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In India, investing is considered a rich man’s game. The common disbelief is that only the rich can invest in stocks and reap the benefits of the market. This is far from the truth. Investments and investing in stocks are possible for everyone.   But before you start buying stocks, you should conduct in-depth research, evaluate the stock's fundamentals, and determine whether it fits in your portfolio.  As an investor, you should conduct the appropriate research since when you purchase a stock in a firm, you also become a shareholder in that business.  5 things to know before investing in stocks  1. Time horizon   Originally, you need to decide the time horizon before buying a stock as it plays a pivotal part in deciding whether to buy that stock or not. Your investing time horizon can be short-term, middle-term, or long-term, grounded on your fiscal pretensions.  Short Term - A short-term time horizon is any investment that you're planning to enjoy for or under one year. However, also it's stylish to invest in stable blue-chip stocks which pay tips. If you’re planning to buy a stock and hold it for under a time. The companies have a good balance distance and there are smaller pitfalls involved.   Medium Term - A medium-term investment is an investment that you want to hold from one time to 10 times. For middle-term investing one should invest in quality arising requests stocks and stocks having a moderate position of threat.   Long Term - Eventually, long-term investments are any investment that you're planning to hold onto for further than 10 times. These investments have time to recover if the commodity goes wrong and can induce a significant return.  2. Investment strategy  Prior to purchasing a stock, it is crucial to research several investing techniques and select the one that best fits your investing philosophy.  The three main categories of methods utilized by the most prosperous investors are listed below:  Value Investing: Value investing is the practice of purchasing discounted stocks with the intention of making profits. Warren Buffett employs this tactic to generate enormous riches.  Growth investing: It is the practice of purchasing shares of companies that have outperformed the market in terms of sales and profits. Growth investors think that the upward trends in these equities will persist and present a chance for profit-making.  Income Investing: Lastly, investors need to search for high-quality stocks that offer sizable dividends. These dividends produce money that can be spent or reinvested to boost future earnings potential. Consequently, you should think about the approach that works well with that investment style before purchasing a stock.  3. Check fundamentals before buying a stock   Some of the most important rates to consider before buying a stock   Price-to-Earnings rate (P/ E rate): The p/ E rate compares the stock’s price with the company’s earnings per share(EPS). For illustration, if a company is trading at Rs. 20 per share that produces EPS of Rs. 1 annually, also its P/ E rate is 20 which means that the share price is 20 times the company’s earnings on a periodic basis.   Debt-to-Equity rate: The debt-to-equity rate helps in determining how much the company is in debt. High situations of debt are bad as it signals ruin.   Price-to-Book-Value rate (P/ B rate): The p/ B rate compares the stock’s price to the net value of means that are possessed by the company, and is also divided by the number of outstanding shares.  4. Size of the company   How much risk you are willing to face when purchasing a stock is greatly influenced by the size of the company you are thinking about investing in.  Therefore, before purchasing a stock, it's critical to evaluate the company's size in relation to your risk tolerance and time horizon.  5. History of dividends  Stocks that pay dividends to investors are known for sharing a portion of their profits with them.  Investors who use the income investing approach ought to aim to buy shares of these dividend-paying companies.  If an investor wants to make money from their investments, they should research the company's dividend history before purchasing its stock.  The company's dividend yield, which is expressed as a percentage, is something income investors should look at if they want a high level of income relative to the stock price.  Conclusion  Make sure you purchase the greatest firms before you purchase any stocks to add to your portfolio. No matter how soliciting the stock request may feel, it’s suggested to do your disquisition before investing any amount of capital. It’s vital to educate yourself about the basics of the request first. Learn the languages associated with online trading and investing. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Do you know the cost of studying MBA in India? Why it is the most popular post-graduate degree in the country? What makes it one of the toughest and most expensive degrees in our country? Let’s find out!  The cost of an MBA program in India is between INR 20,000 and INR 40 lakh for two years of full-time study. MBA programs given by universities and government colleges have affordable tuition, however, those same programs at private institutions are more expensive.  Infrastructure, dormitory accommodations, extracurricular activities, and pedagogy are just a few of the variables that affect MBA college costs in India. For instance, if an MBA college provides a program that requires candidates to spend a semester or other amount of time studying abroad, the course fee for that institute will be high. On the other side, if the government is funding the MBA institute, the costs will be minimal.  Yes, financial aid provided by the state or the federal government to run their academic program is a big factor in the low MBA fees of government institutions and universities.  MBA applicants who intend to enroll in an MBA program for the following academic year must start looking for the best MBA colleges now. MBA tuition costs will play a significant role in guiding your search and conclusion.  It is hard to discuss MBA colleges in India without mentioning the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), one of the country's top MBA institutions.   The cost of an MBA at an IIM can range from INR 11 lakh to INR 23 lakh. There are 20 IIM campuses in India. While IIM Sirmaur's PGP program costs INR 11 lakh, IIM Ahmedabad's MBA program costs INR 23 lakh.  Other than IIMs, top B-Schools' MBA tuition  In addition to the IIMs, top B-Schools include FMS Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IIFT Delhi. These institutions provide the best in terms of facilities, professors, instruction, exposure to other countries, and job placements.  The MBA tuition at these business institutions ranges from 11 to 35 lakh rupees. FMS-Delhi is the lone exception, with an annual cost of INR 20, 960. Look at the MBA tuition costs for some of the best business schools outside of IIMs in India.  