Category Archives: Finance

When it comes to financing your education, an education loan can be a great option to cover the expenses. However, before applying for an education loan, one crucial factor to consider is the minimum salary required to be eligible for an education loan.   In this article, we'll discuss how much salary you need for an education loan and the loan eligibility criteria and requirements you should know before applying. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uPGJr3BiXpI Eligibility criteria for Education loans  To be eligible for an education loan, there are certain criteria that you must fulfill.   Firstly, you must be a citizen of India, and secondly, you must have secured admission to a recognized course in India or abroad. The student must be 16 years old or above to be eligible to apply for an education loan in India. Additionally, you must provide proof of admission and also, have a co-borrower or a guarantor. The co-borrower or guarantor should have a good credit score and be willing to take the responsibility of paying back the loan if you fail to do so.  Lenders may differ in their eligibility requirements. Some lenders may also consider the academic record of the student, while others may look at the income of the parents or the co-borrower. It's essential to check the eligibility criteria of the lender you're planning to apply for an education loan to ensure you meet all the requirements.  Apply for Education Loans How much salary do you need for an Education loan?  The minimum salary required to be eligible for an education loan depends on the lender's policy. Typically, the minimum salary required for an education loan is around Rs. 25,000 per month. However, some lenders may have a higher or lower minimum salary requirement.  It's important to note that the salary requirement is not the only factor that lenders consider when approving an education loan. Lenders also consider the co-borrower or guarantor's income and credit score, the course's duration and cost, and the repayment capacity of the borrower before approving the loan.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rTHsIe85tMY Education loan requirements  To apply for an education loan, you'll need to submit certain documents. The documents required may vary depending on the lender, but some common documents that most lenders ask for are:  Identity proof: Aadhaar, PAN, a passport, or a driver's license may be used as identification.  Proof of address: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills, or rental agreement.  Proof of admission: Admission letter from the institute or university.  Income proof: Salary slips, income tax returns, or bank statements.  Academic records: Mark sheets of previous exams with a minimum of 50% in high school and graduation.   You may also need to provide additional documents if the lender requests them.  How to choose the best education loans? Read More How to apply for an Education Loan?  To apply for an education loan, you can either visit the lender's branch or apply online through their website. Here are the steps to follow when applying for an education loan:  Research: Research various lenders and compare their interest rates, loan amounts, repayment options, and other features.  Check eligibility: Check if you meet the lender's eligibility criteria before applying.  Apply by completing the application form and submitting the necessary paperwork.  Approval: Once the lender receives your application and documents, they will verify your eligibility and documents. They will authorize the loan if everything is in line.   Disbursement: After approval, the lender will disburse the loan amount to the institute or university directly.  Repayment options for Education Loans  After completing your education, you'll need to start repaying the education loan. Most lenders provide a variety of flexible repayment options, such as:   EMI: Equated Monthly Installments (EMI) is a fixed monthly payment that includes both the principal and interest. Your ability to repay the loan will determine the EMI amount you receive.  Moratorium period: Some lenders offer a moratorium period, during which you don't have to pay the EMI. This period usually lasts for the course's duration plus six months or one year after completion.  Prepayment: You can prepay the education loan if you have extra funds. However, certain lenders could charge a fee for early repayment.  Conclusion  An education loan can help students and their families finance their education expenses without having to worry about immediate financial burdens. However, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria, loan requirements, and minimum salary requirements before applying for an education loan. Applicants must also ensure that they have all the necessary documents in place to expedite the loan approval process. With proper research and preparation, an education loan can be a great investment in one's future. 

