Most first-time investors may be better served by diversified options such as flexicap or multi-cap funds, which already hold pharma and healthcare stocks.
'Allocating 5 to 10 per cent of one's portfolio and staying disciplined through market cycles helps in having a positive investment experience.'
'The next phase of India's IPO cycle will be defined by quality, pricing discipline and investor selectivity.'
When investing in fixed-income products, balancing considerations like safety, liquidity, and income is essential.
New investors should enter gradually and with a long horizon. 'Staggered investment through systematic purchase plans is advisable rather than lump-sum buying.'
The recent correction suggests that while precious metals hedge geopolitical tension and inflation, they are not immune to sharp short-term corrections and profit-booking.
India's three major listed shipyards - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSEL), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) - are poised for substantial growth, driven by a robust order pipeline from the Indian Navy and diversification into commercial and export markets.
The RBI advisory follows a labour ministry request earlier this year seeking the central bank's expertise to identify gaps in EPFO's investment strategy and fund management practices, including accounting, risk management, and internal governance.
'For most investors, I recommend a low double-digit allocation (10 to 12 per cent) to gold and silver combined.'
Mutual fund investment through systematic investment plans (SIPs) has surged to an all-time high of Rs 3.34 lakh crore in 2025, driven by growing investor appetite for disciplined, long-term wealth creation.
'The problem is not just slower growth, but also the quality of growth.'
'Such stocks may be useful for aggressive portfolios, but should not be part of the core holdings.'
'A 20 per cent equity allocation to ESG funds is a good start.' 'As more evidence on ESG performance builds, investors may increase allocations.'
Sebi cautions investors against fake notices demanding Securities Transaction Tax (STT) payments and warns about fraudsters posing as account handlers promising risk-free profits.
2025 marked a shift in investor preference when it comes to MF schemes.
Fund managers advise conservative investors to cap midcap exposure at 10 to 15 per cent of their equity portfolio.
Dabur's business update for Q3FY26 indicated mid-single digit consolidated revenue growth. The guidance is that growth in operating and net profits will beat revenue growth. In the domestic business, home and personal care (HPC) revenue grew in double digits, while healthcare is likely to post a sequential growth in low-single digits.
New investors should not allow themselves to fall prey to FOMO and rush headlong into gold.
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Mutual fund industry extended its bull run in 2025, adding a staggering Rs 14 lakh crore to its asset base and pushing total AUM to a record Rs 81 lakh crore by November, powered by surge in retail participation and record SIP inflows. Venkat Chalasani, chief executive officer of AMFI, told PTI that the industry's outlook remains positive, with steady SIP inflows continuing to offset foreign portfolio investor outflows and strengthening market resilience.
'A staggered investment approach (using SIP or STP) can help investors benefit from this opportunity while reducing timing risk.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'
Investors seeking higher returns at relatively higher risk should consider allocation to smallcap equity funds.
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
At present, e-mobike penetration in India is close to negligible, unlike the scooter segment, where electric scooters account for nearly 20 per cent of sales.
Gold is an excellent asset class for diversification and should be included in all long-term portfolios.
'For the initial decade, I consistently advise young professionals to prioritise career development and income growth rather than market analysis.'
Despite recent underperformance, MNC funds have delivered over longer time frames.
The continued MF buying has pushed the equity holding of MFs to over Rs 50 trillion for the first time.
'A breakout above 158,000 to 160,000 could trigger the next leg higher toward 165,000 to 170,000.'
'Given that India underperformed emerging markets by 28 per cent in 2025, the worst performance in over 30 years, the timing of the sharp STT hike could have been better.'
'Maintain a balanced approach with a preference for short-to medium-duration funds.'
The ultra-rich invest differently -- embracing growth, compounding, and long-term clarity to build wealth with purpose and discipline, explains Ramalingam Kalirajan.
Investors must account for currency depreciation in their financial plans and use instruments that can cushion the erosion in purchasing power.
Largecap equities are less volatile than mid- and smallcap stocks, making them suitable for risk-averse investors.
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Only a limited set of investors should invest directly in corporate bonds.
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
While investments are typically reviewed annually, risk cover is often left unchanged for years.
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