FMS-Delhi - INR 20,960  XLRI Jamshedpur-Xavier School of Management - INR 23.60 lakh  MDI-Gurgaon - INR 19.80 lakh  Symbiosis Institute of Business Management-Pune - INR 17.06 lakh  NMIMS Mumbai-School of Business Management - INR 19.76 lakh etc. MBA tuition less INR 10 lakh  Most of the MBA schools in this price range are IIT management study programs. In addition to being more affordable than those offered by private B-Schools, these institutions' MBA programs are also highly placed in the MHRD-NIRF yearly ranking and provide great placement possibilities. Look at these schools offering MBAs for less than INR 10 lakh:  IIT Delhi - Department of Management Studies - INR 8.80 lakh  IIT Bombay - Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management -INR 8.32 lakh  IIT Kharagpur-Vinod Gupta School of Management - INR 6.19 lakh, etc.   MBA tuition less INR 5 lakh  Popular institutions like Symbiosis International University (Deemed), and Prin. L N Welingkar, Christ University, Chandigarh University, and Amity University are among the MBA colleges in this price range. These universities provide a variety of MBA programs for reasonable tuition costs. Look at these schools offering MBAs for less than INR 5 lakh:  Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research-Mumbai - INR 3.00 lakh  Christ University, Bangalore - INR 3.10 lakh  International School of Management and Research-ISMR - INR 3.00 lakh etc.   MBA tuition of fewer than Rs. 1 lakh  The majority of MBA programs in state or central university departments with fees under INR 1 lakh are management studies departments. These institutions are accepted by the University Grants Commission despite their affordable tuition (UGC). Look at a few of the well-known MBA schools with costs under INR 1 lakh.  Jamia Millia Islamia-JMI - INR 33,170  Amity University - INR 54,000  Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University - INR 98,888, etc.   Want to explore the future cost of studying MBA around the world? Check out the college cost calculator and find out the real costs of studying!  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Planning to study law in the USA? But don’t know about the cost of doing it there. Don’t worry we have you covered! Law is amongst the most pursued courses in the USA and is extremely competitive in nature.  Thurgood Marshall, Gloria Allred, Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg each of well-known attorneys made different decisions, but they were all driven by a passion for the rule of law and carrying out what was right. Those who choose to go to law school may well have diverse reasons for doing so, but they all seem to have the drive and morals it takes to become successful lawyers.  If you're thinking about going to law school, you probably already know how expensive it is. But it's a path that offers a lot of chances outside of the courtroom. Because of this, you should think about all the expenses related to attending law school before making a decision so that you are ready and knowledgeable. Requirements for law school  A four-year bachelor's degree is typically required for law school programs. Although there is no set major, many students choose to study topics like English, politics, history, philosophy, or economics. The American Bar Association (ABA) recommends that students prepare for legal education by enrolling in "a broad range of challenging courses from demanding professors."  Pre-law advising is another service provided by some undergraduate programs, and it can give you a better picture of what a legal career might entail. The advisor will also support your admission to law school and assist you in selecting the right undergraduate courses. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning, must be taken in order to apply.  You will start a three-year program to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree after being admitted (although some schools offer a four-year part-time program). Students take torts, contracts, constitutional law, civil process, property, and a legal writing course during their first year of law school. While second and third-year courses vary by institution, they often call for writing credits, electives in experiential learning, courses on professional responsibility, and more. These allow you the chance to investigate specialized fields and learn what you are most interested in, such as tax, labor, or corporate law. For a wide range of topics, Cornell Law School advises second-year students to take courses in administrative law, corporate organizations, evidence, and federal income taxation. Students will enroll in elective courses, such as seminars and problem courses, in their chosen specialty during their third year of law school.  Students must pass a license "bar" exam for the state in which they desire to practice law in order to become practicing attorneys. Most states require that applicants complete an ABA-accredited law school, pass one or more written bar tests, and be determined by an admissions body to have the character to represent and advise others, according to the BLS. Lawyers must continue their studies at least annually even after being admitted to the bar.  Tuition for Public and Private Law Schools This is a summary of the usual expenses by that kind of organization:  AVERAGE PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION & FEE: $51,268 (INR 41585388.91)  AVERAGE FEES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS  Resident (In-State) (In-State)  Tuition & Fees: $29,074(INR 2404729.44)   Non-Resident (Out-of-State) (Out-of-State)  $42,143 (INR 34,85,674.92) Education Costs  According to U.S. News, the overall average yearly cost of an out-of-state public law school is $42,143(INR 34,85,674), while the cost of a private school is significantly higher at $51,268 (INR 41,58,538)  The cheapest option would be to pay an average of $29,074(INR 24,04,729) per year to attend a public, in-state law school. Even in-state public education, which is the least expensive choice, costs $87,222(INR 72,14,188.31) for three years.  How much does law school costs? A law student should budget anywhere from $87,222 (INR 72,14,188.31) for an in-state public school to $153,804 for a private school over three years. These figures can be debilitating, particularly if one transfers directly from undergrad to law school. However, the BLS reports that as of 2020, the median annual compensation for lawyers is $126,930 (INR 10498462), with the top 10 percent earning more than $208,000 (INR 17,203815). There are numerous ways to finance a legal degree. Your mind and wallet can rest easier knowing that there are specialized loans, grants, scholarships, and cheap programs available. Knowing how much law school will cost you is simply the first step on a long career path. Use the appropriate resources and accessible research to make informed decisions and position yourself for the future you deserve.  Wondering how to calculate the future cost of studying in the USA? Chat with our expert advisors. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT FAQ How much does it cost to study law in the USA for international students?  It's also available as a remote learning program through some US universities. To apply for an LLM in the USA, international students must hold a 3-year bachelor's degree in law. The typical tuition for American universities that provide a master's degree in law ranges from 12,000 USD (INR 99,2527.80) to 70,000 USD (INR 57,89,745.50). Is law school expensive in the US?  On average, law academy education costs$84,558(INR 69,93,847.14) at public universities for in-state scholars, and $147,936 (INR 12,235882.72) for scholars that attend private universities. Keep in mind that those costs are only for education; living charges like rent, food, and transportation can fluently add at least $20,000(INR 16,54,213.00) per time to your total cost.  How many years does it take to study law in America?  3 years 

