Your Money

Small-cap index at 8-month low: Take staggered, long-term fund exposure

Keep allocation measured and aligned to your risk appetite, given the segment's higher risk

Tackling portfolio overlap: Invest fresh money in underrepresented segments

When building a portfolio, diversify by market cap, style, and geography to minimise chances of overlap

Pharma & healthcare funds: Easing valuations, rising insurance aid outlook

Price controls by the Indian regulator, USFDA actions, and concentration risk are key concerns

Co-borrowers must be co-owners and contribute to EMIs to claim tax benefits

The deduction claimed must be in proportion to their ownership share and actual EMI contribution

Child insurance plans suit risk-averse parents seeking assured goals

Those prioritising higher returns and greater flexibility may prefer term cover with mutual fund investments

Align tax saving with your financial goals, horizons, and liquidity needs

Begin making these investments now, based on informed choices, instead of waiting till the last moment when mistakes are more likely

Flexi-cap funds: Invest if you prefer managers to handle market cap mix

Poor sector and stock selection calls can, however, lead to underperformance

AI-based financial scams: Set a family code word for emergency requests

Pause and verify the caller's identity independently before transferring funds

Moderate-risk investors may choose balanced advantage funds for 2026

Balanced advantage funds offer equity participation with lower volatility through dynamic asset allocation, though they are not risk-free and returns can turn negative over the short term

PFRDA forms expert committee to frame assured payout mechanism under NPS

PFRDA CHAIrman S Ramann saiD Access to Pension Products is essential for every Citizen as long-term financial security cannot be left to chance

Investing in Bitcoin: Use price correction to accumulate for next upswing

Investing systematically can help investors benefit from volatility rather than be overwhelmed by it

Life insurance mis-selling: Review benefit illustration, premium table

Beware of comparisons with FDs, and demand that all promises be put down in writing

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