Best Systematic Transfer Plans / STPs to Invest in India for 2021

Many readers are asking me to provide the details about good Mutual funds to invest for lumpsum amounts. But I suggest Mutual funds are suitable for investing in systematic approach. Do we have any best way to invest lumpsum amounts in Mutual funds and get better and consistent returns? Yes, we have Systematic Transfer Plan (STP), which is the most suitable option to invest lumpsum amounts. The STP process transfers funds in one Mutual fund (generally Debt Mutual fund) into another Mutual fund (generally Equity Mutual fund) of same fund house  at regular intervals systematically . This is the proved way of investing lumpsum amounts in Mutual funds. We will see the complete details about STP and the best Mutual funds to invest through STP approach for the year 2021.

What is Systematic Transfer Plan / STP?

Systematic Transfer Plan is suggested to invest lumpsum amounts into a Debt Mutual fund and on periodic basis certain amount will be transferred to an Equity fund of same house house systematically. Depending on the lump-sum amount, the investor can decide the period over which he wants to deploy the money in the market. Typically, the larger the amount, the longer the time period. Also, based on the risk appetite, the investor can go the suitable risk profile Mutual funds as his/her target Mutual fund. The basic idea behind an STP is to earn a little extra on the lump sum while it is being deployed in equity, since debt funds provide better returns than a normal savings bank account.

STP has some similar features of Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). One of the differences between STP and SIP is the source of investment. In case of the former, money is transferred usually from a debt fund and in case of latter; it is the investor's bank account. Since it is similar to SIP, STP also helps in Rupee Cost Averaging. A good debt Mutual fund always yields better returns than a Bank Account, hence STP always yields better returns than SIP.

Why Systematic Transfer Plan / STP?

1. To invest lumpsum amounts in Mutual funds and to earn additional income over the Debt Mutual funds
2. Money invested in debt fund generally yields returns till the time it is transferred to equity fund. The returns in debt funds are usually higher than savings bank account and aims to assure relatively better performance.
3. The selection of Target Equity Mutual fund is based on your risk profile. Generally Small cap Mutual funds earns better returns than Large cap Mutual funds during Markets upwards journey.
4. Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) enables a disciplined and planned transfer of funds between two mutual fund schemes. In most cases, investors initiate an STP from a debt fund to an equity fund.
5. The returns made via STP are pretty reliable. This is because the amount in source fund (debt fund) generates interest until you transfer the entire amount.
6. STP can also be initiated from Equity Mutual fund to a Debt Mutual fund of same fund house. Generally, when your financial goals are nearing to your timelines, then you can do STP from the existing Equity Mutual fund to Debt Mutual fund to reduce the Market risks.
7. An STP re-balances the portfolio by moving investments from debt to equity funds or vice versa.

Things to Remember While Setting STP

1. STP happens between the mutual funds of the same fund house (AMC)
2. STP is executed as redeem in one fund and purchase in another, on the same day
3. Choose source funds that have no exit load
4. Choose destination funds according to your investment goals and risk profile
5. Every transfer from one fund to another is considered as redemption and new investment. The redemption is usually taxable. 
6. The money transferred within the first three years from a debt fund is subject to short-term capital gains tax (STCG). 
7. But even with this tax aspect, the returns earned would be higher than those in a bank account.

When to Go for STP?

• Go for STP only when you have lumpsum amounts for investing which are not required in near future.
• Go for STP when your financial goals are nearing in the existing Equity Mutual funds
• Go for STP to rebalance your Mutual fund portfolio

Best Systematic Transfer Plans / STPs to Invest in India for 2021

Conclusion

STP is the best way of investing the lump sum in unpredictable markets. Through STP, you invest the lump sum in the debt funds and set regular transfer to desired Equity funds. STP helps you reduce the risk of investing in equity funds.

