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- Credit ratings are not investment recommendations as an investment decision should be based on factors apart from credit risks, such as liquidity in the market and interest rate fluctuations.
- Tax-saving infrastructure bonds are a good option in the fixed income category. These are issued by infrastructure companies approved by the government and they offer a decent rate of interest plus tax benefits.
- Under existing laws, the net tax cost at the time of investment in savings plans may make certain investments lucrative. However, the tax impact on the returns at the time of accretion, redemption or maturity must also be considered.
- If you have not cushioned your portfolio with low-risk debt securities, this is the time to get locked into fixed-income instruments.
- Company deposits and NCDs offer more than bank deposits with slightly higher risk.
- With market-linked returns, government savings schemes will get a new look.
- Debt funds, which invest in a range of debt and fixed-income securities of different maturities and credit quality, protect you from equity market volatility and offer decent returns. This could be the best time to bolster your portfolio with debt funds.
- With interest rates expected to fall, long-term debt funds have started buying debt papers with long tenures to gain from high yields. So, is it time to change your unit-linked insurance plan portfolio and use the free-switch option available with the plan to increase exposure to debt?
Housing finance firms not to charge for pre-payment of floating home loans
The National Housing Bank (NHB) has directed housing finance companies (HFCs) to stop levying charges on repayment of all floating home loans ahead of scheduled tenure,Recent rulings in the banking, telecom and capital market which can affect you
A look at recent rulings in the banking, telecom and capital market which can affect you.Personal Finance experts on latest trends in the sector
"If a person has idle cash in savings account, he should invest in liquid funds where there is relatively lower interest rate risk," says Lakshmi Iyer, Head (Fixed Income), Kotak Mutual Fund.Interesting facts and numbers from around the world
2.15 per cent is the growth in overall employment in India during April-June 2011, compared with 1.62 per cent a year ago, according to the labour ministry data.SC nod to first right for employees on company's funds
Supreme Court has ruled in a verdict delivered on 8 November, 2011, that if a company goes bust, its employees will have the first claim on it assets for their employee provident fund dues.RBI survey finds women use debit cards lesser than men
The central bank had commissioned the survey to assess customer satisfaction in the usage of automated teller machines (ATMs) across the country.Cheques to only remain valid for 3 months from April 2012
From 1 April 2012, cheques, drafts, pay orders and banker's cheques will be valid for only three months. Currently, these instruments are valid for six months from the date of issue.RBI brings transparency to real estate sector, asks for disclosures
The real estate sector has become slightly more transparent with new disclosure norms for mortgaged commercial properties.Rupee falls 13 per cent in three months on domestic, global cues
In the last 3 months alone, the rupee has depreciated by 13 per cent, falling from the level of Rs 45 in August 2011 to Rs 51 as of 16 November 2011.Pension schemes to get transparent, give guaranteed returns
From 1 December 2011, you can expect pension plans to be more transparent and user-friendly, while providing a guaranteed return on your capital.
Money Today readers write to Editor
"The cover story (Filled with Hope, November 2011) paints an optimistic picture of the future of the Indian stock market. While it is true that that a predominant bearish sentiment is the best time to take a position in good stocks, I'm unable to understand whether the present slide has ended."
Google Docs versus Microsoft Office 365 - Which is better?
Google (Docs) v/s Microsoft (Office 365): How do the two popular online office productivity suites fare when pitted against one another, feature for feature? As the Internet becomes important in our life, it is time for you, too, to set up a website. Cars, gadgets reviews for smart spending
Sam Abraham introduces new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.How to choose the best car safety seat for your child
Child safety seats are easily available in the market but which is the right one for your child? Best banks to take home, car, education loans from
Are you scouting for a loan to buy a house, a car or for your child's education? Given below are the best deals on offer from public and private sector lenders.
Taking a break from work? Here's how to plan your comeback
Coming back from a career break is not easy. The best strategy would be to plan your re-entry well in advance. Rajesh Exports among top gainers in last 6 months
Rajesh Exports is among the top gainers in the last six months with return of over 60 per cent.Stocks that held strong amid sell-off and their future performance
We bring you an analysis of stocks that held strong amid sell-offs and how they are likely to perform.Stocks that fell most since 2008 and offer good investment
Market analysts say investors must look at a company's corporate governance standards, capital expenditure plans, management quality and order inflows while exploring for investment opportunities. Equity funds continues in losses amid volatility
There has been no respite for investors in equity funds as they continue to lose money. In the past year, the average return on diversified equity funds have been -16 per cent.Principal Large Cap Mutual Fund has outperformed four times in past five years
Principal Large Cap Mutual Fund has outperformed its category four times in past five years.
Must-have insurance policies apart from life, health insurance
Here, we bring you three insurance covers that can ease financial stress in emergencies.
Investment tip: How to make use of low value of power stocks
Stocks of power companies have underperformed this year. This maybe the right time to gain from the low valuations.Tips from market experts on how to predict stock movement
Though predicting equity markets and stock movements are not easy, equity analysts use many methods and indicators to predict market movements. We bring you some major indicators that market analysts and fund managers use.Have shares with no buyers? Here's what you can do
One must tread with caution since there is no regulated market and price for shares that have no buyers in the open market. While the profit may be attractive, the loss may be devastating.Invest in jute, almond to diversify commodities portfolio
Jute and almond can be used to diversify your commodity portfolio.Tips for investing in bonus issues on stock markets
A bonus issue is usually good for the stock. But one must look at the fundamentals before investing. Money Today experts answer your financial queries
I have considerable investments in mutual funds and equities. Now I wish to liquidate some of them. I also have a second house that provides me an income of Rs 5,000 every month. Do I sell part of my equity investment and take a loan or sell my house? Cities with huge growth potential are best realty investments
Investing is all about spotting the right opportunity. Places where big infrastructure and industrial projects come up see rapid growth, ensuring good returns on property investment. We explore some markets with huge growth potential. 
