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The country's <keyword id="20631272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="merchandise-exports" source="keywords">merchandise exports</keyword> are expected to increase about USD 60-70 billion to <keyword id="20120060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="USD-500-billion" source="keywords">USD 500 billion</keyword> by the end of FY25, apex exporters' body <keyword id="20516660" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FIEO" source="keywords">FIEO</keyword> said on Thursday. Federation of <keyword id="702966" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-export" source="Orion">Indian Export</keyword> Organisations (FIEO) President <keyword id="19991031" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashwini-Kumar" source="keywords">Ashwini Kumar</keyword> also said the country's <keyword id="20061029" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="services-exports" source="keywords">services exports</keyword> are also likely to reach USD 390-400 billion this fiscal. "We are looking for merchandise <keyword id="19916774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exports" source="keywords">exports</keyword> between USD 500-510 billion in 2024-25. In the services, we expect exports to be around USD 390-400 billion for the current fiscal," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi. She said <keyword id="20677957" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traditional-markets" source="keywords">traditional markets</keyword> like the US and Europe will help in <keyword id="21683869" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="boosting-Indias-exports" source="keywords">boosting India's exports</keyword>. In 2023-24, exports had dipped over 3 per cent to USD 437 billion.

India's merchandise exports to rise 12-15%, reach USD 400 billion this fiscal: FIEO

<ul><li><keyword id="9586347" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashwini-Kumar-Tewari">Ashwini Kumar Tewari</keyword> will take over as the new MD and CEO of the Company with effect from August 1, 2020 for a period of two years.</li><li>In a regulatory filing on Thursday SBI Cards said that Prasad's resignation comes into effect from the close of business on July 31.</li><li>SBI Cards and Payments Services' MD and CEO Hardayal Prasad has resigned from the post owing to this voluntary retirement from the State Bank of India and Ashwini Kumar Tewari has been appointed the new MD and CEO.</li></ul> SBI Cards and Payments Services' MD and CEO Hardayal Prasad has resigned from the post owing to this voluntary retirement from the State Bank of India and Ashwini Kumar Tewari has been appointed the new MD and CEO. In a regulatory filing on Thursday SBI Cards said that Prasad's resignation comes into effect from the close of business on July 31. Ashwini Kumar Tewari will take over as the new MD and CEO of the Company with effect from August 1, 2020 for a period of two years. The filing said that the board on Wednesday approved the "appointment of Ashwini Kumar Tewari as Managing Director &amp; CEO (nominated by State Bank of India) of the company with effect from August 1, 2020 for a period of two years, subject to all the requisite approvals including approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. This is to further confirm that Tewari is not related to any of the directors of the company". Shares of the company on the BSE are currently trading at Rs 706.05, higher by Rs 14.15 or 2.05 per cent from its previous close. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jio-glass-akash-ambani-and-isha-ambani-announce-reliances-latest-product-which-offers-holographic-video-calls/articleshow/76977640.cms">Jio Glass – Akash Ambani and Isha Ambani announce Reliance’s latest product which offers holographic video calls</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/wipro-share-price-16-increase-leads-to-surge-in-infosys-share-price-too/articleshow/76973619.cms">Wipro share price 16% increase leads to surge in Infosys share price too</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/moderna-covid19-vaccine-will-be-in-final-stages-of-human-trial-starting-july-27/articleshow/76972580.cms">Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine will be in final stages of human trial starting July 27</a>

