Stocks

Consumer, pharma firms outperform
Consumer and pharmaceutical companies have outperformed the broader markets in the past year.

Ready to rely on 'four' sight
Dipen Sheth responds to the readers' suggestions and lists four stocks for Safe Wealth. These are likely to boost not just the model portfolio, but also India's economy.
The worst is yet to come
The third quarter of 2008-09 has been one of the weakest in recent times, but profits could decline further.

2009-02-19

Digital

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Travel

The key to flying smart

Getting the cheapest fares is just the beginning. Here's how you can snag perfect seats, premium service and a rewarding experience.

Travel on Rs 1,000 a day

Travelling on a shoestring budget need not mean cutting too many corners. We show you how to bag the lowest rates, yet holiday comfortably.The key to flying smart Luxury that is value for money A guide to 5-star treatment

A guide to 5-star treatment

Here's what you can get with some fast talking and a business card.

Luxury that is value for money

Slackening global travel and dropping rates are a cue for the savvy luxe vacationer. Now is the time to lap up incredible jaunts at bargain prices.

Talking heads

Industry experts look at the opportunities that travellers can explore in 2009.

The wheel deals

If cost has checked you from going down the luxury train track, go through these tips and timely offers. You could finally travel in style.

Insight

Life expectancy

The average age of Indians is on the rise mostly because of the better economic status and healthcare facilities that have emerged over the years.

Assume less, invest more

Here we look at exceptional situations, where conventional financial wisdom is turned on its head.

Promoter holdings

In the wake of the Satyam fiasco, investors have begun to be concerned about promoter holdings. We looked at the change in the holdings between 31 Dec 2007 and 31 Dec 2008 of 252 companies from the BSE 500 universe.

Upfront

Force multiplier

India's sheen may have dulled a bit, but when it comes to employment, Indians are optimistic about job security in 2009.

Technology

Gadgets on the go

If travel travails like getting lost or losing touch have kept you from exploring the uncharted havens, take the tech route.

Economy

How companies cook up profits

We  analysed the accounts of BSE 500 companies and came up with startling results. Here's what you need to know as an investor.

Boiling point

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 past fortnight, across the globe hiring.

Money Today Basics

10 things to ask a tour operator

We have compiled a list of posers that you must forward to your travel facilitator before you reach for your credit card.

Talk Back

'Satyam auditors should be punished'

It is the auditors' duty to verify the authenticity of information. Through due diligence, one can easily identify forged documents, if any.

Mutual Fund

Five fund myths

It is easy, even for an intelligent investor, to be taken in by the hype surrounding a mutual fund scheme.

Tax saving with a twist

Money Today-Plexus Management new fund evaluation brings to you at the analysis of Tata Infrastructure Tax Saving Fund.

UTI, India's oldest mutual fund house, still going strong

In the second part of the series, we take a look at the oldest mutual fund house in the country, the Unit Trust of India. UTI’s approach, reach and history make it unique. It manages assets worth Rs 42,548 crore (as on 31 Dec 2008) across various fund types and has 139 schemes.

Tax

Can I avail of tax exemption on education reimbursement?

There is no provision in the Income Tax Act for any concession on education fee reimbursement given by an employer. Hence, your education reimbursement will be fully taxable.

Query Corner

Don't dip into your PF earlier than necessary

The Provident Fund is your retirement cushion. Borrowing from it to fund your current expenses and investment goals can do more harm than good. Here are five reasons why you should not dip into your nest egg earlier.

Portfolio Doctor

Undone by excesses

Pune-based Shailesh Phule must bring order to his finances and reassess the balance between risk and returns as per his profile, says Kamya Jaiswal.

My Idea

Logged into profit

Abhishek R. Goyal, 29, has found a lucrative vent for his creativity in wood. His Mumbai-based outfit, Panchatatva, uses natural products to offer customised gift options for corporates and individuals.

Insurance

A healthy choice

Given the rising healthcare expenses, it is becoming essential to have medical insurance. Here's how to pick the right policy from the assortment on offer.

Ease of settlement

Making a claim on a life cover need not be a daunting process for women. Here's how.

New Business

Purveyor of retail prosperity

The financial flux may have impacted Subhiksha, but R. Subramanian, the man who rewrote the rules of organised retail, is confident of surmounting it.

Expert View

India Inc in reverse gear

The results of 562 companies announced so far have jolted the investors into believing that we are in trouble... I am worried about what you might hear from L&T, Suzlon Energy and Bhel.

Books

The god of small things

Less can be more when it comes to spending. This is the mantra advocated by the guru of personal finance to tackle the current economic chaos, says Namrata Dadwal.

Computing the cash crunch

With job security at an all time low and cost of living at the top of the scale, being frugal is not merely prudent, but essential, points out financial expert and author Gail Perry.

Banking

Why NPAs matter

Getting a loan is more difficult now because rising bad debts have made banks cautious about lending. But borrowers with a clean credit profile can get good deals.

Make plastic pay

Planning to buy a co-branded travel card? Here are four ways to make the most of it.

Editor's Note