A reader writes, “Sir, I recently read your article – Sensex vs S&P 500 vs Nasdaq 100: Which is better for the long term? In this, you have plotted the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 in INR terms. Is there a way to quickly make such a comparison on our own?” As far as…
Continue reading →A reader writes, “Sir, you have repeatedly pointed out that it is hard for most active funds to beat the index, and this applies not only to large cap funds but also to mid cap and even small cap funds (when benchmarked with a mid cap index). However, can I use a hybrid like an…
Continue reading →In this edition of the fund performance report, we review DSP Equity & Bond Fund. The fund was launched as DSP Merrill Lynch Balanced Fund in May 1999. Then, DSP BlackRock Balanced Fund in 2008, and DSP Equity and Bond Fund in 2018. The fund currently has an AUM of Rs. 6,837 Crores. Disclaimer: Fund performance reports…
Continue reading →We publish a list of stocks with low volatility and momentum each month. We provide data for BSE 500 and BSE 100 stocks. There are now three different screener files available. (1) Stocks with low volatility and momentum from the BSE 100 large cap universe are available as a separate file (2) Stocks with low…
Continue reading →A reader writes, “There are many investment options for senior citizens. However, today many people retire or are forced to well before 60. Where can such people invest for regular income and cash preservation and wealth creation?” Today even those above 60 are forced to look beyond traditional savings instruments to protect their money from…
Continue reading →A reader asks, “I am 28 years old and wish to retire by 45. My monthly expenses are about Rs. 40,000. My current net worth is essentially zero as I just started to work. How much should I invest to retire by 45? I do not intend to get married. I can manage to invest…
Continue reading →A reader who prefers anonymity asks, “Sir, I am a big fan of your articles. Thanks to you, we have started investing in a goal-based manner. We are not yet investing as much as we should for these goals. We live in rented accommodation. My husband wants us to buy a house as soon as…
Continue reading →I have invested in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) since 8th March 2010. This is a performance report of how the NPS invested has fared over the last 12+ years. We also compare the returns with EPF. Note: Kindly do not assume that I am recommending NPS instruments. My situation is quite different from most….
Continue reading →In this edition of the fund performance report, we review HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund. In a baffling and messy response to the SEBI categorisation rules, HDFC decided to close both its balanced funds, HDFC Balanced and HDFC Prudence and merge them with unknown funds! From June 1st 2018, HDFC Balanced and its AUM merged with…
Continue reading →This article compares my stock portfolio with an equivalent investment in a Nifty index fund and the Nifty 100 Low Volatility 30 TR index. Before we begin, investors need to appreciate the context of these investments. I started direct equity investing only after achieving a comfortable level of financial independence and ensuring my son’s future…
Continue reading →Edelweiss Gold and Silver ETF Fund of Fund is an open-ended scheme investing in Gold ETF and Silver ETF units. The fund is currently in its NFO period (Aug 24th to 7th Sep 2022). In this review, we discuss if it makes sense for investors to consider such a fund. The scheme presentation says the…
Continue reading →Satish asks, “Sir, I am 24 years old and will be receiving my first salary in Aug 2022. My basic pay is close to Rs. 35,000. The gross pay is about Rs. 63,000. The take-home after TDS and EPF deductions is close to Rs. 50,000. I need to give Rs. 10,000 to my parents each…
Continue reading →This article explains how international mutual funds are taxed with an example. All mutual funds not holding a minimum of 65% of Indian stocks or Indian stock-based ETFs are known as “non-equity” mutual funds by the income tax department. They are taxed at a rate of 20% with indexation. In the case of non-equity mutual…
Continue reading →Here are five free resources (two ebooks, two webinars and a policy comparison spreadsheet) to help you choose a suitable health insurance policy. 1. Ebook on Health Insurance by Venkatesh Jayaraman. Author Bio: I was brought up in Chennai and moved around Bengaluru, Chennai, Mysuru and Pune to cater for my career requirements. But primarily…
Continue reading →The Mutual Fund space in India is reasonably large and growing. At the time of writing, there are 52 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 article…
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