Taking out an education loan for higher studies abroad can be a significant financial decision that can impact your future finances. While an education loan can help cover the costs of tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses, it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the loan before applying for it.   Education loan interest rates, repayment options, and other factors can make a significant difference in your financial stability after graduation. Therefore, it's important to ask the right questions before applying for an education loan to determine if it's the right choice for you.   In this article, we have compiled a list of questions to ask yourself before taking out an abroad education loan, which can help you make an informed decision.  Questions to ask before taking education loans 1. Understanding Education Loan Interest Rates  One of the most critical factors to consider when taking out an education loan is the interest rate. Interest rates can vary depending on the type of loan, lender, and other factors. It's essential to understand the interest rate and how it can impact your finances after graduation.  Before applying for an education loan, it's important to research and compare interest rates from different lenders. This can help you find the best loan with a low-interest rate, which can significantly reduce your financial burden after graduation. Additionally, it's crucial to understand the type of interest rate, whether it's fixed or variable. A fixed interest rate means the rate will remain the same throughout the loan's term, while a variable interest rate can fluctuate based on market conditions.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uPGJr3BiXpI 2. Repayment Options and Grace Period  Another critical factor to consider when taking out an education loan is the repayment options available to you. Understanding the repayment options can help you plan your finances and choose the best loan that suits your needs.  Some lenders offer a grace period, which is a period where you are not required to make payments on the loan. The grace period can vary depending on the lender and the loan's terms, ranging from a few months to a year after graduation. It's essential to understand the grace period and plan your finances accordingly.  Additionally, lenders may offer various repayment plans, such as income-driven repayment plans or extended repayment plans. Income-driven repayment plans are based on your income and can be helpful if you are starting your career and have a lower income. Extended repayment plans allow you to extend the loan's term and lower your monthly payments, but it can increase the total interest paid over the loan's life.  Tips for Managing Abroad Education Loans Read More 3. Eligibility Criteria and Loan Amount  Before applying for an education loan, it's essential to understand the eligibility criteria and loan amount. Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the lender and loan type, but it usually includes factors such as credit score, income, and co-signer requirements. It's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the requirements before applying for a loan.  Additionally, it's essential to understand the loan amount and how it can impact your finances after graduation. Borrowing too much can lead to a significant financial burden after graduation while borrowing too little can lead to not having enough funds to cover your expenses. It's crucial to understand your expenses and plan accordingly to determine the right loan amount for you.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rTHsIe85tMY 4. Other Factors to Consider  Apart from the factors mentioned above, there are other factors to consider before taking out an education loan. For example, it's crucial to understand the loan's fees, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. Origination fees are one-time fees charged by the lender for processing the loan, while prepayment penalties are fees charged if you pay off the loan early. Understanding these fees can help you plan your finances accordingly.  It's also important to research and compares different lenders to find the best loan with favorable terms and conditions. Additionally, it's crucial to read the loan agreement carefully and understand the terms and conditions before signing it.  How to repay education loans? Read More Conclusion  Taking out an education loan for higher studies abroad can be a significant financial decision that can impact your future finances. It's crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate, repayment options, eligibility criteria, and loan amount, before applying for it. Asking the right questions and doing proper research can help you make an informed decision and choose the best loan that suits your needs. 

A student's desired college may be out of reach financially, but an education loan can assist. This convenient method of funding your education expenses, nevertheless, also needs to be paid back. In actuality, repaying a student loan lowers your debt-to-income ratio, grants you financial independence, raises your credit score, and enables you to save more money while pursuing other financial objectives.  In this blog, we will discuss tips for managing your abroad education loan payments while you're studying abroad, including strategies for staying organized and on top of your finances. Tips for managing your abroad education loan payments  The best advice for handling payments on your student loans from overseas is provided below: 1. Begin early Starting payments during the moratorium period to lower the principal balance is a very efficient way to pay off your student loan quickly. You might reduce your principal balance payment to pay off your loan before the predetermined duration. Tips to Break Free From Debt Read More 2. Create a sound financial plan Spend responsibly while taking the course. Obtain a thorough grasp of your debt status and develop a budget to address it. Avoid purchasing something you don't actually need. Utilize an appropriate insurance policy to pay for your medical expenses. Find some part-time employment as a component of your financial plan so you can set aside money on a regular basis. No matter how little, it still counts. Small sums added together over time in a methodical way add up to greater sums.  This will assist you in building up a financial reserve that you may use to support yourself until you find employment when your course is finished. Additionally, you will be ready well in advance to cover your student loan EMI payments until you receive your first paycheck. As the currency denomination of your study loan is in the Indian Rupee, you receive an additional benefit if the nation where you are pursuing your course of study has a greater currency value than the Indian Rupee. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uPGJr3BiXpI 3. Find a job abroad that offers student loan repayment benefits Many foreign businesses provide staff benefits, including repayment of student loans. In fact, as a method for businesses to keep the best personnel, the repayment of student loan debt or giving support for student loan debt is the new employee benefit incentive that is quickly gaining popularity. After finishing your studies, if you want to work overseas, you can research these organizations and submit an application for a position there. It might be a good idea to work overseas for a while until your debt is paid off and you have built up some sort of financial reserve, even if your ultimate goal is to settle in India. Types of Financial Planning Read More 4. Claim tax deductions  Education loans allow for tax deductions under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act. While the amount you claim is as per the total interest you pay on your loan in a year, there isn’t an upper limit on the amount you can claim as a deduction. However, keep in mind that only the loan applicant who is repaying the loan may claim the deductions. This makes savings feasible by offering tax deductions to the very categories of individuals who take out student loans. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rTHsIe85tMY 5. Aim to pay more than your EMI The length of your loan will be greatly reduced if you pay more each month than your EMI installments. Your outstanding balance will be reduced by Rs. 12,000 per year if you pay just an extra Rs. 1,000 each month. As a result, you will be able to pay off the main and interest more quickly, and the compound interest on the outstanding will also decrease concurrently. But first, a word of warning. When paying more than your EMI each month, it is best to check with your bank beforehand because there may be prepayment fees assessed on the additional amount you pay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gTQkdePOWM 6. Opt for some good investments This could be a clever strategy to pay off your student loan debt after you start working or if you have some extra money on hand. The goal is to make an investment for a longer period of time. Select a reputable mutual fund, or you may invest your money in a fixed deposit that provides a fixed return each year. With the help of this method, you might be able to use the interest or returns from your assets to pay off some of your loan EMIs. By doing this, your money keeps growing, preventing you from having to use all of your earnings to pay back the loan in full. You are building an asset that will enable you to pay off your debt. Finally, don't put off taking care of your study abroad loan until you get your first paycheck. Today, take the necessary actions to live a debt- and stress-free life.