SBI Card CEO resigns, Ashwini Kumar Tewari to takeover

Ah, <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword>! The shiny metal that's been making humans lose their minds since time immemorial. And yet, from King Midas to our neighbourhood aunty and even our moms (and secretly dads), everyone seems to have a super soft spot for the bullion. But here's the kicker: right now, gold prices are breaking all records on their upward trajectory! As of today, prices of 24k carat gold have passed the Rs 80,000 mark per 10 grams. And if experts are to be believed, this train isn't stopping anytime soon! So, as shiny as gold might look, adding even a bit of its glitter as we start decking up for the festive season might not be so easy on your pockets. But let's admit it—we love our gold and can't live without it. No wonder India is the second-largest consumer of the yellow metal in the world, only behind <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="China" source="Orion">China</keyword>. Such is our fondness for the metal that the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-gold-council" source="keywords">World Gold Council</keyword> had to up our 2024 annual demand forecast to 850 tonnes, up from the previously estimated 750 tonnes. However, our love for gold isn't just about looking fabulously embellished and blinding people with its bling. Indians also see gold as a long-term, trusty investment, supporting our other hard-earned assets, especially when high <keyword id="22195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Inflation" source="Orion">inflation</keyword> rates pull our returns down. After all, while inflationary pressures generally weaken the purchasing power of our regular paper money, gold is built differently. When the world is buckling to inflation, gold gains value during these times. This is also why it is considered a solid hedge against inflation. With Diwali and Dhanteras knocking at our doors, the inflation demon continued to bother India like a guest who refused to leave. Just last month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 5.49%, much higher than the anticipated levels. Moreover, the diverging policy stances among central bankers worldwide, growing geopolitical tensions, tough job markets, and extreme weather events are only adding to the uncertainty. In such economically uncertain times, what should your gold strategy be this festive season? To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Well, let’s get to it. <h2><keyword id="20050894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-etfs" source="keywords">Gold ETFs</keyword> to the rescue</h2>See, buying physical gold jewellery is certainly a flex, but also a financial fuss. First, you pay a heavy amount to buy gold. Not to mention all those extra, hefty jewellery-making charges. And then you pay even more money to keep it safe in a bank locker, lest it get stolen. But what if we tell you that you can own pure <keyword id="3311599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="24K-gold" source="Orion">24k gold</keyword>, minus all these frills? Welcome, Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Simply put, gold ETFs are like the cool cousins of your traditional gold investments. Instead of stashing gold bars under your mattress like those maniac millionaires we see in Bollywood films, you can now invest and trade in gold through the stock market. It's basically buying units of an ETF on the stock exchange that directly mirror the ongoing domestic prices of gold. Generally, gold ETFs are equivalent to 99.5% pure physical gold bars, and each ETF unit denotes actual, one gram of gold. And let's face it, who would not want that golden glow in their lives? Gold ETFs have witnessed an over seven-fold surge in their AUM (assets under management) in just the last five years. From Rs 5,613.22 crore in September 2019 to Rs 39,823.50 crore in September 2024, gold ETFs seem to be in-thing. Inflows in gold ETFs have shot up by a whopping 2,695% over the last 5 years. In September 2019, gold ETFs had garnered a mere Rs 44.11 crore. Compare that to the inflows worth Rs 1,232.99 crore gold ETFs received last month. Talk about growing, or glowing popularity! In fact, in just 2024, inflows in gold ETFs have surged by nearly 88% since the beginning of this calendar year. From Rs 657.46 crore in January 2024 to Rs 1,232.99 crore in September 2024, good old gold is never out of season. <h2>So, how do these ETFs work? Should I invest in them now?</h2>All you need is a Demat account. Log into your account, choose the gold ETF scheme you want to invest in, and voila! You’re now a bullion-aire! All your gold ETF units will be stored in this account. Then, you can buy and sell gold ETFs just like you buy shares—in real-time. So, if gold prices inch upwards, which is where gold is currently going, the value of your ETF units will also rise in lockstep. Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Data at ICRA Analytics, says that of late, gold ETFs have been increasingly gaining popularity among investors due to the liquidity, safety and transparency they offer. "With the escalating global geopolitical tensions boosting the ‘safe-haven’ appeal of the bullion, investors are preferring to park their funds in gold ETFs as compared to investing in physical gold, as there is no hassle of storing it. The heightened activity in gold ETFs is also driven by the prospects of an imminent further interest rate cut by the <keyword id="20078761" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="u-s-federal-reserve" source="keywords">U.S. Federal Reserve</keyword> in the coming months,” he added. “Investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon may consider investment through gold ETFs. A buy-on-dips strategy here may help investors capitalise on a temporary correction in prices. Also, given the current market dynamics where equities are showing mixed trends, a modest, 5-10% allocation to gold may serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, which may help you balance risks in an optimum manner,” Kumar noted. <h2> Wait, there is no dearth of options</h2>But if ETFs make you go WTF, there’s always digital gold. You can invest in the yellow metal without actually physically holding it for as low as Rs 1. The best part? You can buy or sell this gold 24 X7 seamlessly via multiple apps without having to pay storage costs. On your behalf, your gold is stored in insured vaults by the seller. But remember, digital gold continues to remain unregulated territory in the country, where you venture at your own risk. In 2021, market watchdog SEBI had even asked its members to desist from selling digital gold. Then there are gold mutual funds and the Sarkari SGBs, or sovereign gold bonds. While gold mutual funds invest primarily in gold ETFs, SGBs are issued by the <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> and are also a reliable substitute for holding physical gold. However, with the RBI currently putting brakes on issuing SGBs, investing in them is out of the question. Plus, you should only get your hands on SGBs if you're in for the long haul. Apart from a 2.5% p.a. interest, you don't have any yearly earnings from them. Moreover, no premature redemption is allowed before 5 years, and you'll have to wait a good 8 years to maximise your returns. <h2> Okay, tell me about returns</h2>In contrast, the seventeen gold ETF schemes currently present in the market offer an average one-year return of 29.12%. Stay with it a little longer, and you can end up with returns worth 16.93% and 13.59% over a 3 and 5-year period, respectively. If you look at it, these returns are comparable with the returns delivered by actual, physical gold. Data from Value Research indicates that gold, as a commodity, has delivered returns worth 27.24%, 16.53%, and 14.18% over a 1, 3, and 5-year period, respectively. So, worth investing, right? <h2>What are the risks?</h2>See, stock markets are as unpredictable as monsoons in Mumbai. One significant market correction can wash away your returns, and one sunny day or an upswing can leave you wallowing in wealth. Since your gold investments are directly linked to these markets, you should steel yourself up for some volatility. Plus, international gold prices are in dollars. So, if our rupee decides to take a nosedive, your returns might look a bit tarnished. Also, know that your ETF might not always perfectly mirror gold prices, which is also known as a tracking error. It's like expecting your Zomato-ordered food to look exactly like the picture on the menu—it's close, but not quite. Then there’s the taxation bit. The budget this year brought down the <keyword id="20552259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ltcg" source="keywords">LTCG</keyword> (long-term capital gains tax) on gold ETFs from the previous 20% to 12.5% (sans indexation). LTCG is what you pay if you sell your ETF units after 12 months. If you sell your gold ETF units within a year and make handsome returns, the tax you’ll have to pay will be equivalent to your income tax slab rate. <h2>Is gold just for old?</h2>A survey by fintech firm Moneyview thinks otherwise. Per their findings, over 85% of the 3,000 respondents it talked to considered gold to be a valuable asset for wealth preservation, with its intrinsic value and historical performance continuing to drive consumer confidence. Particularly, young investors in the age group of 25–40 years are also investing in gold via both physical and digital ways to build wealth for retirement and other long-term goals. So, young or old, everyone’s going for gold. So, this festive season, with gold prices going north, investing in gold can add that much-needed glitz to your financial attire. But remember, don't go overboard since gold isn't exactly a high-return-yielding asset. But whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify or a newbie trying to make their way in the markets, investing in gold offers you a glittering safety cushion. Just remember, while gold can make your portfolio shine, it's your smart investment decisions that truly make you golden. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified, and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