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 Large & Mid Cap Fund. About ICICI Prudential Large & Mid Cap Fund Investment objective To generate long-term capital appreciation from a portfolio that is invested predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of large-cap and mid-cap companies. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the Scheme would be achieved.  Investment process   The Scheme follows a blend of top-down and bottom-up approaches to in-stock selection. The focus of the top-down approach is alpha generation through active sectoral rotation. While a bottom-up seeks to identify companies with reasonable profitability and scalability supported by sustainable competitive advantages.  Portfolio composition  The equity exposure is majorly in large-cap stocks at 78% and major sectoral exposure is to Banks and IT-Software. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 54% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: ICICI Pru  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % HDFC Bank Ltd. Bank 7.84 Bharti Airtel Ltd. Telecom Services 6.05 ICICI Bank Ltd. Bank 5.41 Infosys Ltd. Information Technology 3.44 State Bank of India Ltd. Bank 3.32 Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. Source: ICICI Pru Performance over 24 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs 5.93 lakhs. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Note Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – July 09, 1998. Source: icicipruamc.com  The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 24 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 18.17%  Fund Manager  Mr. Ihab Dalwai is the fund manager of the Scheme. He has been managing this scheme for 8 years. He is is a Chartered Accountant as well as a CFA. He is associated with ICICI Prudential AMC since April 2011. He has over 11 years of industry experience.  Who should invest?  Investors looking for  Long-term wealth creation solution.  Looking to invest in both large-cap and mid-cap stocks.  Why invest?  This scheme provides an opportunity for higher capital appreciation over the long term.  The major portfolio composition of large-cap stocks helps in reducing the overall portfolio volatility and provides less volatile and reasonable returns.  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 fund is good for investors who want exposure to equity and equity-related instruments but with optimized risk. It helps an investor with long-term wealth creation in a much more stable way as compared to instruments with a higher risk appetite. 

Ever wondered what’s it like to study MBA in Australia? How much does it cost to study MBA in Australia? What is the ROI of the course? How much would it cost to study MBA in Australia in 10 years? Let’s find out!  In comparison to other programs offered by universities around the world, the MBA program has witnessed the largest enrollment. International students who are interested in pursuing an MBA are aware that top education is only offered abroad. With so many nations providing a variety of MBA programs. Australia has consistently been at the top of the list.  The MBA program in Australia has been created to satisfy current market demands. As a result, you should also be fully informed of the financial situation if you're thinking about pursuing an MBA education in Australia. This article includes everything you need to know about the cost to study MBA in Australia in order to assist you to understand the academic investment. Leading elements that influence MBA tuition in Australia  There are several categories of MBA fees in Australia for international students. While tuition fees are frequently mentioned, there are other important expenses that also go toward the former. These expenses should also be taken into account when determining your financial requirements.   Here are the most important ones:  The cost of an MBA in Australia  Included within MBA cost in Australia are living expenses  Other important fees for MBA programs in Australia  Cost of an MBA in Australia before and after arrival  Covered MBA cost in Australia  Living expenses are an additional cost of attending an MBA program in Australia after MBA tuition for overseas students in Australia. Students will also need to pay for the living expenses associated with remaining in Australia while they are there for their studies. Depending on the lifestyle choices a student makes, these expenditures may change. For their stay in Australia, international students will need 20,000 AUD each year. Why you should do an MBA in Australia?  A good MBA degree is considered a gateway to success. It isn't only salutary for one's career progression but also enhances chops that one requires to stay ahead in the assiduity and also helps in networking. There are multitudinous reasons why one should pursue an MBA and acquire the chops and knowledge needed to give perpendicular growth to one's career. MBA course teaches scholars how to successfully manage a business and how to acclimatize to the rearmost global trends. Through this program scholars also learn how to run a business in an uncertain terrain and revive it in times of extremity.  MBA in Australia is a recognized degree encyclopedically because the AQF issues relative qualifications for office use. Australian Universities may or may not accept GMAT scores for MBA admissions.  Transnational scholars studying MBA in Australia can work for 40 hours while studying.   Check Part-time work options for transnational scholars in Australia  Australia opens further than, 500 job vacancies for MBA degree holders in Australia annually.  MBA entrance requirements  International applicants must have at least a 60% undergraduate average, at least two years of work experience, and English language competence scores in order to be admitted to an MBA program in Australia. For more details, the following part is separated as follows:  MBA course length  The MBA program lasts two years in the majority of universities. Most Australian universities require between 15 months and two years to get an MBA. In addition to this, many colleges have begun to offer one-year MBA programs A one-year MBA program that Melbourne Business School has launched is very well-liked by prospective students.  Want to study in Australia and pursue an MBA then find out how to save and how much to save right here!  Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

