Thematic and sector funds are all the rage. But recent returns mask the true risk.

Thematic and sector funds are all the rage. But recent returns mask the true risk.

“Which mutual fund should I invest in?” It must have been the 20th time my sister had called to ask me this. As usual, I tried explaining the basics but was quickly interrupted this time. “Don’t waste my time, just tell me where most people are investing.” This was understandable. She had recently received a … Read more

Should PMS investors switch to focused funds after new tax changes?

Should PMS investors switch to focused funds after new tax changes?

Portfolio management services (PMS) are navigating new challenges after the Union Budget for 2024-25 increased tax on long-term capital gains (LTCG) and short-term capital gains (STCG). As stocks are held in the investor’s demat account in PMS, every buy and sell decision of the PMS manager has a tax impact for the investor, unlike a … Read more

Property sold at loss: Expert advice on tax filing and investments

Property sold at loss: Expert advice on tax filing and investments

Any capital gain or loss arising on the transfer of a capital asset is taxable in the hands of the person who had actually provided the funds for the investment. Therefore, even if the property is held jointly between your son and you, for tax purposes, the capital gains or loss is to be disclosed … Read more

From tackling unemployment to fostering innovation: How budget 2024 can propel India to next phase of growth

From tackling unemployment to fostering innovation: How budget 2024 can propel India to next phase of growth

The overarching theme of the Union Budget 2024-25 strikes a fine balance between addressing the pressing bottlenecks impacting economic growth, boosting the startup ecosystem, and laying the groundwork for a future-ready India. Tax relief, employment and green energy transition have emerged as some of the most important areas, sending a message of resilience, foresight and … Read more

Budget and taxes: A balancing act between short-term challenges and long-term growth

Budget and taxes: A balancing act between short-term challenges and long-term growth

The Union budget for 2024-25 has proposed several changes in the capital gains tax structure, some of which are surprising moves that the mutual fund industry and the wider market community were not prepared for. One of the most significant was the hike in long-term capital gains tax from 10% to 12.5%. The budget’s proposal … Read more

A fundamental analyst’s take on the Budget

A fundamental analyst's take on the Budget

First things first. Keywords and slogans, like defence and railways, that dominated the previous budgets were missing this time. This was a Budget for coalition partners, towards which Nirmala Sitharaman has loosened the purse strings. A special financial support of ₹15,000 crore will be extended to Andhra Pradesh via multilateral agencies for development. New airports, … Read more

20% levy on short-term capital gains has given young F&O traders a tax incentive

20% levy on short-term capital gains has given young F&O traders a tax incentive

NEW DELHI : Ahead of the Union Budget 2024-25, rumours were rife that tax on futures and options (F&O) would be increased to curb the increasing retail participation in the derivatives market. But while the Centre didn’t touch F&O, barring a nominal increase in securities transaction tax (STT), it increased tax on short- and long-term … Read more

Budget 2024: How tax-free retail funds will benefit NRIs

Budget 2024: How tax-free retail funds will benefit NRIs

The answer is yes as long as the money is not directly invested in equities. The Union Budget 2024-25 proposed that “retail schemes and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) set up in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT City, will now enjoy tax exemptions along similar lines as available to specified funds”. “Now retail funds in GIFT … Read more

Want to invest in foreign stocks? Keep in mind the added costs and hassle.

Want to invest in foreign stocks? Keep in mind the added costs and hassle.

Investing in overseas markets is a great way of diversifying your portfolio. By spreading investments across countries, you can mitigate risks associated with domestic market concentration and benefit from growth opportunities in different regions. It also allows you to tap sectors and industries that may not be well-represented in India, making for a more balanced … Read more