The Future Of Credit Card Usage

Credit card usage is increasing in India, but it's prudent to manage credit wisely

Liquidity Coverage Ratio Framework

At the recent monetary policy committee meeting in April 2024, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das proposed changes in the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) framework to successfully meet liquidity risk.

STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU STAY ABROAD AFTER STUDIES

More Indians are now going abroad for higher studies with plans to stay and work. But living costs, the lack of job opportunities and the burden of education loans could often pose a problem. Assess the opportunities and be practical before making such a decision

FROM SAVINGS TO SECURITY: HOW INDIANS ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR SUNSET YEARS

The Outlook Money - Toluna Retirement Survey conducted in December-end 2023 threw light on how Indians plan and save for retirement. A growing number of Indians now understand the necessity of retirement planning, and want to enjoy their retirement years with kith and kin

HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF THE GOLD RUSH?

The precious metal has been on an upward rally for the last couple of years due to factors as diverse as geopolitical conflicts, bulk buying by central banks, and hope of rate cuts, of late. The key, therefore, is to invest in gold in a staggered manner

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

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.

Plan Repayment Before Taking Loan

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

Fund Life Goals Before Business

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

'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:

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.

'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:

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.

'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.

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

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

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

'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.

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

Section 80C: Hoping For More

There isn't much in the offering for taxpayers when it comes to Section 80C benefits. For long, the limit has remained fixed at ₹1.5 lakh, though average income has grown manifold

IN THE INTERIM

In keeping with the convention, the Finance Minister announced no changes to the tax slabs or rates. All eyes are now on the upcoming general elections and the Union Budget later this year

Insurance Policies, Surrender Process Need To Be Simpler'

After taking over the reins of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance as CEO and MD in June 2023, Anup Bagchi has been heard talking about making life insurance simpler, which is a big positive for policyholders. In an interview with Nidhi Sinha, Editor, Outlook Money, he talks about how simplifying insurance will help people buy the right product, curb mis-selling and reduce the possibilities of early surrender. Edited excerpts:

Why ELSS Still Merits A Place

ELSS can create wealth in the long run due to its equity component. But the new tax regime could dent its popularity as investors use ELSS for tax-saving rather than for investment

GAMES AGENTS PLAY TO MIS-SELL ULIPS

Some distributors and agents use spiels such as promising returns comparable to mutual funds to emotional manipulation to mis-sell Ulips. Here's how to watch out for the red flags

ENGINE DRIVE ON A ROLL

Harsha Engineers is the largest manufacturer of ball bearing cases in India, supplying to each of the top six global manufactures of bearings.

Gifted Or Earned, It's Your Money

We often tend to splurge money we receive as a gift, and spend judiciously when it is earned. But money is just a tool and is not supposed to have labels attached to it