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Only 18 million people invest in equity markets
Of a population of over a billion, only 18 million are invested in equities and 10 cities contributed to over 80% of trading volume in 2010.

Look beyond IPO grading when investing in shares of companies
IPO grading is not a recommendation to buy shares of companies that have been graded but a comment on the fundamentals of the firm.
Invest in stocks with sound fundamentals
Spotting multi-baggers is no doubt a herculean task for the retail investor. The best strategy is to stay invested in stocks with sound fundamentals.
Stick to investing in firms that give consistent results
Pankaj Pandey, Head of Research, ICICIdirect, tells Rahul Oberoi that it is important to stick to companies that give consistent results over 6-7 years.
Volatile stock market tests investor patience
The current stock market volatility has changed nothing for those who believe in the maxim that the bulls prevail over the bears in the long run.
Volatile stock market creates trouble for investors
Are you closely watching the stock indices and waiting for some direction to emerge that would help you to decide when to take the next plunge or press the sell button?
Bimal Jalan talks about what market infrastructure institutions' report means for investors
Bimal Jalan, who chaired the committee on market infrastructure institutions (MIIs), talks to Sarbajeet K. Sen on what the panel's report means for investors.
Look for grading before investing in initial public offers
Short-term investors, chasing listing gains, often ignore IPO grades. But investors looking for sustainable long-term returns should not do so.
Action-filled year awaits investors, 120 IPOs to hit markets
Planning to go IPO hunting this year? Here are some tips to make sure that you are not handed a raw deal by the IPO-issuing company.
What to expect post Budget 2011-12 and sectors to invest in
Raj Bhatt, Vice-chairman and CEO, Elara Capital Plc, tells Rahul Oberoi what investors can expect post the Union Budget and which sectors are looking good.
Tips to risk-free investing in stock markets
Speculation, hope, fear, and greed - Graham has very effectively summarised the ailments that stock market investors suffer from. Here are the eight common mistakes to avoid.

2011-04-01

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Perspective

Invest in Gold through SIPs

Investors who have been unable to invest in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) due to lack of a demat account or found investment thresholds high can now benefit from the growth in gold prices.

Reining in Inflation

From a low of 4.75% in 2010, the repo rate has been increased by 2 percentage points to 6.75% and the reverse repo rate by 2.5 percentage points, from 3.25% to 5.75%.

Quotes

'It is not too tough to find multibaggers. You can find such stocks by careful analysis of the market. Current valuations and future prospects should be the guiding factors,' says Sudip Bandyopadhyay, president, Destimoney Securities.

Trivia and Telling Figures

38 lakh mobile subscribers have submitted their requests for porting their mobile number to different service providers till February. The facility was introduced in India on 20 January 2011.

Under Irda Watch

To make online information more reliable, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) will soon be regulating the online insurance information providers.

All that Glitters...

Concerns over the global security and political situation may push gold to new highs in the next couple of quarters.

Motor Premium: Driving North

Insurers are planning to increase the premium for motor insurance policies after Irda recently asked general insurance companies to maintain a minimum reserve of 150% for compensating the victims of road accidents.

Regulator Watch

A look at the recent rulings from tax, banking, markets and insurance sectors that can affect you.

I-T dept not to scan small taxpayers, senior citizens

In an attempt to streamline the procedure of income-tax scrutiny, the income tax department has said that returns filed by small taxpayers and senior citizens will not be brought under the scanner without substantial information.

Last Word

Pranab Mukherjee's 5% service tax on healthcare will backfire

Pranab Mukerjee's decision to impose a 5 per cent service tax on healthcare services has been promptly called a 'no-ball' by observers.

Insight

Best Performing Stocks

Metal companies have done well in the past five years, with three among the top 10.

Average returns on mutual funds fall on volatile market

Equity market volatility has started having an effect on short-term performance of equity funds with 1-year average returns falling below 6% across categories.

Reliable Wager :UTI Equity MF

UTI Equity Mutual Fund has outperformed its benchmark index and its category in the past three years.

Investment

Excess information can lead to erroneous financial decisions

In the last part of this series, find out how excess data can lead to erroneous financial decisions.

ESOPs with your salary hike? Here's what to do

It is that time of the year again when employers tell you what you are really worth. If you are a star employee about to get Esops, we have a plan for you.

Save in fixed-income instruments to balance out equity volatility

Part of your savings should be invested in fixed-income instruments to stave off the risks inherent in equity instruments.

Is it Time to Dump Your Fund?

It isn't past performance alone that will help you decide when to part with your fund. There are a number of other factors at play.

Talk Back

Letter to the Editor

Are education loans (Lessons on Credit, February 2011) available for part-time or correspondence courses and is the student's age a major consideration while applying? - HEMA PRAKASH, e-mail

Smart Spending

Choose the best car you can buy in your budget

We rate all the cars currently available in the market to help you choose the one that suits your budget and requirements.

New gadgets in the market that offer value for money.

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

Commodities

Commodity prices to take a hit, thanks to Budget 2011-12

Prices of some commodities are expected to take a knock in the long run due to the finance minister's budget proposals for 2011-12.

Stocks

Best stocks to invest in post Budget 2011-12

The Budget often changes the investing arena and offers an opportunity to review your portfolio. A few experts tell Rahul Oberoi their recommendations.

Mutual Fund

Instability in stock markets, future looks positive

With instability on both domestic and global fronts, MONEY TODAY-Value Research Lifestage Model Fund Portfolios have suffered of late, but the future appears positive.

Banking

Banks set to raise interest rates, trouble for home loan seekers

Interest rates on home loans have been climbing for some time now. Here are a few tips for existing and potential borrowers to scout for the best deal.

Careers

Jobs and career: Are you being poached by another company?

If you are being poached, ensure that the differences in resources and leadership will not hamper your ability to deliver at the new workplace, says Devashish Chakravarty.

Query Corner

Your tax queries answered

What is the time-frame within which the income tax (I-T) department can audit my financials or question me, asks Milind Dovhal from Bengaluru.

Columns

Safety during Hard Times

Fixed income instruments offer steady returns during periods of volatility in other asset classes.

Travel

Enthralling Escapades

Do you have a small budget for your next vacations? Here are some of our suggested destinations for unlimited fun.

Fantasy lands within your budget

You've always wanted to visit the great amusement marvels in Florida and California but it's more than a tad over your budget. Well, consider these ones closer home.

Insure yourself when going on a holiday

Travel insurance should not be viewed as an avoidable expenditure since it is essential to insure against exigencies while on a trip.

Cash or Card?

Don't flout the forex law on your overseas trip. Have a judicious mix of payment options with you.

Saving on Calls

With affordable international calling plans, stay connected without amassing a huge phone bill.

Tips to plan a holiday within your budget

A holiday can be an expensive affair but a little bit of homework can help you cut down costs and enjoy a stress-free vacation.

Expert View

Budget 2011: Hits and Misses

Mr Das, my neighbour and a cricket enthusiast, summed up the Budget most aptly in the style of commentators so visible this World Cup. So, here's what he had to say, says Sonu Iyer, tax partner, Ernst & Young.

Editor's Note

From the Executive Editor

Stock markets have minds of their own and can surprise anyone. During good times equity markets can be the biggest creators of wealth. But, at times, the tectonic shifts below the market surface can have deadly repercussions and cause unimaginable damage.

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