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| December 30, 2008 | | Banks responsible for card, PIN delivery
A bank customer has approached the Ombudsman with a complaint about withdrawal of funds through unauthorised use of his card. The complainant said that he had asked for a debit card and the bank responded by issuing a card with zero liability.
Loan rangers should hold their horses
While the fall in rates is certainly a good signal, is it a great idea to take a loan to purchase a home or car? Most experts felt that this may not be the right time to do so.
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| December 29, 2008 | | 5 great tips for investors
It's interesting how the investment scenario has radically changed over the last year or so.
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| December 23, 2008 | | Equity funds still the best
The category average returns from equity-diversified funds has been 14.5 per cent a year over this period. Banking funds, which invest in banking and other financial sector companies, have given returns of 23.66 per cent. Other categories that have done well are fast moving consumer goods, tax planning and hybrid (equity-oriented) funds.
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| December 22, 2008 | | Sinking markets? Move money from debt to equity
Most investors have this uncanny habit of going the whole hog. That is, when they are buying equities, they put most of their savings in them. But as soon as the tide turns, they rush to debt.
Plan to buy a home? Things look brighter
In the last six months, things have changed for the better for the home buyer. Most of the cities are witnessing a sharp drop in prices, almost back to where they stood in December 2006. While most developers and brokers are unwilling to admit this, sit across the table to negotiate and you just might be surprised.
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| December 19, 2008 | | Have idle cash? Invest in bond funds
If you are sitting on idle cash, it's better to invest the same in income funds and earn over 10 per cent returns, say investment advisers. They believe that falling interest rates will jack up returns from bonds and investors can earn high returns if they deploy the money with a horizon of six months to a year.
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| November 19, 2008 | | The rise and fall of FMPs
For FMPs, it's been quite a journey from seemingly-innocuous, yet popular investment avenues to limelight-hogging villains.
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| November 03, 2008 | | Buying insurance? Some good tips
The sum assured is just the premiums that you have paid plus some basic level of return. People often mix investments with insurance. This causes them to often look at the sum assured without understanding the death benefits of the policies in detail.
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| October 27, 2008 | | Stocks: Opt for a buy and hold strategy
Though valuations look attractive, the holding period will have to be longer. If you operate inside that timeframe of transaction-reversal, you can make trading profits. Otherwise, if you favour the safe philosophy of buying low and selling high, this is a good time to buy in terms of valuations.
Buying property? Why you MUST wait
While there has been some correction in property prices, there is a strong likelihood that there is more to come. Also, home loan rates, which are at 11-13 per cent (floating), will see some reduction. But all that will take some more time. And, in such times, it is best to wait. This holds true even if you are purchasing your first home. Property prices will come down, sooner than later.
FMPs vs FDs -- which is better?
Financial planners say that though FMPs have been offering stable returns in the past, caution should be the key word now. "I have been advising short-term FDs for the time being," admits Suresh Sadagopan, director, Ladder 7 Financial Planners. The reasoning is that though returns from FMPs are more attractive, investors in today's market have to be more cautious. Anyway, their portfolios in the equities are suffering because of a sharp fall in the stock markets.
Fixed deposits: Some valuable tips
First, it is important to gauge the financial strength of the bank. Second, the period of the deposit is vital. Often, a higher rate of return is available for specific time maturities like 10 per cent for 360 days and so on. Third, the amount is important. In most cases, if the deposit is above Rs 15,00,000, the bank offers a higher than normal rate of interest. Fourth, since there can be a big difference in the various rates of interest being offered, read the fine print.
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| October 20, 2008 | | Investment tips for crisis times
Stick to disciplined investing. Do your homework thoroughly before committing your funds or you will be speculating. This is not advisable on both counts of managing risk and enhancing returns. Preferably, add companies that are leaders in their respective businesses. The companies should have reasonably decent prospects, sound management and strong entry barriers, apart from healthy financials that will help them tide the current rough patch.
5 mantras to survive a slowdown
Reduce high-cost loans, create a contingency fund and play long term. These are the only mantras to survive during a slowdown.
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| October 14, 2008 | | Worried about your money?