A long-term investment strategy is very important for your portfolio and for long-term wealth generation. Long-term mutual fund schemes can assist in achieving all of your higher life goals, such as retirement, marriage, children's education, house buying, globe travel, etc.  Let's learn more about long-term investing, who and how one should plan to accomplish long-term goals, and the best mutual funds to invest in for a long-term plan.  What is a long-term investment?   Long-term plans typically include an investment time span of more than five years. There are several goals behind an investment when someone wishes to make long-term investments. The goal can be to build long-term wealth so that the individual can feel safe in the future. Achieving important life goals is possible, as is just doubling your money through profitable investments. The equity mutual fund is the long-term strategy that is most recommended.  Why Equity funds are best for the long term?   Equity funds primarily invest in company stocks and shares. It is also one of the best methods to have a piece of a business without really launching one. These funds are, nevertheless, very dangerous in the near term. The sensitivity of equity markets to macroeconomic indicators and other variables includes, but is not limited to, inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates, tax rates, and bank policies. The performance of the companies and, consequently, the stock prices are impacted by any change or imbalance in these. For this reason, it is always advised to maintain an equity fund investment for a minimum of five years and a maximum of ten years. Additionally, only individuals who are prepared to assume a high amount of risk in their investment should use these funds.  Equity funds have a history of providing solid returns over time. Most blue chip firms offer dividends to stockholders, which are a reliable source of income. These businesses typically distribute dividends on a regular basis despite the fluctuating market. Usually, they are paid every three months. A diverse portfolio can offer investors a year-round stream of dividend income.  Investors who intend to make long-term investments might do so in the equities of several economic sectors. Therefore, even if the value of one stock declines, the others may enable investors to recover their losses. Low cost, flexibility, diversification, convenience, liquidity, and expert money management are some other advantages of investing in stocks. Best mutual funds for long-term investment Following are the Best equity funds for long-term investment plans  Large-cap funds   These funds invest money in the stocks of large-sized companies. Large-cap stocks are commonly referred to as blue-chip stocks. These funds invest in those firms that have the potential to show year-on-year steady growth and high profits, which in turn also offers stability over time.   Large-cap stocks give steady returns over a long period of time. As these funds invest in well-established companies they are usually considered to be the safest investments compared to mid & small-cap funds. Investors with a moderate to high-risk appetite can prefer investing in large-cap funds.  Mid & Small Cap Funds   Money Market Funds These funds make investments in the equity of big businesses. Blue chip stocks are a typical term for large-cap stocks. These funds make investments in businesses that have the potential to produce large earnings and consistent growth year after year, which provides stability over time. Long-term, consistent gains are provided by large-cap equities. In comparison to mid- and small-cap funds, these funds are typically thought to be the safest investments because they invest in well-established companies. Those who are comfortable taking on moderate to high levels of risk may enjoy investing in large-cap funds.  Diversified funds or Multi-cap cunds   These funds invest across all the market cap large, mid & small cap funds. They typically invest anywhere between 40-60% in large-cap stocks, 10-40% in mid-cap stocks, and about 10% in small-cap stocks. Since these funds are a combination of all the caps, they master balancing the portfolio. Historically, Diversified Funds have come as a winner in most market conditions. Due to their diversified nature, these funds have the potential to survive the tough market phase. Investors with a moderate to high level of risk appetite can ideally invest in these funds  Sector Funds   Of all the equities funds, these are the riskiest. Therefore, a potential investor should only choose sector funds if they have the capacity to take a high level of risk. Sector-specific funds are offered here. They invest in certain industries like banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure. An investor may choose to invest in these funds if they believe a specific industry can experience rapid growth or has the potential to produce positive returns in the near future.  Conclusion  For the long-term, the equity class is the most preferred to save and invest in as the equity mutual funds have delivered consistent and the highest returns compared to other asset classes. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT Abhilash Anand - Equity Research Analyst Provides financial insights on publicly-traded companies and/or sectors to facilitate investment decisions.

Are you planning to study law in the UK? Do you know how much it costs to study law in the UK?  The best and most prominent law schools in the world are located in the UK, and more than 1,676 law programs are available to help applicants develop the knowledge and confidence they need in this area of study.   The top 10 law schools in the UK are also among the top 50 law schools worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings 2021. This is compelling evidence of the UK's renowned educational system at top universities offering top-notch instruction to their students. Let's examine the benefits of pursuing an LLB in the UK, one of the most well-liked study-abroad destinations worldwide! Why study law in the UK?  Considering that LLB in the UK is an undergraduate degree, it has fewer requirements than a law degree in other nations. Students must merely apply to a university of their choice and enroll in a legal program, such as an LLB. Most programs last between three and four years to complete. A degree from a renowned UK university is also a fantastic approach to start your career in this industry. The following are some of the main advantages of studying LLB in the UK: You will be exposed to a legal system that is always changing and growing while studying LLB in the UK.  Students will learn about both the rules that apply to the entire United Kingdom as well as those that are particular to Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales while studying in a country where common law originated.  International recognition exists for British common law. The common law of the UK underpins the legal systems of more than one-third of the world.  The United Kingdom is home to hundreds of multinational law firms, including some of the biggest in the world.  Studying LLB in the UK is a great way to improve your English language abilities. Through real-world and academic contexts like group projects and case studies, you can enhance your academic English.  The UK offers one of the quickest routes to becoming a lawyer when compared to studying law in countries like the US and Canada. A 3-year LBB program is typical, followed by a 1-year Legal Practice Course. Following that, students might submit an application for a training job with a law firm. This portion of your training typically lasts two years.  