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Who does not love to travel? Most of us would give anything to take a long break from our regular work life and travel the world! And if the vacation rental behemoth <keyword id="19900375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airbnb" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Airbnb" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Airbnb">Airbnb</keyword> is to be believed, Indians are taking to traveling with renewed vigor. When it comes to international travel right now, most Indians are traveling to Tokyo, largely to witness the momijgari (red leaf hunting), or the autumn tradition where leaves turn red, which makes for a breathtaking sight. For those seeking a little peace and quiet, the Amalfi Coast, off the Mediterranean Sea is in vogue. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are also being increasingly making their way on the travel wish list of most Indian travellers. Per Airbnb, other countries on this list include Montenegro, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia. Closer home, the bustling city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh is amongst the top travel destination for most Indians, along with the tropical Lakshadweep. People are also flocking to Ujjain and the hilly, quaint town of Munsiyari in Uttarakhand to take a well deserved break from their hectic lives. Says Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO, Niyo, a travel banking platform"India’s growing middle class and increasing incomes are driving the rise in outbound travel. Additionally, India’s soft power diplomacy is shaping global travel industry trends. According to the Henley Passport Index, there are 62 countries where Indian passport holders can travel visa-free". "Niyo has seen a 60% growth in international travel over the past year. 55% among leisure travelers, 70% in student travel, and 25% in business travel. Interestingly, 40% of the customers we onboarded were first-time international travellers”, he continued. <h2>Be financially prepared</h2>But while it is great to travel, or take that dream vacation or overseas trip, setting aside money for the same can certainly be a herculean task. That's why, the key to a stress-free getaway, irrespective of it being a short break or an extended adventure, lies in making strategic investment choices. Here are some ways in which you can create a healthy corpus for your travelling, all from your savings: Creating a Vacation Budget Establish a comprehensive budget that covers expenses such as travel, currency exchange rates, time off from work, and the number of travelers. Conducting in-depth research on your destination, the best time to visit, and other relevant details can also lead to significant savings. A good idea is to plan in advance the number of vacations you wish to take each year. Deciding and booking your tickets ahead of time can help you save costs. Also, having a dedicated <keyword id="23343124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Fund" source="keywords">travel fund</keyword>, separate from your daily expenses, helps you stay focused. Consider using a fixed deposit or a liquid mutual fund to watch your money grow faster. Per Swati Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro, building a travel fund not only allows you to experience your dream vacation, but also fosters healthy financial habits that prevents debt and maximizes the value of your hard-earned money. Short-term Gains for Quick Access Says Bhuvan Rustagi COO &amp; Co-founder of Per Annum, "By exploring options such as recurring deposits, liquid funds and short-term bonds, individuals can enhance their financial flexibility, which can also help them plan any spontaneous adventures". Don't let your travel fund sit idle in a savings account. You can invest it in various short-term instruments, depending on your risk appetite. In case you want to play it safe, a recurring deposit or liquid funds are a good option. For people willing to take on more risk, P2P lending can also be a good option. Automate your way By setting up recurring transfers from your primary account to a dedicated travel savings account, you can ensure that a portion of your income is automatically saved each month. This disciplined approach will eliminates the temptation to spend impulsively, and will also help you stay committed to your travel goals. During the festive season, which will set in from next month, most online platforms, websites, and aggregators abound with enticing discounts on flights and hotels. Keep a keen eye on these deals, and you can significantly reduce travel expenses and plan your trip more efficiently. During the sales, travel portals often offer exclusive discounts tied to specific banks or release flash sales. That is also a great way to maximize your savings on travel. Many Indians are also turning to <keyword id="23343125" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cashback-Platforms" source="keywords">cashback platforms</keyword> to maximize their savings on travel bookings. According to reports, the travel sector sees an average cashback rate of 8%, the highest of all sectors. Further clubbed with credit cards you save a lot more on your hotels &amp; flights. No wonder, travel credit cards emerged as the frontrunners, experiencing a remarkable 27% YoY growth in 2023. "For those planning a festive season getaway, combining multiple offers can lead to substantial savings, making your dream destination more affordable”, continues Bhargava So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next travel destination now. With smart investments and budgeting, it might happen for you, sooner than you think!

World Tourism Day: Here's where India is travelling to, and how you too, can join the bandwagon

In Maharashtra’s Thane district, police have registered a case of alleged fraud involving two construction company owners accused of deceiving a family of ₹1.2 crore. The incident came to light after a 28-year-old woman from Thane’s Rabodi area lodged a complaint against the two accused, who are brothers. The accused allegedly persuaded the woman, her mother, and her sister to invest the substantial sum in their construction company based in Mumbai’s Bandra area. Promises were made of a significant payout within five years or, alternatively, the option of acquiring two or three apartments in the city’s prime real estate zone. According to the complaint, the woman’s family entered the deal on December 31, 2022, convinced by assurances of either a return of ₹3 crore over five years or property options in Bandra. To meet the required investment amount, the family borrowed funds from various sources, entrusting their money with the accused based on the lucrative promises. The police official handling the case noted that the family, enticed by the seemingly profitable terms, had not foreseen the outcome that would follow. In May 2023, however, when the family attempted to reclaim their funds and the anticipated profit, the accused allegedly declined the request. The complainant stated that the brothers not only refused to pay but also reportedly threatened the family, citing powerful connections that would shield them from legal repercussions. This behaviour alarmed the family, leading them to seek legal recourse. The Rabodi police have filed a case against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 420 for cheating, Section 406 for criminal breach of trust, and Section 506 for criminal intimidation. Additionally, charges were filed under Section 34, indicating common intention, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors Act. The case highlights the dangers that investors may face when lured by high-return promises in unregulated sectors. Fraudulent schemes in real estate and construction have been known to target individuals and families looking for profitable investments, often leaving them with financial losses and emotional distress. Authorities are continuing investigations, with the Rabodi police closely monitoring the case to gather further evidence. This incident is expected to bring more attention to regulatory practices within the real estate industry and underscore the need for stricter oversight to protect potential investors from falling prey to deceitful operators. (with PTI inputs)

Thane family loses Rs 1.2 crore as they get cheated by construction company, details here