<div type="image" title="Save yourself the trouble of buying physical gold this Diwali, and instead, go digital with Gold ETFs!" height="900" width="1200" msid="114507055" hostid="261" sizebytes="439216" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Save yourself the trouble of buying physical gold this Diwali, and instead, go digital with Gold ETFs!&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Ah, <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword>! The shiny metal that's been making humans lose their minds since time immemorial. And yet, from <keyword id="23657519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="king-midas" source="keywords">King Midas</keyword> to our neighbourhood aunty and even our moms (and secretly dads), everyone seems to have a super soft spot for the <keyword id="6384667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bullion" source="Orion">bullion</keyword>. But here's the kicker: right now, gold prices are breaking all records on their upward trajectory! As of today, prices of 24k carat gold have passed the Rs 80,000 mark per 10 grams. And if experts are to be believed, this train isn't stopping anytime soon! So, as shiny as gold might look, adding even a bit of its glitter as we start decking up for the festive season might not be so easy on your pockets. But let's admit it—we love our gold and can't live without it. No wonder India is the second-largest consumer of the yellow metal in the world, only behind China. Such is our fondness for the metal that the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-gold-council" source="keywords">World Gold Council</keyword> had to up our 2024 annual demand forecast to 850 tonnes, up from the previously estimated 750 tonnes. However, our love for gold isn't just about looking fabulously embellished and blinding people with its bling. Indians also see gold as a long-term, trusty investment, supporting our other hard-earned assets, especially when high <keyword id="22195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Inflation" source="Orion">inflation</keyword> rates pull our returns down. After all, while inflationary pressures generally weaken the purchasing power of our regular paper money, gold is built differently. When the world is buckling to inflation, gold gains value during these times. This is also why it is considered a solid hedge against inflation. With <keyword id="188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali" source="Orion">Diwali</keyword> and <keyword id="4067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dhanteras" source="Orion">Dhanteras</keyword> knocking at our doors, the inflation demon continued to bother India like a guest who refused to leave. Just last month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 5.49%, much higher than the anticipated levels. Moreover, the diverging policy stances among central bankers worldwide, growing geopolitical tensions, tough job markets, and extreme weather events are only adding to the uncertainty. In such economically uncertain times, what should your gold strategy be this festive season? To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Well, let’s get to it. <h2><keyword id="20050894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-etfs" source="keywords">Gold ETFs</keyword> to the rescue</h2>See, buying physical gold jewellery is certainly a flex, but also a financial fuss. First, you pay a heavy amount to buy gold. Not to mention all those extra, hefty jewellery-making charges. And then you pay even more money to keep it safe in a bank locker, lest it get stolen. But what if we tell you that you can own pure 24k gold, minus all these frills? Welcome, Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Simply put, gold ETFs are like the cool cousins of your traditional gold investments. Instead of stashing gold bars under your mattress like those maniac millionaires we see in Bollywood films, you can now invest and trade in gold through the stock market. It's basically buying units of an <keyword id="19930506" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="etf" source="keywords">ETF</keyword> on the stock exchange that directly mirror the ongoing domestic prices of gold. Generally, gold ETFs are equivalent to 99.5% pure physical gold bars, and each ETF unit denotes actual, one gram of gold. And let's face it, who would not want that golden glow in their lives? Gold ETFs have witnessed an over seven-fold surge in their AUM (assets under management) in just the last five years. From Rs 5,613.22 crore in September 2019 to Rs 39,823.50 crore in September 2024, gold ETFs seem to be in-thing. Inflows in gold ETFs have shot up by a whopping 2,695% over the last 5 years. In September 2019, gold ETFs had garnered a mere Rs 44.11 crore. Compare that to the inflows worth Rs 1,232.99 crore gold ETFs received last month. Talk about growing, or glowing popularity! In fact, in just 2024, inflows in gold ETFs have surged by nearly 88% since the beginning of this calendar year. From Rs 657.46 crore in January 2024 to Rs 1,232.99 crore in September 2024, good old gold is never out of season. <h2>So, how do these ETFs work? Should I invest in them now?</h2>All you need is a Demat account. Log into your account, choose the gold ETF scheme you want to invest in, and voila! You’re now a bullion-aire! All your gold ETF units will be stored in this account. Then, you can buy and sell gold ETFs just like you buy shares—in real-time. So, if gold prices inch upwards, which is where gold is currently going, the value of your ETF units will also rise in lockstep. Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Data at ICRA Analytics, says that of late, gold ETFs have been increasingly gaining popularity among investors due to the liquidity, safety and transparency they offer. "With the escalating global geopolitical tensions boosting the ‘safe-haven’ appeal of the bullion, investors are preferring to park their funds in gold ETFs as compared to investing in physical gold, as there is no hassle of storing it. The heightened activity in gold ETFs is also driven by the prospects of an imminent further interest rate cut by the <keyword id="20078761" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="u-s-federal-reserve" source="keywords">U.S. Federal Reserve</keyword> in the coming months,” he added. “Investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon may consider investment through gold ETFs. A buy-on-dips strategy here may help investors capitalise on a temporary correction in prices. Also, given the current market dynamics where equities are showing mixed trends, a modest, 5-10% allocation to gold may serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, which may help you balance risks in an optimum manner,” Kumar noted. <h2>Wait, there is no dearth of options</h2>But if ETFs make you go WTF, there’s always digital gold. You can invest in the yellow metal without actually physically holding it for as low as Rs 1. The best part? You can buy or sell this gold 24 X7 seamlessly via multiple apps without having to pay storage costs. On your behalf, your gold is stored in insured vaults by the seller. But remember, digital gold continues to remain unregulated territory in the country, where you venture at your own risk. In 2021, market watchdog SEBI had even asked its members to desist from selling digital gold. Then there are gold mutual funds and the Sarkari SGBs, or sovereign gold bonds. While gold mutual funds invest primarily in gold ETFs, SGBs are issued by the RBI and are also a reliable substitute for holding physical gold. However, with the RBI currently putting brakes on issuing SGBs, investing in them is out of the question. Plus, you should only get your hands on SGBs if you're in for the long haul. Apart from a 2.5% p.a. interest, you don't have any yearly earnings from them. Moreover, no premature redemption is allowed before 5 years, and you'll have to wait a good 8 years to maximise your returns. <h2>Okay, tell me about returns</h2>In contrast, the seventeen gold ETF schemes currently present in the market offer an average one-year return of 29.12%. Stay with it a little longer, and you can end up with returns worth 16.93% and 13.59% over a 3- and 5-year period, respectively. If you look at it, these returns are comparable with the returns delivered by actual, physical gold. Data from Value Research indicates that gold, as a commodity, has delivered returns worth 27.24%, 16.53%, and 14.18% over a 1, 3, and 5-year period, respectively. So, worth investing, right? <h2>What are the risks?</h2>See, markets are as unpredictable as monsoons in Mumbai. One significant market correction can wash away your returns, and one sunny day or an upswing can leave you wallowing in wealth. Since your gold investments are directly linked to these markets, you should steel yourself up for some volatility. Plus, international gold prices are in dollars. So, if our rupee decides to take a nosedive, your returns might look a bit tarnished. Also, know that your ETF might not always perfectly mirror gold prices, which is also known as a tracking error. It's like expecting your Zomato-ordered food to look exactly like the picture on the menu—it's close, but not quite. Then there’s the taxation bit. The budget this year brought down the LTCG (long-term capital gains tax) on gold ETFs from the previous 20% to 12.5% (sans indexation). LTCG is what you pay if you sell your ETF units after 12 months. If you sell your gold ETF units within a year and make handsome returns, the tax you’ll have to pay will be equivalent to your income tax slab rate. <h2>Is gold just for old?</h2>A survey by fintech firm Moneyview thinks otherwise. Per their findings, over 85% of the 3,000 respondents it talked to considered gold to be a valuable asset for wealth preservation, with its intrinsic value and historical performance continuing to drive consumer confidence. Particularly, young investors in the age group of 25–40 years are also investing in gold via both physical and digital ways to build wealth for retirement and other long-term goals. So, young or old, everyone’s going for gold. So, this festive season, with gold prices going north, investing in gold can add that much-needed glitz to your financial attire. But remember, don't go overboard since gold isn't exactly a high-return-yielding asset. But whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify or a newbie trying to make their way in the markets, investing in gold offers you a glittering safety cushion. Just remember, while gold can make your portfolio shine, it's your smart investment decisions that truly make you golden. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified, and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Simply put: Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

