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CA, or chartered accountancy, is one of the most popular study courses chosen by students in India. Knowing “What are the total fees to become CA” is vital so that individuals can save and be prepared for it without any financial worries.  Students opting for CA exams have to pass three levels: CA Foundation (previously known as CPT), CA Intermediate, and CA Finals. Students have to focus also on practical training for three years under an authorized CA firm. This training starts after clearing the second level CA Intermediate and is generally completed before the CA Finals. Fees of CA foundation Overview of the total fees structure for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Finals CA Course FeesCA FoundationCA IntermediateCA FinalsRegistration FeesIndian student -INR 9,000, Foreign student- $700Indian student – INR 11,000 for a single group and INR 15,000 for both groups. Foreign student -$600 for a single group and $1000 for both groupsIndian student – INR 22,000 Foreign student - $1000Examination FeesIndian student – INR 1500, Foreign student - $325Indian student – INR 1500 for single group and INR 2700 for both groups. Foreign student - $325 for a single group and $500 for both groupsIndian student - NR 1800 for single group and INR 3500 for both groups.Foreign student - $550 for both groupsLate FeesIndian student –INR 600Foreign student - $10Indian student – INR 600Foreign student - $10Indian student – INR 600Foreign student - $10 Registration fees Students aspiring to become CA have to clear the first-level CA Foundation to get entry into the study course. The registration forms are available twice a year, generally for May/June and November/December sessions.  The total fee for the CA Foundation exam for Indian Students is INR 10,900 and $ 1065 (nearly INR 87,145) for foreign students. The Break-up of the fee structure is as follows CA registration fees - INR 9,000 for Indian students and $700 (nearly INR 57,456) for international students. Journal membership fees (optional) - INR 200 for Indian students and $20 (nearly INR 1641) for international students. Examination fees - INR 1,500 for Indian students and $325 (nearly INR 26,676) for international students. Online form fees - INR 200 for Indian students and $20 (nearly INR 1,641) for international students. 1. Application/Examination fees For a centre in India - INR 1500. If the centre is Kathmandu – INR 2200. For centres in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai or Muscat – 325 USD (nearly INR 26,676). 2. Late Fees  Students have to pay INR 600 for centres in India and 10 USD (nearly INR 820) for overseas centres as late fees.  3. Reappearing Exams The validity for registration fees is three years, and after this period, the students have to pay INR 500 for revalidation. Students who fail to clear the CA Foundation have to pay the application fees repeatedly before a new attempt.  Fees structure for CA Intermediate Students have two options for registration at CA Intermediate level. The first is by clearing CA Foundation and registering for the Intermediate course. The second is a direct entry where graduates, post-graduates or students at the Intermediate level of CFA or CS courses are exempted from the Foundation level and can directly register for the Intermediate exams.  1. Registration Fees The registration fees for a single group and both groups of the CA Intermediate course for Indian Students are INR 11,000 and INR 15,000, respectively. For international students, the fees for single and both groups of CA Intermediate exams are $600 (nearly INR 49,248 ) and $1000 (nearly INR 82,080), respectively.  Indian students opting for direct entry have to pay INR 15,000 for both groups.  2. Application/Examination Fees The fees for Indian students are INR 2,700 for both groups and INR 1,500 for one group. Fees for overseas students are $500 (nearly INR 41,040) for both groups and $325 (nearly INR 26,676) for a single group.  3. Late Fees Students have to pay INR 600 for centres in India and Kathmandu and 10 USD (nearly INR 820) for other overseas centres as late fees.  4. Reappearing Exams The registration fees are validated for 4 years, after which the student has to pay INR 400 for revalidation.  5. Additional fees Student activity (conferences, seminars, workshops etc.) – INR 2,000. ICITSS Fees – INR 13,500 6. Articleship Fees At the start of practical training, students have to pay INR 2000 as articles fees along with INR 500 for the assessment test.  Fees structure for CA Finals 1. Registration Fees CA Final registration fees for both groups is INR 22,000 for Indian students and $1000 (nearly INR 82,080) for overseas students.  2. Application/Examination Fees The application/examination fees for Indian students are INR 3,500 for both groups and INR 1,800 for one group, and for overseas students, it is $550 (nearly INR 45,144) for both groups.  3. AICITSS Training  AICITSS Training is conducted in two parts, where students have to pay INR 7,000 and INR 7,500 for information technology and soft skills, respectively.  CA Fees Structure Summarised Reducing the price in half. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India must receive the first contribution, which is required, and the second portion, which is elective, is the coaching class charge.  Foundation fees is around 11,000 thousand.  Intermediate course fees are around 35,000 thousand.  Final fees are around 33,000 thousand  The total would be 78,000 thousand.  With Article ship stipend = 54000  So Rs 78,000 – Rs 54000 = rs. 24000  Thus, after adjusting for all the sums, the required contribution equals about Rs. 24000. It is also crucial to note that the ICAI enhanced this sum as a result of revisions to the syllabus at all levels. The price was previously even low!  How to save for CA?  Investing in mutual funds or SIP is one of the best ways to save for an education course like CA. You could opt to save through the goal-based saving feature on the Edufund App, as it will help achieve the desired target for, say, application fees in the near six months. Assess how much the total course will cost you and choose a suitable saving plan to achieve your goal.  Conclusion  The high salary of a CA and the growing demand for CAs have prompted students to choose this study course as their career. As you are now aware of the total fees to become CA, it will become easier to save for this course and ultimately become a part of the CA fraternity. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

