Exchanged Traded Funds (ETFs) and index funds are low-cost ways to build a diversified equity portfolio. Both are passive investments. Both try to replicate (and not beat) the performance of a benchmark index. For instance, both Nifty 50 ETF and Nifty 50 index fund will try to replicate the performance of an index fund. This is achieved by holding the constituents in the … [Read more...] about ETFs vs. Index Funds: Which is better?
Equities
Finding a Safe Equity Fund is same as Finding a Lion that eats grass
Ever seen a lion eating grass? No, right? No lion eats grass. Similarly, there are no equity funds that are NOT volatile (risky). All equity investments are volatile. That is the nature of equity investments. Just like a lion cannot stop being a carnivore, the equity investments will not stop being volatile. You can tame a lion but still cannot make it eat grass. … [Read more...] about Finding a Safe Equity Fund is same as Finding a Lion that eats grass
Low Volatility ETF or Momentum Index Fund: Which one to choose?
There is Low Volatility ETF and a FoF (that invests in the ETF) And there is a UTI momentum index fund now. I have a favourable view on both the indices. An investor asked: Which is better? Low Volatility ETF or Momentum Index fund? Should we invest in both? Easy question. Difficult answer. This post is likely to leave you disappointed if you are looking for an … [Read more...] about Low Volatility ETF or Momentum Index Fund: Which one to choose?
Sensex at 50,000: How to invest?
Sensex is above 50K. Nifty is almost 15K. In isolation, these numbers may mean nothing. However, the current levels are almost double the 52-week lows formed during the last year. A massive wealth creation over the past year. It does not happen very often that you double your money in just one year, that too by investing in bellwether indices such as Nifty and … [Read more...] about Sensex at 50,000: How to invest?
Budget 2021: Highlights: Changes to EPF, ULIP taxation
The Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2021 today. Here are the key highlights. #1 Income Tax Slabs remain unchanged No changes have been made to the income tax slabs. No additional tax benefits have been announced either. #2 Interest on EPF becomes taxable in certain cases Current Regulation: Interest on your contribution to EPF account is exempt from … [Read more...] about Budget 2021: Highlights: Changes to EPF, ULIP taxation
How to reduce losses in your Portfolio?
A simple way is to invest in risk-free assets (Government bonds, PPF, EPF, bank fixed deposits). You will never see losses. However, by shunning risk completely, you might have to compromise a bit on the long-term returns. And if you consider risky assets (gold or equities) for higher returns, you must prepare yourself for portfolio losses too. At the same time, avoiding … [Read more...] about How to reduce losses in your Portfolio?
Nifty 50 vs. Portfolio of Banking + Pharma + IT stocks: Which is better?
If you are not fond of actively managed funds, an investment in a Nifty 50 index fund provides you exposure to a diversified equity portfolio. However, Nifty 50 consists of stocks from different sectors (banking, pharma, energy, commodities, IT, consumer goods, automobiles etc). Here is the sectoral breakup of Nifty 50 (as on December 31,2020). Can we better the … [Read more...] about Nifty 50 vs. Portfolio of Banking + Pharma + IT stocks: Which is better?
50% Equity + 50% Gold: How does this portfolio perform?
My mother, like many housewives, invests exclusively in gold. No bank FDs. No mutual funds. Nothing. Just gold. Why? Gold is easy to buy and sell. It is easy to store. It is easy to hide from husbands. Lack of comfort with any other asset. Huge conviction (that gold price goes up). Super discipline (due to the conviction and since there is no other option). While I … [Read more...] about 50% Equity + 50% Gold: How does this portfolio perform?
What is the Best Asset Allocation for your portfolio? 50:50 or 60:40 or 70:30?
What is the best asset allocation for your long-term portfolio? 40:60 equity:debt or 50:50 or 60:40 or 70:30 or any other allocation? You will get the answer to this question only in hindsight. The best allocation for the next 20 years (2020-2040) will be known only after 2040 ends. You can run backtests and see what has worked the best in the past. While this gives you … [Read more...] about What is the Best Asset Allocation for your portfolio? 50:50 or 60:40 or 70:30?
Performance Comparison: Investing on 52-week Highs vs. Investing on 52-week Lows
You want to invest in equity markets for the long term. You are given a choice of 3 strategies. Invest every month by way of SIPsInvest only when the market hits 52-week highs.Invest only when the market hits 52-week lows. Which approach do you think will give the best results? Intuitively, investing on 52-week lows look like the winner. Because, well, you are … [Read more...] about Performance Comparison: Investing on 52-week Highs vs. Investing on 52-week Lows