Alternative Investment Opportunities

<ul><li><keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">Electric vehicles</keyword> (EVs) are gaining popularity worldwide</li><li>However, concerns remain about their environmental impact</li><li> <keyword id="21881868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alternative-fuel" source="keywords">Alternative fuel</keyword> vehicles like hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels are some more alternatives we can tap into</li></ul> Electric vehicles or EVs are in their prime right now, with the demand crossing an all-time high. A trend noticeable around the world, EVs are not only becoming increasingly popular but also fairly affordable. Slowly but surely EVs are overcoming the challenges that crossed them — design, features, safety, and most importantly range. A major credit to this trend can be given to consumer acceptance, policy backing, and improving infrastructure. However, there is a downside to EVs as well. Having featured multiple EVs with our series<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCR3PaYxcmk&amp;t=1s" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Short Spin, </a>I developed a strong reference point. This made me wonder why are we so heavily reliant on them. Over its life cycle, EVs cannot be termed as particularly environmentally friendly, which has been their main selling point over the past few decades. <h2>The ‘Red’ side of EVs</h2> There is a bit of red within the go-green agenda that EV manufacturers push. EVs as a whole do come with benefits like low maintenance, improved efficiency and ultimately lower fuel emissions. However, <keyword id="21357488" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="EV-production" source="keywords">EV production</keyword> and disposal can have detrimental effects on the natural environment. Here are some socio-ecological concerns over EVs: 1. High carbon footprint in battery production: EV battery production is energy-intensive and often relies on electricity from fossil fuels, leading to a high initial carbon footprint. This is elaborated in a story recently published by Earth Org. 2. Resource constraints and ethical concerns: Particularly with the extensive mining of cobalt and other minerals for EVs, there has been a global outcry. Limited availability of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, shady mining practices long work hours, unsafe work environments, and use of child labour in underdeveloped parts of the world have raised several ethical issues around the sustainability of EVs. This issue can be explored further in this essay by Al Jazeera. 3. Recycling and end-of-life challenges: EV battery recycling is currently inefficient, costly, and poses significant environmental risks, with a huge amount of batteries ending up in landfills. 4. Manufacturing costs and economic barriers: High production costs, especially for batteries, make EVs more expensive than conventional vehicles and require significant investments in new manufacturing facilities and supply chains. 5. Supply chain and geopolitical risks: Critical mineral resources necessary for EV production are concentrated in a few countries. This leads to vulnerabilities in the complex supply chain and often risks disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, or natural disasters. China as of today controls 83% of EV battery production in the world, with a major stronghold on the supply chain. While I am in no way suggesting to drop out of EVs, I believe sticking to just one alternative risks replicating the same mistake we did for ICE vehicles. So, what are the alternatives? <h2>The alternates fuel vehicles (<keyword id="23193800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AFVs" source="keywords">AFVs</keyword>)</h2> AFVs are a growing segment of the automotive industry that utilize fuels other than traditional gasoline or diesel. These vehicles offer similar potential benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. While EVs are also a form of AFVs, here we will list out other major alternatives like hydrogen fuel and biofuel options. Hydrogen fuel cells: Convert hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water vapour. Currently, <keyword id="19906788" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toyota" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toyota" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Toyota">Toyota</keyword> and Hyundai are the only hydrogen-based cars in the Indian market. Hydrogen internal combustion engines: These vehicles use hydrogen as a fuel in modified combustion engines. While road-legal vehicles for this fuel type aren’t out, BMW with hydrogen 7 is working on a prototype. Ethanol: This is a renewable fuel made from plant materials, commonly mixed with gasoline. In America, Ford F-150 Flex-Fuel and Chevrolet Silverado Flex-Fuel are utilizing this technology. Biodiesel and renewable diesel: Derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled grease, these fuel types can be used in diesel engines. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Perhaps the most famous alternative for cabbies in Delhi, CNG is in popular demand. Technically it is used in specially modified internal combustion engines, primarily for lower emissions. Propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG): A byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, used in internal combustion engines. As technology continues to advance, these AFVs are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them a promising option for sustainable transportation. If you are an eco-conscious buyer in today’s auto market, bear in mind that there are options beyond EVs as well. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/mercedes-expands-bev-range-rolls-out-second-locally-produced-model-in-india/articleshow/113388002.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Mercedes expands BEV range; rolls out second locally produced model in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-adoption-in-india-rising-13-share-expected-by-2026-27-jefferies/articleshow/113361787.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Electric two-wheeler adoption in India rising, 13% share expected by 2026-27: Jefferies</a>

EVs are not the only options for alternative fuel — make way for hydrogen and bio-fuel