ICICI is a leading Asset Management Company (AMC) in the country focused on bridging the gap between savings and investments and creating long-term for investors through a range of simple and relevant investment solutions.   Let us talk about the flagship product – ICICI Prudential Multi-Cap Fund. About ICICI Prudential Multi-Cap Fund  Investment objective To generate capital appreciation through investments in equity & equity-related instruments across large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks of various industries.  Investment Process   The ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund follows a blended style of investing which consists of growth and value stocks of large-, mid and small-cap companies. The Scheme will aim to hold optimum exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks depending on the fund manager's view on market valuations.   The portfolio construction involves investing in high-conviction quality stocks. The Scheme will remain sector agnostic and would use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research for stock selection. A top-down approach will be based on macroeconomic conditions, and underlying trends while a bottom-up approach shall be followed for selecting stocks with growth prospects, low leverage levels, good corporate governance, robust financials, and good cash flow management.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 73% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 67% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Valueresearch  Top 5 Holdings  Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Financial 7.86 HDFC Bank Financial 3.96 TVS Motor Automobile 3.34 Infosys Technology 3.33 Sun Pharmaceutical Healthcare 2.42 Note: Data as of 31st Oct 2022. Source: Valueresearch  Performance over 28 years If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 4.7 crore.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Oct 01, 1994 till Nov 07, 2022. Source: Moneycontrol  The ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 28 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.67%. Fund manager  Anand Sharma: Prior to joining ICICI Prudential AMC, he worked with Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd.  Sankaran Naren: Prior to joining ICICI Prudential AMC, he worked with Refco Sify Securities India Pvt. Ltd., HDFC Securities Ltd., and Yoha Securities Who should invest in ICICI Prudential Multi-Cap Fund?  Investors looking to  Diversify their portfolio into multiple market capitalization company  Build core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation with steady growth  Why invest in ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund?  ICICI is a renowned name in the finance industry with a proven track record  Strong stock selection approach with a top-down and bottom-up approach  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  A systematic investment Plan (SIP) is an ideal way to take exposure as it helps tackle market volatility  Conclusion  The ICICI Prudential Multi Cap Fund has delivered consistent returns over 28 years with a proven track record and has delivered 14.67% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for investors who want to diversify their portfolio under one roof.   DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Are you confused between buying digital gold vs physical gold? Gold is an extremely valuable commodity in India – in its physical form, there are jewelry, coinage, and biscuits. Gold is purchased to mark every momentous occasion. In fact, according to IGPC sponsored by the World Gold Council, more than 75% of Indian households own gold in some form or another.  But there is a new way of owning gold that is rapidly becoming popular in urban India – which is digital gold. Unlike physical gold, you can purchase digital gold at a minimal cost like Rs. 10 to Rs. 100. Let’s compare the two and find out which is the best option for you. What's Digital Gold?  Digital gold is a substitute for actual gold. Digital gold is available in India through a variety of apps and websites. A cost-effective and successful way to invest in gold is by purchasing digital gold. Digital gold is guaranteed by 24K gold that is 99.9% pure. Gold can be purchased for as little as 100 Indian rupees. Online sales and purchases take place at current market rates.   Consequently, the transaction will be completely transparent. Gold investments don't require additional transporting or storage expenses. The security of the gold kept by the businesses in a safe vault under the investor's name need not be a concern for investors.  What's Physical Gold?  One of the most popular and preferred investment choices in India is buying gold. Interest in this yellow metal has only grown over time. Gold is typically purchased for personal usage. It can be bought as jewelry, gold coins, or cookies. Without the need for a middleman, one can purchase it directly from a bank or jeweler. There isn't any counterparty risk as a result.   With actual gold, the minimum investment is considerable. For instance, there is a 10-gram minimum purchase requirement for gold cookies. As a result, purchasing physical gold requires a larger down payment than purchasing digital gold. Differences between Digital Gold vs Physical Gold  1. Digital Gold  Purity is 99.99% and guaranteed.  Prices are the same across the world.  Buy and sell at a fixed price.  3% GST is charged at digital gold.  Safe storage by the seller in a safe vault.  Gold investment profits are taxed according to the investor's income tax bracket rates if kept for much less than 3 years. Profits are subject to a 20% tax liability with an annual inflation advantage for investment holding periods longer than three years.  2. Physical Gold  Purity can’t be guaranteed. It may not be or maybe 99.05% pure.  Physical gold prices aren’t similar.  The usual gold coin or biscuit weight 10 grams is also available. As a result, purchasing actual gold involves a substantial expenditure.  When purchasing gold jewelry, making fees range from 20% to 30% of the entire cost of the gold.  The gold must be kept securely either at home or in a locker. The likelihood of loss and theft is significant.  Gold investment profits are taxed according to the investor's income tax bracket rates if held for less than three years. Gains are subject to a 20% withholding tax with an indexation advantage for investment time frames over three years.  Conclusion  There are benefits and drawbacks to both physical and digital gold. Rather than purchasing physical gold if you merely desire to use it for financial gain, you can purchase digital gold. In contrast hand, digital gold is uncontrolled and has a temporal limitation on how long it can be stored in that format.  