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Obtaining an international education has become increasingly popular among students in recent years, and many individuals aspire to travel abroad to pursue their educational and professional goals. While the prospect of studying or working in a foreign country is certainly exciting, the financial burden of living and studying abroad can be overwhelming. This is where education loans help. An education loan is a financial aid option that is designed to help students fund their educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. However, education loans can also be used to finance other educational opportunities, such as internships or work placements abroad. Scholarships for internships abroad are another way to sponsor it. An unpaid internship or work placement abroad can be a great opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in their chosen field, develop their skills, and improve their employability. Not only does it provide invaluable experience in a professional environment, but it also allows for personal growth and development. But you have to make sure to find the best internship programs abroad. Working in a foreign country provides invaluable international experience. It exposes you to different cultures, customs, and ways of working. Exploring an unpaid internship or work placement abroad can also enhance your resume and make you more competitive in the job market. Living and working in a foreign country can be challenging but also highly rewarding. It will test your adaptability and resilience, improve your communication skills, and build your confidence. You will learn to navigate unfamiliar environments and situations and gain a new perspective on life. However, many students may not have the financial means to support themselves during the placement. In such situations, an education loan can be a viable solution. There are several advantages to using an education loan to fund an unpaid internship or work placement abroad. Firstly, it allows students to take advantage of valuable educational opportunities that they may not have been able to afford otherwise. Secondly, it can help students build a credit history and establish financial independence. Finally, it can provide students with the flexibility they need to focus on their studies and gain valuable work experience without the stress of financial worries. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p2Bj4VgVHgQ Here are some important things to keep in mind when using an education loan to finance an unpaid internship or work placement abroad: 1. Research education loan providers: Before applying for an education loan, it's important to research different loan providers and compare their terms and conditions. Look for a loan provider that offers flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and a loan amount that covers all your expenses. 2. Check eligibility criteria: Each loan provider has its own eligibility criteria, so make sure you meet the requirements before applying for a loan. Typically, you need to be a citizen or permanent resident of the country where you're applying for a loan, have a good credit score, and provide proof of enrollment or acceptance at an accredited institution. 3. Estimate your expenses: Before applying for a loan, estimate your expenses for the duration of your internship or work placement, including travel, accommodation, living expenses, and any additional costs. This will help you understand how much you need to borrow and ensure that you don't borrow more than you need. 4. Understand the repayment terms: It's important to understand the repayment terms of the loan before accepting it. Some loans require you to start repaying the loan immediately after disbursement, while others offer a grace period before repayment begins. Make sure you understand the interest rate, the repayment schedule, and any penalties for early repayment or late payments. 5. Use the loan responsibly: Remember that an education loan is a financial responsibility, and you'll need to repay the loan with interest. Use the loan only for necessary expenses related to your internship or work placement abroad, and avoid using it for unnecessary expenses or luxuries. Conclusion  Undertaking an unpaid internship or work placement abroad can be a life-changing experience. It provides valuable professional experience, personal growth, and cultural immersion. It is an investment in your future, and the benefits will last a lifetime. And using an education loan to fund an unpaid internship or work placement abroad can be a smart investment in your future career. By researching loan providers, understanding eligibility criteria and repayment terms, estimating your expenses, and using the loan responsibly, you can make the most of this opportunity to gain valuable international experience and enhance your career prospects. It is also important to remember that education loans are not free money, and students will need to repay the loan with interest. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the costs and benefits of taking out an education loan before making a decision. In case you need any advice or information about the best intern abroad programs or any other financial concerns, our financial advisors are always available at your service. TALK TO AN EXPERT

When it comes to managing your finances, seeking the guidance of a financial advisor can be an excellent step toward achieving your long-term financial goals. However, for young adults who are just starting their financial journey, finding a trustworthy and reliable financial advisor can be a daunting task.  In this guide, we will discuss the importance of finding a financial advisor for young adults, the steps involved in finding a financial advisor, and how to choose the right financial advisor who can provide you with personalized financial advice to help you achieve your financial goals. So, whether you're a recent college graduate or a young professional looking to secure your financial future, this guide will provide you with valuable insights on finding the right financial advisor. Taking care of your finances  You may be aware of how challenging and crucial saving, investing, maximizing the value of your wealth, and retirement planning may be. If so, you may have thought about how to choose a financial advisor and the reasons you might require one.  You might have also experienced stress related to making a significant financial choice. You may have questioned how a financial advisor could assist with a home purchase, an investment in higher education, or managing the money for a wedding, the birth of a child, a divorce, the death of a spouse, or a serious illness.  Services of planners and advisors  Just 30% of investors, according to the National Association of Financial Planners, have a compensated financial advisor. While 95% of those who have an advisor say they think the advice is worth the money, 57% of those without one say they prefer to manage their own finances.  So, what services do financial planners and advisors offer? They may generally assist you in managing your financial life by employing different products and tactics to manage your wealth and enhance your financial practices.  Why you should get Financial advice?  For a variety of reasons, you could require a competent financial counselor. For instance, you might have recently received a sizeable inheritance from a deceased relative or a windfall from the state lottery. A person's need for a financial expert will change as they progress through different periods of life.  Maybe you recently had a child and want to secure their future in the event that the worst happens. Many parents look for assistance in building up estates that can pass riches to future generations and investing in their children's college educations. Retirement-related investing requires a different strategy than it does for young workers. Your degree of risk tolerance will alter as you get closer to retirement, and your investing strategy should adapt along with it. Perhaps your employer is providing an early retirement package that is too tempting to pass up, and you want to make sure the money will endure. Any of these circumstances (among many more) can naturally make you want some help from a professional managing your finances.  Finding reliable financial assistance  What steps should you take to discover the ideal advisor? Identifying the type of financial assistance, you require from a professional is the first step. Like many other individuals, you do some of your most profound economic thinking around tax time. So, a good certified public accountant (CPA) should be able to handle tax guidance and preparation for you. A financial advisor may or may not also be that CPA.  Choose the area of your financial life where assistance is needed The greatest financial planners are those who can help you map out a strategy for all your financial needs, including investment guidance, debt reduction, product recommendations for insurance, and estate preparation. Depending on the business, you might want in-depth financial planning or extra help for those with complicated financial needs. The services that different sorts of financial advisors provide may not be the same, so it's critical to choose the ones that you require.  Different types of Financial Advisors  Although all financial advisors are expected by law to act in your best interests, not all of them do. Understanding fiduciary duty and how they make money is crucial because it enables you to decide whether their advice is better for you or for their pockets. You must carefully assess potential financial advisors to ensure they are good for you and your money because there is no federal legislation that governs who can call themselves a financial advisor or provide financial advice.  Financial advisers who charge a fee  Fee-only financial advisors get their money from the fees you pay for their services. These fees could be calculated as a flat amount, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the assets they oversee managing on your behalf.  Almost all fee-only advisors are fiduciaries. To reduce any potential conflicts of interest, they have generally chosen to work just for pay. As they depend on consumers for their revenue, it is in their best interest to make sure you end up with financial plans and solutions that are ideal for you.  Financial Consultants with commissions  Financial advisors may advertise themselves as "free" or charge fees for guidance, and they may gain or lose money from third-party sales commissions. Commission-only advisors are fiduciaries who represent brokerage firms that provide investments and insurance, and they are solely subject to suitability requirements. The fiduciary duty of the financial advisor has an impact on fee-based financial advisors. Although not always negative in and of itself, some financial products are promoted using a commission-based approach. The use of financial advisors can be a terrific way to buy financial products, but it's important to know the difference between commission-based and fee-based financial advice.  Investors who are registered advisers  Investors who are registered advisers are professionals who are authorized to provide investment advice to clients. These individuals or firms must register with regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities authorities to ensure compliance with securities laws and regulations. What are the services a financial advisor can offer?  Financial advice: By examining numerous investment options, financial advisors hope to assist you in selecting investments that are within your preferred level of risk.  Handling debt: If you owe money on credit card debt, school loans, auto loans, or mortgages, financial counselors can help you create a repayment plan.  Budgeting: Financial advisors are experts at assessing where your money goes once it has left your paycheck. To prepare for achieving your financial goals, advisors can help you create budgets.  