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Top 3 Best IT / Technology Sector Mutual Funds to Invest in India for 2021

(Published on 03-Dec-2020)

Technology is the buzz word now-a-days. During this pandemic situations, people looking for smart devices and applications to make their life safe and ease. This covid-19 brought us many lessons and opportunities. Technology is going to play major role in the coming days. All IT and IT enabled companies are changing their business strategy and allowing the employees to work from home. This will reduce the operational costs to the IT companies. This change creating huge demand for Technology and IT enabled companies.  There are many other factors also that are boosting the growth of this industry like technological advancement, economic needs, digital India movement, encouraging domestic IT/IT-enabled industries, 5G revolution in Telecom etc. Considering these factors, the information technology industry can be assumed to continue to grow. And hence IT stocks can be treated as one of the best sectors for long-term investment in India.

What are IT / Technology sector Mutual funds:

Technology or IT sector Mutual funds are Sector or Thematic Mutual funds, primarily invests in Technology or Technology enabled companies in India. 

The technology related businesses include: 

• Computer hardware manufacturers, 
• Software manufacturers,
• Electronics services,
• Technology services,
• Information technology,
• Business data processing,
• Entertainment streaming etc.

Why IT / Technology sector Mutual funds:

1. The revival of US Economy
2. Need of smart devices and applications
3. Availability of high-speed internet at cheaper prices
4. Digital India movement
5. On-going Technology Advancements
6. Increasing demand for E-commerce
7. Encouragement for domestic IT / IT-enabled companies from Government
8. Pandemic situations
9. One IT Mutual fund have exposure to many IT stocks
10. Can invest in small amounts through SIP approach
11. For diversification in Mutual fund Portfolio

3 Best IT / Technology Sector Mutual Funds to Invest in 2021:

1. ICICI Prudential Technology Fund:

This is my first choice for investing from IT sector Mutual funds. This fund is a top performer from the last 5 years and giving consistent top performance in its category. Since last 1-year the yielding are 60+%, which is best in any sector Mutual fund. Almost 95% of its portfolio consists Equity and the remaining in Cash and other assets. The top 5 companies in its portfolio are Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, TCS and Bharti Airtel. Investors with high risk profile can invest into this fund with time horizon between 3 yrs - 5 yrs through SIP approach.

2. Franklin India Technology Fund:

If you are looking for a actively managed and consistent performer in IT sector fund, then Franklin India Technology fund is the best choice. If you take the performances on any time frames, the fund performances are slightly better than of the category based performances. The portfolio mainly consists of 94% Technology stocks and the remaining in Cash assets. The fund includes 90% of Large-cap companies and the remaining in Mid & Small cap companies. The top 5 stocks includes Infosys, TCS, Franklin Tech, HCL Tech and Bharti Airtel.

3. Aditya Birla Sun Life Digital India Fund:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Digital India Fund is the second biggest IT sector fund after ICICI Pru Technology fund. It has around 600+ Crores in its assets. One of the good consistent performer since last 5 years. This fund invests exclusively in large cap technology stocks (97%) from Technology, Services and Communications sectors. The top 5 companies includes Infosys, TCS, TechM , HCL Tech and Bharti Airtel.

Points to Remember Before Investing into Sector Mutual funds:

• Sector Mutual funds are highly volatile in nature
• Suitable for Investors having high risk profile 
• Invest in SIP approach for medium to high time horizons
• Always remember higher risk higher returns
• Your investments into sector mutual funds should not be more than 15% of your total Mutual fund investments.
• If these sector mutual fund units are sold after 1 year from the date of investment, gains upto Rs 1 lakh in a financial year are exempt from tax. Gains over Rs 1 lakh are taxed at the rate of 10%.
• If these sector mutual fund units are sold within 1 year from the date of investment, entire amount of gain is taxed at the rate of 15%.

Conclusion:

Sector Mutual funds are high risk in nature, but if you select right sector, then the returns would also be higher. The IT sector is a promising sector for the coming years. Those who are able to take high risk and wanted to invest through SIP approach for a minimum of 3-year period, can choose any of the above 3 IT / Technology sector mutual funds.