Other digital assets, such as sovereign gold bonds and gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), may be better in some circumstances (mutual funds). Physical gold, in contrast, is suited for investors' personal use.  FAQ Is digital gold worth buying?  The ease and security of digital gold's preservation is by far its greatest benefit. The business that sells digital gold will keep the gold that customers buy in safe vaults. The buyer also avoids locker fees and worries about the theft or loss of gold because he does not own the gold.  What is the disadvantage of digital gold?  Within the case of digital gold, an extra fee known as spear cost is levied against the investor. A spreading cost will be added to a number of other prices, such as storage fees and insurance premiums. Typically, the spread cost falls between 3% and 6%.  Which is better digital or physical gold?  There are benefits and drawbacks to both digital and physical gold. Instead of purchasing physical gold if you merely want to use it for financial gain, you can purchase digital gold. On the other hand, digital gold is unregulated and has a temporal limit on how long it can be stored in that format.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Saving money is tough and overwhelming. With the internet filled with different methods of saving money, it can get difficult to pick which is the best choice for you!  In this article, let’s find out what are the varied methods of saving money and where you should park your money for the best returns. Methods of saving money  Here are some methods of saving money that can help you achieve your long-term and short-term financial goals 1. Invest and Save  Investing and saving are one of the most crucial methods of saving money. It is also the most underrated method. Most Indians do not invest in the stock market or take benefit of its varied opportunities. If you want to invest and save then here are some investment options to explore 2. Direct mutual funds Direct mutual funds are a good way to start investing and saving. As there is no middleman in between, there is no extra cost.  Regular mutual funds are another type of mutual fund. These charge more in terms of expense ratio but are professionally managed and maintained by an experienced fund. This is a great investment for investors who are new to investing and need a helping hand to make the most of their investments. 3. Digital Gold Digital gold, gold bonds, or gold ETFs are also a way. There are alternatives for physical gold but it is a way of investing. You can do all of this online; there is no need to go to a jewelry store. It’s the more suitable way of buying gold. Investors who want to sell or buy gold can do it without any problems with one click in an app. The minimum cost of buying or selling gold can be as low as Rs 1. 4. US Stocks US Stocks are another method of saving money! That’s right. Suppose you plan to send your child abroad to study in USA or Canada. The currency difference between USA and India will make the education cost higher for you. Imagine if you start investing that money regularly in US dollars so that by the time your child is off to the USA, you will be able to fund his/her dream without any loss!   Real estate investment involves buying, managing, and selling a property. It’s a type of investment and has different parts. 5. ETFs ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are somehow similar to mutual funds. It’s a type of pooled investment security. It can be sold and bought much like other stocks.  Daily savings and budgeting  Many people ignore saving and budgeting as a method of saving money. It can help you cut costs and recognize areas where you may be losing money.  Create a budget for the month. When there’s a fixed budget for the month, you tend to spend less. Settle everything under your budget.  Don’t just save your money, think about your future too. Set aside some money for an emergency fund. So that you are prepared for any emergency like job loss.  Start saving for your life after retirement. Make sure you have a retirement plan or fund in place way before time. This will help you amass more money over a long period of time. In fact, the sooner you think about your retirement, the more money you are likely to save up!  Save and invest your bonuses or tax refunds. Put them into your savings account and consult your financial advisor on how to make the most of it.   Manage your debts before making creating any extra costs like starting a new EMI.  Save electricity. It will also save you money. By not using unnecessary fans, lights can cost you more than you can think.  Cancel your automatic transactions, and memberships, and unsubscribe from unnecessary emails because by seeing offers you tend to make unnecessary purchases.  Decrease your mobile bills. Cut off unnecessary plans from your bill. Use free Wi-Fi instead of buying extra data plans.  Banking saving tips  Use your credit less. Pay your credit card bills timely to have less burden on your shoulder later.   Use only your ATMs or debit cards because every time you use your ATMs or debit cards, you are not charged any withdrawal charges.   Keep your monthly bills on automatic. It will free you from hassles and also pay your bills on time.  Entertaining saving If you love reading and like to have physical books then use your nearby libraries.  Watch films at home instead of going outside and spending more there. Going to a theatre means buying popcorn, seats, transportation, etc. but when you watch films at home you don’t spend extra.  Reduce your trips to coffee shops. It doesn’t cost you $2 - $3(Rs 200 - Rs 400), but it costs you more than that in long term.   Instead of eating out regularly, cook your own food at home.  Cut off your grocery expenses. Don’t shop extra from that grocery store. It helps you in saving extra money here and there. Make a budget for that too and stick to it.   Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT FAQ Are ETFs a good investment?  ETFs are actually low-risk investments because they are low-cost and hold a bag of stocks. What are the 2 methods of saving?  Cutting off extra expenses and investing money in mutual funds, digital gold, etc. Helps in saving money. How much should I save every month?  Saving 10% - 20% every month should be the goal so that in long run you will be saving more. Is investing money a good way to save more?  Investing money is a good way to save more but it’s an individual’s own choice to invest or not. But now, it’s a proven method to save money by investment.

