Cover Story
- Do you feel confident enough to purchase a car or laptop or would you rather save because of the slowdown? We look at recent surveys to discern consumers' attitudes on spending.
Pharma stocks, the best bet
Pharma stocks have fared well in the past year due to the relatively defensive nature of their business. When the bear markets rally
Bear markets often witness sudden upswings and the investors mistakenly believe them to be the return of a bull run. The graphs below show that such short-term rallies are much steeper in Indian markets than those in the US. Markets have rebounded by over 2,000 points, or 25%, from their recent lows. We analyse whether the uptrend is sustainable in the long term. Although our fund manager has taken tentative investment steps, he is convinced there will be aggressive churning — stock changes as well as trading in and out of the same stocks. How to be a smart spender
You don't have to give up all the good things in life just because the economy is down. All you need to do is make small, but long-term, changes. Where to cut costs? Buying concerns Spending right is also about slashing costs at the right places. Here are simple strategies to help trim monthly expenses without compromising on your lifestyle. Be prepared to tackle power outages this summer. Here are some back-up options that will ensure you are never in the dark. Focus on big spenders
What is really important is that hidden behind the consumer statistics of most marketeers is a segment that is largely ignored. There has been a clear change in the consumer spending pattern in India, with various socio-economic classes (SECs) responding differently. Another bear run in an already battered global economy is not only likely — given the largescale failure that might result from misguided attempts to shore up the banking system — but it can also prolong the pain, where investing today will seem like putting good money after bad. Ladies' special
Women are being courted with select financial offerings, but some may not be worth their cost. To exit a life insurance policy or not?
If you want to surrender a policy that neither offers enough protection nor high growth, here are the things you should consider. Scanning insurance rights
In case of health insurance policies, much of the disgruntlement and many disputes have risen from lack of transparency. Why travel in the summer of 2009?
A holiday this season might be the cheapest in two years as hotel rates and air fares plummet to suit recession-hit travellers. Cool contraptions
If the thought of summer has you sweating, chill. While some of these gadgets are powered to help you keep your cool, literally, others will eat into the long hours by keeping you sufficiently entertained. Can I claim deduction on interest earned from NSCs?
The investment made by an individual in an NSC qualifies for deduction under Section 80C. The maximum amount that can be claimed as deduction under this section is Rs 1 lakh. Don't panic if you have overshot the tax payment deadline. We tell you how to put your taxes in order. Gleaning the glitter
The Money Today-Plexus Management new fund evaluation brings to you an analysis of the SBI Gold Exchange Trading Fund.A high-cost fund can be a good buy
Don't invest in a scheme just because it charges a lower annual fund management fee. As interest rates come down, debt funds are poised to give attractive returns. While the fixed income funds of ICICI Prudentual Mutual Fund have had a successful run, the equity funds have managed to performed only averagely. In keeping with your age, risk profile and changing requirements, you need to alter this ratio with time. Building on benefits
It's the latest weapon in the home buyers' arsenal: joining forces to negotiate a better deal with the builder. However, hidden caveats can leave them saddled with shabby deals. I have SIPs in 5 equity funds. Should I continue investing in them?
Sumeet Inder Singh has been investing Rs 6,000 per month in equity funds for the past three years. Here is what he should do with his fund portfolio. Rudderless in high seas
Thane-based Sanjeev Bhadane is banking on too many wrong instruments to achieve his goals. He needs to reorganise his portfolio and make fresh investments in equities. Mariners' quest
Four youngsters from varying professions come together to float Giira Yachts, a one-stop shop for all sailing needs. What kind of a spender are you?
Identifying your spending habits can help you save better. Take this quiz to see if you need to curb your expenses or loosen the purse-strings. Know the firm's management before investing
The quality of management is also an important factor while buying a stock. From the Executive Editor
We have consciously done stories that would leave you with actionable takeaways. Today, we know that we are on the right track. Diversify your income
Despite salary cuts and freeze in increments, you can maintain your lifestyle by moonlighting. We list out various options to suit your skills. Profit liner
A failed vaccine venture propelled Pratap Dube towards a new product, moulded roof-liners for cars. Multivac is worth Rs 17 crore today. Bet on Buffett...wisely
Three books on the legendary investor try to decipher his savvy investing skills for millions of awe-struck investors. But don't try to follow his advice blindly. 