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The price of gold hit all-time highs this week.</li><li>Falling interest rates and rising geopolitical tensions boost gold's appeal as a safe haven asset.</li></ul>The price of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/gold-price">gold</a> has soared this year.The precious metal hit a record high of $2,772 per troy ounce this week and has risen in six of the past seven weeks.With year-to-date gains of about 33%, gold returns have outpaced the broader stock market, including the tech-heavy <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/nasdaq_100">Nasdaq 100</a>, by about 10 percentage points.And since the bull market in stocks began in October 2022, gold has outpaced equity gains, returning 67% compared to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/s&amp;p_500">S&amp;P 500's</a> return of about 63%, according to data from YCharts.Those superior returns make the metal one of the world's hottest investments.The largest gold ETF, the SPDR Gold Shares, has $78 billion in assets under management and has seen about $5 billion of inflows in the past six months, according to data from ETF.com.Physical gold is also having a moment. Costco has consistently sold out of gold bars when they become available on their website and Wells Fargo estimates that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-gold-bars-silver-coins-monthly-sales-wells-fargo-bullion-2024-4">Costco sells up to $200 million in gold bars</a> and silver coins to its members each month.It's been a perfect storm for the yellow metal, and the outlook suggests more gains ahead. Here's what's going on.<h3 id="5edb3548-699e-4d4d-ba18-d306c30fcf12">Demand from central banks</h3>Global central banks have been on a gold-buying spree over the past few years.According to the World Gold Council, central banks purchased a record 483 tons of gold in the first half of the year. Central banks from Turkey, India, and China topped the list of the biggest buyers.Part of the surge in demand is from countries that want to diversify their holdings away from the US dollar. "We believe that the tripling in central bank purchases since mid-2022 on fears about US financial sanctions and US sovereign debt is structural and will continue," <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-price-outlook-buy-continued-rally-next-year-2025-goldman-2024-9">Goldman Sachs said</a> in a note last month.This dynamic has been on display since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, as America sought to inflict maximum economic damage on Russia via sanctions. But it's harder to implement sanctions against a country that is less reliant on the dollar, and one way to be less reliant on the dollar is to buy gold.It is a dynamic that the US should be closely monitoring, according to economist Mohamed El-Erian.El-Erian wrote <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ft.com/content/b5fb1e6b-bb8d-4ab5-9c92-f1f6fc40a54b?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=emailhttps://www.ft.com/content/b5fb1e6b-bb8d-4ab5-9c92-f1f6fc40a54b?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">in an op-ed for the FT</a> this week that the persistent rise in gold "captures an increasingly persistent behavioural trend among China and 'middle power' countries.""There is also interest in exploring possible alternatives to the dollar-based payments system that has been at the core of the international architecture for some 80 years."Russia has had some success with this, as it's managed to navigate its economy away from a full-fledged downturn after the US imposed wide-ranging sanctions in 2022.Russia's ability to steer its de-dollarized economy away from a crisis could give other countries confidence to lessen their dependence on the dollar, which ultimately benefits gold."What is at stake here is not just the erosion of the dollar's dominant role but also a gradual change in the operation of the global system," El-Erian said. "As it develops deeper roots, this risks materially fragmenting the global system and eroding the international influence of the dollar and the US financial system.<h3 id="8959c97e-7efe-42f8-a1a3-3fa362c5ac51">Geopolitical tensions</h3>Gold is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-safe-haven-treasurys-us-national-debt-bofa-fiscal-expansion-2024-10">considered a safe haven asset</a> due to its long-standing history as a stable store of value.So when geopolitical tensions rise, investors tend to flock to the shiny metal, and right now, there is no shortage of reasons to be worried.From Russia's war against Ukraine to the escalating clashes in the Middle East to China's long-running threat against Taiwan's independence, geopolitical tensions are rising, not falling.What's more, soaring US debt means that Treasurys—another historical safe haven asset—might not be so risk-free anymore."Gold looks to be the last 'safe haven' asset standing, incentivising traders including central banks to increase exposure," <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-safe-haven-treasurys-us-national-debt-bofa-fiscal-expansion-2024-10">Bank of America said</a> in a note this month. <h3 id="29ec9208-7951-47bd-89c8-75f2d6320ca9">The Trump trade</h3>The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/donald-trump-trade-rally-betting-markets-kamala-harris-bitcoin-djt-2024-10">Trump trade has picked up steam recently</a> as the former president's odds of winning the election have risen, and gold has been a big beneficiary.That's because a potential Trump presidency is expected to be accompanied by a soaring government deficit and a fast-growing pile of debt, which would further drive concerns about a rebound in inflation and the sustainability of the US dollar."If you're worried about fiscal profligacy, financial repression, and attacks on Fed independence, gold would be an attractive asset," economist Davix Oxley of Capital Economics said on Friday.Even if Trump doesn't win the election, the deficit is likely to grow, setting gold up well for more gains, according to Interactive Brokers chief strategist Steve Sosnick."It's not as though either candidate is preaching fiscal discipline, and the Fed seems willing to keep cutting even if inflation remains a bit above target. So there is a thought that gold could be a viable alternative if rates rise and the economy remains sound. And if the economy isn't sound it could still be a good store of value," Sosnick told Business Insider."<h3 id="dadb04c2-defd-4fe4-a269-2b48d277b4de">Interest rates</h3>According to data from the World Gold Council, falling interest rates have historically benefited gold prices, with the commodity rising as much as 10% in the six months after the Federal Reserve's first rate cut.With the Fed expected to cut interest rates multiple times over the next year, lower rates should serve as a tailwind for gold prices.While interest rates<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mortgage-rate-increase-since-federal-reserve-cut-interest-rates-housing-2024-10"> actually jumped since the Fed's first rate cut</a> last month, with the 10-year Treasury yield hitting its highest level since July this week, gold prices have continued to rise.That's a sign that gold investors are more focused on the global interest-rate path, which is pointing lower as global central banks look poised to loosen monetary policy.The People's Bank of China cut rates by 25 basis points this week, while the Bank of Canada cut by 50 basis points. The European Central lowered rates by 25 basis points last week, and economists say they see the Bank of England <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/22/why-economists-see-the-uk-cutting-interest-rates-more-substantially.html">set to deliver bigger rate cuts</a> than previously expected by markets.

How gold became one of the world's hottest investments

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Investors might consider Treasury bills over CDs for better liquidity and tax benefits: Jason Browne</li><li>Treasury bills offer higher yields in some cases and are exempt from state taxes.</li></ul>If you're looking to put money to work in the fixed-income market before short-term interest rates likely come down further, you're probably considering a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/who-has-the-best-cd-rates-right-now">certificate of deposit</a>, also known as a CD.In many ways, buying a CD is the same as investing in a bond. You hand the money over to your bank or credit union for a set period of time, and they pay you a monthly dividend before returning your money at the maturity date.But there are some advantages to investing in another cash equivalent — 3-month and 6-month Treasury bills — according to Jason Browne, the founder of Alexis Investment Partners.One is that they're more liquid than CDs. You can buy and sell Treasurys through a brokerage account quickly without forfeiting interest already earned. But if you want to exit a CD before its maturity date, you usually must give up prior interest payments.This gives you more control over being able to deploy money into places like the stock market on a moment's notice in case of a correction, he said."T-bills are easy to buy these days at no commission through almost every discount broker," Browne said.Another reason is that Treasurys are exempt from state taxes, which vary, while CDs are not.Perhaps a third reason, depending on where you bank, is that in many cases the shortest duration Treasurys are paying better rates than CDs. Yields on 3-month bills are 4.6%, and while some banks are offering similar or slightly higher rates still, many have much less attractive yields. According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.depositaccounts.com/cd/3-month-cd-rates.html">DepositAccounts by LendingTree</a>, the average 3-month CD yield is 1.9%.In terms of duration, Browne said that short-end T-bills are better than durations in the middle or long end of the yield curve, at least for the time being, with the Fed only having cut 50 basis points so far."Right now I don't see a lot of benefit of going further than six months," he said. "I just think the further you go, you're getting paid significantly less for something that has duration risk, and it can give you less liquidity, therefore."Over the next year, however, Browne sees short-end yields becoming less attractive as the Fed cuts, and more medium-term yields rising as a soft-landing scenario — his base case — comes more into view for investors.Typically, fears about a recession push down yields on longer-duration bonds as higher investor demand for safe assets raise the price of the securities. Recession concerns are elevated at the moment with the labor market weakening, but Browne believes those clouds will clear in the months ahead, lowering investor demand for longer-duration bonds, causing their yields to rise.So, buying short-duration T-bills in the meantime buys you time while longer yields rise, he said."Our feeling is that we're going toward a more normal yield-curve environment," Browne said. "The transition until we get there is still paying you more for staying liquid, high-quality short duration."