To apply for an LLB program in the UK, you do not need to take the LSAT exam.  An undergraduate degree is required to enroll in the two-year Senior Status LLB program.  In order to gain experience, you can work as a part-time employee in one of the many renowned law companies in the UK while you are enrolled in school.  Students might benefit from an international and multicultural university experience.   Students will get internationally recognized qualifications after they graduate. Top LLB Law Schools in the UK  University of Oxford  University of Cambridge  London School of Economics & Political Science  University College London  University of Edinburgh  Queen Mary University of London  Durham University  University of Manchester  University of Nottingham  University of Warwick  Costs to study LAW in the UK The majority of the expense for Indian students to study LLB in the UK is made up of tuition fees. According to the university, the program's reputation and demand, the location of the university, and other factors, tuition for this course may easily range from £40,000 to £75,000 (about INR 53 lakhs to INR 75 lakhs), with the upper limit going as high as £109,000 (around INR 1 crore). One must consider the cost of living in addition to the cost of education in the UK. In the UK, the cost of living is typically determined by the city in which you live. CALCULATE EDUCATION COST FAQs How much does a law degree cost in the UK? The price range can be as high as £13,600(Rs. 1377039.44) (for a full-time program in London in 2022-23) but can be much lower elsewhere. Your living expenses are in addition to these fees. Expect to spend up to £17,950 (Rs. 1817489.56) for a full-time LPC course in London in 2022–2023; however, costs outside of London start at £13,2 (Rs. 1336538.28). Is law school cheaper in the UK?  An LL. M. program in the UK won't likely be regarded as "affordable" by many students. Costs may add up, particularly for international students who often pay higher tuition than students from the UK and the EU How many years does it take to study law in the UK?  If pursued full-time, a legal degree in the UK normally lasts three years. Naturally, there are various alternatives to this. For students who are willing to put in extra time studying, the University of Law also offers a two-year accelerated Law LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree

DSP Group is a 150+ years old financial entity, started back in the 1860s with its stock broking business. Gradually they entered the mutual fund industry. DSP AMC was incorporated in 1996, and it is one of India’s leading AMC in India. DSP AMCs offer a wide range of products to meet the requirement of every investor in the best way by offering mutual funds.   DSP AMC has schemes across debt, equity, hybrid, international funds, and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). It holds 25 years of Honest Asset Management. For over two decades DSP has helped its investors to take responsible money decisions based on two pillars i.e., honesty & Integrity. About DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund  DSP Natural Resources and New Energy FundInvestment objective The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to seek to generate capital appreciation and provide long-term growth opportunities by investing in equity and equity-related securities of companies domiciled in India whose predominant economic activity is in the: (a) discovery, development, production, or distribution of natural resources, viz., energy, mining, etc (b) alternative energy and energy technology sectors, with emphasis given to renewable energy, automotive and on-site power generation, energy storage, and enabling energy technologies.  The Scheme will also invest a certain portion of its corpus in the equity and equity-related securities of companies domiciled overseas, which are principally engaged in the discovery, development, production, or distribution of natural resources and alternative energy and/or the units/shares of:  BlackRock Global Funds - Sustainable Energy Fund  BlackRock Global Funds - World Energy Fund and similar other overseas mutual fund schemes.  The secondary objective is to generate consistent returns by investing in debt and money market securities. Investment process   The DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund follows a value style of investing which consists of value stocks of majorly large-cap companies. The investment philosophy of the fund is to buy value stocks of companies involved in the commodity business and energy-based business.  Portfolio construction involves investing majorly in large-cap companies. The fund core portfolio is based on long-term themes, core equity portfolio.  Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 73% and the fund is a sectorial fund that focused on the materials and energy sector. Both sectors together consist of more than 72% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. Source: Value Research  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % Black Rock Global Funds – New Energy Fund Financial (Foreign Fund) 14.71 Jindal Steel & Power Metals & Mining 9.88 Hindalco Metals & Mining 8.71 Tata Steel Metals & Mining 8.25 Reliance Energy 7.47 Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. Source: Value Research  Performance over 22 years  If you would have invested 10 lakhs at the inception of DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 56.95 lakhs. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Apr 25, 2008, till Dec 16, 2022. Source: Money Control  The DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 14 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 12.61%.  Fund Manager  Rohit Singhania: Prior to joining DSP Mutual Fund, he worked with HDFC Securities Ltd. and IL&FS Investment Limited.  Who should invest?  Investors looking to  Hold a focused portfolio of companies involved in the metals, mining & energy sector  Tactically allocate 10-15% of your overall portfolio to very high-risk opportunities.  Why invest?  Aim to grow your money by investing in companies from the commodities, energy and renewable energy sectors.  Favorable sector dynamics- As the world develops, the focus on energy companies to become more efficient to grow & an increase in the adoption of renewable energy means companies in this space could do well.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5-7 years or more  A systematic investment Plan (SIP) is an ideal way to take exposure as it helps tackle market volatility  Conclusion  The DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund has delivered good returns over the period with a CAGR of more than 12.61%. One should have a longer horizon before investing in the DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund as it is a sectoral fund. The fund is suitable for investors who have the patience & mental resilience to remain invested for a decade or more Abhilash Anand - Equity Research AnalystProvides financial insights on publicly-traded companies and/or sectors to facilitate investment decisions.