You need to be a millionaire to invest in mutual funds! Or, mutual funds guarantee returns to all their investors. You have probably heard these myths about mutual funds every now and then.   It’s time to debunk these myths and find out what are the true facts behind mutual funds and their investments!  Myths about mutual funds 1. Mutual funds are only for long-term investment Your investment in mutual funds could be goal-based. Whether you select a short-term, long-term, or medium-term target, you are probably going to make some respectable returns. Mutual funds are regarded as suitable investment tools for exceedingly short-term investing objectives (ultra-short goals). Debt funds are how they are represented. You'll also find that many investors have a strong interest in mutual funds with the aim of building emergency cash. 2. You need an agent to understand mutual funds  The finest mutual funds to invest in are based on much the same information investors have about stocks, so this could not be more different from the truth. While it is true that investment managers work for mutual funds, as an investor you may conduct your own research on firm stocks and request that certain stocks be included in a fund of your choosing. 3. Mutual funds are similar to stock investment Numerous investment-related assets are included in mutual funds. As a result, gold, money market products, fixed deposits, debt and equity are all potential investments for the best mutual funds in India. Your contribution to a mutual fund can include any or all of these assets. What you invest in mostly relies on your tolerance for risk, financial goals, preferred tenures, etc.  4. Mutual funds that have low net asset value are the only which are good The NAV, or net asset value, is the entire value of the underlying assets that comprise the fund, whether you invest in huge or tiny mutual funds. Not the market price, but the market worth. The success of a mutual fund is revealed by the Value change between two different time periods. As a conclusion, selecting a mutual fund cannot be affected by comparing the NAVs of other mutual funds 5. Mutual funds guarantee higher returns  The investment characteristics of mutual funds determine the profits you will receive. Mutual funds are collections of assets, whose returns depend on the value of their underlying assets. These might occasionally be subject to variations. As a result, returns might not be fixed or promised. 6. Only people having demat account can go for mutual funds Apart from the Exchange Traded Funds, keeping mutual fund units in Demat form is entirely optional. The decision on whether to hold the units in a Demat mode or the existing traditional accountant account mode is fully up to the investor in all other plans, along with the close-ended listed strategies like Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) Types of mutual funds Money market funds have comparatively less risk. They are only permitted by law to invest in a limited group of high-quality, brief securities issued by American businesses and national, state, and municipal governments.  Bond funds have bigger risks than money market mutual funds as their primary objective is to generate better returns. The risk and benefits of bond funds can differ tremendously due to the wide range of bonds.  Stock funds purchase corporation shares. Stock funds vary widely from one another.  Growth stocks concentrate on equities with the possibility for above-average investment rewards but they may not consistently pay a dividend.  Revenue equities are purchased by income funds.  A specific market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, is tracked by index funds.   Target date funds mix your investments across stocks, bonds, and other assets. The composition regularly shifts over time in accordance with the fund's strategy. Lifecycle funds sometimes referred to as target date funds are created for those who have certain pension plans in view.  Conclusion:  Myths about mutual funds can be common and misleading! Get to know about mutual funds more in detail and invest. When you understand mutual funds better, you can put your money to better work.  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT FAQ What's the biggest problem with mutual funds?  High expense ratio  High sale charges  Management abuse  Tax inefficiency  Poor trade execution Can we trust mutual funds?  Mutual funds are easy and trustable if you can understand them. Investors don’t need to worry about short-term fluctuation and about risks.  Are mutual funds really beneficial?  There are too many benefits of mutual funds. Mutual funds merge the funds of many different participants and handle them as one large financial pot. Therefore, expert fund managers handle the selection of stocks and bonds for investors rather than the investors themselves. 

The Public Provident Fund is a type of investment that encourages small amounts of savings. A life insurance policy is a type of insurance that provides protection from unfortunate occurrences like death. This article compares LIC and PPF and goes into detail about each financial product's features. Life Insurance Policy (LIC): What is it?  Corporation for Life Insurance, A state-owned insurance, and investment firm, is called LIC. The Life Insurance Corporation was founded in 1956. LIC was created post the Life Insurance of India Act was passed. It provides a way for people to get insurance to safeguard their loved ones against threats. A LIC policy is a contract that requires ongoing premium payments or a one-time payment to the insurance provider. Upon the LIC policy's maturity or the unfortunate passing of the policyholder, one will receive a lump sum payment. The people who need life insurance the most are those who have dependents who depend on their income. Consequently, the nominee will get the insured sum in the terrible event that a policyholder passes away. Therefore, LIC serves as a risk cover for the family of the policyholder. The policyholder will receive a lump sum payment if the insurance expires prior to the insured person's passing. The same might be used for the policyholder's retirement.  Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allows for the tax deduction of insurance premium payments. However, the following prerequisites must be satisfied in order to claim a deduction:  If the policy is issued after April 1, 2012, the premium cannot be greater than 10% of the amount insured.  The premium paid for life insurance plans issued prior to April 1, 2012, should not be more than 20% of the amount assured. If the premium payment does not exceed 10% of the sum assured, the maturity amount from a life insurance policy is completely excluded from tax under Section 10 (10D). The sum the policyholder gets at the conclusion of the term is completely taxable if the premium is greater than 10% of the insured amount. Additionally, a TDS of 5% is applicable to the revenue portion of the maturity value of policies not covered by Section 10 (10D). TDS is only deductible if a life insurance policy's maturity value reaches INR 1,00,000. Additional read: Lumpsum vs SIP Public Provident Fund (PPF): What is it? The Indian government launched the Public Provident Fund program. In 1968, the National Savings Institute introduced it. This long-term post office savings program is backed by the government, so the returns are assured. Every three months, the Ministry of Finance releases the PPF Interest Rate. The yearly compounded PPF rate for the latest quarter, January 2022 through March 2022, is 7.1%.  