Try this higher-interest, lower-tax alternative to CDs while rates are still high 

New Delhi: Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">Sebi</keyword> has proposed a minimum ticket size or <keyword id="21732014" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-threshold" source="keywords">investment threshold</keyword> of Rs 1 crore for the RBI-regulated originators and unregulated entities engaged in securitisation activities. The proposal also introduced limitations on the number of investors in <keyword id="22496291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-placements" source="keywords">private placements</keyword>, allowing <keyword id="23778966" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="securitized-debt-instruments" source="keywords">securitized debt instruments</keyword> (SDIs) issued privately to be offered to a maximum of 200 investors. If this limit is exceeded, the issuance must be classified as a public issue. Public offers should remain open for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 10 days, with advertisement requirements aligned with Sebi's regulations for non-convertible securities. Additionally, the regulator has suggested that all securitized debt instruments should be issued and transferred exclusively in demat form. SDIs are financial products created by pooling together various types of debt -- such as loans, mortgages, or receivables -- and then selling them as securities to investors. This process, known as securitisation, allows the originator (such as a bank) to convert illiquid assets into liquid ones, providing an alternative source of funding. Investors in these instruments receive returns based on the performance of the underlying debt pool, and the risk is spread across multiple assets, offering potentially attractive returns. The current framework is based on Sebi's 2008 regulations, with updates from the Reserve Bank of India's (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>) 2021 directions on securitising standard assets. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is now considering updates to the regulatory framework for securitized debt instruments and sought public comments till November 16 on the proposals. Regarding risk management, Sebi has proposed that originators retain a minimum risk retention of 10 per cent of the securitised pool or 5 per cent for receivables with a maturity of up to 24 months. A minimum holding period requirement will also be specified by Sebi for underlying receivables to ensure that originators maintain an interest in the underlying assets, the regulator said in a consultation paper. The regulator further suggested including an optional clean-up call for originators, allowing them to repurchase up to 10 per cent of the original value of the assets. This call is optional and intended to help manage the pool's longevity without mandating additional commitments from the originator. Liquidity facilities, essential to handle timing mismatches in cash flows, should either be provided directly by the originator or through an appointed third party. The updated definition of "debt/receivables" limits permissible underlying assets to listed debt securities, accepted trade receivables, rental incomes, and equipment leases while disallowing single-asset securitisation. The proposal establishes minimum track record requirements for both originators and obligors. Originators should have a minimum of three years of operating experience, while trade receivables specifically require at least two cycles of successful, default-free payments.

Sebi proposes Rs 1 crore minimum investment, mandatory demat form for securitized debt instruments

In today’s dynamic investment landscape, exploring alternative avenues is the key to optimising your investment potential. If you have already diversified with traditional asset classes such as equities, fixed income, gold, real estate and its ilk, then this may be the right time to consider using other investment options such as Portfolio Management Services (<keyword id="114345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pms" source="Orion">PMS</keyword>) and <keyword id="509125" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="alternative-investment" source="Orion">Alternative Investment</keyword> Funds (<keyword id="161906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aif" source="Orion">AIF</keyword>). These alternatives can provide unique opportunities for growth and risk management. This guide will walk you through the essentials of PMS and AIFs, to help you make informed decisions and make your investment journey easier and more efficient. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Defining Alternatives" comment="subhead" text="Defining Alternatives">Defining Alternatives</cmsannotation> Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) represent distinct avenues for investors seeking tailored investment strategies. PMS platforms are designed for investors with a minimum investment threshold limit of Rs 50 lakhs. Managed by seasoned portfolio managers, PMS focusses on building portfolios consisting of publicly traded securities. The goal is to outperform market benchmarks while managing risks. On the other hand, AIFs, which fall under three categories, offer access to unconventional assets like private equity, venture debt, and structured credit. Unlike mutual funds, AIFs pool capital for strategic allocation into non-traditional investments. However, they require a higher entry point of Rs 1 crore. PMS investors directly own securities with flexible redemption options, whereas AIFs are typically closed-ended with preset lock-in periods, highlighting the contrasting features of these two investment vehicles. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Features and Benefits" comment="subhead" text="Features and Benefits">Features and Benefits</cmsannotation> AIFs offer investors a diverse array of features, including the pooling of funds, professional management, and portfolio diversification, enabling them to access alternative asset classes potentially yielding higher returns while mitigating risks through diversified investment strategies. In comparison, PMS provides personalised portfolio management, flexibility, and transparency, catering to individual investor preferences. PMS also offers benefits such as customised investment strategies tailored to specific financial goals, direct ownership of securities, and tax efficiency. By leveraging these features and benefits, investors can diversify their portfolios, optimise returns, and navigate market uncertainties effectively, while aligning their investments with their long-term financial objectives. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Strategies &amp; Trends" comment="subhead" text="Strategies &amp; Trends">Strategies &amp; Trends</cmsannotation> Both AIF and PMS providers employ various investment strategies to optimise returns and manage risks. One common strategy is equity long-short, where managers take both long and short positions in stocks to capitalise on market trends while hedging against downside risks. Another strategy revolves around investing in distressed debt, acquiring debt instruments of financially troubled companies at discounted prices, with the expectation of capital appreciation upon their recovery. Real estate investments within these avenues offer diversification and income generation through property acquisitions, development projects, or investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Emerging Trends" comment="subhead" text="Emerging Trends">Emerging Trends</cmsannotation> There is a growing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, an approach which integrates sustainability criteria into investment decisions, aligning with ethical considerations and addressing environmental and social concerns. Impact investing is another rising trend, emphasising investments in companies or projects that generate positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. As investors increasingly prioritise robust returns and optimal diversification beyond traditional routes, alternative investment options such as PMS and AIF are gaining ground. These avenues offer market participants methods to amplify their portfolio efficiently. Disclaimer: The article is authored by Bhavesh Bhanushali, Director at Supreme Prime Wealth. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Business Insider India. Do your own research (DYOR) before deciding to invest in any financial asset class. This article is published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a target="_blank" class="c-link" href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>.

