Mutual Fund

Meltdown hits equity diversified funds hard
The meltdown in the markets over the past year has wiped out all the gains that the equity diversified funds had made in the previous two years.

Check the mutual fund statement
Here are some of the important details in the mutual fund statement that the investors should be aware of and need to check periodically to ensure a smooth interaction with the fund house.
A high-risk tax plan
The Money Today-Plexus Management new fund evaluation examines the DBS Chola Tax Advantage Series I from the bouquet of DBS Chola Mutual Fund.
'Telecom a good pick'
Mahesh Patil, Co-head, Equity, Birla Sun Life AMC, tells us his investment mantra.

2009-01-22

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Stocks

Oil stocks rule the roost

Let's take a look at the five best performing and five worst performing stocks over the past year. Also, have an insight on how key indices have fared.

Set for action, awaiting reaction

As Dipen Sheth spells out his choice for Safe Wealth and leaves the floor open for debate, the readers gradually open up to the new style of managing portfolios.

Tax

Slow but steady growth

After retirement, aim to minimise the tax on withdrawals or on interest from investments and stick to the conservative tax-saving instruments.

Profits from losses

The short-term capital losses from equities and mutual funds can help you save taxes for up to eight years.

The cost of a legacy

You can create an HUF to reduce your tax liability in case of inherited assets.

Circumstantial planning

A wedding, a career shift or an investment plan for your kids - each occasion throws up opportunities to derive tax benefits.

Your house as a tax haven

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, the government is willing to give you income-tax breaks on your house.

Focus on safe returns

Due to their irregular incomes and low risk appetites, the self-employed should invest in debt instruments like PPF and pension plans which also qualify for tax exemption.

Smart ways to save tax

The tax-saving laws became simpler decades ago, and with e-filing, you no longer have to take a day's leave from work to submit your return.

Tax planning in 2009

The various tax-saving avenues under Section 80C can be used by individuals to suit their financial needs. We analyse the available options. Your house as a tax haven The cost of a legacy Focus on safe returns

A good time for high risk

When you begin your career, be adventurous in your choice of tax-saving instruments — focus on ELSS and equity-based Ulips.

How much tax do you really pay?

Apart from income tax, myriad other taxes eat away at your salary on a daily basis. We take a look at these silent decimators.

Expert View

Why you must invest in an ELSS

Most of us still wait for the March deadline before rushing in to make our tax investments. Such an eleventh-hour approach will compromise the potential for generating impressive returns.

A wish list for income tax

Since the government will increase its spending to keep the wheels of the economy turning, the fiscal deficit is expected to grow.

Opportunity in adversity

Starting mega projects will not only benefit the population, but can also spur the order books of many firms. As basic inputs are cheap, infrastructure will be created at low prices. This is the chance to get more bang for your buck.

Opportunity in adversity

Economy

Fear of flux

Depression, recession, bear market... all have translated to job scares, a slowdown in demand and panic attacks. Here is a recap of the spillover effects of the ongoing economic imbroglio in the last fortnight, across the globe.

Upfront

Health check

If there is no insurance claim, many companies offer a bonus where the sum insured increases by 5% for each claim-free year.

Now and Then

Sweet spot

Sixteen years ago, there were barely two or three fruit drink manufacturers in India. Today, there are more than a dozen brands vying for shelf space.

Technology

Focus on fringes

You may have snagged the best of cameras to upgrade your click quotient, but do you have the right accessories to turn it into a deadly shooting machine? While essential and incidental add-ons are easily available and span a wallet-friendly range, what is important is that these be compatible with your camera. Namrata Dadwal lists some of them.

Query Corner

Why invest in debt funds when equities are trading so low?

Sandeep Kumar of Amritsar is bullish on stocks and feels the prices can't fall any lower. But he is surprised MONEY TODAY is advising investors to consider gilt and other debt funds. Here's why:

Portfolio Doctor

Frittering away potential

Pune-based Dhembares have the resources to build a large portfolio, but they must not be complacent and should take calculated risks to accelerate wealth creation.

My Idea

Detecting profits

The passion to succeed in a male-dominated profession led Taralika Lahiri, 48, to become a sleuth. The school teacher from Allahabad now runs the National Detectives and Corporate Consultants in Delhi.

BASICS

Calculate your tax

The tax on the salary is not the only one that’s payable simply because most individuals usually have other sources of income. In addition, there are indirect taxes. Use the following work sheets to calculate your total tax liability.

Talk Back

Taking loans against stocks not a good idea now

Currently, all stock portfolios are in the red and this reduces the amount of loan one can get.

Editor's Note

From the Executive Editor

With a host of new taxes, including expanding the scope of services tax, and removal of exemptions, it was people like you and I who ended up paying more.

Insurance

Principles of agreement

Insurance is governed by maxims that set the legal and ethical benchmark for the parties concerned. Here’s what you should know before you buy insurance.

The benefits of investing in a Ulip

The simple structure and dual nature of unit-linked insurance plans work to women’s advantage. They not only get life cover, but also gain from the stock market.

Principles of agreement

Insurance is governed by maxims that set the legal and ethical benchmark for the parties concerned. Here's what you should know before you buy insurance.

The benefits of investing in a Ulip

The simple structure and dual nature of unit-linked insurance plans work to women's advantage. They not only get life cover, but also gain from the stock market.

Investment

Bullish on bullion

If you are looking to preserve wealth, gold ETFs are a good option. But if growth is a priority and you are willing to take risk, go for gold equity funds.

New Business

Hunting for opportunities

After honing his entrepreneurial skills at MNCs and free of regimented concepts, Ramesh Vangal set up the Katra Group, which is worth $500 million today.

Books

Making money in a meltdown

Change your investment strategy to counter the collapsing American economy, says Schiff. But don't follow this advice blindly, says Alam Srinivas.

Economics meets investing

Cocktail economics, an approach devised in a bid to interest a bored batch of b-school students, aspires to reduce complex economic theories to common sense basics that can be applied to smart investing, writes Sushmita Choudhury.

Banking

A private matter

Private banking is a personalised service offered to take care of your specific financial requirements. Find out what’s on offer and how best you can avail of it.

E2E

Hunting for opportunities

After honing his entrepreneurial skills at MNCs and free of regimented concepts, Ramesh Vangal set up the Katra Group, which is worth $500 million today.

Mutual Fund

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