Author

Himali Patel

Articles

Should investors choose passive funds for smallcap market exposure?

While active smallcap funds have traditionally outperformed benchmarks, passive and smart-beta options offer lower costs and diversified exposure. The choice depends on investor preference and convict

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Real estate: Flexible payment plans offer ease but carry hidden costs

Those choosing such plans may also forgo the 8-10 per cent savings often available under down-payment option

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Gold bars, coins: Factor in premiums, making charges and GST costs

Indians continue to favour physical gold for tradition and security, but ETFs offer a more efficient, low-cost route for long-term investment

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Annuity plans: Compare payouts from various options, understand trade-offs

To tackle inflation, consider hybrid or increasing annuities, or combine fixed annuity with mutual funds; for legacy planning, opt for return-of-premium options

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Display steady credit behaviour for 3-6 months for easier card approval

Repay loans on time, keep credit utilisation below 30%, and avoid too many applications within a short period

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G-Secs gain popularity: Match investment horizon with tenor to reduce risk

Reinvestment risk can be dealt with by laddering investments

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Consumption funds: Hold if you can withstand volatility, invest for 5 yrs

New investors should stick to diversified equity funds; if they invest, they should take limited exposure in satellite portfolio

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Diversify your portfolio to guard against asset class leadership rotation

Investors can reduce the volatility that can arise from high exposure to a single asset class and earn sound risk-adjusted returns using a periodic table

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Home loan insurance: Buy individual term cover for greater flexibility

Individual term plan stays with the borrower even if the loan is prepaid, refinanced or transferred, and payout goes directly to the nominee

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Take cover: Check details, seek written confirmation of terrorism insurance

Terrorism coverage under term, health, and home policies varies across insurers and products, may require rider, and could come with loadings for high-risk occupations and regions

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