Money Today readers give their feedback on the magazine's personal finance coverage -The most recent cover story (
Competing on the Global Stage, April 2013) has given some very important tips on investing in Indian companies that have global operations and derive a substantial portion of their revenues from overseas markets. Even as Indian companies are globalising aggressively, I think investing in these firms must be done with great caution. Apart from being exposed to domestic market cycles, these companies are affected by changes in the global markets. While Indian investors might track developments in the domestic market, only a small percentage would be able to keep a tab on global factors. Moreover, many overseas economies, such as the United States and the European Union, are yet to overcome the continuing impact of the 2008 global financial crisis. This will continue to impact companies that have operations in these markets. We have already seen a major impact on Indian IT companies that provide global services.
LOVELESH SINGH, New Delhi
That insurance companies are bringing in new unit-linked pension plans (
Retirement Choices, April 2013) after the new norms came into effect in 2011 is good news. This will improve options for those wanting to set aside money for retirement. Since there is no cap on equity investments for Ulips, these plans have the potential to generate higher returns as compared with the National Pension System (NPS), which has a cap of 50% on equity investments. However, on the other hand, someone saving for retirement is looking at protection of the investment. Hence, it would be wise to also invest in schemes with lower equity exposure.
KEERTI RAI, Secunderabad
The story on real estate investment options near metropolitan cities (
A Home Not Far Away, April 2013) was of great interest. I have property in Gurgaon that I bought in 2005. I am now looking to purchase a second property as investment. Unfortunately, real estate prices in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Gurgaon, have skyrocketed in the past few years and is unviable as an investment for most people. The tips provided in the story will be invaluable in guiding me to make my purchase.
DEEPAK CHOPRA, Gurgaon
The articles on
Union Budget 2013-14 (April 2013) was quite comprehensive and explained personal tax proposals in very simple terms, but the tax proposals itself left much to be desired. The Finance Minister would have done salaried citizens a great service by raising exemption limits to ease burden in hard times. Of course, some budget proposals, such as additional exemption on home loan interest and on investment in the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS) were welcome measures.
MANASI RAO, Bengaluru
