In this article, a set of simple steps for selecting an index fund is outlined for those who need one. Some frequently asked questions on Index funds and ETFs are also discussed.
Continue reading →The titular question was posed by a reader a few days ago. Naturally, the AMC would allow a SIP from any MF, but does it make sense to start one in a gilt mutual fund that invests in long-term govt bonds? We look the SIP returns of I-BEX a composite sov bond index to understand…
Continue reading →The freefincal Equity Mutual Fund Performance Screener (June 2020) is now available. Inside, you also get an Rs. 1000 off, discounted link to the lectures on goal-based portfolio management. Screener for consistently performing equity mutual funds in June 2020. You can screen on the basis of fund category & benchmark. Use this screener file to…
Continue reading →Have you ever wonder what returns one could get by buying Sovereign Gold Bonds? Here are some hard numbers.
Continue reading →In this article, we discuss the results of a buy when high, sell when low market timing strategy that surprisingly works with the best results out of all the timing strategies studied so far.
Continue reading →If your parents (or you yourself) have significant assets (property, gold, bank deposits, mutual funds, stocks etc) and more than one legal heir, a few simple steps can ensure who gets what asset after their (or your) time. A discussion (and this is not just about writing a will!). You can gently share this article…
Continue reading →In the last year (as on 29th May), two gilts ETFs returned 13% and all direct plan gilt funds moved up between 10% to 17%. Is this then a good time to buy gilt mutual funds?
Continue reading →When we look at “long term” gold charts, it is quite easy to assume, “gold always tend to given good returns” without realising how volatile it can be. There are ways to reduce the risk associated with buying gold and perhaps even get more returns if we are lucky. In this article, we discuss a…
Continue reading →With RBI 7.75% bonds no longer available and yields from tax-free bonds destroyed by increasing demand, investors looking for a “reasonable” mix of low volatility, credit quality, tax efficiency and liquidity can consider arbitrage mutual funds for long-term goals. How can return can we expect from arbitrage funds? An analysis of all the funds in…
Continue reading →The Government recently announced the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Scheme (DTVSV) 2020 to reduce litigation related to direct tax matters and provide an opportunity to willing taxpayers to settle their outstanding tax disputes under very favourable terms without payment of any interest or penalty (in cases of disputed tax demand). Let’s have a closer…
Continue reading →The RBI has announced the cessation of its 7.75 per cent Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 with effect from the end of business day, May 28th 2020. Where should one invest now?
Continue reading →A comparison between tax-free bonds that are available in the secondary market and RBI 7.75% bonds that can be obtained in the primary market. Which is better and how demand for tax-free bonds have quickly made them less attractive.
Continue reading →These are the key features of the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (Modified- 2020) Scheme that launches today, May 26th 2020.
Continue reading →Falling interest rates and “risky” mutual funds have spooked senior citizens and their self-appointed advisors – their children. As always, wrong questions like “should I invest in “7.75% RBI bonds?”, “Should I buy PM Vaya Vandana Yojana?” are doing the rounds. A look at how senior citizens should invest in 2020.
Continue reading →Covid-19 health insurance claims are rapidly increasing in the country. With no standardised hospital pricing and reports of huge hospital bills, insurers are finding it difficult to pay out claims in full. This could mean difficulties in claim processing and future increase in the already-high premiums. What should policyholders do?
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