Insurance coverage: Based on your financial situation, financial advisors could examine your current policies to identify any coverage gaps or recommend new types of policies, such as disability insurance or long-term care coverage.  Tax preparation: While planning your taxes, you should consider ways to reduce the amount of taxes you might owe, such as making sizeable charitable contributions or taking advantage of tax losses. Remember that tax preparation and planning are two distinct processes and that not all financial planners have a comprehensive grasp of taxes. You'll likely still want a CPA or tax preparation software to file your taxes.  Getting ready for retirement: With the help of financial professionals, you can fund your ultimate long-term goal of retiring. They can then make sure that you can protect your money once you have retired or are about to retire.  Estate planning: If you want to leave a legacy, financial advisors can help you transfer your assets to the next generation for your family, your friends, or charitable organizations.  College preparation: If you want to pay for your family members' higher education, financial advisors can help you design a strategy to help you save money.  Determine your capacity to pay your Financial Advisor  As an individual seeking financial advice, it is important to understand the various pricing structures that financial advisors may offer. Commission-only advisors may appear to be free, but they may receive compensation based on investments or purchases they make on your behalf. Fee-only or fee-based advisors may charge by the hour, plan, retainer agreement, or subscription model, in addition to fees based on the assets they manage for you.  When searching for a financial advisor, it is important to conduct extensive due diligence. You can ask for recommendations from peers, family, and friends, or search online for financial advisors. Professional financial planning associations also offer free databases of financial advisors.  As you assess potential advisors, consider their credentials, background, and fee schedules. It is important to note that not all financial planning association members are fiduciary financial counselors, so it is important to verify their status.  Ultimately, choosing the right financial advisor can help you achieve your financial goals and secure the future for yourself and your loved ones. However, due to the industry's complexity and potential for conflicts of interest, it is crucial to take precautions and select an advisor who will prioritize your financial needs.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Improved connectivity, new technological developments, and the economic policies adopted by governments have led the world to become one global market. In this era of globalization, it is widespread to see people having economic transactions in various geographical regions leading to tax implications in the respective countries.   And it is not necessary that all governments follow the same tax code. You may have to pay taxes in various countries on the same transaction due to the differences in the tax regulations in those countries. When the same income is taxed twice in two countries, it is double taxation. In this article, we will see, what is double taxation relief, the provisions of double taxation relief in India, and how you can get relief from double taxation. What is double taxation relief?  As discussed earlier, due to the differences in tax regulations, the same income may be subject to tax in two different countries. Identify for reasons four essentials for good combustion in a cylinder. This is called double taxation relief.  Types of double taxation relief  Generally, double taxation relief is provided in two ways. One is called Bilateral Relief, and the other is called Unilateral Relief. When relief is provided when governments of two countries come together and decide which government will tax which type of income and the extent of taxation through an agreement, it is called Bilateral Relief. It is not possible for governments to enter into agreements with all countries to avoid double taxation. So, generally, a provision is incorporated in the tax law which allows the taxpayers the credit of tax paid in another country. Since a country provides this relief unilaterally, it is called Unilateral Relief.  Double Taxation Relief Provisions in India  The taxpayers are given relief in both ways in India. Let us first see the provisions regarding bilateral relief. India has entered into Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with more than 100 countries, including Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, etc. So, the taxability of such income, which otherwise would have been doubly taxed, is determined as per the provisions of DTAA. And if the provisions of tax law are more beneficial to the taxpayer than the DTAA, then the provisions of tax law will remain applicable. However, to claim the benefits of DTAA, the taxpayer must furnish the Tax Residence Certificate.  Now coming to Unilateral relief, you need to know the following provisions:  The assessee is resident in India during the previous year in respect of which the income is taxable.  The income accrues or is deemed to accrue or arise outside India.  The income in question has been subjected to income tax in the foreign country in the hands of the assessee.  The assessee has paid tax on the income in the foreign country.   There is no agreement for relief from double taxation between India and the other country where the income has accrued or arisen.  So, if these conditions are satisfied, you can claim relief even if there is no DTAA between India and the other country. You will get a deduction from the Indian Income Tax payable. The amount of deduction would be calculated on such doubly taxed income as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, of 1961. These provisions state that the deduction amount will be equal to an amount calculated on such doubly taxed income at the Indian rate of tax or the rate of tax in the foreign country, whichever is lower. Let us understand this with the help of an example.  Double Taxation Relief Example  Let’s say your Indian income from a business in India is Rs. 6,00,00. And you have earned a pretax foreign income of Rs. 2,00,000, which is taxed @ 15% in the foreign country. You have invested in ELSS during the financial year, Rs. 1,50,000, to get the deduction under Sec. 80C. So, your tax liability under Indian income tax would be calculated as follows:  Seeking financial and taxation guidance? Then connect with our experts to know the best way to maximize your income in India.    Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

It is no surprise that enormous numbers of students desire further education overseas. Yet, studying abroad is expensive and only affordable for some. In this case, overseas education loan programs act as lifesavers and assist students in paying for their studies abroad. Below, we have provided an overview of the abroad education loans in different countries for international studies. Types of education loans  As the primary source of higher finance in India, education loans are a foundation of support for many students. Following are the categories of student loans: 1. Secured education loans In essence, secured loans are loans supported by a piece of property. Borrowers of collateral loans must provide it to be approved for an education loan. In return for the loan, the borrower gives the lender a piece of property as collateral. 2. Unsecured education loans Unsecured student loans don't often demand collateral, so borrowing money for school doesn't entail students pledging anything as security. Loan loans are awarded to students based on a student's academic profile and the financial profile of their co-applicant. Financial companies giving unsecured loans are highly careful about numerous criteria since they are lending loans bearing in mind the student's earning potential in the future. Private banks and NBFCs offer unsecured student loans in India.  Types of education loans for various countries in the world Following is an overview of the abroad education loan landscape in different countries: 1. Australia Type of Education Loan Recommended: Secured education loan The maximum loan amount provided: Upto 1.5 Cr  The majority of students receiving assistance from the Australian embassy obtain secured student loans from PSUs and government banks like the SBI. This is because government banks, unlike NBFCs, have consistently demonstrated their financial dependability and reliability. But, it's crucial to remember that the Australian embassy only accepts third-party collateral as doing so implies that the student has no alternative means of funding for their studies in Australia. Hence, even if the students are processing through government banks, remember that the Australian embassy pays special attention to the nature of the collateral being pledged. 2. New Zealand Type of Education Loan Recommended: Secured education loan The maximum loan amount provided is INR 1.5 Cr  Secured education loans are the sole option available to students, as New Zealand does not accept NBFC loans. The New Zealand embassy dislikes utilizing other parties' collateral as a main source of funding, so please be aware of that. To study in New Zealand, it is thus suggested that you avoid taking out a third-party education loan. They also accept a variety of collateral, such as liquid securities like fixed deposits and real estate, which must be at least six months old. 3. United Kingdom Type of Education Loan Recommended: Secured education loan The maximum loan amount provided: Upto  1.5 Cr For study in the UK, both types of education loans are suitable. Students are generally advised to choose a secured education loan via nationalized banks over an unsecured education loan through private banks or NBFCs if they want to take out a student loan to pay for their studies in the UK or any other country. Although students can contact NBFCs for educational loans, asking for loans through a government bank may be your only chance of obtaining a hassle-free UK study visa. 4. USA Type of Education Loan Recommended: Secured/Unsecured loans The maximum loan amount provided: With security, up to 1.5 Cr and up to 40 Lacs (without security). Students often get unsecured and secured education loans for their studies in the USA, although this also relies on the qualifying requirements established by the lending bank. 5. Canada Type of Education Loan Recommended: Secured/ Unsecured loan Maximum loan amount provided: Upto 1.5 Cr(with security) and 25-30 lacs(without security) Banks often provide both unsecured and secured education loans for students in Canada. The conditions established by Canadian law must be met by students who want to study there. Top education loan schemes for abroad studies by the Indian government The Government of India offers several different types of educational loans that are straightforward to apply for and may be used for studies abroad. The list of the best government student loans for study abroad is given below: Gujarat Government Education Loan Type State Government Loan to Study AbroadAmount Offered as LoanUpto 15 Lakhs  Vidya Lakshmi Education Loan Type Government Loan for Study AbroadAmount Offered as LoanUpto 30 Lakhs  Education Loan Scheme of the NBCFDC Type Government Loan for Study Abroad through a Government Organisation Amount Offered as LoanUpto 20 Lakhs  Padho Pardesh Scheme Type Government Education Loan for Abroad through Canara Bank  Amount Offered as LoanUpto 20 Lakhs  Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme Type Central Government Loan for Abroad Study Amount Offered as LoanNot specified  It is usually advised to thoroughly read the loan's terms and conditions before proceeding. We emphasize this point since it's important to understand all the terms of the loan agreement. TALK TO AN EXPERT!