Patna, All eyes were trained on <keyword id="19903647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bihar" source="keywords">Bihar</keyword> Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday, with the JD(U) president appearing to be inching towards his second political volte face in less than three years. For Kumar, who has maintained a deafening silence over the turmoil in the 'Mahagathbandhan', ignoring pleas from allies RJD, Congress and the Left to clear the confusion, it was business as usual. The longest-serving CM began the day by flagging off a number of new fire brigade engines at the city's veterinary college ground, which saw him address a mammoth party rally earlier this week. He followed it up with a visit to Buxar, for inauguration of a beautification project of a renowned temple, a project of the tourism department that is held by his deputy <keyword id="19916246" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tejashwi-yadav" source="keywords">Tejashwi Yadav</keyword>, who remained conspicuous by his absence. The attendees included senior BJP leader and Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, who is the local MP. Choubey declined to comment on the ongoing upheaval. BJP state in-charge Vinod Tawde, who is in Patna to attend a meeting, also kept cards close to the chest, but blamed the Congress for the imminent "break up" of Nitish Kumar with the opposition INDIA bloc, of which he was seen as the veritable architect. Meanwhile, <keyword id="19987210" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="janata-dal" source="keywords">Janata Dal</keyword> (United)'s political adviser and spokesperson K C Tyagi told reporters in Delhi that the grand alliance government in Bihar is on the verge of collapse, and accused a section of the Congress leadership of repeatedly "insulting" Kumar. "The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," he said. Upon Kumar's return to Patna, top leaders of the JD(U) began pouring in at the official residence of the party president, who is expected to put in his papers as chief minister and stake claim for the formation of a new government, armed with the BJP's support. Leaders of the RJD also gathered at the residence of national vice-president and former chief minister <keyword id="20102182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rabri-devi" source="keywords">Rabri Devi</keyword>, who shares her government bungalow with Tejashwi Yadav, her son, and husband <keyword id="19900762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lalu-prasad" source="keywords">Lalu Prasad</keyword>, who is the party president. All party leaders were made to deposit their mobile phones outside the gates of 10, Circular Road, the house situated at a stone's throw from the chief minister's residence. Sources claiming to be in the know of things said the deliberations were about the course of action to be followed in the event of Kumar calling off the alliance. While some RJD leaders are said to be in favour of staking claim to form the new government, hoping to cobble-up support of eight MLAs the 'Mahagathbandhan' requires to go past the majority mark, others, including Tejashwi Yadav, appear to be not impressed with the idea since the JD(U) and the BJP together have more than 122 members in the 243-strong assembly.

