A delegation of high-level executives from US public pension funds (non-profit and government sectors) is visiting India next week to assess and familiarise themselves with the investment opportunities in the country. These executives belong to various American states and cumulatively represent $1.8 trillion in assets under management (AUM) invested across the US and global markets. The United States (US) mission to India, which includes its embassy and consulates and the Department of Treasury, along with India's Ministry of Finance and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), is hosting the delegation.
Adopting overly aggressive strategies without considering risk could lead to significant losses during the next downturn.
Consider a combination of a base policy and a super top-up policy.
'If their allocation to certain segments have become high due to strong returns over the past three-four years, they should rebalance their portfolios and bring them in line with their long-term asset allocation.'
'In phases when smaller stocks do well, an equal-weight index performs better than its market cap-weighted peer.'
All investors should ideally have a 10 to 15 per cent allocation to gold. Whether they invest in gold ETFs or SGBs should depend on their investment horizon.
'PPF carries minimal risk.' 'Its fixed-income nature allows investors to diversify their portfolios.'
People in full-time jobs should especially avoid intraday trading as it results in loss of focus and affects performance.
'Understand how wedding expenses fit into your overall financial situation.' 'Evaluate how different levels of spending will impact other goals like retirement, travel, or housing.'
Investors should view the increase in the LTCG tax rate in conjunction with the increase in capital gains exemption from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh, which will provide some relief.
Maintain a proper record of documents that can act as proof of the cost of acquisition of the property, cost of improvements made to the property, expenses related to transfer of the property (like brokerage and registration charges). These will come in handy in case of a dispute with the taxman.
In the case of double-income couples, not more than 40 per cent of the net income of one partner should be the EMI for the property.
It is essential to have a comprehensive motor policy, and not just a third-party cover, as the latter does not protect your own vehicle.
If the cashless request is denied, the entire cost may need to be paid for planned treatments.
By taking the mutual fund route, investors can take exposure to gilts with small amounts. Over a decade or more, returns from these funds tend to be sound.
'If you are investing in a Ulip for returns, go for a type I Ulip.' 'If you are investing for insurance cover as well, type II is better.'
Purchase health insurance at an early age, before you incur a disease, as this makes access to health insurance difficult and raises the premium significantly.
'Those trying to use these funds for quick gains should avoid them due to risk of being late to the party.'
Long-term investors should never stop their SIPs during market corrections.
Do not get repair work started without informing the insurer as the latter like to carry out end-to-end verification of damages and documents before approving a claim.
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