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August 22, 2023

5 top investments for risk-averse investors

risk-averse-investors

All investments are associated with risks. Yet, the risk is not uniform, and it’s essential to be aware of the different levels of risks linked with all types of investment instruments.

This is why the first thing to consider before investing is how much of a risk appetite has – how much risk one is willing to take.

Want to know the best investment options for risk-averse investors but still generate good returns? Continue reading this article to know more!

What is risk averse?

Risk-averse refers to an investor who chooses to preserve the capital over and above its potential to generate returns that are higher than the average. Risk can refer to many factors – volatility, currency, market, credit rating, etc.

Risk-averse can also refer to a conservative investor. Low risk symbolizes stability in investments. A low-risk investment generates guaranteed reasonable returns, if not outstanding, above benchmark returns. But chances are near zero that the principal investment amount will be lost. Whereas a high-risk investment option may gain or lose money over time.

Risk-averse investors are unwilling to accept market volatility. They prefer their investments to be highly liquid – readily available to be withdrawn. Such investors usually include old investors or retired individuals who depend on their savings for their daily expenses.

Is FD a good option for risk-averse investors?

One should constantly adjust their returns against the current inflation rate. The current Fixed Deposit interest rates are 5-7% p.a. on average. But the current inflation rates are around 6-8% p.a.

Give these figures a thought. The price you pay for your everyday goods and services is rising at 6-8%, whereas your FD investments are growing at only 5-7%. FDs do not increase the value of your money over time. In fact, you actually lose money or its purchasing power over time.

Do you think FDs are the safest investment option? Banks defaulting on payments is rare but definitely possible. The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) guarantees Rs. 5 lakhs per person per bank if the bank defaults.

Let’s not forget the liquidity part of this instrument. Fixed deposits can have a lock-in ranging from 3-5 years. Banks penalize the investors for withdrawing money before the lock-in is over. This penalty is in the form of a reduction of interest rate by a certain percentage.

What are the best investment options for risk-averse investors?

The market is filled with many investment options for investors with varying risk appetites. Let’s look at some of the best investment options for risk-averse investors:

1. Short-term bond fund

The best alternative for investors who do not want exposure to FDs or volatile instruments. Short-term bond funds – bond funds with low maturity and a high

potential to offer better returns. Debt Funds with longer maturity are subjected to interest rate risk. But short-term bonds have a lower interest rate risk as their maturity period is much lower.

2. Municipal and Corporate Bonds

State and local governments and companies usually raise money by issuing bonds to the public. Bonds offer lower risk than stocks.

When a company is winding up, the bondholders are given first preference in the payment and settlement order.

3. Other debt funds

Other debt funds include banking and PSU Funds, ultra-short duration funds, Dynamic Bonds, etc. You could always invest a lump sum in these debt-based mutual funds and opt for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

This would ensure that along with the returns being generated on your investments, you would also get a monthly income from these investments. This investment option is one of the best options for older people who want a monthly income.

4. Liquid funds

Invest in top-rated liquid funds to avoid loss of capital with a higher degree of safety for your primary investment.

Also, when the market moves up, your investment performs better and generates higher returns in line with the market.

5. Dividend growth stocks

Stocks are not as safe as cash, savings, or other debt-based instruments. But they are safer than options and futures. Dividend-paying stocks are considered safer than high-growth ones as they minimize volatility, if not eliminate it.

You don’t depend on the value of the stock as you get a dividend as a regular income on your investment.

Apart from debt-based investments, you could also apply a staggered investment approach in equity-based mutual funds for a long-time horizon.

A periodically rebalanced portfolio helps you minimize your portfolio volatility and ensures efficient capture of up-market and down-market movements even with equity exposure. 

Take the help of an Investment Advisor who will guide you through goal-based planning and help you choose the investments that are most suitable to your goals and objectives and your risk appetite.

FAQs

What type of investments do risk-averse investors prefer? 

Risk-averse investors typically prefer conservative investments with lower volatility and more predictable returns. These may include government bonds, high-quality corporate bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and stable dividend-paying stocks. These options aim to preserve capital while providing modest growth, aligning with the risk tolerance of such investors.  

What are 3 high-risk investments? 

Three high-risk investments include investing in individual stocks of volatile and speculative companies, trading in cryptocurrencies known for their price volatility, and investing in startups or early-stage ventures that have higher failure rates. These investments offer the potential for significant returns but also carry a substantial risk of loss.  

