Himali Patel

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

How to pick a study-abroad loan amid weak rupee, tougher work visa regime

Taking a rupee loan and deciding a loan amount based on conservative estimates of earnings prospects should keep you safe

Sometimes, borrowing against MFs is more sensible than redeeming them

Instead of borrowing to the hilt, maintain a buffer to avoid margin calls during spells of market volatility

High gold prices boost exchange schemes: What customers must know

India's gold recycling market is expanding rapidly as rising prices push households to exchange old jewellery, but customers must watch for purity checks, deductions and opaque valuation practices

Contra funds: Can you weather the long periods of underperformance?

Make sure the fund manager does not abandon this strategy in a bull run

NSE's Electronic Gold Receipts: What needs to be checked before investing

Costs, liquidity, and the mechanism for conversion to physical gold are aspects you must understand before taking the plunge

Treat these novel strategies as diversifiers, not as core holdings

Treat SIFs as satellite holdings, not replacements for core mutual fund holdings, as management and threshold compliance risks remain

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

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

Young buyers dropping health cover risk savings, debt, investment setbacks

Combine base policy with super top-up, opt for policy with favourable bonus norms to manage premium cost

As credit card benefits decline, leverage offers to earn more rewards

The best way to optimise benefits is to keep multiple cards and use the one offering highest rewards for each spending category

Run-up in US funds: Invest for market, currency hedge with 7-year horizon

A resurgence of inflation could keep policy tight. Prolonged high interest rates could weigh on valuations and multiples

Senior living projects: Assess developer track record in service delivery

As senior living projects expand rapidly, experts advise buyers to assess developers' track record, service quality, costs and long-term sustainability before investing

Health insurance for cardiac patients: Specialised plans help, check terms

A specialised indemnity heart policy makes sense for someone diagnosed with a coronary disease, or one who has undergone a procedure like angioplasty or bypass surgery

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

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

Retirement funds: Invest if you are prone to panic-selling amid volatility

Sophisticated investors who manage diversified portfolios and don't wish to outsource asset allocation may avoid them

Correction in silver funds: Enter gradually with minimum five-year horizon

Existing investors who have become overweight after the bull run of the past year should book partial profits and rebalance

Margin calls in gold loans: Avoid borrowing over 50-60% of pledged value

Maintain a liquidity buffer in case you get a margin call due to falling gold prices