Overlap refers to the same stocks appearing across fund portfolios.
Those who have binged on credit must spend less, cut discretionary expenses, and focus on repayment.
Young earners with high incomes and few responsibilities can save more than 30 per cent, while those with low salaries and high expenses may save less.
'It takes time and the experience of a few market cycles to develop awareness about one's true risk appetite.'
Those who have long retirement horizons of 15 to 20 years and seek higher long-term returns may opt for MSF. Investors nearing retirement (under 10 years) or those with low risk tolerance should stay away.
Retirement-focused products that promise certainty can look attractive. The returns are guaranteed, and locking into a fixed rate feels reassuring at a time when deposit rates are declining.
'Active funds have the ability to manage downside risk.'
Despite similar tax treatment, debt MFs enjoy certain advantages over FDs.
Younger investors with long investment horizons may continue their SIPs.
Investors should match their investment horizon with the fund's portfolio duration.
'They take care of the problem: How can I ensure my child's education and other goals are not compromised, even if I am not around?'
'Arbitrage funds make the most sense for those in the 30 per cent tax bracket, are viable for those in the 20 per cent bracket, but less so for those in the 10 per cent bracket.'
While SGBs are a sound investment, they aren't worth buying at any price. The interest income you earn from them will not justify paying a high premium.
Momentum funds can be 10 to 15 per cent more volatile than the Nifty 50.
'PPF carries minimal risk.' 'Its fixed-income nature allows investors to diversify their portfolios.'
If you already hold significant amounts of equity in your portfolio, avoid MAAFs with over 60 per cent equity. But if you lack equity exposure, an aggressive MAAF may be appropriate.
'Allocate up to 20 per cent of your core equity portfolio to quality funds.'
'The move to remove indexation benefits on LTCGs presently available for property, gold, and other unlisted assets may have a negative impact as it directly impacts real estate investors.'
'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.
'Choose an equity allocation that will allow you to remain invested even if the market falls by 50 to 60 per cent.'
Invest in MFs for liquidity and choice of funds. Invest in NPS for the tax benefits, tax-free rebalancing, and for earmarked savings for retirement.
'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.'
'An equity-based index fund should be held for more than five years to average out market volatility and achieve financial goals.'
Many senior citizens 'underestimate the impact of inflation, taxation, health-related expenses, and the heavy premium they will have to pay on health insurance.'
Adopting overly aggressive strategies without considering risk could lead to significant losses during the next downturn.
'Young investors with limited funds should ensure that investing in NPS does not crowd out their other, more liquid, investments.'
These plans are best suited for individuals with a lower risk appetite as they provide guaranteed benefits.
It is a good option for parents of girl children who want a debt product and do not mind its low liquidity.
'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.'
Do not keep a large portion of your long-term portfolio in FDs.
A term plan's premium is lower than that of a wholelife plan.
The National Pension System (NPS) added 21.5 per cent fewer fresh subscribers under the corporate segment in 2023 compared to the preceding year. Government officials and experts attribute it to the higher exemption limit of income tax of Rs 7 lakh announced in the FY24 Budget that no more requires employees under this income bracket to opt for NPS for tax-saving purposes. Data collated from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reveals that the corporate component is voluntary in nature and saw 158,212 new subscribers in 2023 compared to 201,517 during 2022.
'If equities perform well in a year, withdraw money from equities. If the equity market is down, shift withdrawal to the debt portion.'
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.
A portfolio can be rebalanced by either selling a portion of the outperforming asset class or by buying more of the underperforming asset class.
Investors looking for a fixed-income product that is free of credit risk may invest in these bonds.
The choice should depend on the size of the retirement corpus, stage in life, and state of health.
The challenge isn't in selling -- it's easy to sell when the market peaks. The real challenge is in buying back.
Be wary of co-operative banks which have historically been most vulnerable.
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