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
equity mutual funds
Should you invest in Arbitrage Funds?
Arbitrage funds are a variant of mutual funds. In fact, you can call them a variant of equity mutual funds. Ever since the taxation of debt funds became adverse in mid-2014 (holding period for long term capital gain increased from 1 year to 3 years), assets under management for arbitrage funds have grown sharply. So, what exactly are arbitrage funds? How do these funds work? … [Read more...] about Should you invest in Arbitrage Funds?
Unit linked child plans: Should you buy?
Every parent wants the best for his/her child. It is every parent’s wish that financial constraints do not come in way of his/her child’s education or career. Hence, when you are approached with a specific investment plan to provide for your child’s future education or wedding expenses, the product becomes too irresistible to ignore. The sales pitch is so strong that you start … [Read more...] about Unit linked child plans: Should you buy?
Should you invest in Sector Funds?
Gaurav works in the treasury department of a leading private bank. He believes that the interest rates are headed downwards and there will be huge gains in the bond portfolio of banks. He expects that these gains to reflect in the prices of banking stocks in the medium term but he is not sure which banking stock to invest in. He starts a systematic investment plan (SIP) to … [Read more...] about Should you invest in Sector Funds?
ULIPs < Mutual Funds + Term insurance
It is that time of the year again when you have to submit investment proofs to your employer to get tax benefits under section 80C. In this article, we discuss ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plans), insurance cum investment products that qualify for tax benefits under section 80C and whether you should go for ULIPs. We will discuss various cost elements, maturity and death … [Read more...] about ULIPs < Mutual Funds + Term insurance
Five mistakes to avoid while investing in mutual funds
With markets at an all time high, retail investors are rushing towards equity markets/mutual funds with their hard earned money. Hence, we thought it apt to discuss some of the common pitfalls investors should avoid while selecting mutual funds. Pitfall 1- Lower NAV is better Fund A has an NAV of Rs. 45 while Fund B has an NAV of Rs. 225. Assuming all the other parameters … [Read more...] about Five mistakes to avoid while investing in mutual funds
How to select an equity mutual fund?
Ever tried to choose a mutual fund scheme to invest in? There are over 30 asset management companies, each offering variety of mutual fund schemes to choose from. For the larger AMCs, the number of schemes offered can run into a number in excess of 100. Additionally, there are equity fund schemes, debt schemes, hybrid funds, gold funds, fixed maturity plans, fund of funds etc. … [Read more...] about How to select an equity mutual fund?