Which investment is the riskiest for investors? 

Investing in highly speculative and unproven assets like cryptocurrencies, especially in lesser-known or new coins, can be among the riskiest options for investors. The volatile nature of these assets can lead to substantial financial losses due to sudden price fluctuations and lack of regulation.  

Which investment has the highest return without risk? 

No investment offers guaranteed high returns without any risk. Investments with potentially higher returns often come with varying degrees of risk. While some low-risk options like government bonds or savings accounts provide stability, they usually offer lower returns. Diversification and a clear understanding of risk are important for any investment strategy. 

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5 top investments for risk-averse investors

5 top investments for risk-averse investors

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But chances are near zero that the principal investment amount will be lost. Whereas a high-risk investment option may gain or lose money over time. Risk-averse investors are unwilling to accept market volatility. They prefer their investments to be highly liquid - readily available to be withdrawn. Such investors usually include old investors or retired individuals who depend on their savings for their daily expenses. Start Investing in Mutual Funds Is FD a good option for risk-averse investors? One should constantly adjust their returns against the current inflation rate. The current Fixed Deposit interest rates are 5-7% p.a. on average. But the current inflation rates are around 6-8% p.a. Give these figures a thought. The price you pay for your everyday goods and services is rising at 6-8%, whereas your FD investments are growing at only 5-7%. FDs do not increase the value of your money over time. In fact, you actually lose money or its purchasing power over time. Do you think FDs are the safest investment option? Banks defaulting on payments is rare but definitely possible. The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) guarantees Rs. 5 lakhs per person per bank if the bank defaults. Let's not forget the liquidity part of this instrument. Fixed deposits can have a lock-in ranging from 3-5 years. Banks penalize the investors for withdrawing money before the lock-in is over. This penalty is in the form of a reduction of interest rate by a certain percentage. Download App and Start Saving for Child Education What are the best investment options for risk-averse investors? The market is filled with many investment options for investors with varying risk appetites. Let's look at some of the best investment options for risk-averse investors: 1. Short-term bond fund The best alternative for investors who do not want exposure to FDs or volatile instruments. Short-term bond funds – bond funds with low maturity and a high potential to offer better returns. Debt Funds with longer maturity are subjected to interest rate risk. But short-term bonds have a lower interest rate risk as their maturity period is much lower. 2. Municipal and Corporate Bonds State and local governments and companies usually raise money by issuing bonds to the public. Bonds offer lower risk than stocks. When a company is winding up, the bondholders are given first preference in the payment and settlement order. 3. Other debt funds Other debt funds include banking and PSU Funds, ultra-short duration funds, Dynamic Bonds, etc. You could always invest a lump sum in these debt-based mutual funds and opt for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). This would ensure that along with the returns being generated on your investments, you would also get a monthly income from these investments. This investment option is one of the best options for older people who want a monthly income. 4. Liquid funds Invest in top-rated liquid funds to avoid loss of capital with a higher degree of safety for your primary investment. Also, when the market moves up, your investment performs better and generates higher returns in line with the market. 5. Dividend growth stocks Stocks are not as safe as cash, savings, or other debt-based instruments. But they are safer than options and futures. Dividend-paying stocks are considered safer than high-growth ones as they minimize volatility, if not eliminate it. You don't depend on the value of the stock as you get a dividend as a regular income on your investment. Apart from debt-based investments, you could also apply a staggered investment approach in equity-based mutual funds for a long-time horizon. A periodically rebalanced portfolio helps you minimize your portfolio volatility and ensures efficient capture of up-market and down-market movements even with equity exposure.  Take the help of an Investment Advisor who will guide you through goal-based planning and help you choose the investments that are most suitable to your goals and objectives and your risk appetite. FAQsWhat type of investments do risk-averse investors prefer?  Risk-averse investors typically prefer conservative investments with lower volatility and more predictable returns. These may include government bonds, high-quality corporate bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and stable dividend-paying stocks. These options aim to preserve capital while providing modest growth, aligning with the risk tolerance of such investors.   What are 3 high-risk investments?  Three high-risk investments include investing in individual stocks of volatile and speculative companies, trading in cryptocurrencies known for their price volatility, and investing in startups or early-stage ventures that have higher failure rates. These investments offer the potential for significant returns but also carry a substantial risk of loss.   Which investment is the riskiest for investors?  Investing in highly speculative and unproven assets like cryptocurrencies, especially in lesser-known or new coins, can be among the riskiest options for investors. The volatile nature of these assets can lead to substantial financial losses due to sudden price fluctuations and lack of regulation.   Which investment has the highest return without risk?  No investment offers guaranteed high returns without any risk. Investments with potentially higher returns often come with varying degrees of risk. While some low-risk options like government bonds or savings accounts provide stability, they usually offer lower returns. Diversification and a clear understanding of risk are important for any investment strategy.  TALK TO AN EXPERT
5 types of mutual funds