All eyes on Nitish as political storm brews in Bihar

<ul><li>Investments in gold ETFs grew by a whopping 472% at ₹841 crore in October ‘23.</li><li>Despite words of caution by experts, <keyword id="6416579" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-investors" source="Orion">retail investors</keyword> continue to bet on midcap funds for better returns, thanks to government policies.</li><li>The weight of automobiles in overall allocation jumped to an almost 5-year high of 8.4% (up 10 bps MoM and 70 bps YoY) in October 2023. </li></ul> All that glitters is gold when it comes to the festive season in India. A month ahead of Diwali, retail investors chose to tank up on gold funds, going by data released by the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI). Moreover, the weightage on sectors like auto, utilities and insurance stocks increased significantly while sectors such as banking saw a moderation. Investments in gold ETFs (exchange traded funds) grew by a whopping 472% at ₹841 crore in October compared to ₹147 crore in the same period last year. But that is not all, retail investors are now mature and picking themes with a view on higher value creation over the long term. The month of October reflects this trend quite clearly. As large caps continue to struggle, retail investors continue to bulk up on small and midcap funds that have already delivered over 40% returns this year. After a short blip in September, small cap funds attracted higher inflows to the tune of around ₹4,495 crore in October, up from ₹2,678 crore in September. According to ICRA Analytics, for a country to grow it should grow intrinsically strong and adopt a bottoms-up approach. The government is focusing on this and is making policies to strengthen such small companies. This is likely to augur well for small and mid-sized firms and would help in higher value creation. G. Pradeepkumar, CEO, Union Mutual Fund, says: “If one takes into account the allocations to mid and small caps in categories such as multicap, flexicap and large &amp; mid Cap, it appears that anywhere from 40% to 50% of the total net flows could have gone to mid and small-cap stocks. While the long-term outlook for these companies is positive, investors should remain cautious about the possibility of short-term market volatility and consider a staggered approach to their investments.” It is not just betting on smaller stocks that will lead to higher value creation that shows that the Indian retail investor has evolved. Analysis shows that the pace of redemptions slowed down to Rs 26,000 crore (down 14.8% month-on-month). Consequently, net inflows accelerated to ₹22,000 crore in October from ₹15,500 crore in September 2023. Financialisation of savings is a big trend that has been playing out since 2016 in India. The retail investor’s faith in the India story has not faded despite the headwinds. Explains Ashwini Kumar, Head Market Data, ICRA Analytics, “Net inflows during the month of October 2023 have grown by a whooping 473% at ₹80,528 crore, as against ₹14,047 crore in October 2022.” The sectoral shift The story gets even more interesting when one digs deeper into the monthly flows. Net inflows into equity-oriented schemes grew by 113% at ₹19,957 crore in October, up from ₹9,390 crore in the same period last year. According to analysis done by Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFS), the month saw notable changes in the sector and stock allocation of funds. Retail investors are doubling down on automobiles, utilities, consumer and insurance sectors. On a MoM basis, the weights of all these sectors increased while that of banks (Private &amp; PSU) , technology, capital goods, and metals moderated. The weight of automobiles jumped to an almost five-year (59-month) high of 8.4% (up 10 basis points month-on-month and +70 basis point year-on-year) in October 2023. Utilities’ weight climbed for the second consecutive month to a 38-month high of 3.9% (+10bp MoM, +60bp YoY), says MOFS. The weightage for private banks moderated for the fourth consecutive month to 18.7% (-20bp MoM, flat YoY) in October 2023. PSU Banks overall weight declined to 3% (-20bp MoM, -70bp YoY) and this is the lowest since February 2021.

