'Decide on an asset allocation you are comfortable with and stick to it for the long term.'

Despite the Sensex's 74 per cent run-up over the past year, the Indian equity market could still reward investors if the expected revival in earnings materialises, according to market experts. Returns during the coming year are more likely to be in line with longer-term trends (the Sensex's five-year return is around 14 per cent). Several factors are expected to aid the market's performance this year.

'It is a good match for those aged 25-30, who have just started working and need a basic product.'

To select the right platform, get the opinions of a few existing users or browse online for feedback. Select a platform that offers a seamless experience. Check that the platform you are going with is a regulated entity, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

Investors must, however, be prepared for volatility in ELSS, cautions Sanjay Kumar Singh.

But be ready for lock-in till the age of 60.

The BSE Midcap and the Small-cap Index have run up 25.3 per cent and 31.3 per cent respectively over the past year. Valuations are no longer cheap, notes Sanjay Kumar Singh.

'Do some profit booking and bring your equity allocation back to its original level.'

Stick to low-cost ULIPs launched in the past few years. Go with an insurer with a good investment team and solid track record of long-term returns, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

Retail investors may safely invest in shorter-duration funds, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

Investing in the US market provides Indian investors a hedge against the rupee's long-term tendency to depreciate against the dollar.

Investors who cannot manage an asset-allocated portfolio or rebalance regularly, or do not have an advisor, may opt for these funds, but only after a detailed study of their strategy, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

'This market is very expensive in some pockets, dirt cheap in some, and the belly of the market is reasonably valued.'

The first and most important check you must run is to see if you have adequate life cover.

In 2021, there is the risk of interest rates spiking. Investors should tackle duration risk with a longer investment horizon, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

Sanjay Kumar Singh suggests key factors investors need to keep an eye on while choosing the direct investment route.

Many investors, who have made money in the rising market of the recent past, are pulling out of equity funds, believing that they can earn more by investing directly.

Tax planning should not be left for March. If you do so, you could face a severe cash crunch in that month, warns Sanjay Kumar Singh.

With a 'yes' vote, there is a more foreseeable outcome, while a 'no' could result in greater uncertainty, for which retail investors may not have the appetite.

Bear in mind that the amount you get paid depends on the stage at which cancer is detected, reveals Sanjay Kumar Singh.