Beyond stocks and bonds: Understanding the PMS & AIF ecosystem in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Investors face diminishing returns from cash alternatives as interest rates decline.</li><li>Money market funds offered low-risk yields, but missed gains in the S&amp;P 500.</li></ul>Just a year ago, if the stock market got bumpy or felt risky, investors could shave a bit off their positions and park in cash-like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/what-is-a-money-market-account">money market funds</a> yielding slightly over 5%.Today, cash alternatives are yielding slightly less. Still, they remain near or above 4.5%, which is a tempting return in exchange for no risk. But as we head deeper into an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fed-cut-rates-inflation-powell-blackrock-ceo-larry-fink-2024-10#:~:text=The%20Federal%20Reserve%20will%20disappoint,a%20rise%20in%20global%20inflation.">interest-rate-cutting cycle</a>, the benefits of sitting on the sidelines will diminish, and investors will need to rethink their strategy.While the perk of a low-risk asset with a decent yield seems like a sweet deal, it actually did some investors a disservice, says Mark Malek, the CIO at Siebert. Specifically, those who didn't have liquidity needs but chose to sit in cash anyway missed out on a strong year for the S&amp;P 500."I'm going to say something controversial, which is that we weren't having as many of these conversations when money markets were almost zero," Malek said. "Clients had no other alternatives, so they were putting their money to work in the equity markets or in the best bonds they could find. Many people should have probably invested in equities and would've probably gotten great returns."The main advantage money markets give investors is quick access to their cash, followed by lower risk and then a decent yield. The former is harder to match. But the latter two can be found in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/treasury-bonds">Treasuries, notes, and bonds</a>, Malek said. By sticking to shorter-term Treasuries, investors can still meet their liquidity needs."That's where the whole conversation changes because now you're saying, 'OK, we can get you into a three-month bill, but then you would want to hold that,'" Malek said, adding that he would never advise a client who needs liquidity to go further out and buy a two-year note. And anyway, the yield curve is inverted, meaning there's no term premium, with the best yields coming from the one-month out to the six-month Treasury.It's about gauging liquidity needs and then sticking to bills or looking for older notes that are months away from maturity, Malek said. The main challenge with going shorter term is the rollover risk, which happens when you're faced with less favorable yields once the current Treasury matures. For investors who don't have immediate cash needs, Malek advises a six-month bill at a 4.5% yield since he expects rates to be 75 basis points lower by then. If liquidity needs arise, investors may be able to sell for a profit if the Fed's cutting cycle is steeper than expected, he added.Investors with a bit more of a risk appetite who want to maintain a yield just over 5% should consider investment-grade corporate bonds, which are AAA to BB-rated, Malek said.<h2 id="ac89e755-a442-47d7-b00d-34e1f8eb6a94">Dollar alternatives</h2>While interest-rate cuts are part of the move away from cash, there are other factors that make the dollar, in general, a crummy place to be right now, says David Miller, the CIO at Catalyst Funds.Inflation remains present even if it's not as high as it was. The Federal deficit continues to balloon. And, the weaponization of the dollar against countries like Russia has made it less attractive globally, Miller noted.Based on these additional concerns, Miller says the closest alternative would then be <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-price-record-high-became-etf-interest-rates-trump-costco-2024-10">gold</a>, and big money is vying for it. Central bank demand for gold reached its highest in a decade in 2022 and 2023. Although it slowed in 2024, it was still up by 6% from a year ago in the second quarter, according to the World Gold Council.Investors may feel queasy about the asset as it hits peak prices near $2,800 per ounce. But you have to consider the value of the dollar against that backdrop, Miller noted. Simply put, the M2 money supply, which includes cash and cash alternatives, has skyrocketed since 2020 by over 36%, debasing the dollar.For investors looking for that gold alternative, Millers says they can <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-invest-in-gold-price-record-highs-safe-haven-2024-10">buy coins, bars, and even gold ETFs</a>.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/buy-bitcoin">Bitcoin</a> is another alternative that more risk-prone investors look to. As of Tuesday, it surpassed $71,000, hitting near its all-time highs as hedging demand grows. While it has similar liquidity to cash, it's much more speculative, Miller noted.

