Page 21 - Sanjay Kumar

Why your allocation to EPF should not change despite interest rate cut

The Employees' Provident Fund Organization recently slashed the interest rate on EPF from 8.5% to 8.1% for 2021-22. This is the lowest rate in more than four decades. But it still holds the edge.

Getting homebuyers off the fence: Do not time the market, say experts

Instead enter with a long-term horizon; go for quality projects

Market correction a chance to allocate more to equities, albeit gradually

Don't bet excessively on gold based on its recent rally as an early end to the Russia-Ukraine war could bring it to a halt

For international investing, you must begin with ETFs and index funds

As for stock investing, depository receipts offer better protection while international broker route offers more choices

NPS assured return scheme likely to offer modest return, go equity-heavy

For a long-term goal like retirement, NPS subscribers should ideally opt for an equity-heavy portfolio

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Investors are seeking refuge in fixed-income options

RBI's floating rate bond is a safe and long-duration product you may enter into at present

Choose a financial planner who asks the right questions, says Noel Maye

Look for someone who has the CFP certification. Talk to more than one planner, suggests Maye

Reduce exposure to high-beta funds amid choppier conditions: Experts

If your funds' decline on that day left you unnerved, you need to re-examine your holdings

Use the market correction as an opportunity to buy quality stocks

Those investors who are unable to handle market volatility should take an advisor's help or use hybrid mutual funds

Ukraine crisis: Mitigate volatility with multi-asset funds, say experts

According to the Sebi norms, multi-asset funds must have 10 per cent exposure each to equities, debt and gold

Avoid longer-duration funds as interest rates may harden: Analysts

Shorter-duration ones will see lower mark-to-market impact

Tilt portfolio towards large-caps for smoother path amid market volatility

These funds have contained downside risk better than mid- and small-cap categories in past downturns

Passive debt funds: Hold till maturity for return certainty, say experts

With interest rates expected to rise, staggered investments in target maturity funds will be advisable, say experts

If you are scouting for a property deal in the luxury segment, strike now

If the current uptrend in demand persists, prices could begin to inch up

Want low-interest loan this festive season? Need a credit score over 750

In fact, you should monitor your credit score regularly because if it is low, it will take time to improve it

Tips to help you make a safe start if you're new to the equity markets

New investors should make a staggered entry into markets with minimum 5-year time period and diversified exposure

With dengue cases on the rise, a cover for vector-borne diseases is a must

Such a plan make sense especially for those who are unable to obtain a comprehensive health cover

How to learn from setbacks

Readers should pay heed to the chapter in which Mr Erikson spells out the four stages through which one passes when trying to learn something new

Scrutinise the deals and discounts while buying a house this festive season

Be guided by more crucial considerations such as the budget, the location, and the projects that are right for you

Use the current phase of correction to build your allocation to gold

It can act as hedge against high inflation or slowdown