Cover Story

New rules of the game
Pending proposals and reluctant regulations have been implemented in practically every sphere of personal finance. Learn how they stand to benefit you.

Introduction of ASBA
Introduction of the applications supported by blocked amount, or ASBA, by market regulator Sebi in September 2008.
'Investors turned away from funds at best time'
Ashu Suyash, MD and Country Head of Fidelity Mutual Fund, tells Babar Zaidi how the removal of entry loads on mutual funds last year has affected small investors.
Removal of entry load
Removal of entry loads on all mutual fund schemes by Sebi from August 2009. It was a step up from exemption to direct applicants only.
The takeover code
An increase in the open offer size from 20 per cent to 100 per cent has been recommended by the takeover committee. It's likely to be implemented in the next financial year.
'Investors have saved Rs 1,300 cr on entry load'
K.N. Vaidyanathan, Executive Director, Sebi, tells Tanvi Varma how changes in the mutual fund sector over the past year have affected investors.
Online Insurance
Online sale of life insurance. It has removed the intermediary between the firm and the policyholder. Aegon Religare Life Insurance launched it in 2009.
Ban on commissions
Phasing out of all commissions payable to insurance agents by April 2011. Also, removal of loads for all financial products.
Change in Ulip structure
Capping of charges on Ulips, extension of lock-in period from 3 years to 5 years and raising of minimum cover to 10 times the premium.
Shifting Benefits
Portability allows benefits accrued under an existing policy to be carried over to a policy with a different insurer.
The new face of ulip
The recent changes in the Ulip structure and the new Direct Taxes Code will change the way this market-linked policy benefits the customer.
New lending benchmark
Replacement of the benchmark prime lending rate (BPLR) for banks with base rate, on 1 July 2010. It is the rate below which the banks cannot lend.
Daily interest calculation
The interest rate on savings accounts is to be paid on the average daily amount, rather than the minimum monthly sum. It was introduced on April 1.
Card transactions
Withdrawal of up to Rs 10,000 from any bank's ATM for free, five times a month. This facility was launched on 15 October 2009.
Telecom Tariffs
Introduction of the 'one paisa per second' tariff plan for mobile phones by Tata Docomo. It first took off in Tamil Nadu in June 2009.

2010-11-01

Digital

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Expert View

The Art of Agreeing

In the first part of a sub-series on negotiation, Devashish Chakravarty suggests ways to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with clients or vendors outside the organisation.

Hit the Street

The rise in the indices should not be any cause for concern. The Indian market is not overvalued as of now, so don't sell (your stocks) in a hurry.

A healthy change

While restructuring your portfolio, redefine your financial goals and draw a plan based on your life stage. Asset allocation is an important aspect of the rebalancing exercise.

A positive outlook

A catastrophic decline is not envisaged and it will be a stockpicker's market in the future as valuations seem high. A simple approach would be to invest via a systematic investment plan.

Mutual Fund

Small Bets, Big Profits

Small- and mid-cap funds have been outperformers in the past one year, but this should not make them the mainstay of your fund portfolio.

Auto Rebalancing

Despite a healthy growth since launch, the MONEY TODAY-Value Research Lifestage Portfolios' asset allocation remains within limit, thus controlling risk.

Don't sell, just rebalance

With the stock market touching a high, it is time to rejig your mutual fund portfolio and organise your asset allocation to suit your risk profile. Here's how to go about it.

Banking

How not to lose interest

Deposit rates are poised to go up. Tanvi Varma tells you what this means for your debt investments and how you can get the best returns without much risk.

Secure Payment

Credit/debit cards help you dispense with wads of cash, while reward points add to their attraction. What detracts from their appeal, however, is the increasing incidence of fraud.

Tax

DTC Proposals

The new Direct Taxes Code and the Goods and Services Tax, both of which are set to transform the direct and indirect tax structure.

Smart Spending

10 tips for a car's long life

If you know how to maintain your car, it will go a long way in paring down repair costs and increasing its resale value. Here are some simple pointers to enhance your car's upkeep.

The Hot & the not so Happening

Sam Abraham reviews new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.

BASICS

Futures Terms

Trading in futures can help investors make big profits, but it is also fraught with risk. Here is a glossary to help you understand this derivative tool.

Travel

Big Bash for Small Bucks

Welcome the new year in style by foregoing the frumpy parties for these offbeat destinations in India and abroad. Cheaper than the crowded hotspots, they also offer unique sensory experiences.

Query Corner

Query corner

From where can I buy infrastructure and Nabard bonds in order to save tax? What are the benefits and tax implications of purchasing these bonds?

Stocks

Raging Bull

The stock market is dangerously close to the January 2008 highs. Find out whether you should buy, hold or sell your stocks at this juncture.

Stocks

Fishing for large-cap winners

In the concluding part of the series on celebrity investors' strategies, Sameer Bhardwaj tests James O'Shaughnessy's method of picking large-cap winners.

Finding value at 21,000

The market is looking full priced at this level. However, there are still some pockets of opportunities. Here's how to spot them.

Banking