Himali Patel

Gold surge: Should you invest, book profits or rebalance your portfolio?

Avoid chasing the rally; stagger fresh investments and rebalance if gold exceeds your target allocation

Retail traders' F&O losses stay high: How investors can limit the damage

Nearly 88% of individual F&O traders lost money in FY26. High leverage, frequent trading and behavioural mistakes can amplify losses, making disciplined risk management essential

Unclaimed deposits: How heirs can trace and claim the money from banks

Forgotten bank deposits can remain claimable even after transfer to the DEA Fund. Knowing how to search UDGAM and navigate nominee or legal-heir rules can make recovery easier

Largecaps for stability, mid and smallcap funds for higher returns

Maintaining exposure across various market-cap categories is important as leadership can change during different market phases

RBI sets new loan recovery rules: What changes for borrowers in 2027

RBI's binding rules on recovery will restrict contact hours and recovery-agent conduct, while safeguarding against wrongful device locking, but third-party agents could pose challenges.

Property, REIT or index fund: How to pick the right real estate investment

Compare capital needs, liquidity, diversification and risks before selecting an investment route

Ensure product suitability so you stay the course with life insurance

Low policy persistency often reflects unsuitable product choices. Careful evaluation of insurance needs, affordability and investment goals can help policyholders avoid lapses and stay invested.

GIFT City Outbound Funds: With international funds closing down for SIP

With international mutual funds shut for fresh SIPs, GIFT City IFSC funds offer Indian investors a new route to global diversification through the LRS framework

Momentum factor funds: Invest only with 5-yr horizon, high risk tolerance

Use them as part of a portfolio containing multiple factor strategies

Momentum funds can see sharp reversals; limit satellite portfolio exposure

Check the underlying index and concentration, and invest for at least five years

File full and accurate details in tax return forms to claim deductions

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can have penal consequences

Use short-term insurance to cover time-bound financial liabilities

They should be used as top-ups, not as the base cover for providing long-term protection to the family

Map spending pattern, pick credit cards that align with it to boost savings

Relying on generic cards that offer flat, low reward rates can reduce your savings

Long-duration bonds: Match investment horizon with the bond's tenure

Check post-tax returns, and preferably hold till maturity to reduce interest-rate risk

Smallcap funds are rising: Should investors raise the exposure now?

After a sharp rebound in recent months, smallcap funds are back in favour. Experts weigh the opportunities, risks and suitability for different investors

Home loan protection plan or term cover: How borrowers should choose

If you give greater priority to flexibility, then opt for a term insurance plan

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

Indispensable checks you must run before using Form 16 to file ITR

Before filing ITRs, salaried taxpayers should reconcile Form 16 and Form 16A with AIS, Form 26AS and personal records to avoid errors and notices

Multi-factor funds: Choose the right mix to balance risk and returns

Check the track record of the factor combination, tracking error and expense ratio before investing

Smallcap valuations have moderated; understand the risks before you enter

The performance of these funds will hinge on a strong earnings recovery