Tax forms an important component to factor in when you are screening mutual funds to invest. These financial vehicles are considered to be more tax-friendly compared to fixed deposits with banks. Mutual funds also provide investors with higher returns than bank deposits and hence have become the go-to investment product for a large number of investors globally. To understand the taxation in mutual funds, we first need to understand the income streams in this vehicle. Sources of inflow to investors in mutual funds are capital gains and dividends. Dividends: The tax on the dividend is paid by the Asset management company or the fund house in the form of Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) before it reaches the hands of the investor. Capital Gains: The difference in the value of the units of the mutual fund at purchase and at sale/redemption. This is taxable based on the type of mutual fund and the duration or holding period. Holding period: The classification of the holding period is defined as follows based on the type of the mutual fund. Fund TypeShort-term Capital GainsLong-term Capital GainsEquity Up to 12 months>12 monthsDebt FundsUp to 36 months>36 monthsBalanced fundsUp to 12 months>12 months Equity funds The taxation in taxable Equity funds and balanced funds(with equity exposure of >65%) could be explained using the following examples: Consider that you had purchased units of ABC Equity fund for Rs 1 lakh in the year 2020-21 (post-April 2020). If the NAV of the fund had increased over the period of time, the value of your investments would also increase.  Invested amount100000Final Value of the amount150000Capital Gains50000Tax Rate15%Tax Payable7500 Equity STCG: If the investor claims redemption in less than 1 year of investment, it would fall under the Short-term Capital Gains (STCG) category. The tax rate would be 15% on the gains earned by the investor. Invested amount100000200000Final Value of the amount150000400000Capital Gains50000200000Tax Rate10%Tax Payable010000 Equity LTCG: If the investor holds the investment for more than a year, (say April 2020 – May 2021), the gains would be taxed at long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax of 10%. There is however an additional clause in LTCG, which states that gains less than Rs 1 lakh are exempted from tax. As shown in the table, an investor whose capital gains were Rs 50,000 need not pay any tax. Similarly, an investor who has earned 2 lakhs for his investment would pay tax on the additional 1 lakh only = 10%* 1,00,000 = Rs 10,000. Tax-saving equity funds Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) investments are deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961. Here, the investor can claim a tax deduction for an amount <Rs 1.5 lakhs. If the investor has no other deduction such as PF, Insurance, etc, and if the investor’s tax bracket is 20%, he would be eligible for Rs 30,000 as tax savings. However, ELSS comes in with a lock-in period of 3 years, where the investor cannot withdraw or claim for redemption. After 3 years, on redemption, the capital gains are taxed at 10% (exempted for Rs 1 lakh), similar to the above example of Equity LTCG. Debt Funds: The taxation of Debt funds and hybrid or balanced funds (with an equity exposure of <65%) can be explained with the examples as follows:  STCG for Debt FundLTCG for Debt FundDebt FundsUp to 36 months>36 monthsTax RateIncome Tax slab rate20% with Indexation STCG: If the investor holds the investment for less than 3 years (say April 2020 – Feb 2023), and considers the Income-tax slab of the investor to be 20%. For the above example of capital gains of Rs 50,000, the investor would be paying 20 %*50,000 = Rs 10,000 as tax. LTCG: This comes with the benefit of Indexation, where the price of the purchase or initial investment is adjusted for inflation using the Cost Inflation Index (CII). For example, an investment of Rs 100 was made in the year 2016-17, and wants to sell the investments or redeem them in the year 2019-2020. Consider that the value of the investment has increased to Rs 170, hence providing a capital gain of Rs 70 to the investor. CII 2016-17264CII 2019-20289Cost of Purchase or Investment Amount100New Cost is Adjusted for inflation                           109.47  However, this price is adjusted for inflation as follows - New Cost of Purchase = CII of Year of Investment (here, 2016-17) CII of the year of redemption (here, 2019-20) X Amount invested. Hence, as the cost increases, the Capital gains reduce, tax payable also reduces. In the above example, Capital Gains = 170 -109.46 = 60.53. Tax payable = 20%*60.53 = Rs 12.11 (instead of 20%*70 = 14). NOTE: The indexation is applicable only for Non-equity-oriented schemes with a long-term holding period. Taxation SIP vs. Lumpsum SIPs allow investors to invest small amounts periodically into the fund. During redemption, these units are claimed on a first-in-first-out basis.  Consider a SIP investment of 1 year where you invested Rs 500 per month. Consider that you purchased 10 units in the first month. If the SIP is redeemed after 13 months, the first month is considered a long-term holding, and capital gains of the month are taxed at 10% (considering the capital gain exemption of Rs 1 lakh). The remaining SIP amounts from the second month are categorized as short-term and capital gains are taxed at 15%. Comparison of SIP vs. Lumpsum SIP vs Lumpsum13 monthsLumpsum (the entire amount of capital gains considered for LTCG)SIP (first-month capital gains are considered for LTCG)Monthly Amount                                  -   5000Invested amount6000060000Tax exempted amount for LTCG600005000 In a nutshell Fund TypeParametersShort-term Capital GainsLong-term Capital GainsEquity and Balanced funds (>65% in Equity)Holding PeriodUp to 12 months>12 monthsTax Rate15%10% (For amount > Rs 1 lakh)Debt Funds and Balanced funds (<65% in Equity)Holding PeriodUp to 36 months>36 monthsTax RateIncome Tax slab rate20% after Indexation FAQs How much amount is taxed in mutual funds? If the investor claims redemption in less than 1 year of investment, it would fall under the Short-term Capital Gains (STCG) category. The tax rate would be 15% on the gains earned by the investor. If the investor holds the investment for more than a year, (say April 2020 – May 2021), the gains would be taxed at long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax of 10%. Is SIP in mutual fund taxable? Yes, SIP in mutual fund are taxable. The tax amount differs based on the duration and returns generated. Which mutual funds are tax free? Profits from sale of ELSS fund units are considered long-term capital gains have tax exemption. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Invesco PowerShares (previously PowerShares Capital Management) is a Chicago-based investment management firm that oversees exchange-traded funds (ETFs).   Since 2006, the company has been a subsidiary of Invesco, which markets the PowerShares product. PowerShares funds were founded in 2002 and use quantitative indices as a benchmark.  There are more than 200 PowerShares ETFs available right now. The PowerShares QQQ (Nasdaq: QQQ) is designed to imitate the NASDAQ-100 Index. The PowerShares QQQ is one of the most popular stocks on Wall Street.   PowerShares ETFs also invest in commodities, diverse stocks, and small and microcap firms. Through an ETF, the PowerShares DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund, or DBC, established with Deutsche Bank, individual investors can participate in things. The PowerShares DB Oil Fund (DBO) covers the crude oil index.  Invesco was the first company to launch an intelligent beta ETF in the market. It is one of the top 4 ETF providers in the United States.   The company has over $ 288 billion in assets under management in ETFs. The exchange-traded funds also come with various strategy options to choose from.   