Himali Patel

These funds carry valuation risk and can lag during speculative phases of bull markets

They offer the sweet spot of reasonably attractive yields without excessive interest-rate risk

Finance Bill 2026 shifts share buyback proceeds to capital gains tax from April 2026, easing the burden for many investors, while tightening tax rules for SGB buyers

Budget 2026 lowers TCS on foreign education, medical remittances and overseas tours, easing cash flow for families and simplifying compliance for NRI property deals

New investors should enter gradually, invest with a 5-10 year horizon, and cap exposure at 5-7 per cent of the portfolio

These bonds could prove risky for investors who might need to exit early

The scheme may not suit investors who want liquidity, are targeting short- to medium-term goals, or are uncomfortable with equity volatility

Those prioritising higher returns and greater flexibility may prefer term cover with mutual fund investments

Pause and verify the caller's identity independently before transferring funds

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

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

EMI-based repayment steadily reduces the principal and lowers LTV, offering better protection against price volatility than the bullet option

After underperforming in 2025, small-cap funds may see a turnaround as valuations become more reasonable and earnings revive; existing investors should stay invested, while new ones enter gradually

Experts say term insurance must be reviewed annually as income, liabilities and family responsibilities evolve, with life events often necessitating higher protection

Focus on risk-adjusted performance, and switch only if it is below par for a sustained period

US-focused mutual funds surged in 2025 on an AI-led rally. In 2026, expect consolidation and moderate returns; rebalance mega-cap tech exposure and invest in phases

While existing investors should do partial rebalancing, new investors should enter in a staggered manner

Temporary underperformance could be due to the fund manager's investment style not being favoured by the market currently; wait out such phases

Small deviations may be corrected by directing more money into underperforming assets like debt and equities

Taxes on capital gains and dividends are paid at the fund level; investors do not pay