NIFTY100 Alpha 30 Index Review: How good a “factor” is alpha?

NSE has launched a new strategy index (aka factor-based index, aka smart beta index),  the NIFTY100 Alpha 30 Index from June 28 2019. The NIFTY100 Alpha 30 index consists of 30 companies from Nifty 100 with the highest Jensen’s alpha using one-year trailing price. In this review, we study how good a “factor” (explained below)…

Continue reading →

Are clients happy with fee-only financial advisors: Survey Results

As readers may be aware, for the last six years I have been maintaining a list of SEBI registered fee-only financial advisors. It is a matter of great pride that hundreds of freefincal readers work with these fee-only advisors (FOAs). Recently I had requested such clients to complete a feedback form. Here are the results….

Continue reading →

Motilal Oswal Nifty Bank Index Fund Review: a large cap fund replacement?

Motilal Oswal Nifty Bank Index Fund will be India’s first bank index fund*. The scheme will track the Nifty Bank index. This has 12 of the most liquid and large Indian Banking stocks weighted as per free-float market capitalization. Should an investor consider this bank index fund? If so, when and how? Can this be…

Continue reading →

Bear the pain and invest in equity through loss or you will never change your lifestyle!

When you start an exercise regimen, the day after you would fee soreness and pain in new areas! I guess muscles that were never flexed before behave like that when flexed for the first time. Most investors who have started investing in equity mutual funds since 2014, 2016 would never have seen a prolonged period…

Continue reading →

List of Mutual fund categories that you can avoid! (Keep it simple!)

The Mutual Fund space in India is reasonably large and growing. There are almost 50 Asset Management Companies (AMCs) offering more than 1,000 – and counting – schemes. The choice can be overwhelming at times.  There are literally thousands of places that list the ‘best funds’ to invest in.  This short post approaches the issue…

Continue reading →

The 4% retirement rule is wrong! Do not retire early in India (or US) based on that!

Avinash Luthria, SEBI Registered fee-only investment advisor explains why one should not retire early in India (or US or elsewhere) based on the so-called 4% retirement rule (explained below).  I respect Avinash’s approach to investing especially his realistic views on risk and reward. Avinash Luthria is Founder, Fee-Only Financial Planner & SEBI Registered Investment Adviser…

Continue reading →

How investors get fooled into buying mutual funds with wrong expectations

Most investors, thanks to wonderful propaganda by the AMCs, believe mutual funds would give them fantastic returns and invest with wrong expectations. They also are made to think “staying investing” will get rid of risk, although it never will*. Here is an example of an ICICI mutual fund ad that helps drive in the wrong…

Continue reading →