Different types of ETF strategies employed by the company are  Factor investing   Fixed-income factor investing  Equal weight investing   Quest for income Access commodities   Low volatility   Momentum solutions  Fundamental investing   Pure EBeta suite   Pure style   Conquer Currencies   Bulletshares ETFs  BulletShares ETF products are created on basis of the basic concept of bond laddering. Bond laddering is the practice of accumulating bonds with varying maturities in the same portfolio.   The goal is to diversify and spread risk along the interest rate curve to protect against erratic rate movements. There will not be a long lock-in period in any bond if the maturity dates are staggered. This method is used by risk-averse investors who choose income overgrowth.  It is a fixed-income ETF. The firm also provides a variety of innovative ETFs.  Source: Pexels The six-step method is used to create these ETFs.  Step 1:  Start with an innovation - The foundation of these products is the NASDAQ-100 and NASDAQ NextGen 100 indexes, which provide access to innovative companies.   Step 2: Exclude non-ESG activities, like companies whose business activities are incompatible with ESG principles, such as controversial weapons or tobacco products.   Step 3: Remove controversial companies - Each company must have a rank of four or lower on a 5-point controversy scale (lower is better).   Step 4: Screened for risk - Each company must be ranked lower than 40 on a 100-point ESG risk rating score (lower is better).   Step 5: Company weights are adjusted are to be tilted toward companies with more attractive ESG scores and lastly, innovation with ESG criteria. The result is two new indexes that our products track, the NASDAQ-100 ESG Index and NASDAQ NextGen 100 ESG Index  Examples of such innovation ETFs are US EQUITY Invesco ESG NASDAQ 100 ETF and US EQUITY Invesco ESG NASDAQ NextGen 100 ETF.  Along with such innovative ETFs, the company also provides ETFs that track blockchain companies and bitcoin cryptocurrency.   Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economic ETF and Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain users and Decentralized Commerce ETF are the company's funds. Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economic ETF targets the crypto economy's critical segments—miners, enabling technologies, buyers and crypto trusts, and exchange-traded products (ETPs).   Decentralized Commerce ETF and Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Users have access to the same vital segments as the Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) but add exposure to companies that use blockchain technology.  Along with ETFs, the company also offers several different financial products to meet clients' requirements. Invesco offers a broad range of mutual funds that can be actively managed or passively managed.   They can also provide exposure to domestic and international markets. Fixed-income mutual funds are also on offer, which can customize the client's portfolio.   The company offers four different asset class type mutual funds Alternatives  Balanced  Equity and   Fixed income.   The corporation also allows access to the Muni market, i.e., the bonds issued by municipal bodies through the static income strategy.   Some mutual funds are Invesco DB Agriculture Fund, Invesco DB Base Metals Fund, Invesco DB Energy Fund, etc. FAQs What are the Invesco PowerShares? Invesco PowerShares (previously PowerShares Capital Management) is a Chicago-based investment management firm that oversees exchange-traded funds (ETFs).   Since 2006, the company has been a subsidiary of Invesco, which markets the PowerShares product. PowerShares funds were founded in 2002 and use quantitative indices as a benchmark. What do PowerShares ETFs invest in? PowerShares ETFs invest in commodities, diverse stocks, and small and microcap firms. Is Invesco the same as PowerShares? PowerShares is now called Invesco ETFs, after Invesco's merger. What is Powershare ETF popular for? Invesco PowerShares is a Chicago-based investment management firm that oversees exchange-traded funds (ETFs). PowerShares funds were founded in 2002. It is a fairly valued index and one of the most famous international stocks. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan 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 India Opportunities Fund ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund  Investment objective   To generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in opportunities presented by special situations such as corporate restructuring. Government policy and/or regulatory changes, companies going through temporary unique challenges, and other similar instances. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme would be achieved  Investment process   The Scheme’s style of investing is a bottom-up stock-picking style because the core of its investment strategy is identifying companies in special situations which require rigorous 360-degree stock research. The scheme would endeavor to take concentrated exposure to high-conviction stocks. Portfolio composition  The equity exposure is majorly in large-cap stocks at 69% and major sectoral exposure is to Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology and Banks. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 51% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. The bar graph shows the top 5 sector weightage of the fund’s portfolio. Source: ICICI Pru Top 5 Holdings Name Sector Weightage % Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Petroleum Refineries 7.88 Bharti Airtel Ltd. Telecom Services 6.81 Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. Pharmaceuticals 6.67 NTPC Ltd. Energy Conglomerate 6.58 State Bank of India Ltd. Bank 4.95 Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022. Source: ICICI Pru Performance over 3 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the inception of ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 20,370. This fund has outperformed the benchmark in all time horizons. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Jan 15, 2019. Source: icicipruamc.com The ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 3 years generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 19.90%. Fund manager  Mr. Sankaran Naren is a fund manager and CIO at ICICI Prudential, where he manages Indian equity portfolios. He has worked with various financial services companies, including Refco Sify Securities India and HDFC Securities. Mr. Sankaren has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata.  Mr. Roshan Chutkey: With an overall experience of 12 years, he has been associated with JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Kuwait Financial Centre. He holds an engineering degree from IIT Madras, MBA from IIM Lucknow, and holds a Masters in Finance degree from London Business School.  Who should invest?  For investors  Who has an appetite for volatility?  Looking to benefit from taking concentrated stock bets.  Why invest?  This scheme benefits from investment opportunities provided by special situations such as corporate restructuring, Government policy and/or regulatory changes, etc.  Any investor ready to have this risk appetite can invest.  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 India Opportunities Fund is good for investors who want to generate long-term capital appreciation by having a very high-risk appetite. This scheme can help investors with an appetite for volatility with good portfolio returns  

