Finance

The Benefits and Risks of Emerging Markets Investment

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2024

Gil Villa

Reviewed
By Mike Henery

The Benefits and Risks of Investing in Emerging Markets

The United States is the largest economy in the world by far, accounting for more Emerging Markets Investment than a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022. Yet we make up less than 5% of the global population.

Most of humanity doesn’t enjoy the same standard of living that we do — at least, not yet. Developing countries are full of people working hard to offer their children the kind of life we take for granted in America. And every year, more of them succeed.

In investing parlance, these developing countries are called emerging markets. Investing in emerging markets isn’t just good for the conscience — it can also be a potentially profitable way to diversify your investment portfolio.

Image by : Yandex

What are emerging markets?

Emerging markets are countries with fast-growing economies. They’re also called developing economies or developing countries. Emerging markets are often contrasted with so-called “established markets” or “advanced economies” like the U.S., which tend to be wealthier and more stable, but slower-growing.

Five countries that make up the “BRICS” acronym — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are some of the most prominent examples of emerging markets, and they’re good examples of why emerging markets are of interest to investors.

The U.S. economy grew about 58% between 2012 and 2022, the latest year for which complete international data is available

The slowest-growing BRICS economy, South Africa, grew about 86% over that decade . The other four all had growth rates above 100%.

Country
GDP growth, 2012-2022
United States
58.39%
Brazil
109.35%
Russia
125.32%
India
175.64%
China
123.69%
South Africa
85.86%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Data is current as of Apr. 5, 2024.

Index provider MSCI classifies 24 countries as emerging markets

. They’re listed below:

Brazil
Chile
China
Colombia
Czechia
Egypt
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Kuwait
Malaysia
Mexico
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

You may notice that certain notable emerging markets, such as Russia, are missing from the list above.

There is no universal standard for noting which countries are emerging markets, and indexers like Emerging Markets Investment MSCI often have geopolitical concerns to work around. Russia, for example, is an emerging market by most definitions. But it’s largely unavailable to Western investors for reasons related to the Russia-Ukraine war, so MSCI stopped tracking it in 2022.

Should I invest in emerging markets?

Investing in emerging markets might sound advanced or out-of-reach for novice investors, but there’s a strong argument for diversifying outside of the U.S. Even simple portfolios, such as those that contain only two or three funds, often include some exposure to international stocks. After all, a stock market crash in the U.S. might not hit international markets as hard.

In theory, faster GDP growth in emerging markets should also translate into faster stock market growth, but this doesn’t always work out in practice. Many of the ETFs listed above have underperformed the S&P 500 over the last five years, for a variety of reasons.

Some emerging markets, such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, have energy-dominated economies that tend Emerging Markets Investment to boom when oil prices are high, and decline when they’re low. Others, such as Poland and Turkey, have unique security risks because they border active war zones.

There’s a common thread between these underperformances: Emerging markets tend to be less stable than established markets. They may be faster-growing, but that fast growth is more vulnerable to interruptions, like shifts in global resource markets or armed conflict.

One way to manage this kind of risk is by investing in several emerging markets at once, through a diversified emerging markets ETF, rather than a country-specific one.

» Interested in ETFs? Check out the best ETFs by one-year performance.

9 top-performing emerging market ETFs as of August 2024

Below is a list of the nine best-performing emerging markets ETFs listed by Finviz, ranked by one-year return.

Ticker
Company
Performance (Year)
GLIN
VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF
41.39%
INCO
Columbia India Consumer ETF
39.90%
EPI
WisdomTree India Earnings Fund
36.88%
DGIN
VanEck Digital India ETF
36.44%
ARGT
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF
34.46%
NFTY
First Trust India Nifty 50 Equal Weight ETF
33.59%
SMIN
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
32.77%
FLIN
Franklin FTSE India ETF
30.91%
INDA
iShares MSCI India ETF
30.27%

Source: Finviz. Data is current as of Sept. 3, 2024, and is intended for informational purposes only.

Of course, it’s worth researching an ETF before you buy it, just as you would research stocks. Different Emerging Markets Investment emerging markets ETFs may have different holdings — and if you’re looking for exposure to a specific company in an emerging market, you may want to consider investing in it directly.

» More on index funds: Check out some of the best index funds in terms of long-term performance.

Investing in emerging market stocks

There are a few emerging market stocks that are directly listed on U.S. exchanges — largely bank stocks. For example, HDFC Bank, India’s largest bank, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “HDB.”