It’s not banks but insurance that the retail investors now fancy

<ul><li>On an average, a loan could get extended by around ₹3.5-5 lakhs depending on the rupee exchange value at the time of the loan, said Ashwini Kumar, VP at MPower Financing.</li><li>Apart from tuition cost, Indians students also have to support themselves abroad and living expenses are going up as well.</li><li>The third part of the triple whammy is from rising interest rates. </li></ul>19-year-old Sakshi Shewale from Mumbai has been planning to go to Georgia in Europe for her medical course. The course costs around ₹30 lakh for the five-year course and unlike many others, her father is bankrolling it, without her having to take a loan. Yet, in the last few months a lot has changed. Europe is in the throes of a possible recession, the value of Indian rupee is depreciating and more importantly, inflation in the continent is also impacting budgeted expenses. “Looks like I might have to take a loan after all because my living expenses will change drastically. I have spoken to students who live there and they all tell the same story,” Shewale sighs. Her story is similar to a number of Indian <keyword id="15304331" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="students-wanting-to-study-abroad" source="Orion">students wanting to study abroad</keyword> but those who have already taken admission this year have it worse – on rupee depreciation alone. Since the beginning of 2022, the rupee has fallen more than 7% against the dollar. <div type="image" title="rupee" height="900" width="1200" msid="94974075" hostid="261" sizebytes="49035"></div> ‘Loans could balloon by ₹3.5-5 lakh’ If a student had taken a loan in March this year, when rupee was at 75 against the dollar, it would add a few lakh into the loan, as per Ashwini Kumar, VP at MPower Financing, a public benefit corporation that helps students to study abroad. For every dollar of the loan, an extra ₹7 is added and it would inflate the loan and the interest as well. “On an average, a loan could get extended by around ₹3.5-5 lakh depending on the rupee exchange value at the time of the loan,” Kumar told Business Insider India. The problems don’t end there. Apart from tuition costs, Indian students also have to support themselves there and living expenses are going up as well. The Eurozone inflation is being <a href="https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/09/30/record-inflation-which-country-in-europe-has-been-worst-hit-and-how-do-they-compare">pegged at 10%, as per estimates</a>. Inflation in the US too has recently <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/us-inflation-soars-to-8-2-per-cent-highest-in-40-years/articleshow/94842348.cms">hit a 40-year high</a>, messing with economics of students abroad. Most Indian students head to these destinations. The third part of the triple whammy is from rising interest rates. This financial year, the Indian central bank raised repo rates four times and the base rates now stand at 5.9%. More interest rate hikes are expected in the near term and most experts see base rates stabilising once it’s around 6-6.5%. “Loans linked to MCLR and BPLR will see a gradual increase in the interest rate in the near future. The EMIs of current and future borrowers will rise due to this,” said Ankit Mehra, CEO and co-founder of GyanDhan, an education loan market place. Moreover, the psychological impact of a possible depreciation in rupee will also largely play on the minds of US and Europe-bound students and their parents, said Kumar. Students still eye foreign degrees Studying abroad is going to become much more expensive. However, experts say that this is not discouraging students from pursuing their higher education dreams. Shewale too intends to absorb the extra costs but does not intend to change her plans. “The return on investment in terms of quality of education, career growth, international exposure, skills developed, and networking has more intrinsic worth,” said Mehra. Kumar too says that students who are planning to go abroad this year and the next, have been planning it two years before, and it’s unlikely that the road bumps will change their plans, though some may choose to delay it. “There are a few sections of society wherein parents are managing the EMIs on the border, which is due to get affected. A student who had to arrange ₹25 lakh for their overseas education prior to the rate hike will find it difficult to arrange for additional funds given the parental income has not increased proportionally to the hike in the interest rates,” said Mehra. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/maggi-maker-nestl-indias-net-profit-grows-8-3-to-668-crore-in-q2/articleshow/94960866.cms">Maggi maker Nestlé India’s net profit grows 8.3% to ₹668 crore in Q2</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/ultratech-cements-profit-tumbles-42-yoy-to-756-crore-due-to-higher-power-raw-material-costs/articleshow/94964556.cms">UltraTech Cement’s profit tumbles 42% YoY to ₹756 crore due to higher power, raw material costs</a>

Indian students going abroad to face a triple whammy of inflation, forex and interest rates

