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?
Mutual funds
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
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?
Need money within 3 years: Bank FD or a Debt Mutual Fund?
You got Rs. 10 lacs with you. You know you would need the money or at least some portion of it within 3 years. Where would you invest that money? A Bank Fixed Deposit or a Debt Mutual Fund? Let's assume debt mutual funds have as low risk as FDs and FDs are as flexible as debt MFs. The only difference is in tax treatment. And that both return 8%. After 1 year, you … [Read more...] about Need money within 3 years: Bank FD or a Debt Mutual Fund?
A Sharp Decline in Debt Mutual Fund Size is a Red Flag
If you are an investor in debt mutual funds, do keep an eye on the size of your fund scheme. It is a red flag if the size of your debt fund scheme has gone down sharply. If your fund scheme has experienced sharp outflows, you need to investigate. What is the problem if the size of my debt fund scheme has gone down sharply? If your fund scheme is experiencing fund … [Read more...] about A Sharp Decline in Debt Mutual Fund Size is a Red Flag
Mutual Funds: The Expense Ratio Trick
I regularly write against mixing investments and insurance. I highlight issues in the cost structures of various investment and insurance combo products. Regular readers would know that I like mutual funds for investments. However, I must concede that the mutual fund companies do not really smell of roses. I have written about many issues with their intent and communication to … [Read more...] about Mutual Funds: The Expense Ratio Trick
Final Budget 2019: Taxes for the Rich, Benefits for Buyers of Homes, Electric Vehicles
The Finance Minister presented the final budget for FY2019-2020 on July 5, 2019. Here are the key highlights of the budget. Income Tax slabs unchanged; Surcharge increased for the rich There has been no change in the income tax slabs. There is a sharp increase in surcharge for those earning more than Rs 2 crores. We must understand the impact of the surcharge … [Read more...] about Final Budget 2019: Taxes for the Rich, Benefits for Buyers of Homes, Electric Vehicles
Liquid Funds to have exit load and will now be a bit volatile
SEBI, in June 2019, made a few changes to investment guidelines and valuation of securities in debt mutual funds. These changes enhance credit and liquidity profile of the liquid funds. At the same time, these changes can make liquid funds a bit volatile. Let’s try to understand the new SEBI rules. #1 Liquid funds are now required to hold 20% in liquid … [Read more...] about Liquid Funds to have exit load and will now be a bit volatile
The DHFL Mess: Learnings and What should you do?
Debt mutual funds are again in the news. On June 4, 2019, DHFL could not make the interest payment on one of its bonds. It says that it will pay in another week. Does not matter. Even the slightest delay is considered a default. As per extant rules, even if a default happens in one security by DHFL (not the one held by the fund scheme), the value of the all the bonds from … [Read more...] about The DHFL Mess: Learnings and What should you do?
