Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
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.
'We expect modest returns in 2026 versus the steep gains seen over the past few years.'
Domestic mutual funds have infused the highest ever -- Rs 4.84 trillion -- this year amid strong inflows via SIPs.
Foreign investors fled Indian equities in 2025 at a scale never seen before, pulling out a record Rs 1.6 lakh crore (USD 18 billion) as volatile currency movements, global trade tensions, especially potential US tariffs, and stretched valuations eroded risk appetite, though flows are expected to turn sustainably positive in 2026.
EMI means you've already spent tomorrow's income; SIP means you're investing today's income to secure tomorrow, explains Ramalingam Kalirajan
'Exiting during corrections tends to lock in losses. Patient investors have benefited from holding through similar drawdowns in past cycles.'
The most common mistake is investing without assessing suitability and long-term implications.
Domestic markets saw the addition of nearly 3 million new dematerialised (demat) accounts in July, marking the highest monthly increase since December 2024. This is also the third consecutive month that witnessed a rise in account openings, following a period of moderation from January to April.
'Stopping now would defeat the core purpose of an SIP, which is to average out the purchase cost over market cycles.'
'The day is not too far when the share of MFs alone will be greater than that of foreign institutional investors.'
'...a mix of asset classes.' 'Include equities for growth (across market caps), debt for stability and liquidity, gold as a hedge against macro and currency risk, and global assets for geographical and economic diversification.'
Investors seeking higher returns at relatively higher risk should consider allocation to smallcap equity funds.
A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon
The strong domestic flow offset selling by foreign portfolio investors who pulled out $23.3 billion (Rs 2.03 trillion) from domestic equity markets in CY25.
Multi-asset allocation funds (MAAFs) have emerged as strong performers among mutual funds (MFs), rivalling medium-term returns from traditional equity categories while maintaining a lower risk profile. Over the past three years, average returns for this segment have surpassed those of flexicap and largecap funds, for both lump sum and systematic investment plan (SIP) investments.
'We may see this momentum going into 2025 and may keep up with the demand, given the strong pipeline.'
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.
'Stay invested but progressively reduce risk. Beyond a point, the objective should shift from maximising returns to avoiding unpleasant surprises.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Dwaipayan Bose explains what momentum investing is, how it works, why it generates higher returns and has higher wealth creation potential.
Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have added a record number of investment accounts in 2024, buoyed by the sectoral and thematic investing euphoria that has spilled into the passive space.
'...aggressive pricing amid volatility, but these are exceptions.'
When the market is down, you can buy more units, which offers you the rupee cost averaging. But the question here is, with so many options available in the market, which one should you choose? Keep reading to get the answer.
Investors with a long-term horizon and high-risk appetite seeking capital appreciation can consider investing in ELSS.
What is the reason behind this drying up of talent for the top post in private banks?
Lord Ganesha's teachings offer valuable insights for investors in the Indian stock market. By thinking big, working consistently, starting early, and approaching investing with a rational mindset, investors can increase their chances of achieving their financial goals.
Regardless of market levels, invest in stocks and equity mutual funds in a staggered manner.
Net inflows into equity mutual fund (MF) schemes scaled a record high in July as the market correction and a raft of new fund offerings (NFOs) lifted lump-sum collections. Active equity schemes raked in a net Rs 42,702 crore in July, going past the previous high of Rs 41,156 crore in December 2024. Systematic investment plan (SIP) inflows continued to scale new highs, rising over 4 per cent month-on-month (M-o-M) to Rs 28,464 crore.
Imagine transforming a modest Rs 10,000 monthly investment into a steady Rs 1 lakh monthly income in your retirement years. This is the power of compounding -- a strategy that rewards you for starting early and staying consistent with your investments, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.
The systematic withdrawal plan can work for you. But only if you know how to use it to your benefit.
'Indian markets may underperform global peers for the next two quarters.' 'But beyond that, India should catch up and resume its long-term growth path.'
'In an economy that is set to double in the coming years, stopping SIPs will take investors out of this growth path.'
Market watchers link the pullback to underwhelming listing-day performance and the lack of big-name IPOs.
'Investors with foreign currency-denominated goals, such as foreign education or foreign travel, should go for US equity funds.'
Investors need to carefully assess country-specific risks. 'This is especially true of a market that is less transparent than the US.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
A retired banker in Delhi lost his entire life savings, amounting to Rs 23 crore, to cyber fraudsters who posed as ED and CBI officers. The victim was kept under 'digital arrest' for over a month and forced to transfer funds under duress.
Inflows into equity mutual fund (MF) schemes declined for a fourth consecutive month in April, even as systematic investment plan (SIP) inflows reached a record high of about Rs 26,632 crore.