As a student in India, investing may not be the first thing that comes to your mind, but it can be a great way to build long-term wealth and financial security. Investing early in life gives you an edge over those who start later, as it provides more time for your investments to grow. By investing regularly and wisely, you can set yourself up for a bright financial future. Here are some reasons why investing as a student is important: Time is on your side: As a student, you have a longer investment horizon compared to someone who starts investing later in life. Starting early gives you more time to let your investments grow and compound. Even small investments made early can grow into significant amounts over time. Develop good financial habits: Investing as a student can help you develop good financial habits that will serve you well throughout your life. It encourages you to budget, save, and plan for your future. Investing also teaches you the importance of patience, discipline, and long-term thinking. Beat inflation: Inflation erodes the value of your money over time. Investing can help you beat inflation and preserve the purchasing power of your money. By investing in assets that appreciate in value over time, you can grow your wealth and stay ahead of inflation. Invest in US Market Tips on how to invest as a student in India 1. Start small As a student, you may not have a large amount of disposable income to invest. That's perfectly fine. You can start by investing in small investment plans for students, like investing small amounts of money in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that allow you to invest in a diversified portfolio. Investing regularly in small amounts can compound over time and grow into a significant sum. 2. Learn about investing Before you start investing, it's important to learn about the different investment options available to you. You can take online courses, attend workshops, or read books on investing to gain knowledge and confidence in investing. Understanding the basics of investing can help you make informed decisions about your money and find the best investment for students in India. What is Student Credit Card? Read More 3. Consider long-term investments As a student, you have a long investment horizon. This means that you can invest in long-term investments like equity mutual funds or stocks that have the potential to grow over time. Long-term investments offer a higher potential for growth and can help you build substantial wealth over time. However, keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your research before making any investment decision. 4. Create a budget Before you start investing, it's important to create a budget considering your income and expenses. This will help you understand how much money you can afford to invest each month. By creating a budget, you will have a clear understanding of your financial situation and make smarter investment decisions. This will always help you in looking for the best options for small investment plans for students in India.  5. Take advantage of tax benefits The Indian government provides tax benefits on certain types of investments, like equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS). These schemes not only offer tax benefits but also provide a higher potential for returns compared to traditional investment options like fixed deposits. Consider investing in such schemes to save tax and grow your wealth. 6. Avoid taking unnecessary risks Investing always involves risk, but as a student, it's important to avoid taking unnecessary risks with your investments. Avoid investing in high-risk options like derivatives or futures and instead focus on building a diversified portfolio. Diversification means investing in a mix of different asset classes that are not closely correlated. This helps to reduce your overall risk exposure. 7. Consult a financial advisor If you're unsure about where to invest or how to start investing, consider consulting a financial advisor. They can provide personalised guidance based on your financial situation and investment goals. A financial advisor can also help you create a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account your short-term and long-term goals. Our team at EduFund has efficient financial advisors constantly available for your help and advice, whether it is about finding the best investment plans for students in India or any other financial concerns you may have. Conclusion  In conclusion, investing as a student in India can be a great way to build long-term wealth and financial security. Start small, learn about investing, consider long-term investments, create a budget, take advantage of tax benefits, avoid taking unnecessary risks, and consult a financial advisor. With these tips, you can make smart investment decisions and set yourself up for a bright financial future. And for any issue regarding these investments, our team of financial advisors is just a call away. TALK TO AN EXPERT

How to double your money? What are some ways to double your money in the 21st century? Is it mutual funds or ETFs? Should we invest in stocks or funds? We are all surrounded by these queries constantly.   With the rise of financial influencers around us, financial literacy and conversation have become the norm. While it is illuminating, it can be confusing as well. Easy ways to double your money to beat inflation 1. Mutual Funds  Mutual funds come in different types such as ELSS, equity-oriented, debt-oriented, and balanced mutual funds. It is a good way to double your money but be careful of the risks and consult a good financial advisor before starting your journey. Reading all documents and staying updated are equally important.   Although there are risks involved with investing in the stock market, mutual funds have historically offered higher returns than other investment options. Therefore, it can be a good way to grow your money. The return on investment for mutual funds is determined by their tenure, with long-term mutual funds offering rates of 12% to 15% per year. It may take about 5 to 6 years to double your investment with these mutual funds.  2. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)  This savings scheme is classified under the Post Office Small Saving Scheme. It was discontinued for some time but was reintroduced in the initial quarter of the fiscal year 2015-16. The Indian Government periodically revises the interest rates and tenure to boost returns. The interest rate for the Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) for the period of April to June 2021 is 6.9%.  Money Management Rule Read More 3. Corporate Bonds  Compared to other investment options, bank deposits tend to offer lower interest rates. If you are seeking higher returns, corporate bonds may be a more attractive option. The interest rates on corporate fixed deposits (FDs) or non-convertible debentures (NCDs) are determined by the issuer's credit score and market reputation.  4. National Savings Certificates  National Savings Certificates (NSC) are issued by the Indian Postal Department, and they are considered a highly secure investment option. These certificates have a fixed tenure of either five or ten years and a fixed interest rate. For NSCs with a 5-year term, the interest rate is 8.5% per year, while for NSCs with a 10-year term, the rate is 8.8% per year. NSCs are exempt from income tax under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961, up to Rs 1,50,000. There is no TDS charged on the maturity amount received. NSCs can also be used to obtain loans from any bank.  5. Tax-free Bonds  Previously, tax-free bonds were only issued for a limited period of time. However, the government allowed a few state-operated entities to issue tax-free bonds up to INR 40,000 crore. These tax-free bonds from NTPC and PFC are in high demand. For the 2015 series, the tax-adjusted return or interest rate offered by these bonds ranged from 8.20% to 8.50% per year, depending on the tenure. It is possible to double your investment in around 8 to 9 years through these bonds.  Money Mistakes to Avoid in the 30s Read More 6. Gold ETFs  Gold is a popular investment option as it has provided consistent returns of around 10%. To make gold investments even more lucrative, you can consider investing in Gold ETFs and Gold Bonds. Another option is to invest in the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, which is regulated by the RBI and the Government. The scheme allows you to own Gold in certificate form, with the value of the bonds determined in multiples of one gram of Gold. The minimum initial investment is one gram, and you can earn 2.5% interest per year on the amount invested. The lock-in period for the invested amount is eight years. It typically takes around eight years to double your investment in Gold ETFs.  7. Real Estate  Investing in residential real estate is also a viable option to double your money. Not only can you generate a regular rental income, but you can also own an asset, diversify your portfolio, and save taxes. It typically takes 6 to 7 years for the value of your property to double. However, real estate investments require a significant amount of capital. The returns on such investments are influenced by multiple factors, including the location and infrastructure development in the neighboring areas.  8. Stock Market  Investing in stocks is a great way to double your invested money and build wealth. However, direct stock investments carry high risks, and you could lose up to 50% of your investment. On the other hand, the returns on individual stocks can be equally high, with big companies offering returns of over 20% over longer periods. For instance, Eicher Motors Limited had a five-year CAGR of 28.77%. With such returns, you can expect to double your wealth in 3.5 years. It is still advisable to invest in stocks for the long term (five years or more) to minimize risks and maximize returns.  9. Public Provident Fund (PPF)  To invest in PPF, a minimum of INR 500 per year is required, and the scheme has a lock-in period of 15 years. Compared to other savings plans, PPF offers the lowest possible contribution. Salaried, self-employed, and government employees are eligible to invest in this scheme. The rate of return for each year in the fund is 8.75% per year. With such a rate of return, your invested money may double in 8 years.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Before finding the top three ETFs in the small-cap category, we must understand what the small cap is. What is the small cap?  