Disclaimer:

This data is for Academic purpose only. The data published on this post is just my opinion based on my own research and analysis and is provided as a general market commentary. As it does not take into account of your personal circumstances, please do not invest based solely on this information. By Viewing any material or using the information within this post you agree that this is general education material and you will not hold any person or entity responsible for loss or damages resulting from the content or general information provided here.

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Top 10 Government Schemes to Invest in India in 2021

(Published on 24-Nov-2020)

To encourage the habit of savings or investment, the Government of India has started multiple schemes for its citizens to invest. Most people either keep the money in cash or keep that in savings or Fixed Deposit Account. Savings account typically gives a return of around 3%-5% whereas Fixed Deposit can give a slightly higher return of around 6%. However, there are other factors such as Tax, Age etc. that should also be kept in mind while making these decisions. We have listed Top 10 Government Schemes for you to invest.

Top 10 Government Schemes to Invest in India in 2021

1. Sukanya Samridhi Yojana – Savings for Girl Child

As part of India's Government initiative Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), a small savings scheme, was launched in 2015. SSY is a scheme that revolves around the intention of the welfare of women and girl child in India. With the least amount of contribution of just Rs. 250, the scheme's applicants can avail higher returns of 7.6% along with tax benefits of maximum Rs. 1.5 lakh under section 80C of the Income Tax Act (1961). Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana calculator can assist in determining the returns you receive as per the invested amount and tenure

2. Public Provident Fund – Retirement Savings Scheme

PPF or "Public Provident Fund" is a retirement savings tax-free scheme, which is offered by the Government of India. The minimum deposit amount is Rs. 500 per annum and the maximum limit is Rs 1,50,000 per annum. A PPF account matures after the completion of 15 years from the end of the year in which the account was opened. At maturity, you can extend the PPF account indefinitely in blocks of 5 years at a time. The interest on the account is set every quarter and is paid by the Government of India. The applicable PPF interest rate for this quarter is fixed at 7.1%. The interest and maturity proceeds are exempted from tax, under Section 80C of Income Tax Act. The PPF accounts can be opened at any post office or in any authorized Bank. You can find out the maturity amount using PPF Calculator

3. Employee Provident Fund - Retirement Savings Scheme

Employees Provident Fund is another tax-free retirement benefit program primarily for all the salaried persons, especially belonging to the private/unorganized sector PF. It is a kind of savings scheme, where the employee contributes a specified proportion of his salary and an equal contribution is made by his employer, to form a retirement fund for the employee. On retirement, the employee receives a lump sum amount, including self and employer’s contribution, along with interest on both. Current PF interest rate is 8.5% at the moment. PF Calculator can help you determine total PF at retirement at the current interest rate.

4. National Savings Certificate (VIII Issue)

National Savings Certificate is an excellent investment for adults as it's safe (guaranteed by Government of India), pays guaranteed interest income (at maturity) and provides tax exemption under 80C. You need a minimum of Rs 100 to open an account and there is no upper limit to the investment. Currently, the rate of interest is 6.8%, which the government revises every quarter. NSC Calculator computes the interest gained and final maturity amount on your investment. This scheme is available through most of the post-offices of India. 

5. Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD)

India Post Recurring Deposit or RD Account provides allows individuals to open a 5-year post office recurring deposit account. The interest rates get revised periodically, and currently, you can earn an interest of 5.8% p.a. which can be checked via Post Office RD Calculator. The interest gets compounded every quarter and this ensures the sum of money multiplies when it reaches the maturity time.

6. Post Office Time Deposit or Fixed Deposit

Post Office Time Deposit, commonly known as Post Office Fixed Deposit, is a fixed deposit scheme that is similar to bank Fixed Deposit. You can invest a certain amount for a fixed period at a fixed rate of interest. The return from POFD is guaranteed and backed by the government of India and allows investments for a varied amount of times such as 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years. Post Office Time Deposit calculator calculates of future savings based upon your deposit amount, post office’s interest rate and time horizon of investment.

7. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (Post Office MIS) is one of the highest-earning schemes having an interest rate of 6.6% p.a., and maturity of 5 years. One can invest a maximum of Rs 4.5 lakh in a single account and Rs 9 lakh in a joint account. Check total interest earned using Post Office MIS Calculator

8. Post Office Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a savings tool for those above 60 years of age which provides senior citizens with a secure and a steady source of income after retirement. SCSS offers an attractive interest rate of 7.4% and is available at various Public / Private sector banks and in Post Offices. This scheme has a maturity period for 5 years which can be extended once by an additional 3 years as per Senior Citizen Savings Scheme Calculator

9. Kisna Vikas Patra – Fixed Income Investment

Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a money double scheme of government of India where your principal grows at a rate of 6.9% per annum and gets doubled in 124 months. This scheme is available through most of the post-offices of India. You can use the KVP Calculator to compute the final amount that you can get at maturity

10. National Pension Scheme (NPS)

National Pension Scheme is a pension scheme to encourage adults to plan for their retirement. The scheme allows you to contribute regularly in NPS account during your working life. Post-retirement, you can withdraw a part of the corpus in a lumpsum amount and remaining in instalments to secure a regular income after retirement. This scheme not only provide good returns but also attractive tax benefits. This scheme has additional tax benefits of Rs 50,000 over and above Rs 1,50,000 under section 80C and 80CCD

Disclaimer

This data is for Academic purpose only. The data published on this post is just my opinion based on my own research and analysis and is provided as a general market commentary. As it does not take into account of your personal circumstances, please do not invest based solely on this information. By Viewing any material or using the information within this post you agree that this is general education material and you will not hold any person or entity responsible for loss or damages resulting from the content or general information provided here.

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4 Best Financial Strategies to be Considered for Your Personal Financial Planning in 2021

The year 2020 is really a full of surprises that no one has expected. This is really a nightmare to many across the Globe. The Covid-19 virus made the year 2020 as the worst year ever. Economies around the world collapsed, job losses are at peak and several stocks and sectors witnessed a doom. Apart from the Covid-19, Natural disasters and Political uncertainties between India and China leaded to further bloodbath in 2020. Many of us declared 2020 is a cursed year. Covid-19 taught us many lessons particularly with respect to finance. We still don't know when the vaccine would be available to every one in the country. Hence, we need to be more cautious about our financial planning in the coming year 2021. 

Why We Need Personal Financial Planning:

1. Financial Planning is nothing but the understanding of your financial goals which includes both short-term as well as long-term financial goals.
2. Financial Planning gives you a whole new approach to your budget and tell about improving control over your financial lifestyle.
3. The savings created from a good financial planning can prove beneficial in difficult times.
4. A good financial plan guide you in helping to choose the right types of investments to meet your needs.
5. Financial planning provides security to your family and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

4 Best Financial Strategies for Your Personal Financial Planning in 2021:

Considering the worst scenarios happened in year 2020, one should accept that the times we are living is unprecedented and unpredicted. Hence, you may face additional challenges in your financial planning. You should reprioritizes your financial goals to meet any future uncertainties. Here I am suggesting 4 financial strategies to be considered for your financial planning to make the most of what's left of 2020 and set the stage for a more financially sound 2021.