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6358156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="central-bank" source="Orion">central bank</keyword> has announced the withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes from circulation.</li><li>The RBI has given time till September 30, 2023 for people to deposit or exchange their ₹2,000 notes.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the withdrawal of the ₹2,000 notes and whether you can still use them.</li></ul> The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last week<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-to-withdraw-2000-currency-notes-from-circulation-will-continue-to-be-legal-tender/articleshow/100360976.cms"> announced</a> that it is withdrawing the ₹2,000 notes from circulation. However, unlike during the 2016 demonetisation, the central bank has provided ample time to get the notes exchanged. The news of the withdrawal of the notes is generating a lot of misinformation that is being spread on social media platforms and messaging applications. In this article, we help dispel some of these misconceptions and tell you how you can exchange your ₹2,000 notes. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Can you still use ₹2,000 notes?" comment="subhead" text="Can you still use ₹2,000 notes?">Can you still use ₹2,000 notes?</cmsannotation> The central bank has stated that the ₹2,000 notes will continue to be legal tender even after September 30, 2023. At the moment, there is no information from the government about when the notes will lose their legal tender status. According to a Business Standard report, the ₹2,000 notes may lose the legal tender status around the end of the year as the central government wishes to avoid the inconvenience caused during the 2016 demonetisation, when the legal tender status of ₹500 and ₹1,000 value notes was ended immediately. Extending the legal tender status of ₹2,000 notes beyond September will give ample time to people staying abroad and the country’s missions to deposit any high-value notes they may have, with banks. The report states that a notification withdrawing the legal tender status of the ₹2,000 notes may be released after September 2023. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to exchange ₹2,000 notes" comment="subhead" text="How to exchange ₹2,000 notes">How to exchange ₹2,000 notes</cmsannotation> There are two ways you can get rid of your ₹2,000 notes, besides spending them. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Deposit into your accounts" comment="subhead" text="Deposit into your accounts">Deposit into your accounts</cmsannotation> The easiest way is to deposit the ₹2,000 notes into your bank account. You can deposit ₹2,000 notes without any limit in your bank accounts, subject to the existing know-your-customer (KYC) norms. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Exchange at any bank" comment="subhead" text="Exchange at any bank">Exchange at any bank</cmsannotation> If you do not wish to deposit the ₹2,000 notes, you can also get them exchanged at any bank for notes of smaller denominations. However, unlike deposits, there is a daily limit on the amount that can be exchanged, to avoid disruption of regular banking services. You can exchange up to ₹20,000 per day, which equals to ten notes of ₹2,000. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to exchange your ₹2,000 note" comment="subhead" text="How to exchange your ₹2,000 note">How to exchange your ₹2,000 note</cmsannotation> To exchange your ₹2,000 note, all you have to do is take these notes to your nearest bank between May 23 and September 30, 2023. You can exchange ₹2,000 notes at any bank, even if you do not have an account at that bank. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Do you need any ID or documents to exchange ₹2,000 notes?" comment="subhead" text="Do you need any ID or documents to exchange ₹2,000 notes?">Do you need any ID or documents to exchange ₹2,000 notes?</cmsannotation> Amid online reports that you will need an identity proof to exchange your ₹2,000 notes, the State Bank of India (SBI) has clarified that people will not have to carry or show an identity proof to exchange their ₹2,000 notes at banks. This also means that one person will be able to make multiple exchanges on the same day at different banks, despite the ₹20,000 limit. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="PIL filed challenging exchange without identity proof" comment="subhead" text="PIL filed challenging exchange without identity proof">PIL filed challenging exchange without identity proof</cmsannotation> BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/pil-filed-against-rbi-sbi-notifications-permitting-rs-2000-note-exchange-without-id-proof/articleshow/100411563.cms">filed</a> a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court challenging the RBI and SBI notifications that allow people to exchange their ₹2,000 notes without having to present an identity proof. Upadhyay’s plea calls the decision arbitrary and irrational, and says it offends Article 14 of the Constitution of India, and is hence, inoperative. Further, Upadhyay has sought directions for RBI and SBI to ensure that ₹2,000 notes are deposited in respective bank accounts only so that no one can deposit black money into others accounts. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/battlegrounds-mobile-india-to-return-soon-company-receives-permission-from-government/articleshow/100346259.cms">Battlegrounds Mobile India is relaunching soon, but government says final call only after a 3-month trial</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-scooters-and-bikes-may-get-costlier-as-government-looks-to-revamp-the-fame-ii-scheme/articleshow/100321089.cms">Electric two wheelers may get costlier as government looks to revamp the FAME-II scheme</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-to-find-phone-numbers-registered-in-your-name-and-block-those-that-arent-yours/articleshow/100297548.cms">How to find phone numbers registered in your name and block those that aren’t yours</a>

You Searched For "Ashwini Kumar" and got 8 results

India's merchandise exports to rise 12-15%, reach USD 400 billion this fiscal: FIEO

PTI

SBI Card CEO resigns, Ashwini Kumar Tewari to takeover

IANS

Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

Ira Alok Puranik

Simply put: Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

Ira Alok Puranik

All eyes on Nitish as political storm brews in Bihar

PTI

It’s not banks but insurance that the retail investors now fancy

Malini Bhupta

Indian students going abroad to face a triple whammy of inflation, forex and interest rates

Katya Naidu

₹2,000 note withdrawal – How to exchange them, is it a legal tender and other questions answered

Sourabh Jain

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