A small cap is a publicly-traded firm with a market valuation of $300 million to $2 billion. The exact figures differ. The most numerous corporations in the market are small-cap stocks. Small-cap stocks outnumber large-cap and mid-cap companies combined.  Small-cap stocks offer different risks and benefits for shareholders than their larger competitors due to their size. Small-cap stocks can have higher-than-average volatility, which means they suffer rapid increases and losses.   If investors can tolerate the highs and lows over a lengthy period, they get proportional rewards. However, certain small-cap companies may experience extreme movements and be illiquid in the near term.  The following indices are the benchmarks for the small-cap universe in the United States. Both include companies from a wide range of industries:  The S&P SmallCap 600 Index is a measure of the performance of small-cap companies.   The Russell 2000 index tracks the performance of 600 small-cap firms, whereas the S&P SmallCap 600 Index monitors the behavior of 600 small-cap companies.   The Russell 2000 Index comprises about 2,000 of the smallest firms in the United States.  The S&P's small-cap Index has returned an average of 8.3 percent a year over the last 20 years, compared to 8% and 6.3 percent for its medium-large competitors, respectively. Top 3 ETFs in the small-cap category Rank ETF 1 SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF 2 Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF 3 ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF  1. SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF  By tracking the S&P mid-cap 400 Index, SPMD provides exposure to the mid-cap portion of the US equity market. The S&P Committee selects stocks based on market capitalization, focusing on sector balance, by assessing the share of each GICS (Global Industry Classification Standard) category in the Underlying Index to its weight in the S&P Total Market Index's relevant market capitalization range.   SPMD has experienced multiple names, Index, and ticker changes throughout the years, previously trading under the name RSCO in November 2005 and in August 2016. (Ticker: SMD).   Finally, until January 24, 2020, it was also known as the SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF, which tracked the S&P 1000 Index. The fund uses a sampling approach, and the Index-rebalancing happens every three months.   The MSCI ESG Fund Rating for the SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF is A, with 6.51 out of ten. The MSCI ESG Fund Rating assesses a portfolio's long-term resistance to risks and opportunities posed by environmental, social, and governance variables. Performance Performance [as of 14/03/22]1 year3 years5 years10 yearsSPMD-2.50%11.90%10.17%11.20%S&P Mid Cap 400-2.49%11.95%10.10%11.26% The fund invests completely in the US market. SPMD Top 10 Holdings  Source: etf.com SPMD details  BrandSPDRExpense Ratio0.05%YTD Return-10.13%AUM$5.05BNumber of Holdings400Avg. Spread ($)$0.01Average Daily $ Volume$70.82M 2. Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF  Small caps are approached differently by FNDA. FNDA picks and weights stocks depending on 5-year means of maintained operations cash flow, adapted sales, dividends plus buybacks, rather than a standard cap-weighted method.   It determines the bottom 12.5 percent of the qualifying list as a 'small-cap' index. The Index's constituents' weights are decided annually and partially reconstituted quarterly.   The Index is segregated into four segments, each overhauled on a rolling quarterly basis. Despite its non-traditional technique, the fund tracks its cap-weighted benchmark rather well, eliminating primary sector and size distortions.   The MSCI ESG Fund Rating for the Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF is BBB, based on 5.45 out of 10. The MSCI ESG Fund Rating assesses a portfolio's long-term resistance to risks and opportunities posed by environmental, social, and governance variables.  Performance  Performance [as of 14/03/22]1 year3 years5 years10 yearsSPMD-2.69%12.25%9.93%-MSCI USA Small Cap Index-10.15%11.19%10.53%- The fund invests entirely in the US market  FNDA Top 10 Holdings  Source: etf.com FNDA details  BrandSchwabExpense Ratio0.25%YTD Return-8.09%AUM$4.75BNumber of Holdings902Avg. Spread ($)$0.05Average Daily $ Volume$15.71M 3. ProShares S&P Midcap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETFs  REGL operates in a competitive market, but it stands out from its mid-cap competition in various ways. To begin with, it's a dividend-focused fund that only invests in firms that have raised their dividends for at least 15 years.   The strict constraints of REGL limit it to a few dozen stocks, resulting in a concentrated portfolio. It targets a minimum of 40 companies, with dividend growth histories being shortened if the minimum count is not met, and each sector is limited to just 30% of the Index weight.   Finally, the fund is equal-weighted, which means it has a lesser tilt than most mid-cap ETFs. The indicator is reweighted quarterly and reconstituted once a year.   The MSCI ESG Fund Rating for ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF is A, with 5.95 out of 10. The MSCI ESG Fund Rating assesses a portfolio's long-term resistance to risks and opportunities posed by environmental, social, and governance variables.  Performance  Performance [as of 14/03/22]1 year3 years5 years10 yearsREGL1.96%10.33%8.66%-MSCI USA Mid Cap Index0.53%14.52%12.28%- The fund invests entirely in the US market  REGL Top 10 Holdings   Source: etf.com REGL details  BrandProSharesExpense Ratio0.41%YTD Return-4.90%AUM$1.05BNumber of Holdings49Avg. Spread ($)$0.06Average Daily $ Volume$4.41M FAQs What is small-cap? A small cap is a publicly traded firm with a market valuation of $300 million to $2 billion. The exact figures differ. The most numerous corporations in the market are small-cap stocks. Small-cap stocks outnumber large-cap and mid-cap companies combined.  What is small-cap classified? A small-cap stock is a stock whose market value is anywhere between $300 million to $2 billion. What are examples of small-cap stocks? Examples of small-cap stocks are - 1. Tesla2. Nike 3. Amazon4. Walmart 5. Apple One should look at these ETFs before investing in the small-cap category in the USA. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

HDFC Mutual Fund, also called HDFC AMC, is one of India's largest and most profitable mutual fund houses. The company is a part of the Housing Development Finance Corporation or HDFC Group, a financial conglomerate with established businesses in housing finance, asset management, life and non-life insurance, education finance, and real estate funds.  As of December 2020, HDFC AMC's Quarterly Asset Under Management or QAAUM of INR 389466.56 crore is the highest among 41 mutual fund houses operating in the country. HDFC AMC became a publicly listed company and has been listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange since August 2018. Presently, the promoters hold a 73.92% stake in the company (HDFC Ltd. - 52.7% and Standard Life Investments Limited - 21.2%), followed by FII (9.11%), DII (5.62%), and public (11.34%). HDFC AMC's Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) profit for December 2020 has soared to INR 369.26 crore from 338.06 crores, and its basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) grew to 17.34 in December 2020 as against 15.88 in the previous quarter. Its profit before tax was INR 1,653.05 crore in March 2020, as compared to 1,374.70 crore in March 2019. HDFC AMC's EPS has grown consistently. For example, the basic EPS was 23.64 in 2016, which grew to 27.33 in 2017, 34.52 in 2018, 43.87 in 2018, and 59.37 in 2019. As of 12th April 2021, the AMC had a market capitalization of INR 60,579 crore (Source - moneycontrol.com).  HDFC AMC offers a wide range of investment and savings products and has a considerable retail and institutional investor base. Presently, it has more than 9 million active accounts, and its equity mutual funds are some of the best you can get in India. Data published by the fund house indicates that more than one in four investors choose an HDFC mutual fund for investing. For over 25 years, HDFC mutual fund has been a consistent performer with a demonstrable track record of wealth creation and client management. Its core investment team consists of thirty (30) members who have proven expertise in capital markets, bonds, and commodity markets. Besides retail investor services, HDFC AMC also offers (non)discretionary and advisory services to HNIs or High Net Worth Individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), domestic and international corporate houses, trusts, and domestic and international financial institutions. HDFC AMC manages a total of 101 funds across several categories like Arbitrage, Banking, and PSU, etc. Important information about HDFC mutual fund Name of the AMCHDFC Asset Management Company Ltd.Incorporation DateDec-10-1999SponsorsHousing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. and Standard Life Investments Ltd.TrusteeHDFC Trustee Company LimitedTrustees' NameMr Vimal Bhandari, ChairmanMr V. Srinivasa Rangan, DirectorMr Mehernosh Kapadia, Independent DirectorMr Dindayal Jalan, Independent DirectorMD/CEOMr Milind BarveCIOMr Prashant JainCompliance OfficerMr Yezdi KhariwalaInvestor Service OfficerMr John MathewRegistrar and Transfer agentKFin Technologies Private Limited (Formerly known as Karvy Fintech Private Ltd)Unit: HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (ISIN: INE127D01025)Karvy Selenium Tower B, Plot No 31 & 32 Gachibowli, Financial District,Nanakramguda, Serilingampally Hyderabad – 500 032.Contact Person: Mr Ragesh Raghavan/Suman KonijetiTelephone: 040 67162222, Toll-free No.18003454001E-mail: einward.ris@kfintech.comToll-free Number 1800 3010 6767 / 1800 419 7676Email Addresscliser@hdfcfund.comRegistered AddressHDFC Asset Management Company LimitedCIN: L65991MH1999PLC123027Registered Address: “HDFC House”, 2nd Floor,H. T. Parekh Marg, 165-166, Backbay Reclamation,Churchgate, Mumbai – 400020. Ten top-performing HDFC mutual fund schemes  HDFC has mutual funds in almost all categories permitted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or SEBI. Here is a list of the ten best-performing HDFC mutual fund schemes in India. 