1. Maintaining Emergency Fund:

The pandemic corona virus triggered an economic dip to many employees and self-employed. Any sudden job cuts or any medical emergency may damage your finances. So, if you aren't prepared for the unexpected challenges that life throws your way from time to time and find yourself in a very difficult spot. Hence, every one has to maintain an Emergency fund to meet any serious financial consequences. But how much you need? Thumb rule says, you should maintain a sum which is equal to a minimum of 6 months of your monthly salary. For eg. if you are earning Rs. 10,000 per month then your Emergency fund should be a minimum of Rs. 60,000. This will give you a cushion to meet your basic needs until you find a new job or business. Where to keep this amount? Many of us keep this amount in Bank Savings account or Bank FDs, but my suggestion is to keep this amount into a Liquid Mutual fund. A good Liquid Mutual fund yields better returns than a Bank savings account or some times Bank FDs. Apart from this, if you keep your funds in a Liquid fund for a period of 3 years then that amount will be considered as long-term capital and you will enjoy the tax relaxations on this. Liquid Mutual funds invest the money into Government Bonds and Securities, hence the security is high and completely insulated from stock market. You can also build your Emergency fund by investing into a Liquid Mutual fund through SIP approach. I suggest do not touch this amount unless you have any emergency situation.

Here's my suggested Liquid Mutual funds for the year 2021:

2. Maintaining Term Policy:

Because of Covid 19 there are around 1.3 Lakhs deaths happened in India. Among these deaths, most of them are bread-winners of their respective families. Just imaging, how the family will take care of the future financial needs in the absence of the family's head? Many of our Indians did not have awareness on the importance of having Term policy. The Term policy is an Insurance policy that gives coverage for a specified period of time through a guaranteed death benefit paid in case of death of insured during the specified time period. Premiums are calculated by the insurance company on the basis of an individual’s health, age and life expectancy. If the policyholder dies before the expiry of the specified time period of insurance- Payout will be the face value of the policy. If the policyholder dies after the expiry of the specified time period of insurance- There will be no payout. It is safe to take a Term insurance plan at least 10 - 12 times of your annual income. For eg. if your annual income is Rs 1,00,000 then your Term Insurance would be for the sum of Rs 10,00,000 - Rs 12,00,000. But one should not consider buying an Insurance plan as their investment. An Insurance plan is just to take care of the dependents and shouldn't be considered as return bearing investment. Do not forget to consider the Riders along with the Base Plan.

Some good suggested Term Policies:

3. Maintaining Health Insurance:

During these days, people are understanding the importance of having Health Insurance. The medical inflation rates in India are increasing day by day and it is becoming difficult to meet the medical expense for common people. Hence, every person / family should have health insurance. This will provide the risk coverage during emergency medical situations. Emergency medical expenses may result in severe financial distress. You may have to dip into your savings or sell your assets to meet such expenses. When you buy a health plan, you are assured of financial stability during a medical emergencies. Insurance providers offering different types of plans to maximize coverage and benefits. Some of the coverage includes pre and post-hospitalization expenses, hospitalization costs, day care processes, and domiciliary treatment. 

Here are some good Family Health Insurance policies:

4. Maintaining Financial Goals:

Your personal financial planning is incomplete unless you include your financial goals. Financial goals may have short-term as well a long-term based on the type of the financial target. Children's higher education, marriages, retirement needs are some of long-term financial goals. On the other hand, buying a vehicle / furniture, taking vacation etc. comes under short-term financial goals. If you have already set financial goals, this is the right time to review your existing Financial Goals and re-balance them with the upcoming challenges. For eg. you may have spouse, children or wishing a new Home or Vehicle. According to these new additions in your wish list, you need to add your financial goals accordingly. You may also get a promotion or a job change where there will be significant salary hikes. In this case, your allocation of funds should also be appropriate to maintain the current life style in future. Mutual funds are my top priority in choosing the right investment to your Financial goals. Be cautious about setting too many or unrealistic financial goals. Otherwise, you may not be able to accomplish any of them. maintain a checklist to keep track of how you are doing throughout the year, so that you can make any necessary modifications. Consider meeting with your financial adviser to review the goals and objectives that you have established.

Some of my suggested Mutual funds to meet your financial goals in 2021:

Conclusion:

We hope this new year will brings us new opportunities and usher this new year with new resolutions and challenges.