There is complete panic among investors. There are many who would like to exit to just make sure that they reduce their losses. For lump-sum investors in mutual funds, it would be quite tempting to even book losses. However, for investors who have taken the systematic investment plan route, it makes little sense to do so.
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| October 13, 2008 | | Not planned your tax investments? Here's help
Regular investments in Section 80C instruments earn better returns as well as reduce the pressure on your funds. Instead, most of us end up in a last-minute scramble to invest to save tax in the month of February or even March. "This is why tax-saving products such as equity-linked saving schemes and unit-linked insurance product have the highest sales in the month of March," says Vikas Vasal, executive director, KPMG.
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| October 07, 2008 | | Why liquid funds can be good for you
In the last one year, liquid funds have returned between 7.7 per cent and 8.85 per cent. Liquid-plus funds, on the other hand, have slightly higher returns between 8.4 and 11.29 per cent. Obviously, that makes them a better choice as against money earning a dismal 3-3.5 per cent in your savings account.
Time to re-look at your investments?
Rebalancing your portfolio is an important part of money management. Here's when to do it and how.
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| September 29, 2008 | | Money lessons for women
Yes, while it's true that women are looking at everyday needs of the family, it's imperative as well that they keep a tab on their financial security to ensure a safe future.
Cash-crunch to cash-rich in 6 easy steps
To raise cash, you need not sell assets built over time. Instead, use them to meet immediate liquidity needs.
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| September 22, 2008 | | 2 plans to help you buy low and sell high
"Buy when there is blood on the street," advised the legendary investor, Baron Rothschild. But it takes enormous courage to buy when there is widespread gloom and panic around. However, once you decide your right investment mix between wealth-growing but volatile investment avenues, such as shares, and wealth-protecting ones such as bonds or bank deposits, formula plans can help you automatically achieve the golden key to stock market riches--buy low and sell high.
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| September 16, 2008 | | Do you feel let down by your MF investments?
Even investors in equity mutual funds have borne the brunt of falling markets. As a result, several investors are in panic mode. Some are even contemplating redeeming all their mutual fund investments and instead making investments in risk-free avenues like fixed deposits and bonds.
What sets aggressive equity funds apart?
Aggressively managed equity funds can be differentiated by either the style of investing or the nature of the underlying investments. Investors often make the mistake of investing in mutual funds without fully understanding the implications of the investment. One common area where investors are confused is with regards to aggressively managed equity funds.
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| September 15, 2008 | | Debt funds: Liquid versus liquid plus
While most investors appreciate the importance of investing in debt (like debt funds, for instance), the lack of knowledge about debt instruments and their complicated nature, prevents them from venturing into this segment. Moreover, the jargon associated with debt instruments can be confusing for the average investor. That explains why debt investment remains a mystery for a majority of investors.
Credit card caution: use it wisely
Impulsive plastic money spenders face the prospect of paying interest rates in excess of 40 per cent a year.
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| September 12, 2008 | | Credit card addict? Switch over to cash
For those, who cannot control the urge to splurge, using an alternative-payment mechanism is a better idea.
Ulips will soon be less confusing
Buyers of unit-linked insurance plans may soon find it easier to compare features and charges of these products across companies, with life insurers deciding to standardise the product.
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| September 10, 2008 | | Beware of counterfeit notes
There is no mechanism to ensure that the customer gets his money back and nor are there any guidelines or rules to protect the customer from this problem
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| September 09, 2008 | | Pay up before the auction action begins
Home loan borrowers perpetually worry about the consequences of defaulting. And whether they wish it or not, there could be situations where they are forced to do so. For instance, after the Mumbai bomb blasts on July 11 2006, a large number of affected families found themselves in deep financial trouble leading to difficulties in servicing their home loans
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| August 26, 2008 | | 6 rules for rebalancing your portfolio
Changes in market and economic conditions keep constantly altering your investment portfolio. Accordingly, you need to periodically rebalance your portfolio so that it matches your investment goals and target asset allocations.
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| August 22, 2008 | | How the currency futures will work
Trading in currency futures will soon become a reality for the retail investor. With the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India issuing trading norms, exchanges are readying themselves to launch this product in the next few weeks.
