

2

The NIFTY 50 index also includes sectors like cement, trading, retail, diamonds, crude oil and natural gas, healthcare, textiles, etc.

Overview of the Nifty 500 Index

NIFTY 500 is yet another popular NSE index. It represents a broader list of 500 companies. Let's have a detailed insight into the NIFTY 500 index:

  • Definition and Composition

NIFTY 500 is an index under the National Stock Exchange representing the top 500 performing companies listed on the NSE. The list gives you a comprehensive snapshot and a broader market understanding.

Along with the NIFTY 50 companies, the list has 450 other companies from various sectors. Some examples of NIFTY 500 companies are Adani Green Energy Limited, Avenue Supermarts Limited (D-Mart), Bajaj Finance Limited, Federal Bank Limited, etc.

  • Historical Performance and Trends

NIFTY 500 has a broader market structure, so understanding the historical performance of the shares is a must. The previous year, the annual return of this NIFTY 500 index was 25.76%, and the past five years' trend shows 157.73% returns.

  • Key Sectors Represented in Nifty 500

NIFTY 500 is a broader index with 500 companies listed on the NSE. In total, NIFTY 500 has companies under 72 different sectors. Here is a list representing the top 10 sectors of the NIFTY 500 index:

Sectors

Companies

Finance

44

Pharmaceuticals

33

IT-Software

31

Banks

28

Chemicals

24

Auto Ancillaries

16

Steel

15

Healthcare

14

FMCG

13

Realty

12

Other sectors not covered are cement, automobile, consumer durables, trading, insurance, textiles, etc.

Key Differences or Comparison Between Nifty 50 vs Nifty 500

NSE indices garner much attention from investors, traders, analysts, and economists. Whether you are interested in understanding the stock market, planning investment or trading, or analysing the market, NSE indices have to be considered. Have a quick look at the table below that explains NIFTY 50 vs NIFTY 500:

Parameters 

NIFTY 50

NIFTY 500

Composition 

Lists top 50 companies listed on the NSE

Lists top 500 companies listed on the NSE

Volatility 

Less volatile due to stable companies

Higher volatility than NIFTY 50

Liquidity 

High liquidity

Moderate liquidity

Benchmarked Products

Various products including mutual funds and ETFs

Various products but less than NIFTY 50

Market Presentation

It represents giant companies

It represents companies of all sizes

Investment Horizon

People looking for a medium to long-term investment may go with NIFTY 50

Investing for long-term purposes may be recommended

Popularity 

NIFTY 50 is quite popular among traders and investors

NIFTY 500 is gradually becoming a popular index

Benefits of Investing in Nifty 50

Who should go with NIFTY 50 companies? Let's answer this question by understanding the benefits of investing in NIFTY 50:

  • Stability and Liquidity

The NIFTY 50 companies are the giants of the Indian economy. They affect the overall scenario of the Indian economy. Being in the top 50 companies on the NSE also indicates their stability. While the returns may not be extravagant at times, they are relatively safer and stable.

Also, the NIFTY 50 index offers high liquidity, meaning traders and investors can purchase or sell stocks without hassle. When looking for elite companies with high market value, stability, and high liquidity, NIFTY 50 is the answer.

  • Easier for Beginners

For a beginner, NIFTY 50 can be a good choice. This is because, along with studying the stock market, practical insight is crucial to becoming a professional in this field. With NIFTY 50, beginners can play safe. During their phase of understanding the market, NIFTY 50 can provide greater stability and security of investment.

Benefits of Investing in Nifty 500

NIFTY 500 is beneficial for investors who are looking for a diverse market. Here is the list of various benefits of investing in the NIFTY 500 index:

  • Diversification and Growth Potential

Top 500 performing companies means a diverse index and greater opportunity for growth potential. Traders/investors planning to diversify their portfolios can invest in this index.

NIFTY 500 is diverse, and so, unlike in NIFTY 50, the performance of one company may not significantly impact the whole index. However, it is also less stable compared to the NSE’s top 50 companies. 

  • Opportunities in Mid and Small-caps

The NIFTY 500 includes large companies as well as small and mid-caps. So, people looking to invest in companies with high growth potential may choose this index. However, the risk is also high, so making an informed decision is a must!

Additional Read: What is Demat Account: Importance, Features and Types

How to Choose Between Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 for Your Investment Portfolio

Now that you know about NIFTY 50 and NIFTY 500, how can you choose the most suitable one? You must consider various factors before investing in the stock market. Let's understand how your investment goals, experience in the stock market, and risk tolerance can impact your choice between the top 50 and 500 companies indices:

  • Assessing Your Investment Goals

You need to assess your investment goals in the first place. Whether you are planning for wealth accumulation, have a short-term financial goal like a wedding, a business investment, or long-term goals. Once you have decided on your goal, you need to choose an index that may offer high returns for your chosen tenure of investment/trading.