                            Wishing you a Happy and Bright New Year - 2021

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5 Best Government Job Exam Preparation Websites / Apps in India for Rural Students

(Published on 30-Oct-2020)

In India, most of the students' dream is to get a Government job by cracking the respective exams. Every year in India almost 7 crores aspirants are taking Public sector examinations for few Government jobs available. This shows the craze for Government jobs in India. Particularly students from Rural India the craze for Government jobs is even more. However, because of the limitations like lack of awareness, poor planning for preparation, poor communication skills, poverty etc. , cracking the Government job exams is more difficult for students in Rural India. To bridge this gap and to help the rural Indian students, some enthusiastic entrepreneurs started innovative start-ups to help students for preparation for Government job exams. 

Why Government Jobs Are So Crazy Among Students:

• Job Security as there is no possibilities of downsizing or employee cuts in government sector jobs.
• Even after retirement, the employee gets pension and retirement benefits
• Health Insurance Benefits through out the life
• Some Government sectors provide amenities like quarters, vehicles, servant etc.
• Respect in the society
• Easy Bank loans for home / vehicle / personal purposes at discounted interest rates

Top 5 Best Government Job Exam Preparation Websites / Apps in India:

There are many websites available in India for preparing various competitive exams. However most of them are not affordable to Rural or poor students. Also, some of these websites require high-end devices and bandwidths to access the sites. To overcome these limitations, some websites / apps using latest technologies, come up, which will work on low-end devices at lower bandwidths and are also available at reasonably low price subscriptions. 

1. Testbook:

Testbook is one of the fastest growing online Edtech startup helping more than 5 million students particularly from Rural and Semi-Urban areas, to ace Government job exams. Testbook is a one stop solution for government job aspirants, offering a 360° learning experience. Testbook was initiated by a bunch of IITian in 2014. Manoj Munna, Praveen Agrawal, Narendra Agrawal and Ashutosh Kumar who strongly believed that technology is the way forward to bring about massive transformation in education in India. Testbook has also launched the all-in-one “Testbook Pass” to support millions of students studying from home during corona lockdown to prepare for more than 100 government job exams sitting at home where they provided 100+ exams & 6500+ mock tests under single affordable subscription, starting from INR 149. Today Testbook has an annual run rate of over 30 crore with nearly 5 million monthly active users. Over 12 million aspirants of government jobs are today solving around 3.5 billion questions through Testbook App.

2. EduGorilla: 

This Lucknow based startup was started with the vision to make exam preparation easy for students and guide them. The EdTech startup offers Multilanguage online mock tests to students for competitive exams at affordable prices. EduGorilla aims to disrupt the unorganized market by applying better economical tactics and using technology to fast-track the process of curating mock tests. The startup has built a self-learning Artificial Intelligence algorithm that determines the operational profitability of various competitive examinations. Subsequently, EduGorilla claims to generate the test preparation content and mock tests for a particular exam in just 48 hours (which normally takes around 25-30 days) through automated workflow. Its AI-powered software automatically converts the test content to a book format that can be purchased via ecommerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.

3. Pariksha Adda : 

Pariksha addda Academy for PCS, SSC, Banking & Other Govt.Jobs is another pioneering initiative of Pariksha Adda for Providing unmatched learning opportunities to lakhs of students who arc preparing for a career in Govt. Jobs (through SSC), insurance sector, teaching (CTET), CDS, CAPF-AC, NDA, Delhi Police etc. Pariksha Adda offers meticulously designed classroom programs to aspirants under the guidance of Success Guru Ajay Mishra. Pariksha Adda helps students with well-researched, structured and updated study materials, which are in line with the latest testing patterns of the examining bodies like SSC (Stall Selection Commission), CPO (Central Police Organization), CDS, CAPF, NDA (through UPSC) etc, endowing with requisite confidence and skills, necessary to get through competitive examinations. Currently Test series program is available and the Class Room Program will start imminently.