Cash is no longer king. Here are 3 alternatives investors are trading it for, according to chief money managers.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Investment firms want to offer private-credit ETFs to ordinary investors, the WSJ reported. </li><li>It would give retail investors access to a $1.7 trillion market. </li></ul>A booming corner of the financial markets that has only been available to institutions might soon be open to everyday investors. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/wall-street-races-to-bring-private-credit-to-the-masses-8a25b624?mod=finance_lead_story">According to The Wall Street Journal,</a> some of the biggest private equity and investment management giants want to offer retail investors access to exchange-traded funds backed by private credit. The term broadly refers to loans made to companies and consumers by nonbank lenders. Historically, fund managers have sold "alternative assets" like private debt to institutional investors at a high cost, generating returns of around 10% in recent years — more than they would have seen from investing in the stock or bond markets.Now, as those institutions slow allocations to private credit, the biggest players in the space want to target a new class of investors. According to the Journal, firms like State Street, Apollo Global Management, and BlackRock are working to roll out private credit ETFs to regular investors. The challenge, though, is building a highly liquid ETF out of illiquid private loans. That hurdle is also what will likely draw the eye of regulators as they ensure the ETFs are appropriate for retail investors. But if these ETFs get approved, they will enable regular investors to tap into a booming market, one that BlackRock expects will more than double to $3.5 trillion by 2028. The race to launch private credit ETFs has heated up in recent months.In May, Capital Group and KKR teamed up to start offering funds investing in both public and private assets—including in private credit—starting next year.Last month, State Street proposed a private debt ETF to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The ETF would blend public debt with private debt on mortgage, corporate, and consumer loans purchased from Apollo Global Management. Anna Paglia, State Street's chief business officer, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://investors.statestreet.com/investor-news-events/press-releases/news-details/2024/State-Street-Global-Advisors-and-Apollo-Global-Management-Join-Forces-to-Increase-and-Broaden-Investor-Access-to-Private-Markets/default.aspx">said in a statement</a> the ETF would "democratize access to private asset exposures," and make them "more accessible to a wider swathe of investors.""It is our goal to bring these investments to scale and help facilitate the process of making private assets more accessible and liquid over time. We see this as only the beginning of a new wave of innovation as public and private markets increasingly converge," Paglia said. Alternative assets make up a small share—less than 3%—of individual investors' global investments, KKR's head of Global Client Solutions Eric Mogelof, told the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/wall-street-races-to-bring-private-credit-to-the-masses-8a25b624">Wall Street Journal</a>.But he says there is huge potential for that share to grow by over three times. "We anticipate these allocations to rise to 10% or greater in the future," he told the Journal.

Investing giants want to offer retail traders access to a booming sector of financial markets

New Delhi [India], July 19 (ANI): Households are choosing the <keyword id="20033427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capital-markets" source="keywords">capital markets</keyword> over the <keyword id="19934118" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="banks" source="keywords">banks</keyword> to park or invest their <keyword id="25450" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="savings" source="Orion">savings</keyword>, highlighted <keyword id="64190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI-Governor" source="Orion">RBI Governor</keyword> <keyword id="3083263" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shaktikant-Das" source="Orion">Shaktikant Das</keyword> during his address at FE Modern BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) Summit 2024 on Friday. Governor Das highlighted that traditionally, banks were the primary choice for households to invest their money. However, there has been a noticeable change in consumer behaviour, with a growing preference for capital markets and other <keyword id="5869841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-intermediaries" source="Orion">financial intermediaries</keyword>. He noted, "Households and consumers who traditionally leaned on banks for parking or investing their savings are increasingly turning to the capital markets and other financial intermediaries." This trend indicates a broader diversification of <keyword id="22469312" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="household-investments" source="Orion">household investments</keyword> into <keyword id="19929240" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutual-funds" source="keywords">mutual funds</keyword> and other savings tools, moving away from traditional investment tools. The Governor stated, "While bank deposits continue to remain dominant as a percentage of the financial assets owned by the households, their share has been declining, with households increasingly allocating their savings to Mutual Funds, Insurance Funds, and Pension Funds." Governor Das also pointed out that this shift in investment patterns has significant implications for the banking sector. Banks now need to explore alternative methods to bridge the gap between credit and deposits. He added, "On their part, banks have sought to fill the credit-deposit gap by increasing their reliance on other sources like short-term borrowings and certificates of deposit, etc. This increases their sensitivity to interest rate movements and poses challenges to liquidity management." The Governor further elaborated on the implications of the shift from CASA (Current Account Saving Account) deposits, stressing that banks must remain vigilant and adaptive. He stated that banks need to continuously focus on improving and refining their credit underwriting standards and the pricing of risks to maintain stability and profitability. Reflecting on recent global banking events, Governor Das drew attention to the banking crises in the US and Switzerland in 2023, which highlighted the risks and vulnerabilities inherent in certain business models. He emphasized the importance of learning from these crises to enhance the resilience of the banking sector. "The banking crisis in the US and Switzerland in 2023 has again brought into focus the risks to banking stability from certain business models and their inherent vulnerability," he added.

Household savings are choosing mutual funds over banks to invest savings: RBI Governor