1. HDFC Small Cap Fund (Category - Equity: Small Cap) The HDFC Small Cap fund, with a NAV of 52.8330 (Regular Growth) (as on 12th April, 2021), is the top-performing fund in the 'Equity: Small Cap' category. This open-ended fund was launched on 3rd April 2008 and has given trailing returns of 103.22% in one year (as on 9th April 2021). The fund considers the NIFTY Smallcap 100 TRI as its benchmark.  Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit Load1% for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (3rd April 2008):14.04% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 10,050 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.80% (as of 28th February 2021) 2. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund (Category - Equity: Mid Cap) The HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund was launched on 25th June 2007 and has given gravity-defying returns year after year.  In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 83.71%. The fund is open-ended and treats the NIFTY Midcap 100 TRI as its benchmark.  As on 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is hovering around 71.6680 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit Load1% for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (25th June, 2007):15.72% (as on 9th April, 2021)AssetsINR 26,471 Crore (as on 31st March, 2021)Expense Ratio1.79% (as on 28th February, 2021) 3. HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan (Equity: Flexi Cap) HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan has been consistently generating decent returns for its investors. This fund was launched on 25th February 2016 and considers the NIFTY 500 TRI as its benchmark. However, this fund has a lock-in period of five (5) years. In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 71.12%. As on 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 21.7960 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit LoadNoneReturn Since Inception (25th February 2016):17.38% (as on 9th April, 2021)AssetsINR 1,392 Crore (as on 31st March, 2021)Expense Ratio2.38% (as on 28th February, 2021) 4. HDFC Growth Opportunities Fund (Category - Equity: Large & Midcap) The HDFC Growth Opportunities fund was launched on 18th February 1994 and has been a popular fund ever since. The fund is open-ended and treats the NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI as its benchmark.  In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 73.70%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 141.2650 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit Load1% for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (18th February 1994):11.65% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 2,014 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio2.54% (as of 28th February 2021) 5. HDFC Top 100 Fund (Category - Equity: Large Cap) The HDFC Top 100 fund was launched on 11th October 1996 and considers the NIFTY 100 TRI its benchmark. The fund invests primarily in large-cap stocks with huge growth potential.  In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 58.87%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 551.9530 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit Load1% for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (11th October 1996):18.99% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 18,660 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.85% (as of 28th February 2021) 6. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund (Category - Hybrid: Dynamic Asset Allocation) If your investment horizon is five years or more, the HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund can be your best bet. The fund was launched on 1st February 2004, and it treats the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 as its benchmark.  In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 51.83%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 227.9330 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum Investment Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000INR 5,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit LoadIf the units you wish to redeem are more than 15% of the total investment amount, a 1% exit load will be levied for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (1st February 2004):17.87% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 39,784 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.60% (as of 28th February 2021) 7. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund (Category - Hybrid: Aggressive Hybrid) The HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund is open-ended and considers NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 as its benchmark. It invests up to 65% of your investments in equities, whereas the remaining 35% is invested in bonds. The fund was launched on 11th September 2000. In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 54.29%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 65.3500 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit LoadIf the units you wish to redeem are more than 15% of the total investment amount, a 1% exit load will be levied for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (11th September 2000):15.49% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 17,309 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.79% (as of 28th February, 2021) 8. HDFC Dynamic PE Ratio Fund of Funds (Category - Hybrid: Multi Asset Allocation) The HDFC Dynamic PE Ratio Fund of funds is the best-performing fund in the 'Hybrid: MAA' category. The open-ended fund was launched on 6th February 2012 and considers the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 as its benchmark.  In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 43.35%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 22.7714 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit Load1% for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (6th February, 2012):9.63% (as on 9th April, 2021)AssetsINR 20 Crore (as on 31st March, 2021)Expense Ratio1.00% (as on 28th February, 2021) 9. HDFC Equity Savings Fund (Category - Hybrid: Equity Savings) If you want to get the best of equity, bonds, and arbitrage opportunities, the HDFC Equity Savings fund is all you need. It is an open-ended scheme that was launched on 17th September 2004. This fund considers the NIFTY 50 Arbitrage TRI, NIFTY 50 TRI, and CRISIL Short-Term Bond TRI as its benchmark.  In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 27.88%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 42.2360 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit LoadIf the units you wish to redeem is more than 15% of the total investment amount, a 1% exit load will be levied for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (17th September 2004):9.20% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 2,332 Crore (as of 31st March, 2021)Expense Ratio2.11% (as of 28th February 2021) 10. HDFC Hybrid Debt Fund (Category - Hybrid: Conservative Hybrid) The HDFC Hybrid Debt Fund is the top-performing fund in the conservative hybrid category. This fund invests no more than one-third of your investment amount in equities and no more than two-thirds of your investment amount in debt. The fund was launched on 26th December 2003 and considers the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 15:85 as its benchmark. In the one-year period ending on 9th April 2021, the fund has given trailing returns of 22.11%. As of 12th April 2021, the NAV of this fund is 53.6965 (Regular Growth). Key information Minimum InvestmentINR 5,000Minimum Additional Investment INR 1,000Minimum SIP InvestmentINR 500Minimum WithdrawalINR 500Exit LoadIf the units you wish to redeem is more than 15% of the total investment amount, a 1% exit load will be levied for redemption within 365 days; Nil for redemption after 365 daysReturn Since Inception (26th December 2003):10.27% (as of 9th April 2021)AssetsINR 2,434 Crore (as of 31st March 2021)Expense Ratio1.89% (as of 28th February 2021)(As of 02/04/2021) How can you invest in the HDFC mutual fund via EduFund? Investing in HDFC mutual funds via Edufund is a simple, six-step process.  Step 1 - Download the EduFund App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and create an online account. Step 2 -  Select a Scheme - Browse a wide range of HDFC mutual fund schemes and choose the right scheme suiting your financial goals. You may invest in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or a lump sum. The inbuilt recommendation engine suggests the best scheme for your financial objectives. Step 3 - View and Track Your Transaction(s) - The amount you have invested will reflect in your EduFund account within four working days. You can track the HDFC mutual fund NAV, account balance, statement, and other information in the app. Alternatively, you can purchase, redeem, or switch HDFC mutual fund units. Step 4 - Speak With a Mutual Fund Counsellor - You can connect with a mutual fund consultant to share your goals and get personalized advice.  EduFund uses top-class authentication and encryption technologies to ensure bank-like secured transactions and safeguard your investments.   Seven best-performing fund managers at HDFC mutual fund The fund manager plays a prominent role in driving value and generating growth. The following are the seven best-performing fund managers in HDFC AMC whose funds have consistently churned out the best returns.  