4. Gradeup:

Gradeup.co is one of the India's largest Government exams preparation website which helps to acquire the jobs in India's premium Public sector companies. Practice papers, online coaching and online test series are key for any competitive exam preparation. Thus, Gradeup personalized your learning and provide all the required materials for Banking, SSC, Railway, Teaching, UPSC, CLAT, CAT, GATE, JEE, Medical and other competitive exams. Engaging online classrooms allow you to formulate your preparation strategy and get a real classroom environment. These online live classes are presented by 100+ experienced mentors to coach you in the right direction and develop skills to match the competition at the same pace. To put your progress in action, numerous practice questions with in-depth solutions are mapped here in accordance with the latest syllabus & exam pattern. 24*7 support by their strong experienced faculties is provided to keep your productivity on track and spend your time wisely.

5. SarkariExam.com:

The name itself indicating that Sarkariexam.com Offers The Best Employment News Online Portal For Any Government Sector Exams. SarkariExam is the first dedicated government job portal in India emerged out with an objective of satisfying the demand of every educated individual to get a properly compensated job position in Indian Government sector. The candidates can subscribe the free job alert service on this job site, in order to get the latest alerts on the public sector recruitment exams and vacancies. The job alerts are sent regularly in the e-mails as well as SMS on the mobile numbers of the candidates. These e-mails and message alerts contain all the details and necessary information on the recruitment examinations. Thus, the candidates can never miss any government sector recruitment exams. This job site has millions of such subscribers all over the country. Solved examples of previous examinations, Assessment and practice test papers, latest Government employment news sections are some of the unique features of this website/app.

Conclusion:

There are many more good websites / apps available online. Students can search carefully and select 2 to 3 websites / apps which suits to their requirements. Some free websites/apps also available who are providing the exam stuff. But quality always pays.

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3 Best International Mutual Funds to Invest in India

(Published on 17-Oct-2020)

Many readers are asking about International Mutual funds and some good International Mutual funds to invest. International Mutual funds are one category of Mutual funds which primarily invest in stocks of companies listed outside India. These funds are high risk in nature, however for portfolio diversification purpose, one can look into these Mutual funds. Based on the risk appetite and time horizon, one can invest into these International Mutual funds accordingly. Because of the volatility in Indian Markets, the International Mutual funds came into focus and becoming attractive among the investors.

What are International Mutual funds?

International Mutual fund is one category of Mutual funds which invests in companies located out side India. These are high risk Mutual funds and are suitable for the investors who are having high risk profile. Hence, this is suggestable for younger generation and who are looking for better portfolio diversification. As these funds are investing in companies located out side India, the risk exposure is high, but at the same time one can expect the chances of higher returns. As the increase in awareness of Mutual funds, the International mutual funds are getting popular among young generation whose risk profile is higher than an average Investor.

Why International Mutual funds?

1. For tapping the earning opportunities out side the country
2. For portfolio diversification
3. For long-term alternative investment
4. For hedging against rupee depreciation

3 Best International Mutual Funds to Invest

1. Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 FoF:

This is one of the best performer of International Mutual fund category. This fund has been yielding 20% + profits consistently from the last 7 years. Last 1 year the yielding's crossed 50%. Around 99% of its portfolio consists of Equity exposure and the remaining in Cash and money market securities. Top 5 sectors of its portfolio consists Technology, Cons durables, Services, Communications and Healthcare. Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Alphabet are some of the companies in its portfolio. This fund is suitable for high risk appetite investors and who wanted to invest for long term in SIP approach.

2. Franklin India Feeder Franklin US Opportunities Fund:

This is also one of the best consistent performer of its category. Yielding 25%+ from the last 3 years. Total 100% of its portfolio consists of Equity based. Hence, it is riskier when compared to Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 Exchange Traded Fund. It is a fund of funds investing predominantly in units of Franklin U.S. Opportunities Fund, an overseas equity fund. It invests in US companies through Franklin U.S Opportunities Fund. This fund provides long term capital gains. The ideal investment horizon is 5 years or more. As it is fund of funds, taxation will be similar to a debt fund instead of any equity fund. In equity funds less than 1 year is classified as short term, while in debt funds less than 3 years it is counted as short term capital gain.

