Page 3 - Your Money

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Be warned that incomplete, outdated and inconsistent documents can delay loan approval and disbursal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

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