1. Mr. Chirag Setalvad Mr. Chirag Setalvad is a senior fund manager in HDFC mutual fund. He joined the AMC in 2007. He has extensive experience in fund management, equity research, and investment banking. Mr. Setalvad manages top-performing HDFC mutual fund schemes like HDFC Small Cap Fund, HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund, HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund, and HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund.  2. Mr. Prashant Jain Mr. Prashant Jain holds the distinction of managing one fund, namely HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, for more than 25 years. He joined HDFC AMC in 2003 as the Head of Equities, after gaining experience in SBI mutual fund and Zurich AMC. Besides the Balanced Advantage Fund, he also manages the HDFC Top 100 Fund and HDFC Flexi Cap Fund.  3. Mr. Krishan Kumar Daga A senior fund manager in HDFC AMC, Mr. Krishan Kumar Daga, has 28 years of equity research and fund management experience. He has worked with several financial conglomerates like Reliance Mutual Fund, B&K Securities, Reliance Capital, JP Morgan Securities, Deutsche Securities, and HSBC Securities. Mr. Daga manages HDFC Gold Exchange Traded Fund and HDFC Gold Fund.  4. Mr Shobhit Mehrotra  Mr. Shobhit Mehrotra is an experienced fund manager who manages over fifteen funds with a collective AuM of approximately 37,000 crores. Mr. Mehrotra has extensive experience in fixed-income markets and credit ratings. Before joining HDFC AMC, he was associated with ICRA Ltd. and Templeton Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. Some popular funds managed by him include HDFC Income Fund, HDFC Medium Term Debt Fund, and HDFC Credit Risk Debt Fund.  5. Mr. Amit Ganatra Mr. Amit Ganatra joined HDFC AMC as a Senior Fund Manager in May 2020 after gaining considerable experience in Invesco AMC, DBS Chola AMC, Fidelity Investments, CMIE, and CIPLA. He manages funds like HDFC Capital Builder Value Fund, HDFC Taxsaver, etc.  6. Mr. Anil Bamboli Mr. Anil Bamboli is associated with HDFC AMC since 2003. He is a senior fund manager in the Fixed Income segment. His educational qualifications include B.Com. MMS Finance, CWA, and CFA. He has more than 24 years of experience in the fund management industry. Mr. Bamboli manages funds like HDFC Dynamic Debt Fund, HDFC Short Term Debt Fund, HDFC Gilt Fund, HDFC Overnight Fund, HDFC Banking, PSU Debt Fund, etc. The schemes managed by him have generated average returns between 8% and 12% in the financial year 2020-21.  7. Mr. Anupam Joshi Mr Anupam Joshi is an Associate Director of Investments in HDFC AMC. He has worked for over ten years in Portfolio Management & Dealing. He has served prominent institutions like Principal PNB Asset Management Company, ICAP India Private Ltd., and Asit C. Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd. Mr. Joshi manages funds like HDFC Corporate Bond Fund, HDFC Low Duration Fund, HDFC Liquid Fund, etc.  Why should you invest in HDFC mutual funds?  HDFC AMC is the largest AMC in India. It offers more than one hundred funds to choose from. The AMC has a legacy of over twenty years and manages assets worth over INR 4.1 trillion. It has more than 65,000 impaneled distributors who offer its financial products to investors. The fund house has more than 200 branches in 200 Indian cities, which cater to all categories of investors.   Whatever your investment objective, you can get an HDFC mutual fund scheme to fulfill your financial goals. The experienced fund managers at HDFC mutual fund simplify stock market or secondary market investments easily for you. Select EduFund to invest in HDFC mutual fund EduFund makes the process of investing in HDFC mutual funds convenient. EduFund's experienced consultants give you customized solutions for all your financial goals. You can start investing from a lowly INR 5,000 and grow your capital comfortably. With EduFund, you get the following benefits: Customized Research-Based Financial Plan -  EduFund's scientific fund tracker screens over 1 lakh data points and 400 financial scenarios to recommend you the best mutual funds.  Customer-Friendly Counsellors Help You Create a Financial Plan - EduFund's counselors are trained to handle all kinds of queries from customers. They spend as much time with you as you need and resolve all your issues to help you create a robust financial plan. Invest Less, Earn More - Not only are the best Indian mutual funds, but EduFund also offers you the facility to invest in US Dollar ETFs and international mutual funds. Use Free Tools - EduFund offers various free tools for its customers, including College Savings Calculator, SIP calculator, etc.  No Technical Expertise Required - You do not need to be an expert in finance to understand which mutual fund is the best for you. EduFund does it for you. Value-Added Benefits - You may get value-added benefits like no commission, free advisory, and nil-hidden charges. Secure Transactions - EduFund is RIA-registered and uses top-class 128-SSL security to enable safe transactions. Special Support for Children's Education - EduFund has a dedicated team of experts who help you fulfill your children's educational goals.  FAQs What is the HDFC AMC? HDFC Asset Management Company, also called HDFC AMC, is one of India's largest and most profitable mutual fund houses. The company is a part of the Housing Development Finance Corporation or HDFC Group, a financial conglomerate with established businesses in housing finance, asset management, life and non-life insurance, education finance, and real estate funds. Which mutual fund is best in HDFC? HDFC Small Cap Fund (Category – Equity: Small Cap) HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund (Category – Equity: Mid Cap) HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan (Equity: Flexi Cap) HDFC Growth Opportunities Fund (Category – Equity: Large & Midcap) HDFC Top 100 Fund (Category – Equity: Large Cap) Why should you invest in HDFC mutual funds? HDFC AMC is the largest AMC in India. It offers more than one hundred funds to choose from. The AMC has a legacy of over twenty years and manages assets worth over INR 4.1 trillion.

You all know the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. There are many more indices that represent the US financial markets. One such index is the Russell 1000 index.   What is the Russell 1000 index?  The Russell 1000 is a stock market index that tracks the performance of the top 1,000 publicly traded businesses in the United States based on market capitalization or the cumulative value of all of their outstanding shares.   It accounts for 1/3rd of the Russell 3000, comprising the 3,000 largest publicly traded corporations in the United States by market capitalization. The index is the equivalent of 98 percent of all publicly traded corporations in the United States.  Since the company's market capitalization changes over time, the FTSE Russell Group re-examines the rankings of companies in its indices every May to assure accuracy.   New firms that go public, such as through initial public offerings (IPOs), are added to the index quarterly if their market cap exceeds a certain threshold. Hence the index might have more than 1000 companies.   Digging deeper  The Russell 1000's holdings are determined by ranking all of the Russell 3000's stocks by market capitalization and determining the market cap threshold of the 1,000th stock ranking.   The significant market capitalization utilized to establish index eligibility is this breakpoint. Many stocks get exchanged at the annual reconstitution between the Russell 1000 and Russell 2000, but the market capitalization barrier is the deciding factor.  The top 10 Russell 1000 companies by market capitalization are  CompanyTickerAppleAAPLMicrosoftMSFTAmazonAMZNTesla Inc.TSLAAlphabet Inc Cl A (Google)GOOGLAlphabet Inc Cl C (Google)GOOGNvidia CorpNVDAMeta Platforms IncFBBerkshire Hathaway IncBRK.BJPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM The list mentions Google twice because of the two categories of shares.  FTSE Russell publishes the Russell 1000 Index's performance and attributes every month. The Russell 1000 had 1,013 holdings as of February 28, 2021, with an average market worth of $421.75 billion.   The median market capitalization was $13.5 billion, with Apple (AAPL) having the highest market capitalization at $2.07 trillion. The FTSE Russell Group maintains specialist indices that track the performance of Russell 1000 subsets, such as:   Russell 1000 Value   Russell 1000 Value Dynamic   Russell 1000 Value Defensive   Russell 1000 Growth   Russell 1000 Growth & Value   Russell 1000 Growth Dynamic   Russell 1000 Growth Defensive   Russell 1000 Global Exposure   Russell 1000 Pure Domestic Exposure   Other Indexes vs. Russell 1000 index The Russell 1000 and the S&P 500 are indexes that measure the top large-cap stocks in the United States. On the other hand, the S&P 500 only accounts for around 80% of the US stock market.   Russell 1000 index, on the other hand, follows twice as many companies as the S&P 500, accounting for around 92 percent of the US share market, including many mid-cap corporations.  The Russell 1000 may be more volatile than the S&P 500 since mid-cap firms are more volatile than large-cap stocks. Furthermore, because the S&P 500 rebalances quarterly rather than yearly like the Russell 1000, it provides a better picture of what the market is doing over the year.  How to invest in the Russell 1000 index?   Though it is feasible to invest in the Russell 1000 by acquiring each of the individual stocks, this would be time-consuming due to the index's size.   An ETF (Exchange Traded fund) or an index fund of the Russell 1000 is better for most investors.  While FTSE Russell does not offer any ETFs or index funds directly, buyers can find Russell 1000 ETFs or index funds through several funds. Through online brokerage, you can buy Russell 1000 ETFs or index funds. Some ETFs are Vanguard Russell 1000 ETF iShares Russell 1000 SPDR Russell 1000 ETF Is the Russell 1000 a good investment?  Various criteria influence whether or not the Russell 1000 index should be in your investment portfolio.   Most experts advise investing in a broad market stock fund, the Russell 1000. Moreover, the index provides you with more expansive coverage of the US economy. FAQs What happens when a stock goes into the Russell 1000 index? Once a stock goes into indexes, it's either subtracted or added based on some factors like trading volumes, share price, market cap, etc. With Russell 1000 being added to a company, the demand for its shares tends to increase resulting in increased volatility in the short term. What does the Russell 1000 index measure? A stock market index, the Russell 1000 measures the performances of the 1,000 largest public companies in the U.S. by market capitalization. Why is the Russell 1000 Index important? The Russell Index serves as the leading benchmark for investors, be it mega-cap or microcap. It allows investors to track historical, as well as current market performance through investment style or specific market segments. Is the Russell 1000 Index good? Russell 1000 Index is a good investment option for investors who are looking for large-cap portfolio exposure. It allows you to invest in the 1000 largest public companies in the US economy. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

