Page 9 - Your Money

SDL-based STRIPS: Use for duration matching, not for tactical gains

Invest for more than 12 months to enjoy favourable tax treatment

Assess true cost: Add up expense ratio of FoF and underlying funds

Understand the risks of the underlying funds and whether their strategies match your objectives

Suitable bets for cost-sensitive investors seeking market returns

Passive midcap and smallcap funds offer simplicity and low cost, but investors must weigh the risks including tracking error, volatility, and lack of downside protection

Shield your vehicle from monsoon damage with key insurance add-ons

With rains already flooding major cities, insurers advise critical add-ons like engine and battery protection to avoid costly vehicle repairs and ease claim settlement

Defence funds: Enter via SIP with 10-year view to manage valuation risk

Jefferies estimates India's defence sector opportunity at US$100-120 billion over the next five-six years

Cover for natural death begins after the initial waiting period ends

The initial waiting period is meant to safeguard against moral hazard

Gold ETFs gain favour; choose ones with low cost, minimal tracking error

More investors now adhere to the principle of asset allocation. "Increasingly, they treat gold as a financial asset in their portfolio rather than just as jewellery," says Vikram Dhawan

From MCLR to repo-linked loans, pick lenders with low, stable spread

Agarwal points out that rate changes in the external benchmark are transmitted automatically, without being influenced by a bank's internal cost structure

Coping with rising rentals: Research areas, opt for longer leases

A recent Reuters poll of housing experts also indicated that both house prices and rentals are likely to outpace consumer inflation this year

Buying forex: Compare exchange price offered by seller with interbank rate

One way to assess how much you paid is to compare the amount sent with the amount received

Avoid inoperative bank locker status with rent payments, periodic visits

Banks must follow standard operating procedures when accessing lockers in specific scenarios

Sebi circular on frauds: Verify registration before taking investment tips

Anyone claiming to be a Sebi-registered investment advisor or research analyst must provide a valid registration number

Minimising payout on home loan: Boost credit score, prepay, cut tenure

A home loan balance transfer can help move to a lower interest rate

Equity or debt-oriented? Let risk profile and time horizon decide for MAAFs

Amid market turbulence, investors seeking stability with reasonable returns may multi-asset allocation funds

Maharashtra RR rate hike: Choose ongoing projects, women ownership helps

The RR rate is the minimum value at which a property must be registered during a transaction

Low-volatility index funds, ETFs show lower drawdowns and higher returns

Low-volatility indices typically consist of the least volatile stocks within a particular index

China-focused MFs: Take limited exposure, watch out for policy shifts

The stressed real estate sector, a key driver of the economy, has not yet stabilised

Under-construction property: Check developer credibility before investing

Construction delays forced homebuyers to pay equated monthly instalments and rent simultaneously

Defensive funds: Focus on consistency across cycles, not just performance

Funds that curbed their losses may not necessarily lead the rebound

MF schemes merger: Stay invested if new fund fits your goal, risk appetite

Fund houses also merge schemes to cut costs and focus scarce fund management resources on their flagship schemes