According to Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961, investments up to Rs 1.5 lakh each fiscal year are totally tax-free at the disposal of investors. Additionally, the proceeds from interest and maturities are tax-free as well. As a result, a person investing in PPF to save for retirement should not be concerned about taxes. Following is the table comparing LIC vs PPF LIC vs PPF People frequently mix up investments with insurance. Investments are for a secure future, whilst insurance is for risk protection. Having sound financial standing is vital for any investment. A person needs an emergency reserve for unforeseen costs, insurance to safeguard against terrible situations, and investments to ensure a solid financial future. Therefore, if a person has dependents who depend on their income, they must have insurance. The market offers a wide variety of insurance products, including term insurance, ULIPs, and endowment plans. A term policy and PPF investments, however, are advised for investors. In the most economical manner possible, it offers investment security and insurance safety. That being the case, the question shouldn't be LIC or PPF or LIC vs PPF. Which term policy works best with PPF should be the question instead. Conclusion There are insurance programs that also provide investing alternatives, including ULIPs. However, when it comes to expense ratio, they are on the upper end of the spectrum. They also have a number of unstated fees. Therefore, it is advised that people separate their insurance needs from their investment demands and purchase term coverage while investing in PPF. If there’s any confusion regarding this or any other financial matter, EduFund’s team of efficient financial advisors is always available to help you. TALK TO AN EXPERT

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is the second-largest asset management company in India. With over Rs 3 lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund. ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund  1. Investment objective To generate capital appreciation for investors by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related instruments and income by investing across other asset classes.  2. Investment process   The Scheme proposes to invest across asset classes, in line with the asset allocation mentioned in the SID, with the aim of generating capital appreciation and income for investors. With this aim, the Investment Manager allocates the assets of the Scheme predominantly in Equity and equity-related instruments, and the remaining portion of the corpus in Debt, units of Gold ETFs/ETCDs/units of REITs & InvITs/preference shares.  3. Portfolio composition  The equity exposure is majorly in large-cap stocks at 54% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services and software. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 40% of the portfolio. The major exposure in the Debt sector is to Government backed securities like Government Bonds and T-Bills. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: ICICI Pru AMC  Top 5 Holdings ICICI pru multi-asset fund growth Name Sector Weightage % NTPC Ltd.  Public Sector Undertaking 8.29 Gold – 1kg - 1000gms Commodity 7.98 ICICI Bank Ltd. Financial Services 7.38 Bharti Airtel Ltd. Telecommunications 5.82 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Energy 4.89 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC  Performance over 20 years If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs 4.69 lakhs. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons.  Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Oct 31, 2002. Source: icicipruamc.com  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 20 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 21.40%  Fund Manager at ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund Mr. Sankaran Naren, Mr. Ihab Dalwai, Mr. Anuj Tagra, Mr. Gaurav Chikane, and Ms. Sri Sharma are the fund managers of the Scheme. Mr. Sankaran Naren has been managing this scheme for 10 years and 8 months i.e., since February 2012. Mr. Ihab Dalwai has been managing this scheme for 5 years and 4 months i.e., since June 2017. Mr. Anuj Tagra has been managing this Scheme for 4 years and 5 months i.e., since May 2018. Mr. Gaurav Chikane (for ETCDs) Managing this fund for 1 year and 2 months since August 2021. Ms. Sri Sharma has been managing the scheme for around 1 year and 2 months i.e., since August 2021 Who should invest in ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund?  Investors looking for  Long-term wealth creation solution.  Looking for portfolio exposure in multiple asset classes within the same fund.  Why invest in ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund?  The scheme is suitable for investors who are looking for diversified exposure across asset classes  The portfolio works in a three-fold manner providing the agility of equity stock, regular income through debt instruments, and gold acts as a good hedge against inflation.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund has a multi-asset allocation strategy that helps in portfolio diversification for an investor by providing the wealth creation potential through equity, regular income through debt, and gold acts as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is the second-largest asset management company in India. With over Rs 3 Lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund.  ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund  1. Investment objective To provide capital appreciation and income distribution to the investors by using equity derivatives strategies, arbitrage opportunities, and pure equity investments.  2. Investment process    The scheme uses an in-house asset allocation model to maintain an effective equity investment level to be above 65%. However, the actual equity level may go below 65% after considering the derivative exposure.  3. Portfolio Composition  The equity exposure is majorly in large-cap stocks at 67% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 40% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Reliance Industries Conglomerate 5.96 ICICI Bank Ltd Financial Services 5.00 Infosys Ltd. Information Technology 4.28 HDFC Bank Ltd Financial Services 3.72 Bharti Airtel Ltd. Telecommunications 3.19 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: ICICI Pru AMC Performance over 16 years If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs 52,450. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception. Date – Dec 29, 2006. The investment horizon is from 30th Dec 2006 to 10th Nov 2022. Source: icicipruamc.com  The ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 16 years generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 11.03%. Fund manager  The fund is ably managed by   Ihab Dalwai – is a Chartered Accountant and has been associated with ICICI Prudential since 2011.  