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Value funds' outlook: Broad-based earnings recovery could boost performance

A shift in sector leadership could also favour these funds

Gold loan: Avoid maxing out on loan limit, maintain 20% valuation buffer

EMI-based repayment steadily reduces the principal and lowers LTV, offering better protection against price volatility than the bullet option

Home loan mistakes: Don't equate eligibility with repayment capacity

Be warned that incomplete, outdated and inconsistent documents can delay loan approval and disbursal

Reasonable valuations, earnings revival to aid small-cap funds in 2026

After underperforming in 2025, small-cap funds may see a turnaround as valuations become more reasonable and earnings revive; existing investors should stay invested, while new ones enter gradually

Sector, thematic funds' outlook: Avoid over-allocation, chasing returns

These concentrated bets suit experienced investors who can assess sector prospects and invest at attractive valuations

Midcap funds outlook for 2026 hinges on earnings rebound, rate support

After a subdued 2025, midcap funds could recover in 2026 if earnings revive and rates stay supportive. Experts advise a calibrated 10-30 per cent allocation with a long-term horizon

Term insurance: Marriage, childbirth, loans are triggers to raise cover

Experts say term insurance must be reviewed annually as income, liabilities and family responsibilities evolve, with life events often necessitating higher protection

Why a lower expense ratio alone may not be reason enough to switch funds

Focus on risk-adjusted performance, and switch only if it is below par for a sustained period

Skip duration bets, stick to short and medium-duration debt funds in 2026

Do not chase past returns, as the interest-rate environment that produced them no longer exists and gains from falling rates are largely behind investors

Annual Health insurance review: Tackle medical inflation, upgrade coverage

A 13-14% medical inflation rate makes upward revision of sum insured essential

Largecap funds in 2026: Earnings visibility, valuations support outlook

Weaker-than-expected earnings due to external shocks or unforeseen domestic developments could affect performance

NPS withdrawal norms: Greater fund access comes with onus to manage risk

Systematic Unit Redemption offers market-linked returns and deferred tax payment, but does not guarantee pension for lifetime

US-focused funds' outlook in 2026: Expect consolidation, moderate returns

US-focused mutual funds surged in 2025 on an AI-led rally. In 2026, expect consolidation and moderate returns; rebalance mega-cap tech exposure and invest in phases

Gold's outlook for 2026: Expect returns to moderate after scorching run-up

While existing investors should do partial rebalancing, new investors should enter in a staggered manner

Home loan balance transfer: Higher residual principal tenure drive savings

A high credit score is critical as it enables the borrower to secure the new loan at an attractive rate

Silver outlook for 2026: Demand drivers, supply limits may support prices

After a bumper run in 2025, silver's long-term case remains intact, but experts warn investors to brace for volatility and moderate returns as global conditions evolve

Belated return: Claim refunds, credits, carry forward house property loss

If you file an updated return later, you will have to pay interest and additional tax, and will not be able to claim refunds

Year-end fund review: Is underperformance cyclical or fundamental?

Temporary underperformance could be due to the fund manager's investment style not being favoured by the market currently; wait out such phases

Year-end portfolio review: Should you reduce weight of gold and silver?

Small deviations may be corrected by directing more money into underperforming assets like debt and equities

Rupee slide, overseas inflation key when planning foreign education

Factoring in only domestic inflation could lead to a shortfall