Outlook Money Magazine - April 2024

In this issue

Should You Invest In Debt Funds Now?

Turn Of The Tide: Should You Invest In Debt Funds Now?

The past few years have been challenging for debt fund investors, but the case for adding them in your portfolio is now more compelling than ever

9 mins

'Investors Can Expect Balanced Risk-Return In Short-To-Medium Term'

With inflation showing signs of easing, there is a clear possibility of a rate cut on the horizon. The government’s fiscal consolidation roadmap and India’s inclusion in the Global Bond Index from June 2024 bode well for the Indian bond market and, thus, debt fund investors, too. Amit Tripathi, chief investment officer, fixed income, Nippon India Mutual Fund, in an interview with Kundan Kishore, sheds light on investment opportunities for debt fund investors in this scenario. Here are the edited excerpts:

6 mins

INDIA TAKES GREEN ROAD, BUT COSTS STILL A BARRIER

Though carmakers have reduced the prices on EVs, they are still costlier than their fossil fuel cousins. Higher prices and infrastructure still affect their popularity

5 mins

Enough To Focus For Investors

The Indian exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has grown substantially of late, up from 2 per cent assets under management (AUM) of the mutual fund industry in 2012 to 13 per cent in 2023, signifying a shift in investor preference to passive funds.

3 mins

Homebuying For Self Use Or Investment? The Rules Of The Game Are Different

Most Indians buy homes not so much for investment, but rather for self-use, which incidentally should not be seen from the prism of investment. So, before you put your money in real estate, ask whether it is better to stay on rent or buy a home for yourself. And should you decide to invest in property, compare it with other options, such as fixed deposits, gold, bonds, and equity

6 mins

7 Steps To Refresh Your Finances In The New FY

Setting goals and then making your money work to achieve them can be a gamechanger for your financial life

3 mins

Take The Reins In Your Hands

When it comes to investing, women participation is generally low in decision-making, partly because of the biased belief that they do not know much about money

4 mins

REGULATORY ROUNDUP

Change: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) directs asset management companies (AMCs) to conduct stress tests on small and mid-cap funds and disclose key findings on liquidity and other aspects.

1 min

BUCKET YOUR WORRIES AWAY

Once you have accumulated a decent corpus in your working life, the next big task should be to smartly deploy it across different schemes through a bucketing strategy so that your regular expenses are taken care of while your corpus keeps growing. This will ensure that you do not outlive your corpus

8 mins

'Combined Life, Health Plans Won't Increase Complexity'

The life insurance market in India has recorded a consistent premium growth over the years, but insurance penetration is yet to reach the desired level. Quite in line, HDFC Life Insurance has shown a growth of 5 per cent year-on-year in its total annual premium equivalent in the nine months until December 2023 and has grown on other parameters as well. Its assets under management (AUM) went up 20 per cent, while it recorded a net profit of 16 per cent y-o-y, in the period. Even in terms of penetration, the company’s growth in Tier II and Tier II cities are positive. Vibha Padalkar, managing director and chief executive officer of HDFC Life Insurance shared the secret sauce for the growth in a conversation with Nidhi Sinha, editor, Outlook Money, talked about the challenges the insurance industry faces, and the road ahead in view of recent regulatory proposals. Edited excerpts:

7 mins

SECRET ROAD TO FINANCIAL DIGNITY

Dignity is something most retirees want once their active work life comes to an end and it is closely tied to the individual’s financial well-being

4 mins

Who Should Choose An Index Fund?

Index funds’ returns are similar to their underlying index, so if cost and protection are high on your list and market-beating performance is secondary, they could be an ideal choice.

2 mins

Fund Life Goals Before Business

I am in my late 20s and want to invest in the real estate sector.

2 mins

Plan Repayment Before Taking Loan

I have a home loan running but need a loan of around `10 lakh for renovating the house.

2 mins

Read all stories from Outlook Money

Outlook Money Magazine Description:

Outlook Money is a monthly business magazine published by The Outlook Group in India. The magazine is known for its in-depth coverage of the Indian economy, as well as its insights from leading experts in the field. It covers a wide range of topics related to business, including:

* Economic news and analysis: Outlook Money covers the latest economic news and trends from India and around the world. The magazine also provides in-depth analysis of the Indian economy, as well as its impact on businesses and individuals.
* Industry news and trends: Outlook Money also covers the latest news and trends from different industries, such as technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This coverage helps readers to stay informed about the latest developments in their respective industries.
* Corporate news and profiles: Outlook Money also features corporate news and profiles of leading companies in India. These profiles provide readers with insights into the strategies and operations of these companies.
* Personal finance: Outlook Money also features articles on personal finance, such as investing, saving, and retirement planning. These articles help readers to make informed financial decisions.

Outlook Money is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in business in India. It is a must-read for anyone who is looking to stay informed about the latest economic and business trends in the country, or who is looking for insights from leading experts in the field.