On January 17, 2020, many debt mutual fund investors with Franklin AMC woke up to a nasty surprise. NAVs of many popular debt mutual fund schemes from Franklin had gone down by 4-7%. Why did this happen? Many of Franklin debt mutual fund schemes held debt issued by Vodafone-Idea. What about Vodafone-Idea? On January 16, 2020, The Supreme Court of India dismissed the … [Read more...] about Loss in Franklin Debt Mutual Funds: What should you do?
Financial Planning
The Key to Investment Success: Lose Less
You invest Rs 100. Let’s consider the following sequence of returns. Case 1: You earn -50% (or lose 50%) in the first year. You earn +50% in the second year. Case 2: You earn -25% (or lose 25%) in the first year. You earn +25% in the second year. Case 3: You earn -15% (or lose 15%) in the first year. You earn +15% in the second year. Case 4: You … [Read more...] about The Key to Investment Success: Lose Less
Rent vs. Buy: Paying Rent to the Owner or Rent to the Bank?
Many of us attach a lot of value to house ownership. Many of us also feel that house rent is a waste of money. It is better to take a home loan and pay a bit more. After a few years, you will also own the house. Contrast this with renting a house. You don’t own anything even after paying rent for so many years. Is this the right thought process? I don’t think so. You … [Read more...] about Rent vs. Buy: Paying Rent to the Owner or Rent to the Bank?
The Price you pay for Guaranteed Returns in Investments
Once you lose money in stock markets or any other investments, there is a natural tendency to shift to products that offer guaranteed returns or that seem to offer guaranteed returns. While it is important to make investments that are aligned with your risk appetite, you also need to make investments in line with your financial goals. You must appreciate that return guarantee … [Read more...] about The Price you pay for Guaranteed Returns in Investments
The Choice between Starting Early and Investing more
I advise investors of all age groups. Many middle-aged investors are concerned about whether they are too late in starting investments. Even though it is better to start early, it is never too late. They will just need to make up for the missed period by investing more. Not as easy as it sounds. They can, of course, make up by targeting higher returns but that’s … [Read more...] about The Choice between Starting Early and Investing more
What is Bharat Bond ETF? Should you invest?
In the first week of December 2019, the Government paved the way for the launch of Bharat Bond ETF. The Bharat Bond ETF will invest in bonds issued by various public sector units. From the investors’ perspective, it is a new investment option in the fixed income space. The Bharat Bond ETF is an easy and low-cost way to invest in bonds from public sector entities. From the … [Read more...] about What is Bharat Bond ETF? Should you invest?
Read this if you find merit in ULIPs and traditional plans over mutual funds
Most mutual fund schemes have not performed well since the start of 2018. This is broadly in line with the overall performance of the markets. Over the past few months, I have started receiving interesting queries from clients/readers. This happens more with clients who have started investing recently, i.e in the last 2-3 years. Should they start investing in ULIPs and … [Read more...] about Read this if you find merit in ULIPs and traditional plans over mutual funds
Aegon Life iTerm: Dual Protect: A Term plan with Monthly Pension
Aegon Life has launched a new variant of iTerm plan, where the policyholder gets a monthly income after the age of 60 years till his/her demise. This is in addition to the lumpsum pay-out at the age of 60. In a way, it is a term plan with a pension feature. For those who simply can’t let their insurance premiums go waste, it looks like a good option. However, as always, let’s … [Read more...] about Aegon Life iTerm: Dual Protect: A Term plan with Monthly Pension
The Less Understood Relationship between Risk and Returns
Risk and Reward go hand in hand. Higher the risk, the higher the return. Isn’t that what most of us have come to believe? Well, this understanding is only partially correct. Why? If you could earn a high rate of return simply by taking higher risk, a lottery ticket would be the best investment. And you would find the world’s best investors in casinos. If we define … [Read more...] about The Less Understood Relationship between Risk and Returns
Saving for Children’s education: When should you start?
If there is one thing no parent wants to compromise, it is their children’s education. The parents would do anything to provide the best education to their children. Of course, not everything is under their control. At the same time, they would want to be prepared financially. How do you prepare financially for children’s education? Easy. By investing. When should you … [Read more...] about Saving for Children’s education: When should you start?