For instance, if you need business funds after three years, you may check the historical performance of NIFTY 50 and NIFTY 500 and choose the one that yields the required returns over three years of tenure.

  • Risk Tolerance Considerations

Risk appetite is always a central concern for any trader or investor. Carefully assess your risk tolerance and investment capacity. Then, choose an index and stocks based on your risk appetite.

Your risk appetite depends not just on your budget but also on your experience in the stock market. A beginner's risk tolerance may not be very high due to a lack of in-depth market experience.

Dividend Yields and Returns: A Snapshot of Nifty 50 vs. Nifty 500

The dividend yields of NIFTY 50 and NIFTY 500 are interesting. Analysing the past decades and trends, NIFTY 500 has more growth potential and a higher risk profile than NIFTY 50. The top 50 companies listed on the NSE offer higher stability due to continuous profit. On the other hand, the top 500 companies may be volatile, with a higher potential of both high lows and high highs.  

Simultaneously, the profit-making chances of NIFTY 500 may be higher than NIFTY 50. The performance of the top 50 companies may have interrelated effects on each other. So, the chances of returns are comparatively lower than NIFTY 500, where there are large, mid, and small caps that may not have interrelated effects on each other.

Since the companies in the NIFTY 500 include budding companies, the growth potential is high with high annual returns. However, a company's fall also indicates higher losses for investors. People with limited income who are looking for stability along with investment may go for NIFTY 50. On the other hand, investors and traders willing to yield high returns, given the high risk of the stake, may go for NIFTY 500.

Conclusion

The stock market mirrors different angles to different investors. There is no one-size-fits-all option that can yield you the maximum benefit! You need to consider your investment goals, understand the market, have a good risk appetite, have a good budget, and more. While NIFTY 50 gives you comparatively safer options with blue-chip companies, NIFTY 500 includes a wide range of small and large-cap companies. 

If you want exposure to growth and broader aspects of the stock market, the NIFTY 500 index could be the right choice. However, if you prefer high-performing, stable companies, the NIFTY 50 index is your go-to! Whatever index and stocks you choose, it is quintessential to do your own research and have an in-depth understanding of the market before stepping into the stock market.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nifty 50 index?

Answer Field

The top 50 high-performing companies on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) fall under the NIFTY 50 index. These are the giant and big companies that are quite stable and also have a major economic impact.

Some common names in this list are Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), HDFC Bank Limited, and Infosys Limited.

What is the nifty 500 index?

Answer Field

The NIFTY 500 is an index of the National Stock Exchange. It is a list of the top 500 companies, including the top 50 NIFTY 50 companies. It has large, mid, and small caps.

Some examples of NIFTY 500 companies other than the top 50 are Bajaj Finance Limited, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), UltraTech Cement Limited, IndusInd Bank Limited, etc.

What are the key differences between nifty 50 and nifty 500 index funds?

Answer Field

The key feature differentiating NIFTY 50 and NIFTY 500 is the list of companies. NIFTY 50 has the top 50 high-performing companies listed on the NSE, while NIFTY 500 is the list of the top 500 companies listed on the NSE.

NIFTY 50 is a list of large companies in India, while NIFTY 500 has companies of all sizes.

Which index fund offers better returns over the long term: nifty 50 or nifty 500?

Answer Field

Analysis of the historical trends of NSE indices shows higher returns under NIFTY 500 than under NIFTY 50. On the one hand, the past five years NIFTY 50 analysis shows an annual return of 17.6%, while that of NIFTY 500 is 157.73%.

So, clearly, the NIFTY 500 has much higher returns. This is because the growth potential of companies listed in the NIFTY 500 is high. Most of these are budding companies, unlike the top 50 companies, which are large in size and more stable in terms of both returns and risks.

How do nifty 50 and nifty 500 index funds perform in different market conditions?

Answer Field

The market can be bearish or bullish. During bearish markets, the prices of the stocks go higher than their recent highs and during the bullish market, the prices fall below their recent highs.

Usually, in the bullish market, the NIFTY 500 proves to be profitable while in the bearish market, the NIFTY 50 reports a profitable scenario.

Which index fund is more suitable for beginners: nifty 50 or nifty 500?

Answer Field

Though there is no hard and fast rule, usually, a beginner is advised to go with NIFTY 50. This is because the risk associated with the top 50 NSE-listed companies is low compared to the top 500 companies. This is primarily because the companies listed under NIFTY 50 are giant economic players.

On the other hand, NIFTY 500 includes companies of all sizes including budding companies. So, even though the returns can be lower than the NIFTY 500, the top 50 companies offer better stability.

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