3. DSP US Flexible Equity Fund:

This is one of the good International Mutual fund which invests mainly in companies outside India. This fund will also invests in the units of other similar overseas mutual funds. Around 95% its portfolio constitutes Equity exposure and the remaining in Cash and money market securities. From the last 5 years, the fund is being yielding inflation-beat returns and is most consistent performer in its category. Investors who wanted to take high risk and better diversification can look into this Mutual fund.

Points to Remember While Investing in International Mutual Funds:

1. These funds are best suitable for High Risk appetite investors only.
2. Investors are suggested to invest with long term time horizon and through SIP approach only
3. As these are classified as fund of funds, the taxation will be similar to a debt fund instead of any equity fund.
4. These funds are suitable for portfolio diversification and should not be more than 10% - 15% of your total investment portfolio
5. It’s always better to invest with some professional guidance in the funds which is right for you and not just merely on last year’s performance to make quick bucks.

Disclaimer

This data is for Academic purpose only. The data published on this post is just my opinion based on my own research and analysis and is provided as a general market commentary. As it does not take into account of your personal circumstances, please do not invest based solely on this information. By Viewing any material or using the information within this post you agree that this is general education material and you will not hold any person or entity responsible for loss or damages resulting from the content or general information provided here.

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6 Best High Dividend Paying and Growing Stocks to Invest in India:

(Published on 25-Sep-2020)

Many conservative and Moderate investors generally look for regular income from the stocks. They cannot take high risk and cannot bear the volatility in the Market. For these investors, the dividend paying stocks are the good bet to invest into the stocks. Generally the investors think that the regular dividend paying companies are healthy in terms of finance as well as management. Can we consider all dividend paying companies are healthy? What are the factors we need to look before investing into Dividend stocks? Which are the best dividend paying stocks to invest?

What is Dividend?

Dividend in simple words is the money shared by a company to its share-holders on a frequent intervals based on their profits earned during that time intervals. Dividends can be paid out of the profits earned by the company in the relevant year or previous year. Some times the dividends may include capital profits. It means the sale of assets of the company and these asset profits can be used for paying the dividends.

Why to Choose Dividend Paying Stocks:

1. One can earn regular income from the stocks apart from the value appreciation of stock value.
2. Paying regular dividend is one of the measure of positive health condition of a company.
3. For diversification of one's investment portfolio.

Factors to Consider Before Investing into Dividend Paying Stocks:

1. Not all the companies paying dividends are really good healthy profits. Some companies may borrow the money to pay the dividends.
2. Need to look for the past 5 years dividend track record.
3. Need to check the growth rate and cash flows of the company.
4. Need to check the Line of Business and its future prospectus
5. Need to check the fundamentals and technical analysis factors of the company

6 Best High Dividend Paying and Growing Stocks to Invest:

There are many companies which are paying regular dividends to the share holders. However, we cannot say all these companies are healthy companies. Some of the companies may pay high dividend in the previous year and pay less in the current year. Because of the turbulances in the businesses, their profits may vary every year. Some companies will pay the dividends by borrowing the money from other financial resources. For some companies' Line of Business may not attractive in near future. So, we need to avoid all these factors and to come up with companies which not only having good dividend track record but also fast growing leaders in their respective sectors.

Based on my analysis, the following companies are good for investing which are leaders in their sectors and having good track record in paying high dividends. 

(*CMP as on 25-Sep-2020)

Conclusion:

Investors with long time horizon can invest into the above mentioned stocks through systematic approach. You even reinvest the dividends received from the respective companies to enhance your capital and to meet your financial goals.

Disclaimer:

This data is for Academic purpose only. The data published on this post is just my opinion based on my own research and analysis and is provided as a general market commentary. As it does not take into account of your personal circumstances, please do not invest based solely on this information. By Viewing any material or using the information within this post you agree that this is general education material and you will not hold any person or entity responsible for loss or damages resulting from the content or general information provided here.

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