The finance guru <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dave-ramsey-buying-house-prices-mortgages-personal-finance-affordability-crisis-2024-6">Dave Ramsey</a> famously said that if Americans wanted to build wealth, they should give up their morning coffee. But spend any time in certain corners of personal-finance Instagram and TikTok and you'll see women indulging in sleek caffeinated beverages. They swirl whipped cream on their tall iced coffees, brew black-sesame-matcha lattes, and show off hot chocolate and pastries as they promote strategies to save, invest, and make the most of their credit-card points. These women <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/multimillionaire-chooses-to-rent-not-buy-home-2024-6">talk openly about being rich</a> and wanting to help other women become rich too.One of those influencers is Tori Dunlap, the founder of a financial-education company called <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-start-business-with-no-money-her-first-100k-2023-1">Her First 100K</a>. She aspires to get as many young women as possible investing and to debunk the notion that in order to build wealth they need to deprive themselves of things they enjoy. In a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzzfzhsPAr-/">video</a> on Instagram, she considers Ramsey's advice, then erupts into a scream. "It's not the latte that's keeping you from saving money," she wrote in the caption. "It's the systemic oppression."Just a handful of years ago, Dunlap, who was born in Tacoma, Washington, was working a job in marketing and dealing with a toxic boss. Thanks to an emergency fund she'd grown, she was able to quit and start focusing on building Her First 100K — named for Dunlap's goal of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-save-money-in-your-twenties-2024-4">amassing $100,000 in wealth</a>, which she achieved by the time she was 25 by budgeting and investing.Now, Dunlap, 30, has over 2 million followers on Instagram, hosts a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tori-dunlap-new-podcast-hit-top-spot-apple-charts-2021-6">top-rated US business podcast</a>, and is the author of the best-selling book "Financial Feminist." She also launched a platform called Treasury, which says it has helped women invest over $80 million in the stock market. Alongside creators like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-star-mrsdowjones-shares-an-inside-look-day-in-life-2020-10">Mrs. Dow Jones</a>, Simran Kaur, and Rachel Rodgers, Dunlap is a leader of a new wave of personal-finance education focused on teaching Gen Z and millennial women the fundamentals of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/feminist-finance-coach-reveals-retirement-blunder-costing-people-millions-2023-5">earning, paying off debt, and investing</a>, using a savvy blend of traditional financial advice, irreverent social commentary, and high-travel memes. You can think of it as financial education for the "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-anti-work-girl-boss-lazy-girl-jobs-2023-6">lazy-girl job</a>" generation — those who decry the corporate hustle and seek out low-stress jobs that don't take over their lives. In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Mjz8dRxOR/?hl=en">one video</a>, Kaur, the New Zealand-based <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/girls-that-invest-founder-media-company-podcast-instagram-tiktok-revenue-2023-9">creator of Girls That Invest</a>, does her makeup in front of a mirror as she discusses how she's using her investment earnings to build her own trust fund to live on. The message? You too can invest your way out of the 9-to-5 life.If you ask these women, however, they'll say the trend has nothing to do with being lazy and everything to do with giving women the tools they need to take control of their financial destiny. "We're taking something very inaccessible and making it accessible," Dunlap said. If men can use their financial savvy to get rich, then so can women. And in a world where many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-most-financially-savvy-generation-retirement-saving-investing-2023-11">Gen Zers and millennials expect to be working well past retirement age</a>, the advice is finding an eager audience.On the first day of her first full-time job out of college in 2018, Haley Sacks was asked to fill out her health insurance and 401(k) contributions. "I really wanted to make a good impression, so that night I went home and did what any self-respecting millennial would do," the New York native said. "I looked on YouTube for information, and I was really taken aback by what I found."Nearly all the financial-education content geared toward women focused on home-economics fare like saving and budgeting, she said. Meanwhile, the content she actually needed, which explained the fundamentals of investing, not only was "very dry" but seemed primarily made with a male audience in mind. "I couldn't really find anyone who was teaching money the way that I wanted to learn it," Sacks said. "So I became her." Now, six years later, Sacks, who goes by Mrs. Dow Jones on social media, has 1 million followers on Instagram, where she posts pop-culture-inflected videos on topics like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3qgCggOZxh/?hl=en">how to predict layoffs at your job</a> and why the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6cP5t4rxtu/?hl=en"> Cartier Love bracelets</a> Kylie Jenner is famous for wearing may not be a good investment.People like Sacks and Dunlap aren't the first female celebrity personal-finance experts. Sacks pointed to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/suze-orman-astrology-burnout-why-millennials-shouldnt-buy-coffee-2020-3">Suze Orman</a> — the pioneering personal-finance guru, author, and TV host — as someone who "walked so all of us could run." But until recently, women looking to wrap their heads around the intricacies of high-interest savings accounts and low-cost index funds had scant few options that spoke directly to them. Personal-finance education in US high schools used to be rare — though it's gotten better in the last few years with half of US states now mandating it. And women-specific financial-education literature tended to focus less on investing in real estate or negotiating a higher salary than on learning how to curb one's spending on supposedly "frivolous" items like coffee, manicures, and haircuts. The message, Dunlap said, boiled down to: "Men get to be millionaires by making more money and being the fullest version of themselves. The way to become a millionaire for women is to basically hate your life." On one level, these influencers are offering well-trodden financial advice packaged for a new audience: Dunlap's book has sections on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/what-is-an-emergency-fund">building an emergency fund</a>, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paid-off-credit-card-debt-solid-plan-2024-6">getting out of debt</a>, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-retired-early-financial-independence-fire-strategies-six-figure-income-2024-5">investing for retirement</a>. She said women comprise 95% of her audience. "We joke that it's largely girls, gays, and theys," she said. Sacks, who calls herself a "zillennial finance expert," said that her content is aimed at people of all genders but that women tend to gravitate to it because of the person who's talking. "We all have the same message," Sacks said. "It's sort of like finding the right trainer who motivates you."These influencers do break from tradition in a few key ways. Citing high interest rates, rising home prices, and a booming stock market, Sacks and Dunlap have made the case for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/renting-vs-buying-homeownership-wont-make-genz-rich-increase-wealth-2024-7">renting instead of buying</a>. In "Financial Feminist," Dunlap recommends readers focus on building a three- to six-month emergency fund before paying off debt so they're prepared for a layoff or dangerous home situation. Sacks recommends young people job-hop to keep up with inflation and cost-of-living increases if necessary. "You should be making 15% more every single year," she said. "And if you're not making that at your current job, then you should change jobs." (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epi.org/nominal-wage-tracker/">Research from the Economic Policy Institute</a> indicates that since 2007 US employees have received an average wage increase of 3.9% a year.)Rita Soledad Fernández Paulino, a California-based money coach and creator focused on women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ people, said their goal is to help people become "work-optional" by leveraging their investments. "I like the idea of everyone working because they want to and not because they have to," they said.Leah Sheppard, a professor of management and associate dean for equity and inclusion at Washington State University's Carson College of Business, sees this wave of financial education as a reflection of an awareness among Gen Zers and millennials that the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/loyalty-employee-employer-job-security-broken-work-companies-bosses-2024-1">boomer-era version of the American dream</a> — where you work your way up the ladder for 40 years at a single employer and put away enough to retire — no longer applies to them. "Young people are thinking, 'When will I get to a place where I don't really have to worry about money?'" she said. "If they're thinking, 'Traditional employment is not working well, I don't want to start a business' — well, what's the other way? And it's probably getting really smart about how you save money, taking the money that you are saving and investing it and building wealth." Sacks sees it as a matter of young people wanting to take the future into their own hands. "You have to be more self-reliant now than our parents ever had to be," she said.Kyla Scanlon, the author of the 2024 book "In This Economy?", sees the interest in financial-education content on social media as symptomatic of a curiosity about alternative revenue streams, spurred by the rise of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/robinhood-collapse-what-happened-retail-investing-meme-stocks-future-finance-2022-2">fintech apps like Robinhood</a> and populist financial movements like crypto and GameStop. "People are looking at the market. They're looking at different income sources, Airbnb, the gigification of everything — and then just how do you have passive income outside of traditional income?" Scanlon said.For <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gambling-young-men-sports-betting-crypto-meme-stock-market-addiction-2024-4">young men, this often takes the shape of riskier investments</a> like sports gambling, crypto, and meme stocks. Young women, on the other hand, are turning to more tried-and-true tactics.In a survey of 2,000 adults conducted in July 2023, Fidelity Investments found that Gen Z women were more likely to say they participated in the stock market than any other age group, with 71% of women ages 18 to 26 saying they had invested, compared with 63% of millennial women and 57% of boomer women. These figures dovetail with an uptick in the percentage of people under 35 who held stocks and retirement accounts in 2022 compared with 2019, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, though the Fed doesn't break these figures down by gender.Whether the goal is to retire early or to job-hop your way to a six-figure salary, this wave of financial advice departs from the "lean-in," <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-girl-boss-analysis-2020-7">"girlboss" flavor of feminism</a> that dominated conversations about women and work in the 2010s. "We're just more disillusioned with corporate," Dunlap said. "We're more disillusioned with the way we make money."Instead, it's advice for a generation of women who see their experiences reflected in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lazy-girl-job-is-just-a-healthy-job-2023-12">memes like the "lazy-girl job."</a> "The lazy-girl thing is just like, 'Oh, give me a little bit of rest in addition to my work,'" Dunlap said. "I think that's completely reasonable." But talking about this stuff in public as a woman or queer person can be fraught. Dunlap said she gets "called every insulting thing you can call a woman on a daily basis" and has been on the receiving end of death threats. She said people aren't used to seeing women talking in public about money, and especially not about being rich. "We have different expectations for how men and women should behave, especially around money," she said. "Women shouldn't want it. You should be grateful for the things you have."Other women BI spoke with said they faced harassment. "There's a certain group of men who just don't like women," Scanlon said. But for the most part, the influencers stressed that their content was resonating with the people it was supposed to resonate with. "The comments section on any video is a mess, but it's also the most supportive, lovely thing," Dunlap said. "So many women, championing me, championing each other, championing themselves."The experts BI spoke with all had their own ways of describing the movement. Fernández Paulino said they see themself as belonging to a community of people who approach money and finance in a way that acknowledges the systemic issues that interfere with people's wealth and wellness — such as the economic effects of structural racism and transphobia, or the fact that American women weren't allowed to own a credit card or take out a mortgage in their own name until the 1970s. "For me, it's like, I can have wealth too. You can have wealth too. It's not a you problem; it's a we problem," they said.Dunlap invented her own term to describe it: financial feminism. "It's this idea of getting yourself financially to a point where you are stable, safe, and you have enough wealth to have options, and then using that wealth as a tool to make an impact," she said. In other words, she wants to help women navigate the economic systems we're all swimming in, so they can help other women by changing those systems from within.<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/emilie-friedlander">Emilie Friedlander</a> is a journalist and editor from Brooklyn, currently based in Philadelphia. She co-hosts <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://theculturejournalist.substack.com/">The Culture Journalist</a>, a podcast about culture in the age of platforms.

