Day-traders working in stock market and risk profile of noncommunicable diseases

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe Indian stock market has started with the East India Company dealing in the trading of small quantities of shares and stocks (mainly cotton) as early as 18th century. The lack of connectivity and resources limited the trading to a small number of investors. A lot has changed in the 300 years that followed. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) estimates that over 18 million Indians now invest in stock market. Though it seems like a small fraction of the Indian population, this number is set to increase tremendously in the future from the current 1.3% to over 20% as with other countries in South-East Asia (21% in Hong Kong, 10.5% in China, 39.5% in Taiwan) [1]. Globalization and technological revolution made it possible to expand conduct trade in real time irrespective of the location. The relative low investment capital for a stock market venture attract young generation to choose stock trading over conventional business plans. It is important to note that majority of the day traders Correspondence: Dr. Arun Mitra, Resident, Dept of Community Medicine, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Nagpur. Email: arunmitra2003@gmail.com belong to the younger generation. In fact, a survey conducted in Mumbai Stock Market reveals that 97.5% of the traders to be below 45 years of age [2]. A Day-trader is someone who is involved in buying and selling stocks, options, derivatives, etc. within the same trading day in such a manner that the final position is usually closed before the market close of the trading day. During his/her typical working day, he/she would have to endure extremes of unpredictable market fluctuations, huge economic losses and uncertain financial future placing them at a greater risk of noncommunicable disease (NCD). In addition to this, they are also exposed to many risk factors of NCD like, physical inactivity, erratic smoking & drinking habits and unhealthy diet. Lancet recently published a five part series titled "Chronic diseases and development" that lays emphasis on high burden of NCDs in low and middle income countries like India, and warns of dire consequences to public health unless immediate action is taken [3][4][5]. According to WHO's Global report in 2014, NCD's accounted for over 38 million deaths worldwide in the year 2012, 80% of them in low and middle income countries and 42% were preventable and avoidable [6]. India is a growing economy and in light of changing investor sentiment and demographics (younger generation), the number of involved in day trading in India is expected to rise exponentially in the near future. This ABSTRACT Background: A Day-trader who is involved typical working day. He/she would have to endure extremes of unpredictable market fluctuations placing them at a greater risk of non-communicable disease. The data regarding these health issues among day-traders working in stock market in India is deficient. Objectives: This study was devised with the aim of studying the risk profile among day-traders and compare them with a c...