Some others are available via over-the-counter (OTC) markets — although it’s worth checking an OTC emerging market stock’s trading volume on a website like Yahoo Finance or Google before buying it. Buying a low-volume OTC stock at a good price can be tricky.

Even large conglomerates like South Korea’s Hyundai (HYMTF) are largely overlooked by U.S. investors because they trade OTC. They may only change price a few times per trading day due to a lack of buyers and sellers. That can result in buy or sell orders going through at suboptimal prices, or not going through at all. Limit orders can somewhat mitigate this risk.

A third way to invest in individual emerging market stocks is to open an account with a Emerging Markets Investment broker that allows Americans to trade directly on foreign stock exchanges. However, only a few brokers offer this feature, and those that do may have special requirements for would-be foreign stock traders.

It’s also worth considering that you may be subject to the investment taxes and laws of the host country while investing directly in its stock market.

Neither the author nor editor owned positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication.

Frequently asked questions

Are emerging markets the poorest countries?

Emerging markets are often poorer than advanced economies, but on a global scale, they’re upper-middle-income countries, for the most part.

In economics terminology, countries with very low GDPs, such as Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are referred to as “least-developed countries,” or LDCs.

Although LDCs may have the potential for rapid economic growth in the future, many are largely inaccessible (or extremely hazardous) to international investors today, due to some combination of lack of infrastructure, active conflict, or lack of a functioning legal or banking system.

Is investing in emerging markets the same as forex?

No — investing in emerging markets means investing in stocks from other countries, while forex involves trading the currencies of other countries.

Forex is a complicated and risky market that may not be appropriate for novice investors. But if you feel you’re capable of trying your hand at it, check out our list of the best forex brokers

Author

Gil Villa

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Business

Startups in Kerala: How Udyam Portal Helps You Scale

Published

5 days ago

May 20, 2025

udyamregistration

Startups in Kerala: How Udyam Portal Helps You Scale

Kerala is a land of innovation, education, and vibrant entrepreneurship. With increasing support from the government and a strong digital push, more and more startups are emerging across the state. But one of the key steps for any small business or startup in Kerala is getting officially recognized as an MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise). This is where the Udyam Portal comes into play.

If you’re running or planning to start a business in Kerala, this guide will explain how the Udyam Portal can help you scale, grow faster, and get access to benefits that truly matter.

What is Udyam Registration?

Udyam Registration is a government registration for MSMEs in India. It is a simple and free process introduced by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Once you register your business on the Udyam Registration Portal, you get a unique Udyam Registration Number and an official Udyam Registration Certificate.

This certificate helps businesses get:

Government subsidies
Easier bank loans
Access to schemes for MSMEs
Faster approvals and licenses
Protection from delayed payments

This process has replaced the old system of Udyog Aadhar or Udyog Aadhar Registration.

Why Startups in Kerala Must Get Udyam Registered

Kerala has become a hub for startups in tech, tourism, food processing, handloom, Ayurveda, and more. To succeed and scale up in such a competitive space, getting your business recognized as an MSME through Udyam Aadhar Registration is very important.

Here are a few reasons why startups in Kerala should not delay this process:

Access to Government Benefits
Startups registered under Udyam can enjoy subsidies on electricity, tax rebates, and cheaper loans through various MSME schemes.
Loan Without Collateral
With Udyam Registration, you can apply for collateral-free loans under schemes like CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises).
Priority in Government Tenders
MSME-registered startups get priority in government purchases and tenders.
Faster Approvals and Licensing
Whether it’s FSSAI for food or tourism licenses for travel agencies, Udyam-registered businesses get easier approvals.
Protection Against Late Payments
Udyam Registration offers legal protection to startups if payments are delayed by buyers beyond 45 days.

How to Do Udyam Registration Online in India?

Doing Udyam Registration Online in India is simple, but it must be done correctly. Many startups make mistakes during self-registration and face delays.

To make it simple, you can use a trusted private portal like udyam-registrations.org, which helps small businesses and startups with hassle-free Udyam Aadhar Registration.

Basic Documents Needed:

Aadhar Number of the business owner
PAN Card of the individual or company
Business Details like name, type, activity, location, etc.

Once you submit the required details, you will receive the Udyam Registration Certificate within 1–2 working days.

