Page 2 - Guide To Personal Finance

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

Housing in tier-II cities: Assess job prospects, infra before investing

Tier 2 cities are emerging as attractive real estate destinations due to expanding employment opportunities

Align investment horizon with portfolio duration for short-term debt funds

While all investors should have some allocation to shorter-duration debt funds for portfolio stability, the exact proportion should depend on their risk appetite

Reducing home loan: Switch to lower-cost loan if credit profile improves

Until repo rate cuts begin, borrowers can explore other options to lower their home loan burden

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

Consumption funds: Strong returns await investors who can endure slowdowns

Over the past year, consumption funds yielded returns of 28.6 per cent, lower than PSU (46.4 per cent), pharma (42 per cent), infrastructure (39.1 per cent), and technology (37.8 per cent)

Is NPS Vatsalya retirement scheme for your child too far-fetched an idea?

While the scheme allows you to plan for your child's retirement well after you may be gone, you should focus first on your retirement and kids' education

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

Link UPI app to bank account having limited funds; set daily limits

Fraudsters also place fake QR codes over legitimate ones-on parking meters, donation boxes, etc. When users scan them, the payment goes to fraudsters' accounts

Buy more, hold, or sell? Let fundamentals, valuations guide decisions

High valuations are the primary reason behind the correction in mid- and small-cap stocks

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

Investing in ETFs: Ensure low tracking error, alignment with risk appetite

Investors should approach ETFs as long-term investments and avoid frequent trading

Bitcoin rally: Book partial profits, full exit unnecessary unless needed

Institutional interest in cryptocurrencies is up, as is evident from the increased volumes in Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

After recent silver rally, limit exposure to 5%, enter with 7-year horizon

A weaker US dollar and lower Treasury yields have enhanced the appeal of precious metals

Diwali bonus: Splurge, but also repay costly debt, replenish emergency fund

Those without high-cost debt can invest the money to achieve financial goals

Limit small and medium Reit exposure at 5% till they develop track record

SM REITs are for investors looking to diversify

Make your investment portfolio more resilient by adding a quality fund

Investors are shifting from growth and speculative stocks towards quality stocks, which offer predictable earnings and tend to perform well in challenging market conditions

Travel insurance: Get pre-existing ailments covered by paying extra premium

Non-medical coverage includes trip cancellations, curtailments, flight delays, missed connections, and loss of checked-in baggage, passports, and other important documents

Chinese market surge: Experts urge cautious entry amid uncertain recovery

Key measures include reducing baseline interest rates by 20 basis points (bps), mortgage rates by 50 bps, and the reserve ratio by 50 bps