The expense ratio is one of the most vital aspects of ETF investing. However, many investors are unaware of the fact that a portion of your portfolio is allocated to a charge termed an expense ratio each year. It's critical to understand the costs you're paying no matter what you're investing in.  And, given the prevalence of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), many of us pay an annual expense ratio out of our portfolios. You'll learn what an expense ratio is, why it's essential, and how to spot a good one when you see one. What is an Expense ratio? An expense ratio is a fee that a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund charges investors (ETF). This charge covers the costs of management, asset allocation, marketing, and other services.   These fees calculation are done as a percentage of an investor's annual cost. ETF expense rates are usually less than 1%. That means you spend less than $10 per year on expenses for every $1,000 you invest.  "In the simplest terms, an expense ratio is a convenience fee for not having to pick and trade individual stocks yourself".  - Leighann Miko, certified financial planner (CFP) and founder of Equal Financial, explains expense ratio The expense ratio is the reward for the fund managers for supervising the fund's holdings and coordinating investment plans in actively managed funds.   Activities of the fund manager include time spent choosing and trading securities, reallocating the portfolio, processing payouts, and other procedures necessary to keep the fund up to meet its objectives.  The expense ratio encompasses license fees paid to significant stock indices for passive funds and ETFs that don't actively select investments and instead try to replicate the underlying index.  Calculation of expense ratio  Expense ratio = Total fund expenses / Total fund assets under management How do they work?  The expense ratio is expressed as a percentage of your fund investment. A fund, for example, might charge 0.30 percent. That implies for every $1,000 you put into the fund; you'll pay $3 per year.   If you own the investment for the entire year, you'll have to pay this. However, don't think you'll be able to sell your funds right before the end of the year and escape paying the fee.   The management company for an ETF will deduct the cost from the fund's net asset value daily, making it essentially undetectable to you.  What does a reasonable expense ratio look like?  According to experts, an expense ratio of < 2% is low and > 2% is considered high. The higher your expense ratio, the lower your returns will be.  As per Morningstar, the weighted mean expense ratio for ETFs in 2019 was 0.45 percent. That's less than 1/2 from what it was in 1999, and the trend is anticipated to continue. It's a matter of opinion on what defines a decent expense ratio for an ETF. Investors aren’t liable to pay hefty prices to invest in ETFs, and they should focus on ETFs with competitive and consistent expense ratios.  What else should you think when it comes to the expense ratio?  Experts advise looking for reduced-cost funds so you don't lose a lot of money in fees throughout your investment duration. It's not only the upfront costs; you're also losing the value of those assets as they compound.  Larger funds can frequently carry a lesser expense ratio because some expenditures, such as fund management, can spread over a more extensive asset base.  The smaller fund may need to charge more to break even, but as it expands, it may be able to lower its expense ratio to a comparable price.  Mutual funds may levy a sales load, which can be pretty high (up to a few percent) but is taken into account for the expense ratio. That's a different type of cost, and you must do everything you can to avoid funds that charge them. Major brokers provide many mutual funds with no sales load and low expense ratios. FAQs What is a good ETF expense ratio? According to experts, an expense ratio of < 2% is low, and > 2% is considered high. The higher your expense ratio, the lower your returns will be. Are ETFs expense ratios high? According to experts, an expense ratio of < 2% is low, and > 2% is considered high. The higher your expense ratio, the lower your returns will be. It’s a matter of opinion on what defines a decent expense ratio for an ETF. Investors aren’t liable to pay hefty prices to invest in ETFs, and they should focus on ETFs with competitive and consistent expense ratios. Is the expense ratio charged every day? If you own the investment for the entire year, you’ll have to pay this. However, don’t think you’ll be able to sell your funds right before the end of the year and escape paying the fee. The management company for an ETF will deduct the cost from the fund’s net asset value daily, making it essentially undetectable to you. Is expense ratio important in ETF? An expense ratio is a fee that a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund charges investors (ETF). This charge covers the costs of management, asset allocation, marketing, and other services. These fees calculation are done as a percentage of an investor’s annual cost. ETF expense rates are usually less than 1%. That means you spend less than $10 per year on expenses for every $1,000 you invest.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

A stock exchange is used to sell and buy ETF shares. When you purchase or sell ETF shares, you are dealing with another investor rather than the Fund Provider (e.g., Blackrock, ProShares) via a stock market.  A stock exchange is a platform where several investors can buy and sell shares simultaneously for a set price. Orders are instructions to buy or sell stocks.   It is the responsibility of the exchange to organize all these bids because each investor receives the best possible price that meets their requirements.  When trading ETFs, an investor can employ a variety of orders To purchase and sell ETFs, some investors use market orders. A market order instructs you to instantly buy or sell ETF shares at the prevailing market price.   A market order does not describe the price you wish to trade; instead, it specifies the number of shares you would like to swap. These orders are straightforward to comprehend and carry out. "You want to buy 25 units of the Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI) at the best accessible price," a market order says. Source: pexels Market orders should not be made because? 1. You have no control over the pricing The price displayed on your broker's website is not always the price upon which the transaction is completed. The purchase can be made at a more excellent or lower price than what you planned.  2. The broker may request more outstanding account balances than required If you wish to buy ten shares at market price, you see a cost of $100, and you have $1000 in your account, your broker may want more significant balances in your account than you need.   Even if your cash amount appears to be sufficient to fulfill a market order for ten shares, your broker may need a more extraordinary account because it does not know when your market order will be fulfilled.  Limit orders do not have these flaws. They give you price control and, as a result, don't force you to keep a more significant amount in your account than is required.  A limit order instructs you to purchase or sell a precise amount of ETF units at a specific price. Only if someone else is willing to transact with you at that price will the limit order be honored.   A limit order is similar to saying, "You want to buy 25 shares of the Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI) ETF and am ready to pay up to $50 per share" or "You want to sell 25 shares of the Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI) ETF, and the lowest you will go is $50 per share."  The bid and ask are terms used to describe the price at which market players are willing to swap ETFs. The highest price at which an ETF share can be purchased is the bid.  The lowest price at which an ETF share can be sold is the ask. You can also glance through the order book to get a complete list of current buy/sell orders.  The likelihood of your limited order being executed and the time required for it differ based on your specific price. You can generate orders with prices identical to or better than the bid and ask if you want to fill your limit orders quickly.   A purchase limit order with a price a cent higher than the bid or a sell limit order with a price a penny lower than the ask is what we mean by slightly better.  Just because ETFs can be traded the same way as regular stocks don't imply, they should. Investors should understand the distinction between a market order and a limit order and why one trading approach may make more sense in some situations but not in other contexts. Viewpoints may sometimes turn prospective losses into gains. FAQs What is a limit order for ETFs? A limit order is a range you set when you are about to buy or sell a stock or ETF. It can be easy to make a decision when the stock or ETF is in between the range.   Why use limit order for ETFs?    The bid and ask are terms used to describe the price at which market players are willing to swap ETFs. The highest price at which an ETF share can be purchased is the bid. The lowest price at which an ETF share can be sold is the ask. You can also glance through the order book to get a complete list of current buy/sell orders.    The likelihood of your limited order being executed and the time required for it differ based on your specific price. You can generate orders with prices identical to or better than the bid and ask if you want to fill your limit orders quickly.    How do you set a price limit on an ETF? If you wish to buy ten shares at market price, you see a cost of $100, and you have $1000 in your account, your broker may want more significant balances in your account than you need.    Even if your cash amount appears to be sufficient to fulfill a market order for ten shares, your broker may need a more extraordinary account because it does not know when your market order will be fulfilled. Limit orders do not have these flaws. They give you price control and, as a result, don’t force you to keep a more significant amount in your account than is required. A limit order instructs you to purchase or sell a precise amount of ETF units at a specific price. Only if someone else is willing to transact with you at that price will the limit order be honored.   What is the risk of a limit order? The risk of the limit order is that the investors can never execute their order if the stock or ETF doesn’t fall under the range. There is also the possibility of a lack of liquidity in the stock to fill the order when the stock reaches the range.   