Features of Udyam Portal for Startups

The Udyam Registration Portal is the official government site for MSME registration in India. Here’s how the portal helps startups, especially in Kerala:

1. Paperless Process

The entire process is online, and you don’t need to upload any documents. All data is verified through Aadhar and PAN linkage.

2. Single Window Registration

The Udyam Portal is connected with:

GST
Income Tax Database
GeM (Government e-Marketplace)

This integration allows for smoother business growth without doing repeated registrations.

3. No Renewal Required

Once registered, your Udyam Aadhar is valid for life. You don’t need to worry about renewing it every year.

4. Easy Access to MSME Dashboard

The Udyam Portal allows startups to update their details and track schemes, certificates, and other resources.

Suggested read:- udyam registration number

Role of udyam-registrations.org in Helping Startups in Kerala

While the government portal is available, many startups are confused by the form or unsure how to fill it correctly. This is where udyam-registrations.org comes in.

Why Choose udyam-registrations.org?

Easy & Guided Form: The team simplifies the form into easy steps so you don’t make mistakes.
Expert Support: If you’re stuck, their experts assist you on chat, call, or email.
Quick Delivery: Get your Udyam Registration Certificate fast without delays.
Error-Free Filing: Avoid common errors like incorrect Aadhar details, wrong business classification, or GST mismatch.

Whether you’re in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, or any small town in Kerala, udyam-registrations.org ensures your startup gets correctly registered under MSME.

How Udyam Registration Helps Startups Scale

Once you have your Udyam Registration, you unlock real growth opportunities. Here’s how it works:

✔️ Lower Costs

Startups can apply for tax rebates and get cheaper raw materials through government channels.

✔️ Better Funding Options

Banks are more willing to offer loans to registered MSMEs, especially under special schemes like Mudra Yojana and Startup India.

✔️ More Sales Channels

You can register on GeM portal and sell directly to government departments.

✔️ Improved Brand Trust

Customers and investors see Udyam-registered businesses as more reliable and legitimate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Udyam Registration

Entering wrong Aadhar or PAN details
Selecting wrong business type (e.g., choosing manufacturing instead of service)
Not updating details after making changes in your business
Using multiple Udyam numbers for the same business (only one Udyam Registration per business is allowed)

Avoid these mistakes by choosing professional help from udyam-registrations.org.

Final Words

Kerala is full of smart and innovative entrepreneurs who want to make a difference. But having a great idea is not enough—you also need proper recognition and support to grow. The Udyam Registration Portal is your gateway to that support.

By registering as an MSME, you gain access to the best government schemes, easy finance, and better opportunities.

For a smooth and reliable experience, visit udyam-registrations.org today and get your Udyam Aadhar Registration done with expert help.

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udyamregistration

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Finance

How Udyam-Registered MSMEs Can Innovate in India

Published

5 days ago

May 20, 2025

udyamregistration

Embracing AI: How Udyam-Registered MSMEs Can Innovate in India

India is fast becoming a global hub for innovation and technology. As the world moves toward digital solutions and automation, Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) must also evolve. One powerful way to grow in 2025 and beyond is by embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI). If your business is already Udyam-registered or planning to get a Udyam Registration online, this guide will help you understand how to use AI for innovation and growth.

Let’s break it down into simple steps.

What Is Udyam Registration?

Udyam Registration is a government-issued certificate for MSMEs in India. It helps small businesses get official recognition and avail of various benefits like loans, subsidies, and tenders. You can apply for it through the Udyam Registration Portal using your Aadhaar number.

This registration replaced the old Udyog Aadhaar system. It’s easy, free, and 100% online.

Want a quick and reliable way to register? Visit udyamregisteration.org — a trusted platform that helps businesses complete their Udyam Aadhar Registration smoothly and securely.

Now, let’s look at how AI fits into this picture.

What Is AI and Why Does It Matter for MSMEs?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to computer systems that can think, learn, and make decisions like humans. It is used in areas like customer service, data analysis, inventory management, and even marketing.

For MSMEs, AI can:

Reduce human error
Automate repetitive tasks
Save time and cost
Improve decision-making
Help understand customer behavior

In short, AI can make small businesses smarter and more competitive.

Why Should Udyam-Registered MSMEs Start Using AI?

If you’ve already received your Udyam Registration certificate, you’re on the right path. You now qualify for government schemes, subsidies, and tech support programs. Many of these schemes encourage digital adoption, including AI.

