Cover Story

Life insurance sector expected to see high growth in coming years
The life insurance sector is expected to grow at a compounded average growth rate (CAGR) of 15-20 per cent over the next 15-20 years.

Outlook 2013: Experts see stock market rally to continue
Market analysts are positive on retail, media and aviation sectors in which the government allowed more foreign direct investment in September 2012.
High fiscal expenditure may push up interest rates in 2013
High fiscal expenditure on account of early general elections may push up the real interest rates in the economy and further delay the much-needed recovery, says Kotak Mutual Fund CEO Sandesh Kirkire.
Places you can buy a house in 2013 and gain from price appreciation
If you are looking to buy a house for investment in 2013 and not sure where you can earn the best returns, don't worry. We bring you what experts say about real estate destinations that will give good returns over the next three-five years.
Top commodities likely to give good returns in 2013
Year 2012 ended on a happy note for commodity investors. Till December 6, agricultural commodities, precious metals, spices and base metals have returned 20 per cent, 17 per cent, 10 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. The rally is expected to continue in 2013.
2013 outlook: Invest in debt to gain from fall in interest rates
With all likelihood of interest rates falling, debt mutual funds are expected to give handsome returns if past instances are anything to go by.
Aditya Birla Money's Vivek Mahajan on what will drive stock markets in 2013
Aditya Birla Money Head of Research Vivek Mahajan talks about what will drive the stock market movement in the new year.
Money Today tells you how to build and protect your wealth in 2013
The investment scenario has been buoyant in 2012. The domestic stock market is going strong. Commodities and debt, too, have given decent returns to investors. Money Today tells you what to expect in 2013.

2013-01-31

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Perspective

Now, declaring annual income must for mutual fund investments

If you invest in mutual funds, get ready to disclose your annual income or net worth among other details in the new know-yourcustomer (KYC) form.

New regulatory norms in place to prevent stock crashes

In order to prevent crash in stock exchanges due to uncontrolled trades and wrong orders, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has barred exchanges from accepting any order exceeding Rs 10 crore.

Your old cheques will remain valid till March 2013

Your old cheques will remain valid till March 2013 as banks have failed to implement a new system proposed by the central bank.

RBI asks banks to encourage fixed rate long-term loan products

RBI has come up with draft guidelines to popularise fixed-rate home loans. The guidelines ask banks to encourage fixed rate long-term loan products with rate reset at 7-10 years.

Banks to only issue debit cards that use password for every transaction

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks to issue only online debit cards that require you to type in your secret code for each transaction.

A look at recent rulings which can affect you

A look at recent rulings which can affect you -

EPFO recommendations for EPF contribution may hit your salary

You might 'lose' a bigger chunk of your salary if the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) decides to expand the scope of salary for computing the EPF contribution.

Irda plans new mortality rates, life insurance to get cheaper

Life insurers may charge you less premiums from the next financial year as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) plans to release new mortality rates.

Investment

How to use price correlation to predict asset prices

When equity markets are rising, you should invest less in debt, as the two have a negative correlation. When equity is doing well, debt returns usually fall, and when debt is doing well, equity underperforms.

How purchase of credit default swaps by mutual funds helps you

In November 2012, market regulator Sebi allowed Fixed Maturity Plans (FMP) to buy credit default swaps, a product which insures debt investments. This is expected to make FMP investments more secure and attractive.

Investment tip: Realistic expectations help in setting financial goals

A key assumption that you need to make while setting financial goals is the return from investments. Therefore, the key to the long-term success is to have realistic expectations and patience to allow investments to grow in a disciplined manner.

Mutual Fund

Equity funds gave better returns than gold ETFs in 2012

Equities have outperformed gold in 2012 resulting in 12.5 per cent average one-year return from diversified equity funds against 9.6 per cent of gold ETFs.

SBI Magnum Equity has outperformed its category in past 5 years

SBI Magnum Equity has outperformed its category in the past five years -

Insurance

Bank on your insurance cover than go for home loan cover

Home loan insurance, or any mortgage redemption insurance plan, is inevitably part of a banker's sales pitch when extending sizable long-term credit, such as a home loan. Though lenders insist on it, the cover may not be necessary if you have adequate life insurance.

Standard Life Chairman Gerry Grimstone on insurance sector, HDFC Life and more

Gerry Grimstone, Chairman, Standard Life, talks to Sarbajeet K Sen on a host of issues relating to the insurance sector. Edinburgh-based Standard Life has a 26 per cent stake in HDFC Life.

Now get yourself insured for professional mistakes, risks

Every day, professionals are exposed to risks that require special covers. A doctor, for instance, faces the risk of a financial liability as a result of an error while rendering professional service.

Savings

Things to keep in mind before lending money to a family member or a friend

A loan to a family member or a friend is usually unsecured. The terms and conditions are undefined or hazy and demanding payback is difficult. And if the loan goes bad, the relationship also sours. Moreover, such a loan is usually interest-free. Make sure lending to a family member does not become a headache.

Smart Spending

Gadget review: HTC Windows 8X, Google Nexus 4, Kindle Fire HD and more

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

Stocks

Relook your stock investment with changes in promoter holding

According to experts, any change in promoter holding is important from the investor's point of view. However, it should not be the only basis for investment decisions.

How to find bargain stocks in the current market

Low-priced stocks are not always cheap. A stock's value is not gauged by its price alone but depends on its ability to give higher returns in the future.

JK Lakshmi Cement among top gainers in past 6 months

JK Lakshmi Cement is among the top gainers in the past six months with return of 108 per cent.

Banking

What the future holds for branch banking in India

Electronic transactions are fast catching on but branch banking is unlikely to go out of fashion completely.

Best banks to take education, home and auto loan 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.

Real Estate

Real estate watch: Buy a house in less speculative markets for good returns

In a speculative market, the end-user interest is low, resulting in apartments lying vacant or yielding low rental income. Investing in areas where buyers are searching for homes rather than investment avenues can insulate you from any sharp price fall.

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