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Corporate FDs give better returns than bank deposits...

...But don't go below AA+ papers; opt for longer tenures to avoid re-investment risk

Don't get lured by exotic structures

Invest in such products only if a mutual fund or direct equity investment can't do the job

SBI launches loan resolution scheme

But use the extension of tenure option carefully, as it can be done only once

Don't buy MF schemes for bonus, dividends

Choose growth option that will help multiply money due to compounding

Use SIPs to enter long-term bond funds

Investors can hope to get double-digit returns over 12-18 months if interest rates fall 50-100 bps. There are options if this doesn't work out

Fine print in govt-promoted insurance schemes

Personal accident cover is good but life insurance plan isn't cheap and pension plan is rigid on withdrawals

Retail investors should stay away from F&O

However, problem for savvy individuals, and on liquidity

New limit for derivatives trading may benefit investors

Move Sebi's indirect way of telling investors they need to be careful while trading in this segment

Buy it, hold it, forget it?

This Buffett-like strategy sounds good but investors need to link it to goals and also book profits when appropriate

Sebi frowns on new balanced fund launches

With regulator insisting on 50-50 asset mix for fresh entrants, only one fund has received approval since Jan 2012

Pledging shares by promoters increases risks

If they pledge more than 50% of holdings, that's a red flag

An expensive proposition

Charges of mutual fund schemes have risen about 20 per cent in the past year but don't let cost be your sole criterion to select one

Leveraging your assets

Asset-backed loans can be handy in meeting emergency needs. Cheaper than personal loans, these can even be taken by people with a poor credit rating

Nominee versus legal heir

To avoid any confusion, appoint the intended beneficiary as nominee

How to walk the mid-cap tightrope

With Sensex beating both mid- and small-cap indices comfortably over a 5-year period, experts advise caution while investing in these

Avoid new versions of 80:20 schemes

In case of project delays, the entire EMI burden might fall on buyers' shoulders

e-Filing tax returns to get easier

Aadhaar-based electronic verification code will do away with the need to send physical ITR-V copies to Bengaluru

Minimise re-investment risk through tax-free bonds

These are ideal for investors in the highest tax bracket. Those paying lower tax might be better off with debt MFs, non-convertible debentures or even bank FDs

A low-risk way to invest in equities

Dividend transfer plans of mutual funds can help conservative investors take exposure to equities

Choose listed companies over new offerings

With a majority of stocks in the past decade quoting below their issue price after listing, the secondary market might be a better bet for investors