Here’s why AI and Udyam Registration are a great combination:

Udyam Registration gives MSMEs a legal identity.
AI gives MSMEs a competitive edge in the market.
Together, they prepare your business for long-term growth.

Think of Udyam as your license and AI as your power tool.

7 Ways Udyam-Registered MSMEs Can Use AI in 2025

Let’s look at some practical ways your small business can start using AI today.

1. AI Chatbots for Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots can handle customer questions 24/7. Whether you run a clothing store, digital agency, or manufacturing unit, chatbots can:

Answer FAQs
Take orders
Resolve complaints
Collect feedback

You save on labor costs and offer better customer support.

2. Smart Inventory Management

AI tools can predict when your inventory will run out or which products are in demand. This helps reduce waste and avoid overstocking.

If you’re a Udyam-registered business dealing in goods, this is a game-changer.

3. Personalized Marketing

AI tools analyze customer behavior and suggest personalized offers. For example:

Suggesting products based on browsing history
Sending targeted email campaigns
Showing relevant ads

As a Udyog Aadhaar or Udyam-registered business, these tools help you attract more customers without spending a lot on ads.

4. Fraud Detection and Cybersecurity

AI can spot suspicious activities in your financial data and alert you. This is especially useful if your business handles online payments or customer data.

Your Udyam registration makes you eligible for government cybersecurity training and resources.

5. Predictive Analytics for Business Planning

AI can analyze trends in your sales data to predict future outcomes. You’ll get insights like:

Which products will perform best next month
Which season brings more sales
What your customers are likely to buy

This allows you to plan better and make smart decisions.

6. AI for HR and Hiring

AI tools can screen job applications, schedule interviews, and even test skills. This helps MSMEs hire the best talent without spending too much time or money.

7. Voice Search Optimization

Many people now search using voice commands. AI tools help you optimize your business for voice searches like:

“Udyam Registration consultants near me”
“How to get Udyam Aadhar online”
“Best AI tools for MSMEs in India”

If you’re not optimizing for voice, you’re missing out on modern customers.

Government Support for AI and MSMEs

The Indian government is encouraging digital tools for MSMEs through schemes like:

Digital MSME Scheme.
Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS)
MSME Champions Platform

If you have your Udyam Aadhar registration done, you are eligible for these programs. Some even offer subsidies for adopting technology and AI tools.

You can visit the official Udyam Registration portal or use udyamregisteration.org to ensure your details are up to date and to get guidance on relevant schemes.

How to Start with AI for Your Business?

You don’t have to be a tech expert to use AI. Start small. Here’s a simple roadmap:

Step 1: Get Your Udyam Registration Certificate
If you haven’t done it yet, visit udyamregisteration.org for fast, easy registration.

Step 2: Identify Repetitive Tasks
Look at daily business activities. Are you spending too much time answering the same questions, sorting invoices, or sending emails?

Step 3: Choose AI Tools
Pick easy-to-use AI software for one problem at a time. Some beginner-friendly tools include:

Zoho for business automation
Tidio or Freshchat for chatbots
Mailchimp for smart email campaigns

Step 4: Train Your Team
Most AI tools come with free tutorials. Involve your team early so they understand how to use the tools.

Step 5: Track Results
Check if the tool is saving time, improving results, or reducing errors. Replace or upgrade tools based on your experience.

Final Thoughts

AI is not just for big tech companies. Udyam-registered MSMEs can and should start using AI to stay competitive in India’s fast-moving economy. Whether you run a small store, factory, or service business, embracing AI can improve your efficiency, profits, and customer satisfaction.

And remember, it all starts with Udyam Registration. If you haven’t registered yet, visit udyamregisteration.org — your trusted partner for fast and reliable Udyam Aadhar Registration. They help businesses across India complete the process with ease, ensuring you’re eligible for all government schemes and digital upgrades.

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udyamregistration

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Finance

Why Milton Keynes Is Becoming a Hub for Modern Accounting Firms

Published

1 week ago

May 16, 2025

MWAccounting

Why Milton Keynes Is Becoming a Hub for Modern Accounting Firms

In recent years, Milton Keynes has grown fast as a business hub in the UK. It’s known for quick economic growth and a strong start-up scene. This makes it a top spot for modern accounting firms.

Looking for a reliable accountancy firm in Milton Keynes? There’s a lot to know about this area. We’ll look at why accounting firms in Milton Keynes are doing well. And why many businesses choose to work with them.