Rajat Chandak – has completed his BCom (H) and is an MBA. has been associated with ICICI Prudential since 2008.  Sankaran Naren - is a B.Tech from IIT Chennai and MBA (Finance)from IIM Kolkata. He has been with ICICI Prudential since 2012.  Who should invest in ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund?  Investors looking for  Long-term wealth creation solution.  Looking for a dynamically managed portfolio.  Why invest in ICICI Prudential's balanced advantage fund?  This equity fund aims for growth by investing in equity and derivatives.  Get a smartly allocated portfolio according to market conditions.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund has a smart asset allocation strategy that helps in portfolio diversification for an investor. The Scheme is suitable for investors who are seeking to benefit from market volatility while maintaining fair equity allocation levels based on market valuations.  Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Business Insider reports that “Indian household savings fell to the lowest level in 5 years. With inflation eroding the purchasing power, individuals tap their savings for survival after the pandemic.” Furthermore, "gross financial savings in FY22 stood at 10.8% compared to 15.9% in FY21." It demonstrates a clear saving pattern during the pandemic and erodes it soon after the ban was lifted. The importance of saving money aligns with the lifestyle and the goals you want to achieve within the decided time frame. 6 reasons to save money wisely From blowing off emergency cash requirements to ensuring financial freedom, there are plenty of reasons to save money. 1. Live a debt-free lifestyle Business Insider news says, “ An average Indian spends ₹14,500 a month on average on credit cards."  As per Statista, “In June 2022, nearly 121 million points of sale transactions were made via credit card in India.” It was pretty low in 2019-2020, owing to pandemic blues. Relying on credit cards for every big and small purchase may impact your savings. A credit card is a high-interest debt that one must pay monthly. Instead, save a portion of your income to savings. It will help meet discretionary expenses. 2. Budgeting for retirement As per the Financial Express report, “A survey by PGIM Mutual Fund and Nielson reveals more than 51% of the Indians participants have not planned retirement savings yet. “  Shockingly, children’s spousal security and lifestyle emerged as primary concerns rather than retirement.  The allocation of household income fell from 34% to 30% over the past two years. It impacted the saving corpus and budgeting. Around 89% of respondents living in Joint families find themselves more financially secure than nuclear families in India.  The report reveals that 42% of Indians lack any secondary income source or have any thoughts about it. One must consider inflation and market conditions before choosing a retirement saving plan to counter this. Employers must work towards awakening employees on saving more towards PF or separate retirement accounts. The key aim here is to push the employees towards ensuring financial freedom. 3. Paying effortlessly toward a child’s education dreams As per the Economic Times, “the average yearly fee for middle school is around ₹1.6 lakhs to ₹1.8 lakh/year. It totals up to ₹9.5 lakh to 12 lakh for Higher Secondary Education.” Parents must ensure nearly 10 lakhs for legal education in India.   Parents pay ₹25000/year towards sports, extracurriculars, and school transport alone. The education expenditure graph goes up to ₹20 lakhs after including general education for up to college years. EduFund lets parents plan and save for their child’s education with the help of financial experts. 4. Attending Medical Emergencies However, there are other emergencies too, like - urgent cash needs, cash to suffice sudden job loss and fulfill a time-sensitive requirement, and medical tops them all.   It is the worst situation to encounter when one goes cashless in medical emergencies. Illness does not wait. Thus, it is ideal to invest at least 30% of your income in medical insurance and savings. However, the statistics are good regarding health insurance coverage awareness. The Times of India says, “Every 3 in 5 Indians saw their health insurance premiums shoot by 25% or more in 2022.” It impacts savings and discourages one from taking life for granted. 5. Leaving behind a legacy Financial freedom must travel from generation to generation. “Around 72% of Indians do not know the potential ways to save and invest money.” They encounter confusion while walking up to the aim of financial freedom If you are a first-time investor, you can begin by investing in low-risk instruments. Dedicate only a small and comfortable income portion to long-term investments. Go for fixed-income generating opportunities that reduce the risk of losing your wealth. It will help you analyze the importance of saving money as a source of multiplying wealth sources. 6. Purchasing big-ticket items and investments Big-ticket items or lifestyle-enhancing instruments like- car and home investments require significant savings. Buying a home is one of the common dreams that Indians share. As per Indian Housing Report, “Only 69% of urban households have their own home. Rest are migrants.” It is far lower than in rural areas (95%). The reason is – Affordability. For a mortgage, you must ensure at least a 20% deposit. For that, you must save. If you could provide a 20% deposit for the mortgage, you could fetch affordable interest rates and use the rest of the savings for renovation or cover moving costs. Conclusion Saving is crucial for every life goal. EduFund is an ideal platform to save for your child and family’s future: Financial planning and goal management assistance College Cost Calculator to find future costs Variety of savings plans - mutual funds, US ETFs, and digital gold Educational counseling and financial guidance Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

What are the advantages of investing in emerging markets? What do you mean by emerging markets? Let’s figure it out in this blog. What is an Emerging Market Fund? A country that is rapidly expanding in size and scope and is anticipated to be a developed country is called an emerging market. Around 25 economies across the globe have been labeled as emerging markets by the main index provider in the world, MSCI.  The four biggest emerging markets worldwide are, however, Brazil, Russia, China, and India. These markets have stronger growth rates, but there is also a bigger risk involved. For investors looking to invest in a single nation or through a diversified portfolio, there are also a lot of possibilities accessible. So by restricting exposure to a single stock or nation, investing in an emerging market fund enables investors to spread the risk. An investment vehicle known as an emerging market fund puts the majority of its money into securities from developing nations. These funds, which invest in emerging market debt or equities to create a diversified portfolio, are equity funds, debt funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).  