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| August 19, 2008 | | FMPs match fixed deposit returns
With banks increasing their fixed deposit rates in the past couple of weeks, fixed maturity plans by mutual funds are also offering higher 'indicative' returns. FMPs can only indicate and not guarantee returns.
5 questions investors are asking now
With equity markets descending from their record highs, several investors want to know if this is the right time to invest in equities.
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| August 11, 2008 | | Retired? 6 great investment plans
The key lies in understanding one's needs and then forming a portfolio based on the same. Also opting for the services of a qualified and experienced financial advisor would be a prudent decision.
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| July 28, 2008 | | Has HDFC Top 200 delivered?
Investors would do well to consult their investment advisors/financial planners to determine the suitability of HTF in their portfolios.
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| July 24, 2008 | | Which is the best SIP?
The SIP is simply an investment mode i.e. a means to invest in mutual funds and not an investment avenue.
What falling AUMs mean for your mutual fund
Investors who are led to believe that falling net assets is a sure sign that the fund is in trouble and must therefore exit the fund at the earliest, must consider some points first.
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| July 21, 2008 | | When to exit your mutual fund
Generally, getting into a mutual fund is associated with a long-term relationship whereby, there are good times as well as bad times. However, most investors are willing to enjoy the upside, but at the slightest hint of a downside, they start crying foul.
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| July 18, 2008 | | Investing through SIPs? Choose wisely
There is no best time to invest. Even now would not be a bad time to get started. A word of advice: be sure of the risk you can take on venturing into equity mutual funds. Apart from equity funds, maybe you could consider balanced funds as well, says personal finance expert Irfan Rupani.
5 rules on how much insurance you need
If you are an earning member of your family, and there are members of your family who are financially dependant on you, you need life insurance. But how much life insurance do you need?
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| July 15, 2008 | | Has Magnum Contra delivered?
A contra fund operates on the premise that investment opportunities fall in two categories a) those that are identified by most investors and therefore already form part of their portfolios and b) those that are ignored or not yet identified. Since investment opportunities under Category A are identified by most they are overbought and are therefore trading at higher valuations. The investment opportunities in Category B are what really interest the contrarian investor.
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| July 12, 2008 | | Do you have a core portfolio in place?
In the mutual funds segment, well-managed diversified equity funds, balanced funds and monthly income plans with proven track records could form the core portfolio. Of course, the investor's risk profile and investment objectives would play a part in determining the core. Once this core is in place, the investor can consider (if at all) allocating a smaller portion of his investible surplus in ancillary offerings like thematic/sectoral funds and global/international funds.
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| July 10, 2008 | | Are monthly income plans safe?
Typically, MIPs are suited for investors with a low-moderate risk appetite. For instance, investors who wish to clock higher returns than those offered by fixed deposits or bonds and are willing to take on commensurately higher risk should consider adding MIPs to their portfolios. Also MIPs appeal to investors in higher tax brackets for their ability to deliver more competitive post-tax returns vis-à-vis avenues like fixed deposits.
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| June 30, 2008 | | 5 common investment dilemmas
These dilemmas are usually a result of the lack of knowledge among investors about various investment options
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| June 25, 2008 | | All you want to know about gratuity
Job-hopping may be in vogue, but those who do decide to spend dedicated years in an organisation are eligible for a free lump sum that you can put to work
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| June 12, 2008 | | How to keep recovery agents at bay
No one wants a recovery agent breathing down his neck. But if you slipped up on your debt, you may have to deal with him. Here's how to make the best of a bad situation
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| June 11, 2008 | | Don't exit SIPs in a falling market
When the NAV falls, you are going to get more units of the fund. That means when the market turns around, you will get much more returns
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| June 06, 2008 | | Have infrastructure funds delivered?
Over the past few years, when equity markets rose almost secularly, the investment scenario became rather skewed. Any fund that took on above-average risk was capable of delivering a superlative performance. As a result, some prudently managed funds ended up looking rather mediocre and some mediocre funds managed to pitch in noteworthy performances.
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| May 30, 2008 | | 5 investment myths debunked
Few would dispute the fact that investors today are better informed as opposed to their counterparts from previous generations. The barrage of investment advice and information from various quarters is largely responsible for this phenomenon. However, the prevalence of investment myths is something that hasn't changed over the years. And acting on a myth while getting invested, always has the same result -- an incorrect investment decision.
US-64 windfall: Be age wise before investing
These tax-free bonds were issued in 2003 to bail out Unit Trust of India's flagship scheme US-64, which got into trouble because of lack of transparency in its portfolio composition and investment strategy. Now these investors will finally get their due. And if you are among those, who have still not decided on what should be done with this windfall, financial advisors say the money should be channelled in instruments depending upon your age and risk profile.
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| May 29, 2008 | | About tax-saving funds and SIPs
If your risk appetite permits investing in a tax-saving fund, now is the time to scout for one and start off an SIP.
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| May 28, 2008 | | A 4-step plan to manage your insurance portfolio
Insurance has many options often confusing the individual
Ulips set to get costlier
Life insurers have decided to pass on service tax to customers. The chief financial officers of life insurance companies met last Wednesday and have decided to pass on the service tax burden to customers, confirmed officials of various life insurance companies.
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| May 26, 2008 | | How to rent a hassle-free house
With surging real estate prices ensuring a slowdown in property purchases, renting has become a viable option. Here's how to land the best deal
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| May 19, 2008 | | Have you declared your annual investments?
During the first two months of the financial year, it's usual that your company will send a piece of document with a lot of columns that need to be filled up. Typically, this means that you have to declare the investments, which you will be making, during the current financial year.
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| May 16, 2008 | | Investors, beware of such practices!
Many a time, investors get carried away by the high returns offered by a particular offering. Out of sheer ignorance most investors do not bother to question the authenticity or the transparency of the examples/illustrations that have been used to project the high returns.
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| May 14, 2008 | | How to select a financial planner
The financial planner is someone who can help you invest across investment avenues based on your risk profile and investment objectives
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| May 13, 2008 | | FMPs turn unattractive for investors
If you are planning to invest in Fixed Maturity Plans, think twice. Because most mutual fund managers believe that FMPs are unlikely to give higher returns as they did last year. And, this is beginning to show in their collections as well. In March 2007, FMPs had collected Rs 30,869 crore (Rs 308.69 billion). In March 2008, they attracted only Rs 21,688 crore (Rs 216.88 billion). Even in April this year, 62 schemes collected only Rs 1,126 crore
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| May 09, 2008 | | All you want to know about thematic funds
The constraints of managing funds that invest in a select few sectors can often prove to be demanding for fund houses. As a result, it isn't entirely uncommon to find a sector/thematic fund changing/expanding its investment objective/style in due course. This bears testimony to the intrinsic inadequacy of a sector/thematic fund in terms of sustainability over the long-term. Nonetheless sector/thematic funds continue to be launched at regular intervals.
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| May 05, 2008 | | Mutual fund roundup: April 2008
In recent times, 'inflation' has emerged as a buzz word of sorts. Simply put, inflation is a situation wherein too much money chases a limited number of goods. This leads to a fall in the value of money. Inflation is often expressed as a rise in the price level. For example, a product that costs Rs 100 now, would cost Rs 105 a year hence, assuming that prices rise at 5 per cent annually.
Daily investment through mutual funds
A systematic investment plan that invests every day in the stock market can capture the movements for the investor. An analysis of its performance.
Negotiating salary? 4 important tips
There are many of us who get lured with the numbers that show in our CTC package, but when the actual take-home salary comes in our hand, it causes a lot of heartache
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| May 02, 2008 | | Mutual fund 'schemes' of a different kind
Of course, not all AMCs use such marketing schemes; certain AMCs have told us that they would have preferred to keep an arm's length from these tactics, but their hand was forced by other AMCs. The bottom line is that investors/agents are regularly bombarded with rewards/incentives by AMCs and core factors like the fund's investment proposition and track record are conveniently pushed to the background.
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| April 29, 2008 | | FMPs vs FDs: Which side are you on?
Fixed Maturity Plans can be termed as the mutual fund industry's answer to Fixed Deposits (FDs). Over the years, FMPs have established themselves as an option for debt fund investors (i.e. risk-averse investors). In many cases, they occupy the slot that used to belong to FDs. This is not surprising given that both the avenues cater to the same investor category.