5 types of mutual funds

Investing in mutual funds for your child’s education is always advisable. First of all, it is a less stressful option than investing in direct equity stocks because that requires you to have in-depth knowledge of market trends and fluctuations. Secondly, with mutual funds, there are a variety of schemes you can opt for depending on a range of factors. These factors could include the time period for which you can invest before liquidating, the amount of money you can invest, the amount you require to secure the education fund, the level of risk you can take, and so on.  When it comes to building an education fund, here are the top 5 types of mutual funds you can choose from. 1. Large-cap mutual funds The defining characteristic of large-cap equity funds is the fact that these funds invest in the top 100 Indian companies that have the highest market value. Large-cap mutual funds can bring in impressive returns if you remain invested for a long period. If you are a person who wants to avoid taking very high risks with your investments and has decided to invest early for your child’s education, this is the way to go. The average returns rate has historically beaten that of Fixed Deposits and similar investment alternatives. SIP Mutual Fund Investment Read More 2. Mid-cap mutual funds Mid-cap funds invest in Indian companies that come in the next best 250 in terms of market value. These funds are for you if you are ready to take on a higher level of risk. Justifiably, the return rates also tend to get higher. One way to satiate the risk appetite of mid-cap equity funds is to let them season for at least 7-10 years. If your child is in primary or middle school, investing in such a scheme will generate a wholesome amount of wealth by the time they are ready to pursue a college education.   How to track Mutual Funds? Read More 3. Equity-linked saving schemes  Among the various perks of investing in mutual funds is the tax deduction benefit. Equity Linked Saving Schemes are devoted to enabling investors to save taxes, as the name also indicates.  The only catch here is that it has a compulsory lock-in period of at least 3 years. The aim here is to keep you invested longer to counter the risk level. If you can spare that amount of time, then ELSS is definitely a go-to. An added benefit is the historically high level of returns.   Mutual Funds to invest in Child Education Read More 4. Low-risk options  There is this whole myth surrounding mutual funds that they only come with a high-risk factor. On the contrary, a debt fund is also a kind of mutual fund that comes with low risk, so much so that it remains undisturbed by market fluctuations.  Debt funds are still a better option than Fixed Deposits because they can generate a higher percentage of returns. So, if you are not in favor of taking high risks, debt funds are a go-to.  5. Hybrid mutual funds  If you are confused about your investment options or even hesitant about risking too much, the answer to your problems is a hybrid mutual fund. This kind of fund is a mixture of equity as well as debt.  Hybrid mutual funds bring in the best of both worlds. They tend to generate good returns at low risk. FAQs What are the different types of mutual funds? Large-cap mutual funds Mid-cap mutual funds Equity-linked saving schemes Low-risk options Hybrid mutual funds Which type of MF is best? The best type of mutual fund is the Hybrid mutual fund. Which MF gives the highest return? Equity-linked mutual funds are considered the mutual funds with the highest returns. Conclusion There will be miscellaneous financial goals you will be required to set if you are a family person. One among these might be to straighten up the roadmap to your child’s academic and career aspirations. The first step is calculating your expected expenses with the help of an education cost calculator. The calculator will help you draw your investment map to fulfill your child's aspirations. The earlier you invest, the more prepared you will be to make critical decisions as the moment arrives. DisclaimerMutual funds are subject to market risks. The previous performance of a fund is no guarantee of future success. Please reach out to an expert to know more about the schemes before investing.
5 ways you can save up for your child’s education

5 ways you can save up for your child’s education

In this blog, we will explore the best ways to save for your child's education! Education in India is viewed as a stepping stone to a good future. ‍The race to get children into the best colleges is so keenly fought that every Indian parent can qualify for a role of an expert counselor. The “padhai karo, nahi tho achchi Naukri kaise lagegi” line is so often heard that it could very well replace the “so jao, varna gabbar aa jayega” line. ‍The belief that a good education will provide for a good life, is entrenched in the way we think. Indian parents are willing to go to lengths to provide their children with the best education and are ready to spend as much as it takes. Many parents start saving when their child is very young, to prepare for future college-related expenses. ‍In this blog, we will look at 5 avenues where Indian parents can consider investing their hard-earned money. 5 Best ways to save for your child's education Your child's education does not deserve to be compromised and here are some ways in which you can plan ahead and start taking small steps toward your child's college fund. ‍Let's get started. ‍1. Investing in Mutual Funds We're sure you have heard of the phrase 'mutual funds' Sahi hai! And when it comes to saving up for long-term investments, mutual funds definitely Sahi hai! ‍Investing in mutual funds as a way to build a corpus fund for a particular goal has gained a lot of interest in the past decade or so. Building a retirement fund or a home purchase fund is very common and a small percentage of investors are also parents keen on saving up for their child’s education. Investing in mutual funds is viewed as a potentially high-return investment with the risk involved since the returns on mutual funds are market-related. Markets have been extremely volatile in the recent past, but mutual funds should still form a large part of an education fund, considering the longer time horizon involved. It is possible to invest as per your risk preference and redemption is far easier when you need the money. With Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) that give you the option of investing monthly, there is a possibility of better returns compared to one-time/lumpsum investment mutual funds, especially over longer investment periods.   INVEST IN MUTUAL FUNDS 2. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) ‍For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of ETF, it is basically a basket of securities that is traded on an exchange. They are similar to mutual funds. ‍Investing in ETFs can prove to be a successful investment option when saving up for your child's education. The reason is, that you will be investing your money in dollars, therefore, if your child aspires to pursue his/ her education abroad, the dollar holds more value than many other currencies. INVEST IN ETFs 3. Buying Insurance Plans Buying an insurance plan to provide income security to your child is also an option. Many of these so-called child plans provide insurance cover and also market-linked returns after a fixed tenure. ‍However, returns on these plans have been volatile and impacted by frequent regulatory changes. Also, child insurance policies may not be the best investment option, because they are bound by various terms and conditions. 4. Buying Real-Estate Yes, this holds true for parents trying to save up for their children even today. Real Estate is considered by many, to be a good long-term investment. Since the time horizon that parents should consider is 15-20 years, real estate investments are good to maintain a diversified portfolio. But, real estate has lost its sheen as an attractive investment option over the past decade or so, due to excess inventory and regulatory impacts. ‍There are a number of hassles when investing in real estate. Other than the declining returns – unreliable deals, possible legal tangles, and a high wait time when one wants to sell are some of the factors to consider if this is an investment option for you. 5. Investing in PPF In India, the Public Provident Fund, or PPF is the go-to option for many parents when investing in their child’s future. It is a low-risk option that is exempt from tax on the withdrawal. The returns are lower but predictable. However, there is a limit to the amount of money one can invest through this route – the upper limit is Rs. 1,50,000, annually. PPFs are also less suited when an investor is ready to take more risk and willing to invest in market-linked funds. FAQs How can we save for children's education? Ans. Investing in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, buying insurance plans, buying real estate, investing in PPF.  What is a good educational plan? A solid educational plan will give your family and you a road map for your future educational and professional objectives. Although parents and kids are free to start as early as they'd like, planning for college and technical training at the middle school level is not too early.  What is the best savings plan for a child? Ans. Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, Make Investments in Gold, Invest in Equity Mutual Funds, Investments via Recurring Deposits.   Why save for your child's education? Ans. You can avoid taking on significant debt to pay for your child's higher education by starting a savings plan early, even before they enter kindergarten.  What is the right time to start saving for your child's education? The right to start saving for your child's education is as early as possible. The earlier you begin, the better it will be for your investments, as you'll be able to take advantage of the power of compounding. Conclusion We hope now you have a decent idea of what investment options you could consider, as well as the pros and cons of each. In our next post, we will look at why we think mutual funds - through SIP mode - are a good way to build a corpus fund with the goal of educating your child. With this kind of education fund, you can stop worrying about the finances that are required to send your child to the college of her dreams. ‍Your investment today will gift your child a good life, tomorrow. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT
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