1. Strategic Location & Business Growth

Milton Keynes is perfectly placed between London, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge. It’s easy to get to but cheaper than big city centres. It has great transport links by road, rail, and nearby airports.

This location helps accounting firms in Milton Keynes reach many clients. From tech startups in Cambridge to logistics firms in Northampton.

Keyword integration:

Looking for an accountancy firm in Milton Keynes that serves clients across the UK? Location is just one of the advantages.

2. A Thriving Startup and SME Scene

Milton Keynes is a hotspot for startups, small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and tech innovators. Local government backs entrepreneurship, boosting the need for smart accountancy services.

Modern accounting firms Milton Keynes do more than just bookkeeping. They offer strategic advice on:

Tax efficiency
Business planning
Financial forecasting
Scaling operations

Having a local accountant who gets the local business scene can be a big help. Whether you’re starting out or growing, it makes a difference.

3. Embracing Digital Accounting Solutions

Milton Keynes is known for its use of cloud-based and digital accounting tech. Leading accountancy firms in Milton Keynes use tools like:

Xero
QuickBooks
Sage
FreeAgent

This digital approach gives clients:

Real-time financial data
Secure document sharing
Automated invoicing and reporting
Remote consultations and advice

Digital skills also let firms work with clients all over the UK while staying local.

4. A Talented and Diverse Workforce

Milton Keynes is known for its skilled and diverse workforce. This is thanks to its growing reputation and nearby universities. It’s easy to find top talent in accounting and more.

In particular, accounting firms Milton Keynes are known for:

Attracting multilingual and culturally diverse teams
Offering specialist services to international clients
Supporting global expansion strategies for UK businesses

This diverse talent pool means firms can offer tailored solutions for clients of all sizes and backgrounds.

5. Support for Sector-Specific Expertise

Accounting firms in Milton Keynes are doing well because they focus on specific sectors. They have teams that know the financial and regulatory needs of areas like:

Technology and SaaS
Construction and real estate
Healthcare and medical services
Retail and eCommerce
Hospitality and leisure

This focus means they can give advice and support that’s tailored to each sector. This is more than what general firms can offer.

6. Partnerships With Local Business Hubs and Incubators

Milton Keynes has many business support hubs. These include:

Milton Keynes Business Centre
Innovation Centre MK
University-led startup incubators

Leading accountancy firms in Milton Keynes work closely with these centers. They host workshops, offer free consultations, and mentor startups. This helps them add value beyond just numbers.

7. Regulatory Expertise and Advisory Services

With changes in Making Tax Digital (MTD) and post-Brexit rules, local firms help businesses navigate these changes.

Modern accountancy firms in Milton Keynes offer:

Regulatory compliance services
VAT and corporation tax planning
Payroll and CIS management
R&D tax credit claims

These firms are more than bookkeepers. They are strategic partners, helping clients stay compliant, save on taxes, and grow.

8. Customer-Centric Approach

Today’s clients want more than just a yearly meeting and tax return. The best accounting firms Milton Keynes offer:

Regular financial check-ins
Data-driven business insights
Personalized services for every stage of business

This focus on the client is what keeps these firms growing and attracting loyal clients.

Client testimonial snippets or reviews are often found on local firms’ websites. They show the firms’ commitment to proactive and responsive service.

9. Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

One big reason businesses choose an accountancy firm in Milton Keynes is the cost. They get London-quality expertise without the London prices. The services are more affordable while keeping high standards.

This makes Milton Keynes a great choice for:

Entrepreneurs looking to cut costs
Established firms seeking outsourced finance departments
International companies setting up in the UK

10. Local Knowledge With National Reach

Though based in Milton Keynes, many firms serve clients across the UK and internationally. They use deep local knowledge of the area, funding, and tax rules. They also have a broad financial perspective.

They help with local grants and advise on national VAT rules. They balance being locally rooted yet globally informed.

Conclusion: A Future-Focused Financial Hub

Milton Keynes is not just a business-friendly city. It’s a leader in modern financial services. The growth of high-tech, client-focused, and cloud-based accounting firms in Milton Keynes shows this change.

If you’re starting a business, running a small or medium-sized enterprise, or need new financial advice, Milton Keynes has a lot to offer. It has services designed for today’s business world.

Looking for a forward-thinking, tech-smart, and client-focused accountancy firm in Milton Keynes? Now is the perfect time to see what the city can provide.