'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:

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

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

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

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.

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

'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:

Women's Equality - Is Still Far Away

Taapsee Pannu opens up to Outlook Money about her journey, shares her views on women's financial independence and what makes her tick

The Bandhan Core Equity Fund

Large and Mid Cap Fund - An open-ended equity scheme investing in both large cap and mid cap stocks

How Can Women Start Their Investment Journey?

Most women have the right behavioral traits to be successful investors, and as we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, it's time they play a more active role in everything about finances, from income and spending to investments.

Achieving Financial Freedom with SIPs

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) has multiple advantages, from compounding magic, flexibility, and affordability to consistency and focus, which make goals achievable.

Stay Invested in The Market As Time Heals All Setback

The road to financial success in the stock market is to stay invested through ups and downs because the one who emerges unruffled by the setbacks is the winner in the end.

Diversifying Wealth: Investing in PMS and AIFs for Sophisticated Investors

PMS and AIFs have distinct features, yet they complement each other, combining expertise and specialised investment opportunities and creating multifaceted benefits for different investors' needs.

Aligning Investments with Goals: A Key to Financial Success

Long-term, goal-based investments always yield better in the distant future over the short term, as they allow you to navigate the market risks more comfortably and reach your financial objectives.

'You'll Need About 10 Times Your Current Annual Income In Retirement'

IDFC FIRST Bank has seen remarkable success in 2023, fuelled by impressive financial performance with deposits growing at 40 per cent with its customer-friendly banking initiatives and tools. In an exclusive interview with Nidhi Sinha, editor, Outlook Money, and Suchetana Ray, editor, Outlook Business, the MD and CEO of IDFC FIRST Bank, V. Vaidyanathan, speaks about the importance of retirement planning early in life, the emotions of those concerned and the tools for retirement planning which can provide financial security and peace of mind.

Money Plan For Happy Marriage

Money issues can cause immense strife and discord among partners, and fights can get very nasty. Communicate from the very start so that problems don't crop up later

INVEST, REINVENT, REJUVENATE

The two-day Outlook Money 40After40 Retirement Expo saw experts speak on a variety of topics on retirement planning, including the need to start early, invest diligently, as well as avoid pitfalls in the market. The expo also focussed on wellness and celebrity perspective on the golden years

REGULATORY ROUNDUP

CAPITAL MARKETS

Prepaid Transit Instruments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced a measure aimed at simplifying payment methods for commuters across various public transport systems.

A GUIDE TO WARREN BUFFETT'S STOCK PICKING STRATEGY

When it comes to the world of investing, one man shines like a beacon above everybody else-Warren Buffett. Even now in his 90s, his annual letters and address to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are eagerly awaited by shareholders and others alike. We dwell upon his investing philosophy in the Indian context and pick out a stock from the Nifty 500 list that fulfils his criteria of quantitative screening and shortlist one that you might find want to consider

STAY A STEP AHEAD OF CANCER

Breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer are the most common types of cancer that affect women and see the highest number of insurance claims. Prevention and a health cover can help you fight the disease

ON THE ROAD TO BEING A LAKHPATI

Life in the rural hinterlands of India is tough, but several self-help groups are trying to make a difference to how rural women earn their livelihoods. The government's Lakhpati Didi scheme, which found a mention in the Interim Budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month, is another ray of hope for women to start something of their own. Outlook Money spoke to women across five states-Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh-to understand how they are striving to bring about a change in their lives

Tax Saving Options: Look For The Best Fit

There are various tax-saving options available in the market for those who are sticking to the old tax regime. But your best bets are the ones that find a place in your overall financial plan. We have strategies to help you choose the tax regime and the products that are right for you

Can You Youtube Your Way To Regular Income?

It's not uncommon to come across individuals aspiring to make YouTube videos and earn a living through them. On the face of it, that may sound simple, but it needs single-minded focus and a lot of effort before it becomes lucrative for you

What 2024 Holds For Debt MFs

There are expectations that Reserve Bank of India RBI) will cut interest rates in 2024, following the US and Euro zone rate cycle reversal

'India Is On The Cusp Of Unprecedented Economic Expansion'

The Indian economy is on a roll. Stock markets are at an all-time high, while last year, for the first time, corporate India's return on equity (ROE) overcame the US RoE number. Bharat Shah, executive director, ASK Asset and Wealth Management group, in an interview with Kundan Kishore, Deputy Editor, Outlook Money, sheds light on where India stands in terms of value creation opportunities. Edited excerpts:

'Exchange Of Data Can Change Digital Game In The Future'

Digitisation has touched all industries, and the insurance sector is not far behind. We saw many changes after Covid, but it's time to understand the next step in this journey now. Tapan Singhel, CEO and MD of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, in an interview with Nidhi Sinha, Editor, Outlook Money, spoke about how digitalisation can enable the interchange of data to develop capabilities that can benefit customers and save millions of lives. Here are the edited excerpts from the interview.

Stay Aware Of Your Recency Bias

LARISSA FERNAND writes on the mindset of investors and their relationship with money

Push To Infra, Green Energy, Innovation

The market's reaction to the Interim Budget was expectedly neutral. However, there were some announcements that are likely to have a long-lasting effect. The government's emphasis on infrastructure spending, green energy and innovation, including inviting the private sector to participate, will boost these sectors

Status Quo: Govt's 10-Year Report

The FM referred to income tax reforms such as the new simplified tax regime, filing of updated tax returns, introduction of Form 26AS, prefilling of tax returns, and more