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
In the last couple of years, reverse mortgage (RM) has been touted aggressively as a product that will allow the elderly to unlock the value of their house. In fact, in the last two Union Budgets, the finance minister has made a special mention about it.
With ICICI Bank recently offering to reduce the equated monthly instalments of existing customers for high tenure loans, many may like to exercise this option because it would reduce their burden for the time being. Also, with the rise in the interest rates in the last couple of years, many have found their monthly EMIs rising by over 15 per cent.
However, financial experts are of the view that though REMFs are good for those who want to participate in the property boom, investors should not look at them as equity funds.
With the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) hiking their fees, many general category students will have to approach banks for educational loans. Most will also have to furnish collateral to get that all-important loan.IIM-Ahmedabad, for instance, has almost trebled its fees to Rs 4 lakh to Rs 11.5 lakh. IIM-Kolkata has hiked it from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh. Others like IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow have hiked it from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh and Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
Young borrowers have the opportunity to get bigger loans because age is on their side.
In the last few years, unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) have quietly become one of the largest players in the Indian stock market. With a total investment estimated at Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore, they are almost close to the investment made by equity mutual funds.
They are aggressive going through the financial details of the customers. All indications that life is going to get tougher for potential home loan borrowers.
The Union Budget 2008-09 will leave more money in every pocket.
In spite of FM's assurance, experts feel that US recession will have definite repercussions on the Indian economy. But it will continue to enjoy a positive run.
Says Gul Teckchandani, investment advisor, "It is that time when you should have a shopping list ready. Look for large-cap liquid stocks that have fallen more than the index and invest 10 to 15 per cent of your cash in them. Also, continue buying if the market falls further."
Last year money-making hardly took any effort, this year you will need to pick and choose.
For prospective buyers, the advice is simple. Go ahead and buy because there is no indication of where the interest rate will be in the next six months.
You could invest if you have missed the earlier rally, you could churn your portfolio to move towards better quality stocks or funds and you could even clear your loans by some profit booking
With the markets at an unprecedented height, it may be a good time to restructure your bag of stocks.
While fund of funds promise best results, higher cost and tax treatment could bring down the returns.
State Bank of India (Maharashtra and Goa), Bank of Baroda, IDBI and Allahabad Bank have cut rates in the range of 25-50 basis points. Lenders would like to see the RBI come up with some measures so that sentiments improve further.
The choice for the home buyer is clear - either get adequate life cover or a mortgage insurance product.
The commercial real estate sector has been booming in the last few years, driven by the high demand from corporates, especially IT and ITeS companies.
You can cut interest costs significantly by taking a loan against property.
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