Gen Zers are investing their way out of the 9-to-5

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Billionaire investor Bill Gross says the stock market's record-breaking run is set to slow.</li><li>He recommends that investors reposition toward defensive and high-yielding stocks.</li></ul>Though this year's record-beating stock rally <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-outlook-goldman-sachs-boosts-sp500-price-target-again-2024-10#:~:text=Goldman%20Sachs%20raised%20its%20S%26P,trends%20should%20boost%20earnings%20growth.">continues to impress</a> Wall Street, billionaire investor Bill Gross isn't so sure the bull market will maintain its hot pace for much longer.According to the so-called Bond King's latest <a target="_blank" href="https://williamhgross.com/investment-outlook-archive/">note</a>, investors should reposition toward defensive and higher-yielding stocks as momentum winds down. He also recommended low exposure to fixed income, having previously <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/bonds/bond-yeidls-bill-gross-rising-treasury-issuance-government-debt-deficits-2024-5">criticized current Treasury conditions.</a>"No bear market, but it's not the same bull market anymore," Gross said, adding that equities are set for "low buy positive" returns going forward.Gross also listed four of his favorite investments at present time:The first is <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/ale-stock">Allete</a>, an electric-service company that has risen 5% year-to-date. It's a buyout with 10% upside over the next 12 months, he said.Gross also touted multiple limited partnership pipelines, an investment he frequently emphasizes as a fruitful alternative to bonds. He cited that MLPs offer 8% tax-deferred yields. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/bill-gross-investing-strategy-oil-gas-piplines-limited-partnerships-ai-2024-5">Back in May</a> he said that MLPs had been "almost as good as AI."On the theme of Treasury alternatives, Gross also cited <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/nly-stock">Annaly Capital Management</a>, a high-yielding mortgage REIT.He also sees <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/bonds/municipal-bonds-muni-recession-outlook-sahm-yield-curve-charles-schwab-2024-8">municipal income</a> funds as a worthwhile investment, as many have offered over 7% tax-free yields. Gross named the DWS Municipal Income Trust as one example but noted that there are between 20 and 30 others to choose from."7% may not last forever, but for now these funds trade at 6-8%," he said.Gross isn't going as far as to predict that the stock bull run is about to crash, only that a number of headwinds are around the corner. These range from extended valuations to an assortment of macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds.Gross specifically cited higher corporate taxes under a Kamala Harris presidency, as well as stunted growth if military tensions keep escalating globally. Rising deficits — an issue the investor has <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/bonds/bill-gross-us-debt-crisis-deficit-inflation-federal-reserve-default-2024-2">repetitively warned against</a> — will eventually slow down spending.Gross also referred to the record cash pile held by legendary investor Warren Buffett, which some see as a <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/warren-buffett-record-cash-pile-stock-market-crash-signal-berkshire-2024-5">sign that the market could soon sell off sharply</a>. To Gross, it at least signals a "bumpy road ahead."His note also cited some positives to counter the listed headwinds, such as falling inflation and continued investment in artificial intelligence.

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Beyond stocks and bonds: Understanding the PMS & AIF ecosystem in India

Bhavesh Bhanushali

Cash is no longer king. Here are 3 alternatives investors are trading it for, according to chief money managers.

Laila Maidan

Investing giants want to offer retail traders access to a booming sector of financial markets

Kelly Cloonan

Household savings are choosing mutual funds over banks to invest savings: RBI Governor

ANI

Gen Zers are investing their way out of the 9-to-5

Emilie Friedlander

Billionaire 'Bond King' Bill Gross recommends 4 defensive investments for a bull market he sees losing steam

Filip De Mott

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