Use tax sops and buy a house
Make the Income Tax Act work for you by using its tax saving provisions to fund the purchase of not only your first house, but also of the second one.
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| April 28, 2008 | | Good portfolio=15% return per year
Invest in a basket of well managed equity funds. If your asset allocation demands that you need to be invested, go ahead and invest some money; do an sip. Be sure to select the funds best suited to you, says mutual fund expert Rahul Goel.
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| April 25, 2008 | | US64 Bonds up for redemption: What's next?
Over the tenure of US64 Bonds, the investment scenario has changed radically. Mutual funds (equity funds in particular) have come of age and found greater acceptance among investors. So it should come as no surprise, if you find yourself being persuaded from all quarters to invest the redemption proceeds of US64 Bonds in equity funds. For example, investors in US64 Bonds have received letters urging them to invest the redemption proceeds in equity funds from UTI Mutual Fund.
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| April 19, 2008 | | Principal large cap: Doesn't make the grade
It's not like we are against NFOs for the sake of it. Our view on this subject is if the NFO offers something truly unique (i.e. distinct from existing funds) and can aid the investor significantly in achieving his long-term goals, he can consider investing in the NFO. Failing this, investors are better off investing in existing mutual funds with proven track records across time frames and market phases.
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| April 18, 2008 | | 4 tips to make the most of your money
Following some rather elementary tips can go a long way in not only saving money, but also deriving maximum benefit from it. Perhaps it's the demanding nature of our everyday chores that make us overlook these tips. In this article, we discuss 4 tips that will help you make the most of your money.
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| April 15, 2008 | | 4 tips to make the most of your money
Following some rather elementary tips can go a long way in not only saving money, but also deriving maximum benefit from it. Perhaps it's the demanding nature of our everyday chores that make us overlook these tips. In this article, we discuss 4 tips that will help you make the most of your money.
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| April 14, 2008 | | 4 ways to ace falling markets
But when markets collapse like they did earlier this year, many of these 'great' investments suddenly start appearing like great mistakes. Nonetheless, there are lessons to be learnt from falling markets and we have a 4-step strategy on how you can ace falling markets.
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| April 10, 2008 | | Stocks vs mutual funds: What's better?
Within the domain of investments, two options that investors regularly grapple with are stocks (i.e. direct equity investing) and mutual funds. Both have their advantages, although this note does not get in to that debate. Instead, in light of the present discussion about investing being a full-time activity, let's see how stocks and mutual funds face off against one another.
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| April 09, 2008 | | MFs: The winners and losers of March
Mid cap stocks (and subsequently mid cap funds) have been the worst hit in the recent stock market crash. Investors who added mid cap investments to their portfolios without understanding their true nature are a dismayed lot. Typically, mid caps are presented as an opportunity to make quick money; sadly, investors are rarely made aware of the higher risk involved. While there is no doubt that if identified correctly, mid caps can contribute significantly.
FMPs: The devil is in the assumptions
There is never a dearth of ideas among the AMC (asset management company) think tanks, when it comes to drawing investors towards their offerings. The AMCs usually adopt innovative ways to promote their products. Often these ideas have the desired impact and get investors all interested.
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| April 07, 2008 | | Core sector stocks: High risk, high profit
The best performing industries of the past two years have included power, engineering, construction, capital goods, telecom, etc. Broadly, these are infrastructure-related industries that have seen strong, even geometric growth. These are also, by and large, not industries that receive very high discounts globally. In India however, they have been treated as growth sectors that deservedly, receive growth industry discounts.
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| April 04, 2008 | | JM Mutual Fund: Mid caps rock the boat
When it suits them, fund houses promote a star fund manager to draw investors. The star fund manager's track record in identifying stocks/trends is publicised extensively. NFOs (new fund offers) are launched on the premise that the star fund manager will repeat his stellar performance and give investors a good enough reason to invest in the NFO.
New to mutual funds? Go for SIPs
SIPs should be entered for 12 months at a time, and then renewed. You should use the renewal as an opportunity to review the portfolio. SIPs are a great way to invest in our view. if the environment is volatile, then SIPs are probably the best way for most investors, says mutual fund expert Rahul Goel.
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