Here's what Indian investors diversifying into equities, ETFs, and real estate abroad to manage risk, returns, and currency exposure must watch out for.
With the RBI infusing Rs 7.5 lakh crore in liquidity -- and possibly more in the future -- the short- to medium-term corporate bond market is expected to benefit.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have stepped into the spotlight this quarter. With evolving market conditions and shifting investor sentiment, ETFs offer a timely solution for accessing growth with liquidity and efficiency. In this article, we break down the most important ETF trends, performance drivers, and what to watch in the months ahead.
'The frenzy for gold is primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding the tariff war.'
India's corporate bond market, driven by public sector undertaking (PSU) banks and financial institutions last year, is losing momentum since the second quarter of FY26.
While picking a quality mutual fund is never easy, rising markets often make the task seem a lot easier. Exercise a greater degree of caution, because tough times can and do separate the men from the boys.
Inflows into sector and thematic (S&T) funds fell sharply from around 5,711.6 crore in February 2025 to about 170.1 crore in March 2025 - a decline of 97 per cent. With many such funds underperforming, investors need to assess whether to remain invested or exit.
Investors attribute some of the growth in Indian stocks, that saw Bombay's benchmark BSE index rise nearly a third in 2014, to the election of a pro-business government in May, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dwaipayan Bose highlights the similarities and contrasts between ETFs and Index Funds.
The rupee plunged 26 paise to an all-time low of 90.75 against the US dollar in intra-day trade on Monday, weighed down by uncertainty over an India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows.
Inflows into equity mutual funds (MFs) continued their strong momentum in July, despite the market volatility triggered by the Union Budget.
Inflows into equity mutual fund (MF) schemes declined in May, logging their lowest tally in 13 months at Rs 19,013 crore. It came even as the gross systematic investment plan (SIP) inflows surged to a record high of Rs 26,688 crore.
With average returns of 18 per cent over the past year, listed real estate investment trusts (Reits) have clearly outperformed both the Nifty Realty index and the Sensex. Over the same period, Nifty Realty fell 15.5 per cent, while the benchmark index was largely unchanged. Steady office leasing, the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi's) decision to reclassify Reits as equity instruments, and ongoing portfolio expansion have strengthened the sector's appeal.
'...aggressive pricing amid volatility, but these are exceptions.'
The majority of active largecap funds are set to outperform for the second year in a row in 2024, thanks to the strong performance of their midcap and smallcap allocations.
Which fund companies' equity funds clocked the best median performance over a five-year period? Here's the answer!
The BSE Sensex plunged by about 35 per cent in the last six months. The benchmark index which was over 20,000 level in January, is currently hovering around 13,000. Pre-IPO placement that was intended to offload about 11 per cent of the post diluted shares has also been put on hold, sources said pointing out that the company would revisit its capital raising plan once the market condition improves.
As the rally in precious metals takes centre stage in 2025, most analysts recommend a larger allocation to gold over silver despite the latter's outperformance this year. In the current calendar year (CY25), spot gold prices in dollar terms rallied
New investor additions by mutual funds (MFs) have slowed dramatically in recent months, indicating that market correction and a rise in volatility are somewhat dimming the appeal of equity schemes. MFs have onboarded 300,000 new investors in April 2025, the lowest in 22 months.
Should one buy individual stocks or are mutual funds the best investment choice available to small investors?
The interplay between domestic and foreign capital will shape India's equity markets.
Dwaipayan Bose on how index funds play a key role in the diversification of portfolios and help manage risks
'The danger is that when the music stops, the fall will be sudden, faster, and deeper than anyone expects,' warns Debashis Basu.
Inflows into equity mutual fund (MF) schemes declined for the third month in a row in March even though the equity market recovered sharply. Equity MF schemes raked in a net Rs 25,082 crore in March, down 14 per cent from February.
MNC funds invest in companies where foreign promoters have more than 50 per cent shareholding.
'As we navigate uncertain waters, a conservative approach to largecap investing could provide a strategic advantage.'
To minimise risk, invest in a debt fund whose duration matches your investment timeframe.
These funds at times invest in companies going through corporate restructuring, such as mergers, demergers, or buybacks.
In January, SIP account closures surpassed new registrations for the first time.
Of the 280-odd equity schemes that have been in existence for five years or more, 190 funds or about 70 per cent of those funds have outperformed their respective benchmark indices.
'The problem is that the bubble may not only be in valuations, but also in investors' minds.'
'From a risk-return perspective, large-cap funds may generate lower-than-historical average returns in 2024, whereas mid-, and small-cap funds hardly have any upside left.'
Dwaipayan Bose simplifies the whys and hows of revisiting your financial goals
From the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Titan, Tata Consultancy Services, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, Nestle, Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra, HDFC Bank and Tata Motors were the biggest gainers. However, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance and UltraTech Cement were the laggards.
Equity mutual funds (MFs) capped a strong 2024 with near-record inflows in December. With net inflows of Rs 41,156 crore in December, the 2024 tally surged to Rs 3.9 trillion, up 144 per cent compared to 2023. The December tally, which was only slightly short of the record-high inflows of Rs 41,887 crore achieved in October 2024, was fuelled by record inflows of Rs 9,761 crore into small-cap and mid-cap funds.
Investing is not just about setting aside money -- it's about making it work for you, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.
'One should not invest more than 5 to 10 per cent of their overall portfolio exposure in global or international funds.'
Investors must adhere to their risk appetite at all times and should do well for themselves over the long-term.
Mutual funds (MFs) managed a record Rs 66.2 trillion in assets during the July-September quarter, marking a 12.3 per cent increase over the previous three-month period - the highest quarterly jump in MF assets in at least five years. During the April-June period, the average assets under management (AUM) stood at Rs 59 trillion. The sharp rise in AUM, according to experts, is driven by a robust equity market rally and record inflows into equity schemes.
rediffGURU Ramalingam Kalirajan answers your personal finance queries.
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