These funds provide growth investors with a variety of appealing and risky investment possibilities. In other words, emerging market funds look to take advantage of the chance for return presented by these economies. Investors will have the choice of both passive and active mutual funds that offer exposure across nations, industries, and market capitalization in the emerging markets category. An emerging market fund, for instance, might opt to allocate 20% of its resources to Russia.  Additionally, it might extend this to the banking, auto, petroleum, power, etc. sectors and concentrate more on large-cap firms in these industries. It can also decide which option is chosen for each nation. As a result, this fund provides diversity as well as a chance to profit from the expansion of the economy. Features of Emerging Market Funds The characteristics of emerging market funds include the following:  1. Diversification  Emerging market funds give investors a fantastic chance to expand their investment portfolio because they invest in equity and debt instruments across developing nations. This also makes it possible for investors to profit from the dynamics of emerging market markets.  2. Risk  It is always challenging to monitor the social and economic aspects of rising nations because the investment portfolio consists of securities from those nations. Acquiring accurate technical understanding regarding their market movements is likewise challenging. This increases the risk that developing market funds face. 3. Money management  Real-time market monitoring is necessary since it is critical to keep tabs on the developments in rising markets. Therefore, these investments are handled by fund managers, who are experts with years of experience.  4. Exposure  Emerging market funds invest in equities and debt instruments of different nations, allowing them to profit from their investment by adjusting to changing market conditions. This enables them to profit from the expansion of these nations' economies. Advantages of Investing in Emerging Market Funds 1. Geographical Expansion  The success of the Indian markets has an impact on the returns on an investor's portfolio which includes Indian stocks. However, including exposure to these funds broadens the investor's portfolio's geographic diversification. Additionally, it enables investors to profit from the economic cycles of developing nations.  2. Diversification of holdings  The secret to a successful investment portfolio is diversification. For investors with a higher risk tolerance who want to diversify their portfolios by investing in various emerging markets, there are emerging market funds. 3. Professional Management  A fund manager can invest an investor's money wisely with the aid of precise data, technical know-how, and international investing experience. Any new investor can use an emerging market fund to take advantage of this opportunity in emerging markets.  Disadvantages of Investing in Emerging Market Funds 1. Risk Inflation Risk: In emerging markets, rapid economic expansion frequently causes inflation.  Currency Risk: If investments are held in other nations whose currencies fluctuate against the US dollar, those investments will likewise vary.  Liquidity Risk: Securities trade less frequently in many international marketplaces. In such circumstances, it becomes challenging to acquire or sell a few particular shares. In other words, these markets lack the developed economies' levels of liquidity.  Political Risk: Political unrest and wars are more common in emerging nations, which puts pressure on the stock and bond markets. 2. Constant Surveillance  Investors must monitor a variety of market trends. Any country's market performance may be impacted by political, social, or economic changes. The performance of funds may be impacted as a result.  3. Lack of information  Fund managers might not consistently follow a foreign company. Investors consequently frequently make decisions based on incomplete information. Who should invest in funds for Emerging Markets?  Investors must feel at ease with the dangers of investing in emerging markets. By utilizing overseas markets, investing in this fund allows for portfolio diversification. Investors might also think about investing in these funds if they have the time to research international markets and have a working knowledge of financial instruments and their components. For growth investors looking for long-term investment opportunities across international markets, these products are excellent. Conclusion  Emerging markets are quite risky and take a long time to grow. For long-term investors with a high-risk tolerance, this fund is a good choice. But these don’t come without their limitations, so read the terms and risks involved before investing in any funds.  If you are still confused or need information regarding this, our team of efficient financial advisors is constantly available to guide and help you through the process. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan 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 one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – UTI Focused Equity Fund. UTI-focused equity fund 1. Investment objective The investment objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity & equity-related instruments of a maximum of 30 stocks across market caps. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme would be achieved.  2. Investment process   The investment strategy of UTI Focused Equity Fund involves investing in companies that have sustainable business models, are run by seasoned management, and generate high returns on invested capital. The fund primarily relies on bottom-up stock picking to create substantial long-term wealth.  3. Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 67% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 75% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Performance over 1 year Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Aug 26, 2021 Source: utimf.com  The UTI-Focused Equity Fund has underperformed against the benchmark. This is mainly because the investment horizon is very short in this case as the fund is very new. Investors have to be invested for a longer investment horizon to see the fund outperforming the benchmark. Fund manager at UTI-Focused Equity Fund The fund is ably managed by Vishal Chopda. Mr. Vishal Chopda is the Vice President and Fund Manager in the domestic Equity Division of UTI Asset Management Company Ltd. Vishal joined UTI AMC in January 2011. In UTI he has worked for the past 7 years in the Department of Fund Management as Research Analyst. He has previously worked with CARE Ratings (Credit Analysis and Research Ltd). He is a CFA Charter holder from The CFA Institute, USA, and also holds a PGDM from Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He has completed his B.E. from Mumbai University.  Who should invest in UTI Focused Equity Fund?  Investors looking to  Build their core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation.  Own a portfolio of both large & mid-capitalization stocks.  Why invest in a UTI-Focused Equity Fund?  Investors looking for a high-conviction and concentrated portfolio backed by research expertise and risk assessment framework.  who have a long-term goal of wealth creation and balance an overall conservative portfolio construct.