Earlier we discussed taxation in mutual funds. In this article, we will discuss tax liabilities to consider while investing in the US market. Many investors are interested in learning more about the US market and its investment opportunities. The financial market in the United States is the most influential financial center globally. The New York Stock Exchange is the world's largest stock exchange, with a market capitalization of more than 26.7 trillion dollars as of March 2022, while India's GDP was 2.7 trillion dollars in 2020. You can imagine how big the US equity markets are.  As an Indian investor considering investing in the US share market, you should know the tax liabilities and benefits. You will not be able to keep the money you earn tax-free.  There are two types of gains from equities that are subject to taxation 1. Dividends  A dividend refers to a portion of a company's profit that it intends to distribute to its shareholders.   As a result, because your investment is profitable, you must pay up the tax on the dividend you get. Although a firm is not required to pay dividends, most Blue-Chip corporations do so to retain goodwill.  2. Capital gains on the sales  When selling a stock, you have the option of making a profit or a loss. If you make a loss, no tax is due, but you must pay Capital Gains Tax on that profit if you make a profit.   The stock's holding duration determines the capital gains tax rate.  Let's now dwell on the taxation aspect 1. Dividends  In the United States, if you own stock in a firm that pays a dividend, your tax burden is a flat 25% which gets deducted from your dividend before you get it, resulting in a cash distribution of 75% of the dividend.  The good news is that because the US and India have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), you would be able to offset the US tax withheld against your Indian tax burden.   As a result, the tax you pay on the 100% dividend will be offset by an overseas tax credit of 25%, leaving you to pay only the difference.  Let's understand with an example Suppose you own Google (GOOGL) and have received a USD 1000 dividend. The broker will deduct USD 250 as his/her fee from the USD 1000 dividend you gained, while USD 750 will be transferred into your bank account.   The USD 1000 dividend is included in your annual income for tax whenever you file your return in India. You will, however, be allowed to use USD 250 in international tax credits to decrease your Indian tax liability.  2. Taxation on capital gains  There is no Capital Gains Tax on US Stocks for foreigners in the United States. However, you must pay tax in India under the Capital Gains Tax scheme.  Capital Gains are divided into two categories  a) Long-term capital gains tax rate (LTCG)  If you own a stock for more than 24 months, the profit from selling it shall be taxed at the long-term capital gains in India.   Long-term capital gains are taxable at a rate of 20%. (Plus, any additional surcharge and cess).  b) Short-term capital gains tax rate (STCG)  If you make a sale before the 24-month, it will be the same as regular income, and your tax bracket will determine the tax rate.  Let's take an example to understand  For instance, you brought Apple shares worth USD 5000 and sold them for USD 7000, making a profit of USD 2000. While this gain will be tax-free in the United States, you are required to pay your tax dues in India on the USD 2000 capital appreciation.   If you hold the shares for two years, the tax accumulated is USD 400 plus any applicable surcharges and cess.   If you sold shares after owning for a little less than 24 months, USD 2000 would've been added to your income and taxed according to your tax bracket for the year.  Let's sum it up in an illustration for ease of understanding and assimilation The tax implications of investing in the US stock market are straightforward, and this should not deter any Indian investor from doing so.  FAQs Do Indians have to pay taxation on capital gains? There is no Capital Gains Tax on US Stocks for foreigners in the United States. However, you must pay tax in India under the Capital Gains Tax scheme. What are the rules for taxation on dividends? In the United States, if you own stock in a firm that pays a dividend, your tax burden is a flat 25% which gets deducted from your dividend before you get it, resulting in a cash distribution of 75% of the dividend.  The good news is that because the US and India have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), you would be able to offset the US tax withheld against your Indian tax burden.   As a result, the tax you pay on the 100% dividend will be offset by an overseas tax credit of 25%, leaving you to pay only the difference. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Incorporated on December 10, 1999, HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. is among India's most popular fund houses. HDFC Mutual Fund launched its first scheme in July 2000, and ever since it has been ambitious about offering a stable performance of funds across all the variants of schemes it offers.   The HDFC Mutual Fund is managed by HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC) Limited. HDFC Trustee Company Limited is the trustee of the mutual fund. The HDFC Mutual Fund is sponsored by the Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC Ltd.) and Standard Life Investments Limited.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1nfBwXH15M HDFC Small Cap Fund  Investment Objective: The primary objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation /income by investing predominantly in Small-Cap companies.   Investment Process:   The stock selection entirely focuses on quality companies with good financial strength and reasonable return on equity.  Investment is made at sensible valuations in companies trading at reasonable multiples (P/E, P/B, EV/EBITDA, etc.)  The scheme aims to maintain a reasonably diversified portfolio at all times. The scheme may also invest some of its corpus in debt and money market securities. Credit quality, liquidity, interest rates, and their outlook will guide investment in debt securities.