Sarbajeet K Sen

They fall less when interest rates rise, but also rise less in a declining rate environment

These schemes invest in high-dividend stocks to cushion downside volatility, but they can underperform growth-oriented equity funds during strong bull market phases

Price controls by the Indian regulator, USFDA actions, and concentration risk are key concerns

Balanced advantage funds offer equity participation with lower volatility through dynamic asset allocation, though they are not risk-free and returns can turn negative over the short term

A shift in sector leadership could also favour these funds

These concentrated bets suit experienced investors who can assess sector prospects and invest at attractive valuations

Thematic and sector funds offer focused exposure to structural trends that may not be adequately represented in broader diversified portfolios

Weaker-than-expected earnings due to external shocks or unforeseen domestic developments could affect performance

After a bumper run in 2025, silver's long-term case remains intact, but experts warn investors to brace for volatility and moderate returns as global conditions evolve

Choose them for their strong wealth creation potential and short lock-in period, especially if you remain on the old tax regime, but don't judge them on past-year returns alone

Allocation should be commensurate with investor's risk appetite and horizon

Multi-asset allocation funds offer diversification across equities, debt and commodities with tax-efficient rebalancing, but they can lag pure equity funds during strong bull markets, experts say

Large-cap funds have shown steady performance, with recent results pointing to improving earnings momentum across leading companies. Experts say valuations look appealing for long-term investors

New investors should enter US-focused funds systematically with at least a seven-year horizon, while existing ones rebalance portfolios and moderate tech exposure amid high valuations

Avoid behavioural error of entering near cyclical peak and exiting around bottom

Only seasoned investors with high risk appetite and a long horizon should hold manufacturing funds within their satellite portfolios, say experts

Health insurance policies often exclude several expenses. Sometimes claims get rejected. Standoffs between hospitals and insurers sometimes lead to cashless facility not being available

Ladder investments across tenures to manage reinvestment risk, maintain liquidity, and balance returns amid falling interest rates and limited fixed-income options

Such funds are not entirely immune to volatility due to their considerable equity allocation

Conglomerate firms are resilient, but risks in one unit can spill across the group