Parents want the best for their children, especially a good education. The rising inflation rate makes it difficult for parents to determine the amount they need to save for their child’s education. Understanding the actual education costs with the help of a college cost calculator is important so that parents can become aware of the potential expenses. It surely becomes easy to plan, start early investments, and build a future education corpus. Here’s a guide to calculating education costs for parents! This blog will help parents to get an estimate of future expenses and plan accordingly.  What is an education cost calculator? An education cost calculator is a tool that helps the user to know about future education expenses effectively. It is easy to use and gives the best estimates so that parents can make necessary changes in their plans to suit their requirements.  The education calculator considers future value, inflation, number of years a person has to save and then calculates the amount. The objective of using an education calculator is to make the process easy and smooth. Once the calculator gives out the estimated amount, parents can take the help of financial experts to create a roadmap for achieving financial goals.  What will be the Cost of Education after 20 years? Read More Steps to Calculate Education Costs  Education inflation is at an all-time high, and it has led to a rapid rise in education costs. Parents need to factor in several metrics to get the nearest estimate of potential costs.  1. Calculate the current cost Determine the cost of education based on current market value. Suppose you want to send your child to the UK, then calculate the current amount you need to send your child abroad.  If you want to send your child to a reputed college in your home country, then calculate the total cost needed for that degree course in terms of the current fee structure and associated costs. It is now easy to visit the sites of reputed universities and learn about their fee structure and associated costs to get a general idea of the amount required for studying a specific course.  Parents can take the help of education counselors like the ones at Edufund to calculate the current amount needed for higher studies.  2. Determine the number of years Parents wanting to know about the education costs down the line need to determine how many years they have to save to create an education fund.  Is your child still young, or will they be ready in a few years to join the high school? Suppose the child is now 6 years old and they will need the money for higher education when they are 17 years old. The parents then have a maximum of 17 – 6 = 11 years in hand.  How many years approximately a parent has is important as the number of years affects the amount you can build. If a parent has a smaller number of years, then he needs to save a higher amount which might prove difficult for a middle-class family.  3. Consider the rate of inflation The amount you have calculated based on the current scenario will not be feasible down the line. Suppose your child enters college after ten years then the amount needed at that time will not be the same. You can consider the overall inflation rate or use available breakdowns.  It is vital to factor in the inflation rate to determine the costs that will go up in the future for correct estimates.  Factors responsible for Education Inflation in India? Read More 4. Consider the expected investment return Be realistic while determining the expected investment returns. Remember, when you have a clearer picture, it becomes easy to take the necessary steps that will take you closer to your desired goals.   5. Consider the education calculator Parents should consider an education calculator to give them the nearest evaluation of the amount parents should save to meet future education costs. The use of an education calculator will ultimately prove beneficial in making effective plans for the future. Once the parents have all the necessary information, then simply key in the details as per the instructions. The education calculator is an important guide to calculating education costs for parents as it will provide the probable future education cost and the monthly savings that need to be undertaken to build that amount.  Edufund’s college cost calculator is a comprehensive education calculator that can calculate the potential education expenses and give the nearest amount needed to meet your child’s education costs. It will also provide the parents with an estimate of the monthly savings that need to be undertaken to achieve goals. Conclusion The guide to calculating education costs for parents gives easy access to the required know-how and helps in making informed decisions. An education calculator like the one at Edufund helps to meet the educational needs of a child successfully. It is a blessing in disguise because besides providing estimates and extensive information, it helps to save the cost estimates and alter them to suit individual needs.

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 Focused Equity Fund ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund Investment objective To generate capital appreciation through investments in equity & equity-related instrument securities of up to 30 companies across market capitalization i.e. focus on multi-cap. Investment process The fund follows a growth style of investing which consists of growth stocks of large and mid-cap companies. The Scheme will aim to hold optimum exposure to large and mid-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 will maintain an overweight stance on select high-conviction themes/sectors that are expected to outperform in the current economic cycle. The scheme would use a combination of bottom-up research for stock selection. follows a bottom-up approach for identifying stocks that have robust business financials, above-average profitability, and sustained competitive advantages. While the large-cap stocks represent established enterprises selected from the Top 100 stocks by market capitalization, the mid- and small-caps represent business entities with higher growth potential. The allocation will be decided on a tactical basis rather than any predetermined ratio. Portfolio composition The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 82% and sectorally major exposure is to financial services that account for over 31% of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold more than 69% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022.Source: Value Research Top 5 holdings NameSectorWeightage %ICICI BankFinancial8.58HDFC BankFinancial5.77Sun PharmaceuticalHealthcare5.25State Bank of IndiaFinancial5.10Axis BankFinancial4.77Note: Data as of 30th Nov 2022.Source: Value Research Performance over 13 years If you had invested 10 lakhs at the inception of the fund, it would be now valued at Rs 43.19 lakhs. Note Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – May 28, 2009, till Dec 12, 2022.Source: Moneycontrol 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 13.13%. INVEST NOW Fund Manager Sankaran Naren He has been associated with ICICI Prudential AMC since August 2022. Prior to joining ICICI Prudential AMC, he worked with Refco Sify Securities India Pvt Ltd., HDFC Securities Ltd., and Yoha Securities. Vaibhav Dusad He has been associated with ICICI Prudential AMC since August 2022. Prior to joining ICICI Prudential AMC, he worked with Morgan Stanley, HSBC Global Banking and Markets, CRISIL, Zinnov Management Consulting, and Citi Bank Singapore. Who should invest? Investors looking to Hold a concentrated portfolio of around 30 quality stocks Build core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation with steady growth Why invest? ICICI is a renowned name in the finance industry with a proven track record Strong stock selection approach with a 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 fund has delivered consistent returns over 13 years with a proven track record and has delivered 13.13% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for investors who want a focused portfolio of quality stocks along with market leaders. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.