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds significant exposure in equity & equity-related stocks at 92.01%, and significant sectoral exposure is to Banks, which account for roughly 9.75% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of March 31, 2023. Source: HDFC MF Top 5 Holdings for HDFC Small Cap Fund  Name Weightage % Sonata Software Ltd 5.25 Bank of Baroda 4.16 Bajaj Electricals Ltd 3.89 Firstsource Solutions 3.34 Green Eastern Shipping Co Ltd  2.87 Note: Data as of March 31 2023. Source: HDFC MF  Performance  Note: Data as of March 31, 2023.  Source: Value Research Fund manager  Mr. Chirag Setalvad (Since June 28, 2014) has over 25 years of experience, of which 18 years in Fund Management and Equity Research and three years in Investment Banking. Before HDFC, he worked at New Vernon Advisory Services and started his career at ING Barings in India.   Mr. Priya Ranjan (Since May 01, 2022) does have a Collectively over 15 years of experience. Senior Equity Analyst and Fund Manager for Overseas Investments. He also holds eight years of experience in Credit Cards and Consumer Finance Collections, Client Relationship Management & Team Management.  Who should invest in HDFC Small Cap Fund?  Investors looking to generate higher returns by taking exposure to small-cap equities can consider this fund. However, investors need to understand the aggressive risk exposure of this fund.  Why invest in this Fund?  This high-risk, high-return strategy offers the potential to 'earn big' returns.  It can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term.  The fund allows investors to earn good returns as they confer more growth  Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least 3-4 years or even more.  The fund is an open-ended fund. One can invest any time in this fund.  Conclusion  The HDFC Small Cap Fund has a proven track record of over 15 years, with an Asset Under Management of ₹14,962.63 Cr. The fund holding a significant portfolio in equity provides a much higher rate of return in the long run.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

One of India's leading asset management companies, ABSL offers its clients a wide range of investment solutions and has had a strong presence in retail and institutional segments for over 28 years. ABSL AMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited which is backed by Aditya Birla Group, a large conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of businesses.  The Aditya Birla Group is one of India's leading business houses, with a strong presence across various sectors in India and around the world. ABSL AMC benefits from the financial strength and stability of Aditya Birla Capital Limited and the Aditya Birla Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB-GleayI2w ABSL Frontline Equity Fund  Investment objective: The primary investment objective is to seek to generate long-term capital appreciation from a portfolio with a target allocation of 100% equity by aiming at being as diversified across various industries and/or sectors.  Investment process: ABSL Frontline Equity Fund aims to achieve sectoral diversification as its benchmark index.  The scheme will track the same sectoral weights within its equity portfolio as the benchmark index but with the flexibility of selecting stocks from a more expansive investment universe within a particular sector.  Portfolio composition:  The portfolio holds roughly 98% equity, of which the significant sectoral exposure is to Financials, which account for roughly 38%. The top five sectors hold more than 50% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 31st Mar 2023. Source: ABSL MF Top 5 Sector Holdings for ABSL Frontline Equity Fund  Name Weightage % ICICI Bank 9.07 HDFC Bank 7.47 Infosys 7.12 Reliance Industries 5.49 L&T 4.70 Note: Data as of 31st Mar 2023. Source: ABSL MF  Performance  Given below is the Return over time:    CAGR of this fund CAGR of S&P BSE 100 TRI 1 Year 1.74 1.48 3 Years 24.57 25.65 5 Years 10.42 11.82 7 Years 12.59 13.78 10 Years 14.63 13.70 Note: Data as of 31st Mar 2023. Source: Valueresearch.com  Since its inception, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 18.68%.  Fund Manager  Mahesh Patil is Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited's Chief Investment Officer (CIO), overseeing over INR 3 lakh crore of assets under management. He has over thirty years of experience in fund and investment management and leads the entire investment team. He is personally managing this fund. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a Master's in Management Studies from the University of Bombay and has qualified for the Chartered Financial Analysts examination.   Dhaval Joshi has an overall experience of 15 years in equity research and investments. Before joining Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, he was associated with Sundaram Mutual Fund (India) Ltd. for around five years. He has also worked as a research analyst with Emkay Global Financial Services and Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd.  Who should invest in this Fund?  Investors looking to generate wealth over the long term without taking the risk aggressively can consider this fund. This fund can provide Investment avenues that can help you capitalize on the growth potential of equity yet provide you with the possibility of stable returns that can help you gain confidence about the market.  Why Invest in this Fund?  This high-risk, high-return strategy can earn significant returns.  It can help you beat the impact of rising prices over the long term.  Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least three years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The ABSL Frontline Equity Fund has a proven track record of over a decade, delivering a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.63%. Thus, it is a suitable investment option for investors with a long-term investment horizon, a moderate to high-risk appetite, and looking to potentially invest in large-cap stocks to generate capital appreciation.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

One of the longest-running AMCs in India, HDFC AMC has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 23 years. It is one of the biggest AMCs in India, with more than 4,53,635 crores of average AUM from January to March 2023.   HDFC Focused 30 Fund  Investment ObjectiveTo generate long-term capital appreciation/income by investing in equity and equity-related instruments of up to 30 companies.   Investment Process   An open-ended equity scheme investing in a maximum of 30 stocks in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap categories (i.e., multi-Cap)   It follows a focused approach to investing in a portfolio of up to 30 high-conviction stocks, which are expected to outperform the market over the medium to long term.  The Stock selection is focused on growth at reasonable valuations.   It aims to generate better risk-adjusted returns through a focused portfolio backed by extensive in-house research conviction.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds significant exposure in large-cap stocks, and major sectoral exposure is to Banks, which account for more than a quarter of the portfolio. The top five sectors hold more than 50% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 31st March 2023. Source: HDFC MF Top 5 Holdings for HDFC Focused 30 Fund  Name Weightage % ICICI Bank Limited 9.24 HDFC Bank Ltd. 8.07 Infosys 5.01 Bharti Airtel Ltd 4.54 HCL Technologies Limited 4.35 Note: 31st March 2023. Source: HDFC MF  Performance Over the Years   Scheme Returns (%) S&P BSE 500 TRI (%) 1 Year 12.83 1.12 3 Year 33.26 26.66 5 Year 11.93 11.31 7 Year  14.06 13.77 10 Year 14.96 14.93 Note: Data as of 18th April 2023. Source: Valueresearch Since its inception, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.94%.  Fund Manager  Ms. Roshi Jain has been the fund manager of HDFC focused 30 Fund since January 2022. She has a total of over 17 years of experience.  Mr. Priya Ranjan has been a co-manager of the fund since May 2020. He has more than 15 years of total experience.   Who should invest in the HDFC-focused 30 Fund?  HDFC Focused 30 primarily invests in large-cap stocks where the number of stocks is restricted to 30. This fund is suitable for investors looking to invest in large-cap companies for a long-term time horizon.   Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least five years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The HDFC-focused 30 Fund has a proven track record of corporate governance, ESG sensitivity, and transparency. The company has a disciplined approach to investing, focuses on good quality companies, and emphasizes reasonable valuations. It has delivered a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.94%. As we can see, the fund has outperformed the benchmark over the long term. Investors can witness wealth creation by staying invested for the long term.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Index funds have become extremely popular among investors, especially in developed economies. In India, many investors have also started investing in index funds. Since these funds can be used to create long-term wealth cost-effectively, index funds have gained popularity among investors. But generally, when the underlying index does not perform well or remains range bound for some time, people ask themselves whether they should take the money out of the index fund and invest elsewhere. Is it the best time to invest in index funds? Should investors time the market before investing or keep investing? Is it the right time to invest in the index fund, etc.? Let us dig deeper into this.   Before we jump on to these questions, let us go back to the basics!  What is an index fund, and why should you invest in them?  An index fund is a mutual fund that invests in stocks listed in a particular index. This is the passive way of investing. The fund manager does not apply his expertise and is just required to invest the funds in the shares of companies of a particular underlying index. Due to this, index funds have the lowest expense ratios among all the types of mutual funds. The returns generated by index funds are like those generated by the underlying index.  Index funds are simple to invest in. You mitigate the risk of underperformance of the fund manager as you get a return like an index. As said earlier, index funds are cost-effective because of their low expense ratios. Due to all these benefits, it is possible to create wealth using index funds over the long term and hence you should consider them.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78mX8bcNPcM What is the right time to invest in index funds?  Generally, investors prefer a particular fund when it is performing well. Investors start to question the same fund when it does not perform well. We must understand that the markets are highly unpredictable in the short term. They can move in either direction like a drunken man. For some time, they can also be range bound, where they will not show any extreme movement in either direction. But in the long term, markets are supposed to go up for developing and growing economies like India.  In index funds, since the fund manager does not manage the fund actively, you get the return like the underlying index's return. Due to this, in the short term, when a particular index is not performing well, your fund will also not perform well, and it is possible to see other actively managed funds outperforming the index fund. But this can be used as an opportunity to accumulate the units and average the cost of investments. By averaging the cost, you will benefit in the long term when the markets pick up momentum.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlAQtqfS8M A pause in the investments can harm you in the long run. As it is said, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now." Similar is the case with investments. You need to keep investing continuously, maintain discipline and stay patient. You may lose a significant opportunity if you try to time the market. You may pause your investments while waiting for markets to correct, and the markets may not correct and rise only, and hence you may lose an opportunity to invest at comparatively lower prices. By consistently investing, you will get the units at both lower and higher prices resulting in averaging your cost per unit. Your consistency and patience will be rewarded in the long run. Hence the right time to invest in index funds is right now.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT ADVISOR

In the previous article, we talked about what is healthcare ETF. In this article, we will discuss what is innovative ETF. Many organizations' business models include acquiring fresh perspectives through research and then using those findings to develop and execute new technologies.   Much of these efforts are expected to be in the medical sector, which will have a significant economic impact and spread. The same is true about digital technology, which will likely result in a complete makeover of different sectors like supply chain and sales processes.  Why invest in Innovative ETFs? Innovation propels the global economy. New exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were put out in the market to provide exposure to companies that have developed new goods, patents, or technology.   Index providers assess firms based on their innovation objectives and create unique indices based on this data. Some ETFs which enable you to invest in emerging technology are enumerated in this investment guide.  All ETFs that allow you to invest in innovative technology is on this list.  Innovative ETFs manage $233.55 billion in assets management through 91 ETFs trading on US exchanges. The expense ratio is 0.69 percent on average.  With $182.04 billion in assets, the Invesco QQQ Trust QQQ is the largest Innovative ETF. The best-performing Innovative ETF in the previous year was IEFN, which returned 20.26 percent.   The WisdomTree Battery Value Chain and Innovation Fund WBAT was the most recent ETF in the Innovative category.  List of Top 10 Innovative ETFs Here is a list of the top 10 ETFs based on their AUM. AUM is the Assets Under Management which means the total market value of the investments that a person or entity handles on behalf of investors.   TickerFund NameIssuerAUMExpense ratio3-month TRSegmentQQQInvesco QQQ TrustInvesco$182.04B  0.20%-11.83%Equity: U.S. - Large CapARKKARK Innovation ETFARK$11.99B00.75%    32.77%Equity: Global Broad ThematicFDNFirst Trust Dow Jones Internet Index FundFirst Trust$7.19B  0.51%-18.31%Equity: U.S. InternetKWEBKraneShares CSI China Internet ETFCICC$6.94B0.76%-18.29%Equity: China InternetQQQMInvesco NASDAQ 100 ETFInvesco$3.69B0.15%-11.71%Equity: U.S. - Large CapARKWARK Next Generation Internet ETFARK$2.38B0.83%-34.31%Equity: Global InternetBOTZGlobal X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETFMirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd.$2.09B00.68%  -18.31%Equity: Developed Markets Robotics & AIROBOROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETFExchange-Traded Concepts$1.65B00.95%  -11.82%Equity: Global Robotics & AIARKQARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETFARK$1.56B0.75%-18.51%Equity: Global Robotics & AIARKFARK Fintech Innovation ETFARK$1.53B0.75%-34.75%Equity: Global FinTech Now let us look at the top and bottom performers.  Top ETF Performers according to etf.com  Bottom ETF Performers, according to etf.com  Innovation is the very backbone of our society; thus, it's bound to grow in the future and give handsome returns in the long run.   Investments in innovative ETFs are perfect for those who belong to the 'buy and hold' type of investor category and have long-term goals. FAQs Are ETFs a good investment for a new investor? Exchange Traded Funds are usually considered to be low-risk investments as not only are they low-cost but also hold various stocks and securities, thus increasing diversification. Why invest in innovation ETFs? Innovation is the very backbone of our society; thus, it's bound to grow in the future and give handsome returns in the long run.  Investments in innovative ETFs are perfect for those who belong to the 'buy and hold' type of investor category and have long-term goals. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you  TALK TO AN EXPERT

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes.   UTI MNC Fund  Investment Objective The scheme's primary objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of multinational companies.  Investment Process   The fund manager will invest primarily in shares of multinational companies. A Multi-national company is a company where there is a shareholding of a multi-national parent or such company that forms part of Nifty MNC TRI or any other publicly available MNC Index. Parameters such as cash flow generation, earnings growth prospects, valuation, market leadership, etc., along with the other relevant parameters from time to time, will be used to select stocks.  Source: UTI MF Portfolio composition  The fund allocates a minimum of 80% in equity and equity-related instruments of multi-national corporations or companies, with a risk ranging from medium to high. A maximum of 20% will be allotted in Debt and Money Market instruments, including securitized debt. In addition, the fund may allocate a maximum of 10% in Units issued by REITs & InvITs. Note: Data as of February 28, 2023. Source: UTIMF Performance Since Inception  A one-time investment of Rs. 10,000/- made at the time of the scheme launch, i.e., May 29, 1998, would now be valued at Rs. 3,27,624, whereas the benchmark (Nifty 500 TRI) would have fetched you Rs 2,00,438. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – May 29, 1998. Source: UTIMF Fund Manager  Mr. Karthikraj Lakshmanan ably manages the fund. Mr. Karthikraj Lakshmanan is Senior VP and Fund Manager of equity at UTI AMC Ltd. He is a B.Com Graduate, Chartered Accountant, holds a post-graduate degree in Business management (PGDBM) from SPJIMR, Mumbai, and has Cleared CFA (CFAI, US). He has a total work experience of around 17 years. Before joining UTI in July 2022, he worked as a Senior Fund Manager, at Equities with Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management. He has previously worked with ICICI Bank, Goldman Sachs, and ICICI Prudential AMC.  Who Should Invest?  Investors looking to diversify their core equity portfolio by adding exposure to quality MNC stocks.   Investors looking for a market cap agnostic fund and willing to bear the short-term divergence in returns compared to the general indices.  Investors are willing to increase the risk spectrum of their portfolio with exposure to a thematic portfolio philosophy.  Why Invest?  The fund provides a differentiated portfolio of quality MNCs, typically not commonly held by pure diversified equity funds.  The Fund endeavors to invest in companies with low financial leverage and has a high potential to lead pricing in their respective sector.  The fund exhibits a long-term performance track record, outperforming the benchmark, with relatively lower volatility.  Horizon  Ideal for investment with a time horizon of five years or above.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The scheme primarily invests in stocks of multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in India. These companies have a significant presence and market share in India and are subsidiaries of global corporations. It has generated a CAGR of over 15% since inception and has outperformed the benchmark. Hence this fund can be considered for long-term wealth creation with high risk. Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant.  The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. DSP World Mining Fund DSP World Mining Fund Direct Plan-Growth is an International Fund of Funds. It primarily invests in leading international companies in the mining and metals sector. It does this by investing in BGF World Mining Fund.  Investment Objective The primary investment objective of the world mining fund Scheme is to seek capital appreciation by investing predominantly in the units of BlackRock Global Funds & World Mining Fund (BGF - WMF).   Investment Process This Fund of Fund scheme invests in the units of the BGF World Mining Fund.  BGF World Mining Fund invests in the equity securities of mining and metals companies worldwide, predominantly in producing base metals and industrial minerals.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds significant exposure in copper stocks at 17.60% and Gold, which accounts for roughly 15.30% of the portfolio. The top five sectors hold more than 75% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 28th February 2023. Source: DSP MF Top 5 Holdings Name Weightage % Bhp Group Ltd 8.80 Vale Sa 7.60 Glencore Plc 7.60 Teck Resources Ltd 5.20 Freeport-McMoRan Inc 4.90 Note: Data as of 28th February 2023. Source: DSP MF Performance If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs 16,093.  Note: Data as of 31st March. 2023. Source: DSP MF Since its inception, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 4.75%.  Fund Manager at DSP World Mining Fund Jay Kothari  Jay Kothari, Vice President & Product Strategist - Jay has been with DSP Asset Managers since May 2005 and has been with the Investment function since January 2011. Jay joined the firm as a Sales team (Banking) member in May 2005. He has a total work experience of 19 years and has been managing this scheme since March 2013. Before joining DSPAM, Jay worked for Standard Chartered Bank for a year in the Priority Banking division. Jay completed his Bachelor of Management Studies (Finance & International Finance) from Mumbai University and an MBA in Finance from Mumbai University.  Jay is currently the Dedicated Fund Manager for overseas investments for the following schemes of DSP Mutual Fund.  Who should invest in DSP World Mining Fund?  Consider this fund if you:  Strongly believe in the future growth potential of international mining, metals & industrial companies.  Have the sectoral understanding to 'extract value' from changing international mining, metals & industrial sector cycles.  Value international diversification & want to hedge your bets.  Informed investors who can take a tactical view of the sector & know when to enter & exit.  This scheme is suitable for investors seeking Long-term capital growth and investment in units of overseas funds that invest primarily in equity and equity-related securities of mining companies.  Why invest in this Fund?  Offers the potential to grow your wealth by investing in the global mining sector.  Get access to sector-leading companies that are difficult to invest in directly for Indian investors.  It can generate high returns in the short term if the investor can take tactical bets & know when to enter & exit.  Time Horizon:  One should look at investing for at least ten years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion The DSP World Mining Fund has existed for more than ten years and has delivered a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 16.63% over the last five years. Thus, it is the best option for investors seeking long-term capital growth and investment in units of overseas funds that invest primarily in equity and equity-related securities of mining companies with high risks. Investors need to stay invested long-term to witness the benefits of compounding.  Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes.   UTI Small Cap Fund Investment objective The scheme aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of small-cap companies.  Investment process   The fund would follow a bottom-up approach for stock picking following a value investment style, and it is an open-ended equity scheme predominantly investing in small-cap stocks. The fund is well-diversified and aims to exploit the potential growth opportunities of small-cap and select mid-cap companies. Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds significant exposure in small-cap stocks at 77%, and significant sectoral exposure is to Capital Goods, which accounts for 17.10% of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold more than 60% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 31st March 2023. Source: UTIMF Top 5 Holdings for UTI Small Cap Fund  Name Sector Weightage % Karur Vysya Bank Ltd. Financials 2.71 Carborundum Universal Ltd. Metals & Mining 2.49 Brigade Enterprises Ltd. Construction 2.22 Timken India Ltd. Capital Goods 2.08 Cera Sanitaryware Materials 2.01 Note: Data as of 28th February 2023. Source: UTIMF  Performance Since Inception  The UTI Small Cap Fund has given a return of -2.94% in one year, whereas the Nifty Small-cap 250 TRI has given a return of -6.03% for the corresponding period. The fund has generated a CAGR of 18.72% since inception in December 2020, whereas the Nifty Small-cap 250 TRI has given a return of 21.91% for the same period. Hence the fund has performed better in the last year but underperformed its benchmark over the long term.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GWdNlDgVEIk Fund Manager  Mr. Ankit Agarwal manages the UTI Small Cap Fund. Mr. Ankit Agarwal joined UTI in August 2019. He has been designated as Fund Manager, managing UTI Mid Cap Fund. He has more than 12 years of experience. Before joining UTI, he worked with Lehman Brothers and Barclays Wealth and was associated with Centrum Broking Ltd. as Sr. Vice President. He graduated from the National Institute of Technology (B.Tech.) with a postgraduate degree in Management (PGDM) from IIM, Bangalore.  Who should invest?  Suitable for:   Investors looking for investment in a portfolio that invests predominantly in small-sized companies.  Investors with a high risk-taking ability and seeking to benefit from the potential high growth opportunity from a portfolio predominantly investing in small caps.   Why Invest?  The fund aims to exploit the potential growth opportunities of small-cap and select mid-cap companies.  A well-diversified portfolio of scalable businesses with a long growth runway.  Pursue a bottom-up stock selection approach to pick businesses with healthy financials and potential for the sustenance of margins over some time   UTI covers a large cross-section of companies in the small-cap universe. Coupled with robust investment processes, enables this fund to benefit from such opportunities.   The fund maintains a well-diversified portfolio and follows a patient approach toward companies in the portfolio.  Time Horizon  Ideal for investment with a time horizon of, preferably, five years or above   Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The UTI Small Cap Fund has underperformed against the benchmark over the long term, but it has performed better than the benchmark in the last year. So, investors should remain invested for a longer investment horizon to see the fund outperforming the benchmark. Hence, investors willing to take exposure to small-cap companies having strong growth potential can consider this fund with a long-term time horizon to see the fund outperforming the benchmark and witness the alpha generation. 

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes.   UTI Hybrid Equity Fund  Investment objective The scheme's primary objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of companies across the market capitalization spectrum. The fund also invests in debt and money market instruments to generate regular income.   Investment Process   The scheme proposes to invest in equity and equity-related instruments across market capitalization and follow a blend of growth and value-based approaches. The equity portfolio of the scheme shall be constructed around companies evaluated based on though not limited to, cash flow generation, RoCEs/ RoEs, and good management track record. The fund uses a bottom-up and top-down approach with an emphasis on the microeconomic factor of the underlying business.  Source: UTI MF Portfolio Composition  As a hybrid fund, the funds are allocated to equity, long-term debts, government securities, NCA, and INVIT. The equity fund allocated 68% to large-cap funds, 21% to mid-cap, and 11% go into small-cap.   Note: Data as of 28th Feb. 2023. Source: UTIMF Top 5 Holdings for UTI Hybrid Equity Fund  Name Sector  % HDFC Bank Ltd. Banking 6.5% ICICI Bank Ltd Banking 5.67% Infosys Ltd IT 4.68% Larsen & Toubro Ltd Construction 3.95% ITC Ltd IT 3.77% Note: Data as of 28th Feb. 2023. Source: UTIMF  Performance Since Inception  Note: Fund performance since launch; Inception Date – 2nd Jan. 1995. Source: UTIMF Fund Manager  V Srivatsa: Mr. V. Srivatsa is an Executive Vice President & Fund Manager of equity at UTI AMC Ltd. He is a B. Com graduate, C.A., CWA, and has a PGDM from IIM, Indore. He has been with UTI AMC since 2002. Before joining UTI, he worked with Ford, Rhodes Parks & Co., Chartered Accountants for two years, and as an Officer-Audit in Madras Cements Ltd. He started in the securities research department at UTI AMC, covering varied sectors such as Information Technology, Capital goods, and metals. He was promoted as fund manager offshore in December 2005 after a three-year stint in the DOSR. He was given additional responsibilities for the equity portion of hybrid funds in October 2009. He reports to the Head – Of equities for both the domestic & hybrid equity schemes.  Who Should Invest?  Investors who are seeking long-term capital appreciation.  Investors looking to diversify through a portfolio mix of equity (for growth) and debt for (limiting downside)  UTI Hybrid Equity Fund suits investors with a moderate risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon.  Why Invest?  Around 27 years of Performance track record  Portfolio diversification with a Distinct asset class of equity & debt helps attain diversification for the portfolio.  Quality Portfolio mix of equity & debt Focus on established large-cap names & quality debt papers.  Horizon  Ideal for investors with a time horizon of five years and above.   Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The equity portion of the fund's portfolio is managed actively with a bottom-up stock-picking approach, while the debt portion is managed with a focus on credit quality and liquidity. The fund has performed consistently with a CAGR of more than 14% with moderate risk. Hence, investors looking to generate wealth without aggressive risk can consider this fund.