You worked hard on your grades, you had your extracurriculars in shape, and your college essay was edited and proofread. For all your preparation and planning, sometimes things just don't go right. Sometimes you get rejected. It is likely that you will experience at least a few rejections in your college application journey. How do you cope with rejections? What went wrong and what can you do to fix your mistakes? A rejection can put a big wrench in your study abroad plans. Here are some tips to deal with them.  Why was your college application rejected? There are many reasons why your college application may get rejected. Sometimes it may be because you just don’t meet the cut. College admissions are extremely competitive. Top universities are looking for the best GPAs and CVs when making their final decisions. You may be an extremely bright and brilliant student but your education plan likely does not account for the brilliance of your peers and competitors. This is why, when you are planning on studying abroad, it is important to apply to colleges whose requirements meet your qualifications.  Some other common reasons why your application may have gotten rejected are: You missed the deadlineThis is a relatively simple but shockingly common reason why your application may have gotten rejected. Colleges are dealing with vast numbers of applications. Any application that may have missed the deadline by even a few minutes may end up in the rejection bin.  Your application was incompleteIt is possible that your application was incomplete or didn’t include all the documents, information and other requirements requested by the college. This is common when you are applying to multiple colleges. You may end up missing or ignoring some specific or uncommon requirements made by particular universities. Your application was not edited properlyWhile it is understandable that college admissions can be extremely stressful, you should always take care to edit your application carefully. An application that is too long will be sent straight to the rejection bin because admissions committees do not have the time to go through long essays. If your essay is full of silly mistakes and typos, it reflects badly on you and such an application may again get rejected. Your application does not reflect why you are choosing that particular universityAdmissions committees do not just want to know what you are offering them, they also want to know what they are offering you. As an international student, you need to be clear on why you are applying to that particular university and why you want to study abroad.  What can you do? The first thing you should do is review your application. See if you made any of the mistakes we mentioned above and take steps to fix them. One rejection should not derail your study abroad plans and you can ensure this by making sure you do not repeat the same mistakes. Apply to safe schools and backup colleges to make sure that even if you get rejected from your dream college, you still have someplace to rely on. Dream for the best but plan for the worst. Your education plan should have space for a Plan B. Pay attention to the guidelines and requirements of each college you apply to. Make separate folders for application materials and documents required for each college. Copy the guidelines and list of requirements of each college to a Word document and save it in its respective folder. This way you can make sure that you do not miss anything or hand in an incomplete application. Pay attention to deadlines. Mark each deadline on your calendar and place the calendar in a prominent place so you don’t forget any deadline or rush in to submit at the last minute. Also, remember to properly edit and proofread your applications. You can ask your parents, siblings or friends to help you with this. The second pair of eyes will be much better at catching mistakes.  1. Do not lose hope You must remember that while a rejection letter may seem like the end of the world, it is only an opportunity for re-evaluation and review. It is likely you had a meticulous education plan in place. This rejection is only an opportunity for you to re-evaluate those plans and see where you went wrong and what you can do differently.  Do not lose hope because there are always other schools. In fact, you may find that those other colleges are much better suited for you. The rejection could very well be an opportunity to look for a college that is a better fit for you.  Try not to obsess over your failure and the reasons thereof. Instead, take some time off. Spend time with friends and family. Engage in hobbies and activities that you are good at to remind yourself that you are valuable and capable. Rejections do not have to define you. Always remember to take your failures as a lesson rather than a judgment of your worth. A rejection may in fact encourage you to review your life and your plans and send you in a different, better-suited direction. 2. Advice for parents Even your best plans for your children’s education can go awry sometimes. It is important for you to remember that this is possibly taking an even bigger toll on your child. Make sure you do your best to be there for them during this difficult time. Comfort them and assure them that you are there for any help and support they may need. Try to distract them from the failure and remind them that after all, failures are the stepping stones to success. If possible, you can look into higher education counseling to offer further professional help and support for your child. Good counseling and guidance can help you and your child recognize what went wrong and be better prepared for future applications. Counseling can also help you reach out to your kids and offer comfort in the best way possible.  FAQs How do you deal with rejection from universities? There can be many reasons for dealing with rejection from universities, from incomplete application submissions to not making the cut-off for the course. The best way to deal with the rejection is to take a short-term course or hobby that will help you cultivate a better application for the next round. Find out what your application lacked, work towards strengthening your CV/resume, and try to focus on building a strong career. How do you mentally prepare yourself for rejection? Rejection is extremely common and happens to everyone. It is important to not let it get you down and focus on trying to improve yourself and work towards your strengths so that you can avoid this event in the future. You can opt for career counseling, take a gap year, or even take up a job that can help you build a stronger application for your future. Is it normal to get rejected from college? It is normal to get rejected by colleges. Most colleges take in over 10,000 applications every year for one course from across the world. It can be cut-throat especially when the seats are limited and the competition is global. Try to keep your head up and apply to multiple universities so that you have a backup plan in place in case your best-case scenario does not plan out as planned.

A systematic investment plan or SIP is the best plan that helps you invest in mutual funds on a regular basis.  You can choose to invest weekly, monthly or even quarterly – the most popular choice being monthly. There are multiple reasons why SIPs are the best way to grow your money especially when you have a goal to plan – e.g. your child’s education. SIPs can be bought easily and you can start with a very low amount - Rs. 500 per month. In this blog, we will talk about the ‘Big 5 advantages’ that SIPs offer to you as a parent. But before that, let's understand what a SIP is What is SIP? A SIP or systematic investment plan is an investment mode through which an investor can create a regular mechanism of investment for themselves. Let's take the example of investor X. Investor X wishes to invest Rs. 10,000 every month in a mutual fund. In this case, investor X can create a SIP for a fund they want to invest in and the money will be deducted every month automatically (the deduction can be weekly, monthly, or even quarterly, depending on the investor's choice). Think of it as a recurring deposit, with better returns. Now that we know what a SIP is, let's get to know why investing via SIP is the best choice you can make to enlarge your corpus. CALCULATE MONTHLY SIP 5 Reasons SIP is the best These are the 5 main reasons why you should invest via a systematic investment plan to reach your financial goals 1. Suitable for Long-Term Investment Any financial advisor will tell you that if you want to invest long-term, SIP is the way to go. The reason is simple, regular investing and automatic deductions keep investors motivated to stay invested and reach their investment goals quicker. During the 2008 financial recession, many people withdrew money from mutual funds. However, the ones that remained invested via SIP, attained a huge profit once the markets rose. Long-term investing makes sure that even if the market is down at the moment, once the markets rise, the investor will make profits. 2. Goal-planning ‍SIPs are good tools to plan for a future goal – to buy a 4-wheeler or to pay for college tuition fees maybe 10-15 years from now. When you determine the amount required to achieve your goal, you will know how much you should invest and how long it will take to reach your goal. This will help in planning effectively. Having financial goals is very important to creating a financially secure future. One must have a defined idea about what financial goal one wants to reach by the age of 30, 40, 50, and so on. 3. Effect of Compounding Compounding is one of the biggest advantages of a SIP. Over time your investments grow because you start earning returns not on your principal amount, but on the interest that keeps getting added to it. Let's take an example. Suppose you invest Rs.1,000 in a mutual fund that gives you a yearly return of 10% p.a. Your amount becomes 1,100. at the end of the first year. At the end of the second year, the rate of return is 11%, this time the returns will be calculated on Rs. 1,100 and not the principal amount, which is, Rs. 1,000. ‍This ensures the growth of your corpus and is one of the reasons why experts advise you to not withdraw your investments when the market is down. 4. Curated by Experts With the increasing number of fund types like equity, debt, mixed, gold-based, etc. there is a wide variety to choose from based on your risk appetite and preferred investment duration. This has led to customized offerings based on individual needs, supervised by experts in the SIP domain. All you need is to specify your goal and timeline and you are provided with the best possible funds that can meet your future goals. ‍SIPs have become popular over the past few years, because of the ease of investing and the flexibility provided in terms of the amount of money that can be invested. You can stay invested as long as you want, although average returns have been higher when invested in the long term. Research also shows that the returns offered by SIPs are more than recurring deposits in banks, in the long term. 5. Automates Your Investment Experience SIPs automate your investment experience, which makes you a regular investor. It is easy and convenient and because of the online surge, today, it is super easy to invest via SIP. If you choose the lump sum method, you will have to manually invest an amount and there may be times when you can miss an installment. ‍With automated installments and a streamlined process, investing via SIP has now become an extremely popular method, to reach long-term goals like saving up for your child's education. FAQs Why is SIP investment good? By investing through SIPs, you will do away with the burden of timing the market as you could then avail the benefit of Rupee Cost Averaging. By investing through SIP, you will tend to invest in the up and down markets. This helps you shy away from the volatility of the market. Additionally, you will benefit from the power of compounding, which fundamentally generates returns not only on capital but also on returns. Is SIP good for students? Investing in SIP can be a huge benefit for students. It cultivates a healthy investment habit, and they can invest a small amount to start their journey. SIP is best for beginners and a comparatively safe investment vehicle. What are the features of SIP? A SIP offers the following features: It is best for long-term investment, brings financial discipline, allows small investment amounts, benefits from the power of compounding, and is a comparatively safer investment tool. Why do people prefer SIP? A systematic investment plan helps bring discipline to an individual’s investment habits. A SIP will automatically deduct a pre-decided amount periodically. Investors also do not need to worry about timing the market while investing via SIP. It is one of the best investment vehicles for beginners. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT