'Exiting during corrections tends to lock in losses. Patient investors have benefited from holding through similar drawdowns in past cycles.'
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.
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 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.
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.
'...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.'
The country's primary capital markets delivered a robust performance in FY26, emerging as a global leader in initial public offerings (IPOs) despite an uncertain environment, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.
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.
ELSS investments require a long-term commitment of at least seven years.
'Stopping now would defeat the core purpose of an SIP, which is to average out the purchase cost over market cycles.'
'The rise in SIP contributions has created a pool of long-term MF assets that can be pledged for loans.'
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.
After overtaking foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in market ownership, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have further solidified their dominance. DII ownership reached a new all-time high of 17.82 per cent as of June 2025, up from 17.62 per cent at the end of March 2025, according to an analysis by Prime Database.
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.
The India Basketball League (IBL), backed by former NBA stars, is set to launch in 2027 with the aim of building a professional basketball ecosystem in India. The league hopes to tap into India's expanding youth culture and create a sustainable professional structure for Indian basketball.
The CBI has registered an FIR to investigate the alleged embezzlement of 550 crore from Haryana government accounts held with IDFC First Bank, following a referral from the state government.
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.
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Investors with a long-term horizon and high-risk appetite seeking capital appreciation can consider investing in ELSS.
Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) poured in Rs 94,829 crore of fresh money into Indian equities in August, the second-highest monthly inflow after record Rs 1.07 trillion influx in October 2024.
Here's why value averaging investments plans are better than systematic investment plans.
'In phases when smaller stocks do well, an equal-weight index performs better than its market cap-weighted peer.'
Regardless of market levels, invest in stocks and equity mutual funds in a staggered manner.
'Investors with foreign currency-denominated goals, such as foreign education or foreign travel, should go for US equity funds.'
The systematic withdrawal plan stands out as a superior option, providing steady income despite market fluctuations and inflation, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.
'If you invest in a rush at the last moment, you could compromise on selecting the best tax-saving options.'
'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?'
'...aggressive pricing amid volatility, but these are exceptions.'
Dwaipayan Bose explains what momentum investing is, how it works, why it generates higher returns and has higher wealth creation potential.
For any long-term term investor, it is always advisable to have well-diversified large-cap funds as core holdings in your portfolio.
New investors should avoid short-term, tactical entries and instead go for staggered buying via ETFs to manage volatility.
Promoters' ownership in private listed companies declined to an eight-year low of 40.58 per cent as of June 30, 2025, following a net share sale worth Rs 54,732 crore during the quarter, according to data from primeinfobase.com, an initiative of PRIME Database Group.
Investors need to carefully assess country-specific risks. 'This is especially true of a market that is less transparent than the US.'
Market watchers link the pullback to underwhelming listing-day performance and the lack of big-name IPOs.
What is the reason behind this drying up of talent for the top post in private banks?
'A 20 per cent equity allocation to ESG funds is a good start.' 'As more evidence on ESG performance builds, investors may increase allocations.'
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.
'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.'
'It's advisable not to go overboard on a banking sector fund or any other sector fund.'
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