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The UTI Focused Equity Fund is a relatively new fund with a focused portfolio holding. It is best for investors who are looking for a concentrated portfolio backed by research and want to create wealth in the long term by having a high-risk strategy in their portfolio.  DisclaimerThis 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 one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – UTI Core Equity Fund. About UTI Core Equity Fund  Investment objective The objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of large-cap and mid-cap companies.  Investment process   The UTI Core Equity Fund carries a top-down approach, going through short-term challenges and trading at below long-term averages. It focuses on stocks that are below their long-term averages or when it is cheap relative to market aggregates. Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 50% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 75% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Ltd. Financial Services 5.50 HDFC Bank Ltd. Financial Services 5.28 ITC Ltd. Consumer Goods 3.58 Federal Bank Ltd. Financial Services 3.56 State Bank of India Financial Services 3.55 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Performance over 13 years Below are the rolling returns of the fund since inception.  Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 13 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 11.42%.  Fund Manager  The fund is ably managed by V. Srivatsa. Mr. V. Srivatsa. He is an Executive Vice President, Fund Manager – Equity at UTI AMC Ltd. He is a BCom graduate, C.A., C.W.A., and has a PGDM from IIM, Indore. He has been with UTI AMC since 2002. Prior to joining UTI, he worked with Ford, Rhodes Parks & Co., Chartered Accountants for 2 years, and as Officer-Audit in Madras Cements Ltd. He started in UTI AMC in the Department of securities research covering varied sectors such as Information Technology, Capital goods, and metals.  Who should invest in UTI Core Equity Fund?  Investors looking to  Build their core equity portfolio for steady wealth creation.  Own a portfolio of both large & mid-capitalization stocks.  Why invest in UTI Core Equity Fund?  Large-cap stocks endeavor to provide stability & liquidity and mid-cap stocks can potentially generate superior returns for the portfolio.  The Fund maintains a well-diversified portfolio and avoids sector as well as stock concentration.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The UTI Core Equity Fund is one of the oldest funds with a proven track record of 13 years and has delivered 11.42% CAGR consistently. Thus, it is best for investors who want stable returns with large-cap stocks and high growth potential with mid-cap stocks.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Setting both long-term and short-term goals may seem like a waste of time to you. However, creating goals is crucial to the process of planning a career. Lack of planning can result in a chaotic future. Let's explore how to set short and long-term goals in more detail. What are short-term goals? Any objective that may be completed in less than two years is regarded as a short-term aim. Although this is a helpful generalization, it is ultimately somewhat arbitrary to decide where to divide goals into short-term and long-term categories. There are no appreciable differences between a goal completed in one and a half years and one completed in two years and a month. For your child's educational needs, a laptop or a phone can be a short-term objective. To save up for the expense and easily reach your objective, you can choose the appropriate finances and a time frame. You expect to complete this short-term objective in the next one to two years. To start a short-term goal for your child's educational aspirations, click here. What are long-term goals? However, anything that takes more than five years is seen as a long-term objective. Long-term goals can be things like saving for retirement and paying off a mortgage. However, using the terms "short-term" and "long-term" alone isn't always enough. Some individuals advise adding medium-term goals as well. Usually, it takes two to five years to accomplish these goals. The two temporal periods work well together while appearing to contradict one another. Short-term goals are shaped by long-term objectives. A long-term objective might be for your child to attend their ideal college. A long time horizon is typically necessary for long-term goals. The best course of action is to start saving for your child's college 10-15 years in advance. This offers you enough time to grow your money and make the necessary adjustments over the years to have the appropriate sum by the time your child leaves for college. How to set short and long-term goals Your perseverance will be the most important factor in your success, but it will be much harder to achieve your goals if you don't set them up properly. Your long-term and short-term objectives must satisfy the following requirements: 1. Write down your Goals An unstated objective is nothing more than a wish. Humans have a tendency to fantasize and believe in impossible things. In order to achieve our goals, we must take decisive action. You must put your long-term objectives in writing. Your aim will enter the physical world as a result of this one action. Your chances of success increase significantly just by doing this. It is a reminder now, after all. A prompt to set out and achieve that objective. 2. Your goals must be measurable  Have a deadline for completing your goals and a method to determine whether you have done so. You may even divide them into more manageable checkpoints you can gauge along the road. 3. Be realistic Your long-term objectives must line up with your aptitudes and competencies. If you can't sing or play an instrument, saying, "I want to win a Grammy Award", might not be the best objective for you. Consider your abilities as you create goals, keeping in mind your level of experience. 4. Take baby steps over time to achieve your goals  A deadline for your objective is not required, but it may help you keep on track to accomplish it. Divide a long-term goal into smaller objectives. Baby steps are preferable to a single, enormous leap. 5. Pair each goal with an action Consider enrolling in a book writing seminar or practicing writing one chapter every week for a month if your objective is to write a book. 6. Be flexible If you run into roadblocks that endanger your development, don't give up. Change your objectives properly, instead. Let's imagine you must continue working to support yourself, preventing you from enrolling in college full-time. You can enroll in part-time classes and complete your bachelor's degree in six or eight years, even if it might not be practical to do so in four years. Being flexible also involves having the ability to let go of objectives that no longer serve you and focus your efforts on achieving new ones. The most crucial element is constancy. You have to make your unique road map to success by setting long-term goals and then dividing them into smaller goals that are simple to achieve. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT