SEO Simplified By Gabs Gaurs &amp; Geets

The stock market has been disappointing investors for the past five years. Market bellwether BSE Sensex has given a 2.74% annualised return amidst bouts of volatility. But what if you had mixed some bonds (or fixed income instruments in market parlance) with your equity investments? Well, you have fared a little better. According to Morningstar India, a mutual fund tracking entity, balanced funds, as a category, delivered an annualised return of 5.02% in the five years ended December 31, 2011, leaving behind large-cap equity funds (3.16%) and small- & mid-cap equity funds' category (2.97%). Does it make sense for an equity investor to invest in balanced funds now? Balanced funds offer a judicious mix of debt and equity. As equities are attractively valued with limited downside and interest rates almost peaking, one can now expect healthy risk-adjusted returns from balanced funds.

Balanced funds are in India for almost two decades now. According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India, as on November 30, 2011, . 15,457 crore is invested in 30 open-ended balanced funds. Balanced funds, as the name suggests, try to offer an asset allocation tilted a bit towards equity. Typically, these funds invest 65-75% of their corpus in equities and the rest in fixed income instruments.

A young executive at the start of his career who wants to build a portfolio which is primarily invested in equities and rest in quality fixed income instruments can check out balance funds. "Balanced funds make a good portfolio choice for first time investors who are not aware of their risk taking capacity. Another plus point is moving toward an asset allocation or building a portfolio mix of equity and debt. A balanced fund, of course, brings in the right asset allocation. More importantly it brings in discipline in asset allocation that an individual investor may not necessarily have.

Investing in a portfolio that offers both equities and debt works for investors. Though equities offer spectacular long-term returns, they can provide low or even negative returns during an economic downturn. For a first time investor, the fall in value of his equity portfolio may be tough to handle. If his portfolio has got some allocation in debt, the interest income from such investments would offer some cushion. That is why these funds do well in downturns than diversified equity funds. In CY 2008, balanced funds lost 37.88% against a fall of 53.08% in large-cap equity funds and 59.01% in case of mid- and small-cap equity funds.

A similar performance was recorded in CY 2011, when balanced funds lost 13.47% whereas largecap diversified equity funds lost 24.33% and mid- and small-cap funds lost 24.99%.

Most investors have an uneasy relationship with volatility in the stock market. Most of them get attracted to equity in a bull run. But when the market starts going down, they trend to panic. Many of them try to sell their stocks even at a loss to get out of the market. A balance fund could offer some comfort to such investors. Balanced funds are less volatile compared to their diversified equity counterparts. Standard deviation, a statistical measure of volatility, proves the point. Standard deviation (SD) for balance funds in the last five years ending December 31, 2011 stood at 20.47. The SD for largecap diversified equity funds for the same period was 29.65 and 32.46 for small- & mid-cap diversified equity funds. For the uninitiated, lower the standard deviation, less the volatility. The adjoining table makes it clear that the balanced funds were less volatile than their diversified equity counterparts in three- and ten-year time frame too. Put simply, if you have an uneasy relationship with volatility, better stick to balanced funds.

Asset Rebalancing

Most investors know about the importance of asset allocation and rebalancing of assets periodically. However, only a few managed to practice the theory and earn superior risk-adjusted returns. Often investors fall prey to fear or greed and miss the opportunity to act. Balanced funds can be of help here, too. Fund managers have to stick to the asset allocation. Fund managers sell equity as it surges past the prescribed threshold, thus bringing money to safer fixed income. That works in favour of novice investors who need not necessarily understand when to book profits in equity investments. In falling markets, fund managers end up buying more equities, at cheaper prices. Balanced funds thus address the important challenges faced by investors, such as asset allocation and asset rebalancing, and bring discipline in investing.

Should You Buy?

Young investors looking to build a corpus to meet their medium- to long-term financial goals can invest in balanced funds. "The longer you remain invested in a good balanced fund, the better it is for your portfolio. Consider a balanced fund with a minimum one year horizon. Long-term investments in balanced funds also benefit from favourable tax treatment. "As balanced funds invest at least 65% of the money in equity, the fund is treated like an equity fund for purpose of taxation. If the investor remains invested for one year, the gains do not attract tax. It is better to opt for systematic investment plan to invest in balanced fund as most of the money is invested in equity. Sure, some smart folks would want to know why they can't manage two different funds — one equity and one debt. Sure, you can go ahead with the plan, but be prepared to pay higher taxes. Obviously, it will bring down the post-tax returns. The only and most important downside with balanced funds is the possibility of lower returns compared to diversified equity funds in the longer term. But then that would be the sacrifice you would be making for peace of mind.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Stock Dividend yield

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 05:20 AM PDT

A stock's dividend yield is expressed as an annual percentage and is calculated as the company's annual cash dividend per share divided by the current price of the stock. Ideally, a higher dividend yield indicates safety.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

With Increase in Interest rate Small savings become attractive

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Posted: 30 Mar 2012 05:01 AM PDT

RETAIL investors chasing high-interest bearing debt instruments can also look at several attractive postal schemes, including a new 10-year National Savings Certificate (NSC), introduced by the postal department last year in December.

Scheme of things: In December 2011, the department of posts revised the interest rate for several saving schemes and aligned them with comparable returns yielded by government securities of similar maturity.

The new 10-year NSCs has been introduced by the department of posts, which will issue certificates in denomination of Rs 100, Rs 500, Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000.

Under this scheme, Rs 100 will grow to Rs 234.35 after 10 years.

The new 10-year NSC can be purchased by an adult for himself/herself or on behalf of a minor any time of the year.

Various time deposit schemes with maturity from one year to five years under the revised interest rates, which are compounded quarterly, offer attractive rates of interest to investors.

Fixed deposits: One year fixed deposit (FD) offers 7.7 per cent, two-year FD 7.8 per cent, three-year FD 8 per cent and five-year FD 8.3 per cent.

Monthly Income Scheme: Another very attractive scheme for investors is the Monthly Income Scheme (MIS), where annual interest rate offered now has gone up to 8.2 per cent from 8 per cent earlier. However, the 5 per cent bonus offered earlier on maturity, that is at the end of six years has been discontinued from December 1, 2011. Now the scheme matures in five years.

Under the MIS, an investor can deposit a maximum Rs 4.5 lakh in a single account and Rs 9 lakh in a joint account.

For postal Public Provident Fund (PPF) scheme too with effect from December 1, 2011, the rate of interest on the subscriptions made to the fund on or after and balances at credit of the subscriber in the existing PPF account will earn an interest at the rate of 8.6 per cent per annum.

PPF's interest rate was revised upward from 8 per cent to 8.6 per cent as well and the annual investment limit has been raised from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,00,000.

PPF is the most popular taxsaving instrument, which offers a rebate under Section 88 of the Income Tax Act. Interest accrued is tax-free.

Also, in a worst-case scenario, a PPF account cannot be attached by the government or any court of law or through any decree.

Among post office schemes, PPF continues to be attractive, but, other schemes also provide alternatives, such as bank fixed deposits and one-time issues like taxfree bonds from PFC and NHAI

Rural push: post office schemes are more suited for rural folks and for people in smaller towns where people have plenty of time, because dealing with post offices, particularly redemptions, takes a lot of time.

Core banking solution (CBS): With the banking services at the post offices now slated to have core banking features, it will be possible for post office savings account holders to withdraw money from any location through ATMs.

According to officials of the department of posts, the core banking transition process is at present underway; the customer can avail of core banking solution in 2013.

Savings accounts: The recent revision in interest rates for savings bank account and freeing of the Rs 1,00,000 limit is, perhaps, a step to align postal banking services with the soon-to-be introduced core banking solution.

Savings account maintained with post offices now from October 1, 2011, will have no limit on retaining balance in single as well as joint savings account, against Rs 1,00,000 limit earlier. A depositor or depositor(s) can deposit any amount into a single as well as joint savings account now. Maturity value of any savings instrument from the department of posts can be credited into savings account of the depositor standing in the same post office, irrespective of the balance in the account.

Earlier, depositors could not keep more than Rs 1,00,000 in a savings account.

From the financial year 2011-12, interest income of Rs 3,500 in the case of single account and Rs 7,000 in case of joint account will be exempted from income tax.

Along with core banking facilities for its customers, the department of posts is looking at new business opportunities. The department of posts has invited a feasibility report from various consultancy firms for setting up a new business structure under it for managing and developing the emerging and premium services in the postal sector.

It is in the process of preparing a project report for setting up the business structure.

The department of posts presently has a vast mandate that ranges from delivery of letters to provision of banking and insurance services. The department is focusing on the international postal business, premium services and emerging services, so that the commercial potential of these business streams is fully exploited and the services are run in a more professional manner.

The department intends to explore the feasibility and viability of setting up a dedicated, wholly-owned company for this purpose.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

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Value Investing

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 04:44 AM PDT

There is a heated debate going on amidst the investor community on whether the domestic stock markets will fall further or not. Many analysts who were optimistic till a few months ago have now thrown in the towel. The sign of decline in the domestic macroeconomic environment has disappointed even the most optimistic investor.

There is a sense of resignation that the stock markets will do nothing for sometime or worse may fall further. Which ever side of the debate one belongs to, the common opinion is that most stocks listed in the stock markets are available at mouth-watering valuations.

Best time for value investing

The question that then arises is should investors pick up some stocks at the current valuations knowing fully well that their stocks can have some downside if the markets correct. The answer obviously is yes.

Long-term or value investors with an ability to withstand some erosion in the nominal value of their portfolios should probably start investing is a staggered fashion in their favourite stocks.

Become a value investor

Value investors rely on fundamental analysis for stock picking. Some of the world's best-known investors use fundamental analysis to choose stocks. Fundamental analysis implies understanding the company thoroughly by dissecting its past performance and on that basis trying to predict its future performance, and its stock price.

   Analysing a company's financial and operational data is indeed a time consuming long-drawn process. An easier way to understand a company would be to focus on its numbers. A company's financial numbers - earnings per share (EPS) and price to earnings ratio - can help an investor short list stocks that are worth looking at for value investing.

Some of the metrics that can help an investor pick stocks are:

P/E ratio

This is a valuation ratio of a company's current share price as compared to its per share earnings. A higher price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio indicates that you are paying more for the company in anticipation of high growth. This can work both ways.
   If the investors' expectations are not met the stock price can come down sharply. Hence, a value investor goes for stocks that have lower P/E, indicating that the stock in underpriced in comparison to its performance. Today, most blue-chip companies in the domestic stock markets are quoting at lower P/E ratios.

Dividend yield

A stock's dividend yield is expressed as an annual percentage and is calculated as the company's annual cash dividend per share divided by the current price of the stock. Ideally, a higher dividend yield indicates safety.

Income investors value a dividend-paying stock, while growth investors have little interest in dividends. Value investors, on the other hand, look out for high dividend yields in a stock as a measure of safety.

Low debt

Debt and equity financing are two different financial strategies adopted by a company. Debt means borrowing money for business needs. Equity shows the extent of stakeholders' cash in a company. A higher debt in a company is a danger sign because in tough times like these the company could have trouble repaying it.

   Value investors prefer companies with low debt as such a company is a safe one to invest in.

Free cash flow

A company's earnings almost never equal the amount of cash it brings in. Companies report their financials using accounting principles, leading to a mismatch in the reported profits and actual cash a company has generated. So, while a company could be reporting a huge profit it could be making very little cash.
   Therefore, it may be a good idea to look for companies with a positive free cash flow. As with the debt-equity ratio, this metric gains significance in tough times.

Returns on capital

Returns on capital employed (ROCE) is the rate of returns a business is making on the total capital employed in the business. Capital will include all sources of funding (shareholders' funds and debt). Ideally higher the ratio the better it is.

This ratio indicates how well a company is using its capital. It makes sense to use this ratio on companies along with their peers to get the correct picture.

Qualitative factors

Stock picking cannot be done on the basis of ratios alone. Qualitative factors such as management matter in a company's valuation. The ratios mentioned are good starting points to identify stocks that are fundamentally-strong for longterm investing. They can start you off on a journey to discover stocks that could be multi-baggers in your portfolio.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Free cash flow of a company

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Posted: 30 Mar 2012 04:06 AM PDT

A company's earnings almost never equal the amount of cash it brings in. Companies report their financials using accounting principles, leading to a mismatch in the reported profits and actual cash a company has generated. So, while a company could be reporting a huge profit it could be making very little cash.
Therefore, it may be a good idea to look for companies with a positive free cash flow. As with the debt-equity ratio, this metric gains significance in tough times.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Submit filled up application Collection canter near you

IIFL Mutual Fund New FMP

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 02:27 AM PDT

IIFL Mutual Fund has launched a new fund named as IIFL Fixed Maturity Plan Series 3, a close ended income scheme. The new fund offer will close for subscription on March 29.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

---------------------------------------------

Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Submit filled up application Collection canter near you

Returns on Capital

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 01:53 AM PDT

Returns on capital employed (ROCE) is the rate of returns a business is making on the total capital employed in the business. Capital will include all sources of funding (shareholders' funds and debt). Ideally higher the ratio the better it is.

This ratio indicates how well a company is using its capital. It makes sense to use this ratio on companies along with their peers to get the correct picture.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

CDSL Ventures starts first KRA agency

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Posted: 30 Mar 2012 01:08 AM PDT

CDSL Ventures Ltd (CVL), a fully-owned subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) promoted Central Depository Services, today become the first KYC Registration Agency (KRA) in the country. The market regulator has made the KRA system mandatory for all client accounts opened from January 1.

A KRA is a Sebi-registered agency that centrally maintains KYC (know-your-client) records of investors on behalf of stock brokers and other intermediaries.

Investors opening new accounts with brokers will have to complete the KYC formalities only once, which will get uploaded to a KRA. In future if the investor changes the broker, the latter can retrieve the information from a KRA, unlike today, where an investor needs to undergo the entire KYC process once again. It will also benefit intermediaries or brokers, as it will save the back office and employee cost of maintaining KYC documents in physical form.

Intermediaries will benefit, as the KYC documents would be stored centrally with the KRA, which would bring down the storage cost, as these documents need to be preserved for 10 years.

Already, about 300 intermediaries have empanelled with CVL, which will perform the initial KYC of its clients and upload the details in the KRA system.

CVL would charge ~35 to intermediaries for a single KYC request. Meanwhile, KYC registration will be free for investors. There will not be any monetary incentive to intermediaries for uploading a KYC information with a KRA.

Once the KRA system stablises for Sebi, we will ask more financial sector regulators to implement the same. Sebi has already initiated preliminary talks with the regulators but everybody has their own requirements.

Sinha said the KRA initiative was aimed at easing investor experience. Earlier, the KYC process was a major irritant for investors.. There is no ceiling beyond which we won't permit KRAs. But going by the competition, there wont be too many KRAs.

NSDL, promoted by the National Stock Exchange, is also in the process of setting up a KRA.

Experts believe the KRA business might get a push once it is made mandatory for existing clients as well. At present existing clients can continue to transact with intermediaries through an already undergone KYC process.

|Investor opening a new account goes to a broker |Broker completes the KYC formalities and sends the documents to a KRA |KRA scans, digitalises and stores the documents |Investor becomes KYC-compliant |If an investor wishes to change his broker, the new broker pays ~35 to a KRA and gets access to the KYC information of client

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Joint holder in mutual funds

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Posted: 30 Mar 2012 12:17 AM PDT

The goal of having a joint holder in mutual funds is that in the event of the primary holder passing away, the joint holder can establish ownership of the fund units after submitting a death certificate. You will have to contact the fund company and fill out a form that will help you transfer the units in your mother's name.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

---------------------------------------------

Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Submit filled up application Collection canter near you

Debt Mutual Funds

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 11:45 PM PDT

In the last one-and-a half years, whenever financial planners were asked about investing in debt funds, the advice was — stay short. That is, invest in short-term debt funds. Things have changed significantly since the last fortnight, when the Reserve Bank of India indicated a halt in rate increases. Rates could now fall in the months to come.

As a result, market experts are happy advising long-term debt funds. We believe policy rates have peaked. It makes sense for investors to increase allocation towards longer duration funds. Investors can consider investments for horizons ranging from one to three years. And, for this, they can consider various types of funds — income funds, gilt funds or even dynamic bond funds —depending on their risk appetite.

If you have a horizon of 12-18 months, you should look at long-term income funds or gilt funds. Chiefly because, with these funds, one can get the advantage of high coupon rates and capital appreciation once the rates start falling.

Gilt funds are usually preferred by risk-averse investors, as these invest only in government securities. These are typically free of credit risk. Gilt funds offer tenures ranging from 9-18 months. However, the low risk will garner low returns as well. This category has given a pre-tax return of six per cent over the past year ended December 30, 2011, according to Value Research, an online portal comparing mutual funds.

