Page 7 - Himali Patel

In a hyped-up IPO market, what is the best way to play the game in 2025?

Long-term investors should only invest in an IPO when the company's fundamentals are strong and valuations reasonable

Debt-equity mix in NPS fund: Base it on risk appetite, not past returns

The equity market showed remarkable strength, with the Sensex delivering 8.7 per cent year-to-date, while the mid-cap and small-cap indices returned 26.7 per cent and 30.6 per cent, respectively

Build debt fund portfolio diversified across duration, watch volatility

Take limited exposure to longer-duration debt funds; match horizon with fund's portfolio duration

How non-participating plans by insurers work as investment option

Lock-in returns for long-term with these plans from insurers

Travel insurance for holidayers should depend on place, trip duration, age

Travellers are also increasingly opting for add-ons covering refunds, adventure sports, and cyber fraud

Algo trading: Understand risks, have realistic return expectations

The circular is expected to provide retail investors access to registered and approved algos, ensuring their interests are protected

Largecap funds: Invest for fair valuations, ability to stabilise portfolio

While mid- and smallcap funds have outperformed, experts recommend maintaining a substantial allocation to largecap funds

Pace of price growth for housing properties expected to moderate next year

Potential homebuyers must ensure they don't overstretch themselves financially

Go with regulated entity: Listed bonds subject to ratings, oversight

Unlisted securities, issued by smaller companies, often promise high interest rates of 15-18 per cent to attract investors

Quant Funds: Algo-driven approach reduces human bias, risk of style drift

Quant funds adopt a systematic, rules-based approach to stock selection and portfolio management. They don't rely on fund managers to make investment decisions

Health claims rise: Combine base policy, super top-up for high coverage

To combat rising health insurance expenses, an adequate sum insured is essential

Business Cycle Funds: Macro-driven funds that can fall prey to timing risk

Business cycle funds aim to optimise returns by aligning their portfolios with different phases of the economic cycle

Align tax-saving investments with financial goals and asset allocation

Making a start now will give you time to choose instruments prudently and avoid mis-selling

Rupee's weakness: Achieve dollar goals with US funds and gold in portfolio

The primary cause of the rupee's fall against the US dollar is the latter's broad-based strengthening against major global currencies

Beating insurance mis-selling by banks: Use e-banking, reduce branch visits

Echoing her views, Debasish Panda, chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), also underscored growing concerns regarding banks mis-selling insurance products

Gold loans: Select repayment plan that perfectly matches your cash flows

Gold loan borrowers have a range of repayment plans they can choose from

Sector and thematic funds: Stay invested if you can assess prospects

Sector and thematic funds allocate at least 80% of their portfolios to stocks within a specific sector or theme

Equity-heavy portfolio will build corpus for child's education abroad

Parents must not compromise on retirement security to fund their children's higher education

Arbitrage funds: Tax-friendly debt alternative, but expect minor dips

Arbitrage funds capitalise on price differences between the spot and futures markets

Improve score, opt for secured credit card to tackle squeeze in issuances

If you are finding it hard to get a personal loan, try to get a collateral-based one