Comparatively, income funds have returned 8.3 per cent annually. Dynamic bond funds have given higher returns, with average annual returns at nine per cent. The category's top performers, SBI Dynamic Bond and IDFC Dynamic Bond have even given returns of 11 per cent.

Dynamic bond funds are a good bet, as they are actively managed by the fund manager. He can take a view on the market and alter his holdings regularly, choosing from corporate and government papers.

However, such high involvement of the fund manager can even prove a double-edged sword. Reason: the funds performance is largely dependent on the fund managers ability to take the right calls. A slightly longer holding period of one three years is recommended for this category.

Many may argue that with fixed deposits (FDs) giving assured annual returns of 9.25 per cent for a period of one-10 years, these score over debt MFs. However, these returns, when compared on a post-tax basis, wont seem as attractive, especially for tenures exceeding a year. The recent NHAI bonds offering 8.3 per cent for 15 years has also caught the fancy of investors.

FD returns are taxed entirely at slab rates. In case of debt funds, long-term capital gains (for holding over one year at the time of sale), will be taxed at 10 per cent without indexation or 20 per cent with indexation.

If you sell your investment within a year, the capital gains are added to income and taxed according to the slab applicable. However, you can choose the dividend distribution tax to circumvent this.

Here, you will be given the dividend, net of a dividend distribution tax of 14 per cent (borne by the fund house).

Remember, though, that the shadow of uncertainty looms large. Financial planners opine the rate cut has only been hinted at and not begun. Investors must, therefore, move from short- to medium-term debt funds to long-term ones, gradually and in tranches.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Implications of extension of new fund offers for investors

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Posted: 29 Mar 2012 09:47 PM PDT

Investors should not wait for subscribing till the last day of the NFO for ensuring timely completion of the process

THERE are several occasions when a mutual fund announces the extension of a new fund offer (NFO) period. Investors are puzzled about whether this is a good sign or a bad one, and, hence, they tend to get worried when this happens.

There are different conditions under which an NFO's closing date is extended. There are several factors that need to be considered while analysing extensions.

Understanding the issue would help investors take right decisions based on available information.

Initial time period: An NFO is open for investment for a specific time period that is specified at the time of the launch of the issue. This is a period within which in investors can actually contribute the required amount to the fund and complete their investment requirements.

In most cases, the initial fund offer period is not very important due to the fact that these are open-ended funds, therefore, there will be several opportunities down the line when investors will be able to invest in the fund according to their convenience. There are no restrictions on when an investor invests in open ended funds.

At the same time, there are not going to be major changes witnessed immediately in terms of the value of the fund because it will be open for subscriptions for a few more days. The value of the fund depends on the underlying asset.

Inadequate subscriptions: There are times when an NFO does not get the required amount of investment from various investors during the initial time period. There are always some internal targets that are set for collections, therefore, when this is not met, then, the investor would find that the NFO period has been extended.

An investor must evaluate an NFO on its merits and whether it in tune with his requirements. Just because the NFO is not very popular with other investors, it does not necessarily mean that an investor should not subscribe to it, if he needs that kind of a fund exposure in his portfolio.

Facing adverse market conditions: Sometimes, there could be a sudden deterioration in market conditions and this could lead to poor sentiments among investors. In such a situation,

the fund offerings that are open might be affected, even though they would not have much to do with the situation. These conditions could prompt funds to extend their offer period, which would give investors more time to invest in the fund.

Investors should evaluate the situation and take action based only on their own interests.

Investor's action: Investors should be clear in their minds as to why they are actually investing in a particular area and a fund. If there is nothing that differentiates a fund from several others in the market, then it would not make much sense to subscribe to the new fund, and, hence, such offers can be put on hold to review performance.

However, there could be times when an NFO offers some unique features, in which case, an investor might want to subscribe because he wants to avail the benefits.

At the same time, there should not be any delay in making the investments. An investor should also not wait till the last day of the offer period to subscribe to ensure that the process is completed on time, failing which the investor faces the risk of losing an investment opportunity.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

10 Things To Do In Insurance Portfolio

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Posted: 29 Mar 2012 08:53 PM PDT

While taking a life insurance policy, I will ensure that I fill in the form myself and make sure all details are correctly filled in the form.

Also, I will remember to pay all my premiums, be it monthly quarterly or yearly, on time.
Resolutions for first-jobbers (21-30 years) I will protect my family's financial future by buying a term plan for myself.

I will ensure there is no drain of finances in case of any medical emergency in the family. For this, I will take up a health plan to help me achieve thsi goal.

I will drive my bike safely and responsibly.

I will also ensure that all the medical expenses are taken care of, in case of an accident, through a health insurance plan.

Resolutions for newly married (28-35 years) With marriage, comes additional responsibilities. To secure my finances for our future, I will invest in a good savings-plus investment plan that will take care of both purposes.

With the rising costs of education, it is important for me to invest in a good child plan.

By investing in a unit-linked plan , I can get the benefits from the upside market movements, which has been unstable for a long time now, and be able to build a bigger corpus in lesser time.

To ensure that my young child can fulfil his/her dreams, I need to invest in a good endowment or unit linked insurance policy (Ulip) that will help me build a corpus for education needs and other plans.

To ensure that my wife and children enjoy good life even after me, I will invest in a good term plan, which will pay a high cover.

Resolutions for older people (35 years or above) I want to maintain my present lifestyle even when I have taken the retirement.

A good pension plan with proper thinking can help me to achieve this.

To maintain a regular income in my later years of life, I will consider taking up an endowment or money back plan, which will help me get continuous flow of money.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

HDFC TaxSaver

ICICI Prudential Tax Plan

DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund

IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993

Sundaram Tax Saver

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Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

FMPs good bets during stock market downturns

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Posted: 29 Mar 2012 07:46 PM PDT

WITH equity market performance turning from bad to worse in the present calendar year, the focus has definitely shifted to debt market instruments, which often provide steady and regular stream of income for investors. One such debt instrument that has been hogging the limelight in recent times is the growing popularity of fixed maturity plans (FMPs).

Popularity of FMPs is growing steadily, as more and more investors are becoming aware of the benefits of investing in these plans, particularly in comparison with other popular alternatives, especially, bank fixed deposits. Matter of interest: A growing number of investors from retail to companies and high net worth individuals (HNIs)) are parking their funds in FMPs to safeguard their returns at a time when the domestic equity markets are taking a pounding amid turbulent times in both global and domestic markets.

FMPs are 100 per cent debt-oriented plans, and, therefore, it is unfair to compare them with equity schemes, whose performance is primarily dependent on stock market movements. Also, FMPs are suitable for investors who are risk-averse and conservative, and whose time horizon is short term (six months to 24 months).

On the other hand, equity schemes are suitable for investors who have a time horizon of more than five years, and who are ready to take limited risk with high return potential and also have the patience to wait for at least three to five years.

It is very good to see retail investors pouring funds into FMP products, which traditionally are an investment hot-bed for companies and high net worth individuals. With interest rates set to fall by the second half of 2012, we have seen fund houses launching long-duration FMPs in recent months.

FMPs are like fixed deposit with better taxability.

FMPs are closed-ended funds but they do not have an easy exit option, which fixed deposits have. Therefore, investment in FMPs is similar to investing in fixed deposits.

Stable yields: Investors locking their funds in FMPs can hope to earn prevalent interest rates in the economy, which are broadly in the range of 7 to 9 per cent per annum. For FMPs, with duration longer than one year, the returns are taxed at 10 per cent or 20 per cent after indexation, whichever is beneficial for the investor.

Thus, returns from FMPs are very tax efficient, and, therefore, these instruments are comparatively much better options compared with bank fixed deposits for a similar period, said Chopra.

Investment in short-term FMPs tend to be good investments in a rising interest rate cycle because investors can avoid volatility of an active bond fund and at the same time, benefit by rolling over investments at subsequently higher rates. As the equity market gets volatile, investors seek more assured returns, and, thus, money flows into fixed deposits and debt funds, including FMPs.

Typically, the fund house fixes a `target amount' for a scheme, which it ties up in formally with borrowers be fore the scheme opens.

Since the fund house knows the interest rate that it will earn on its investments, it can provide `indicative re turns' to investors.

Investment instruments: FMPs usually invest in certificate of deposits (CDs), commercial papers (CPs), money market instruments, corporate bonds, and, sometimes, even in bank fixed deposits.

At the peak of the rate cycle, it is beneficial to invest in market fixed income instruments or active income funds to benefit from capital gains on bonds as yields/market interest rates fall and bond prices rise. So, FMPs though remain attractive, the total effective re turns on bonds/debt funds could be higher.

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Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs