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A recent report by Axis AMC shed light on the burgeoning Indian mutual fund industry. Since March 2021, the MF industry has grown at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 23.65%, touching an AUM (asset under management) of Rs 67.25 lakh crore in October 2024. <keyword id="20300870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Equity-Mutual-Funds" source="keywords">Equity mutual funds</keyword>, which garnered Rs 41,886.69 crore during the month, saw a 58.96% YoY growth. The biggest contributor to the equity segment was sectoral funds, which captured 29.3% of net equity sales in October 2024. In all, they brought in Rs 12,278.78 crore during October 2024. The AUM of <keyword id="20890471" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hybrid-Funds" source="keywords">hybrid funds</keyword> also stood at Rs 9.24 lakh crore during the month, registering an annual growth of 47.8% and inflows worth Rs 16,863.30 crore during October 2024. Amidst this, the arbitrage funds led in net sales, capturing 3.61% of their AUM with monthly inflows worth Rs 7,181.70 crores. There and more people are entering the Indian markets, as is evident in the growing SIP corpus (Systematic Investment Plans), which saw contributions worth Rs 25,323 crore in October 2024, a 54.7% year-over-year growth. In October 2024, about 63,69,919 new SIPs were registered, taking the number of SIP accounts to a record high of 10,12,34,212 The growth in equity investments was largely led by retail investors and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals). Since March 2021, the retail segment in mutual funds has seen a 31.2% CAGR, while banks and foreign investors have recorded a CAGR of 31.8% during the same period. Corporations were the biggest contributors to debt mutual funds. Notably, the AUM of debt funds grew 14.8% over the previous year to stand at Rs 10,65,037 crore as of October 2024. The category saw net sales worth Rs 47,699 crore last month. Also testimony to the growing interest of investors in mutual funds were the figures of <keyword id="23958398" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Passive-Mutual-Funds" source="keywords">passive mutual funds</keyword>, which recorded net sales worth Rs 8,025 crore during the month. Out of this, just index funds observed net sales of Rs 7,931 crore in the previous month. AUM from the top 30 Indian cities grew at 22.6% CAGR, whereas other cities grew at 27.8% CAGR since March 2021. FY25 also seemed to be the year where NFOs received an enthusiastic response from investors. So far, a total of 124 NFO schemes have managed to collect a total of over Rs 77,932 crore.

Mutual funds in spotlight: Industry grew at 23.65% CAGR since March 2021

Dear reader, Another week comes to an end, and with it, a fresh roundup of stories shaping the business and finance landscapes. This week, we explored data that challenges the idea that large IPOs automatically lead to large returns—18 of India’s biggest IPOs fell short of expectations. On the investment front, experts debunked the popular advice of ‘<keyword id="23577643" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="buying-the-dip" source="keywords">buying the dip</keyword>’ and suggest a better approach for long-term success. And in the world of <keyword id="19963428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quick-commerce" source="keywords">quick commerce</keyword>, recent incidents like bizarre notifications and uncalled-for freebies piqued social media's interest. For stargazers and romantics, the upcoming <keyword id="22852367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hunters-Moon" source="keywords">Hunter’s Moon</keyword> offers a beautiful setting for a moonlit night. And for career climbers, we have insights from a <keyword id="21560867" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="product-manager" source="keywords">product manager</keyword> who landed a $180,000 role at <keyword id="19904352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cisco" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Cisco" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Cisco">Cisco</keyword>, sharing <keyword id="21767233" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="resume-tips" source="keywords">resume tips</keyword> to help you stand out. Dive in, and enjoy this week’s highlights! <h2>Top stories of the week</h2> Do large IPOs guarantee large returns? Data suggests that 18 of India's biggest 30 IPOs did not generate solid returns A study of India’s top 30 IPOs reveals that a majority—18 of them—failed to deliver substantial returns to investors. Despite the hype surrounding large public offerings, data shows that a company’s size or popularity doesn’t always correlate with strong post-IPO performance. Investors are urged to manage their expectations and conduct thorough research before jumping into large IPOs, as high-profile launches don’t guarantee hefty returns. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/do-large-ipos-guarantee-large-returns-data-suggests-that-18-of-indias-biggest-30-ipos-did-not-generate-hefty-returns/articleshow/114302378.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> Free tomatoes to i-pill notification, recent quick commerce incidents that sparked outrage Recent incidents in India’s quick commerce sector have sparked widespread outrage, ranging from offering free tomatoes as promotional giveaways to sending unsolicited I-Pill notifications to customers. These occurrences highlight issues around <keyword id="19999043" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-privacy" source="keywords">consumer privacy</keyword>, safety, and inappropriate marketing strategies. As rapid delivery services continue to expand, so do concerns about their ethical and operational practices. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/free-tomatoes-to-i-pill-notification-recent-quick-commerce-incidents-that-sparked-outrage/articleshow/114315992.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> Why "buying the dip" is not always good advice, and the right time to start is now The age-old investment advice of ‘buying the dip’ may not always hold true, especially in unpredictable markets. Experts argue that waiting for stocks to drop before investing could result in missed opportunities, as market timings are nearly impossible to predict. Instead, the best strategy for long-term investors may be to focus on consistent investing, with the right time to start being now. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/why-buying-the-dip-is-not-always-good-advice-the-right-time-to-start-is-now/articleshow/114253456.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> Why this week's Hunter's Moon is the ultimate backdrop for the perfect moonlit date night The upcoming Hunter’s Moon, which will grace the skies this week, offers the perfect opportunity for a romantic, moonlit night. This full moon is not only visually stunning but also holds cultural significance, symbolizing harvest and abundance. For those seeking an atmospheric, nature-infused experience, this celestial event promises to be the ultimate backdrop for a memorable date night. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/article/why-this-weeks-hunters-moon-is-the-ultimate-backdrop-for-the-perfect-moonlit-date-night/articleshow/114317181.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> A product manager shares the résumé that helped him transition from consulting and land a $180,000 role at Cisco Transitioning from consulting to a high-paying role as a product manager at Cisco, one professional shared the resume that helped him land the $180,000 job. His strategic approach included tailoring his CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences, positioning himself as the perfect candidate for the tech giant. Aspiring product managers can take notes on crafting resumes that stand out in competitive job markets. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/a-product-manager-shares-the-rsum-that-helped-him-transition-from-consulting-and-land-a-180000-role-at-cisco/articleshow/114232654.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Read more</a> <h2><h2>Web Stories </h2> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/webstories/india-canada-tussle-a-timeline-of-escalating-tensions-under-trudeaus-regime/slidelist/114283096.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">India-Canada Tussle: A timeline of escalating tensions under Trudeau’s regime</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/webstories/india-canada-tussle-a-timeline-of-escalating-tensions-under-trudeaus-regime/slidelist/114283096.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/webstories/the-weirdest-guinness-world-records-ever-set/slidelist/114288059.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">The weirdest Guinness World records ever set</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/webstories/the-weirdest-guinness-world-records-ever-set/slidelist/114288059.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/from-amber-to-gagron-indias-unesco-world-heritage-forts-to-explore/slidelist/114282776.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Amber to Gagron: India’s UNESCO world heritage forts to explore</a> </h2>

Weekend wrap: IPO myths, quick commerce gone wrong and more

India's investment ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift, with index investing gaining unprecedented traction among investors, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. The younger generation, including Gen Z and Millennials, shows a stronger inclination towards index funds as compared to older investors. They also prefer index funds over ETFs for better returns and liquidity. A recent report by Axis AMC also highlighted the growing appetite for ETFs, which witnessed net sales of Rs 15,403 crore in October 2024. While 46% of younger investors favor index funds, only 35% of Gen X and Boomers do so. Millennials and Gen X investors also have a keen interest in factor or smart beta funds, reflecting their appetite for innovative, albeit aggressive investment strategies. Passive funds have become a core component of investor portfolios, with 80% of investors increasing their allocation to these funds in 2024, compared to 53% last year. The Axis report echoed similar sentiments, noting that net sales in the passive category inched up to Rs 8,025 crore in October 2024. The combined assets under management (AUM) of passive funds have surged from Rs 7 lakh crore in September 2023 to over Rs 11 lakh crore by September 2024—a 1.5x growth in just one year. The survey also noted a growing popularity of ETFs, with 57% of respondents investing in them, up from 41% in 2023. Of these, 26% invest solely in ETFs, while 31% have diversified between ETFs and index funds. This rising preference is matched by a commitment to long-term investment. A significant 81% of investors plan to hold their passive investments for over three years, highlighting sustained confidence in the growth potential of these funds. Sectoral indices like Nifty IT and Nifty Bank dominate as the top choice for passive fund investors, selected by 67% of respondents. Benchmark indices such as the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 follow closely, preferred by 61% of investors. A recent, similar report by stock broker Angel One also throws a spotlight on how young India plans and prefers mutual funds when it comes to savings and investments. The report, titled "Young Indians' Saving Habits Outlook 2024," compiled by Fin One, stated that 45% of respondents aged 22-35 have made it a point to save up some of their savings in mutual funds. A year ago, this figure stood at just 32%. Most of these investors make their way into mutual funds via SIPs, or systematic investment plans. 52% of respondents in the age cohort of 22-35 are now using SIPs to invest in mutual funds, up from 44% in the previous year. As for what was the driving factor behind beginning their investment journey, 42% underlined the past performance of funds, while 38% noted that advice from financial advisors remained a key consideration. 38% of young Indians are now increasingly focusing on building an emergency corpus, compared to 28% the year before. This shift underscores the drastic change in financial sensibilities brought forth by the pandemic and the consequent desire for greater financial resilience. In fact, approximately 4 out of every 5 surveyed investors maintained a dedicated, separate savings account. Out of the 1,650 individuals studied under the FinOne survey, a staggering majority made their first foray into the stock market in their early twenties. Nearly 2 in every 5 investors pick stock as their preferred choice of investment, followed by mutual funds and then savings bank accounts. While 45% of those surveyed picked stocks as their chosen investment avenue, 20% preferred mutual funds, and 15% wanted to keep their money in a savings bank account.

Gen Z and Millennials prefer stocks and mutual funds; index funds trump over ETFs, say recent reports

Tech giant <keyword id="19898516" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Intel" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Intel" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Intel">Intel</keyword> has been making a lot of headlines these days. The company is going through tough times and is trying to rise above all challenges. Last month, Intel’s shares hit their lowest in 50 years. The company also announced its decision to lay off 15 percent of its workforce. A couple of days back, there were rumours that <keyword id="19944986" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Qualcomm" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Qualcomm" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Qualcomm">Qualcomm</keyword> might be interested in acquiring the decades old tech giant. However, this information should be taken with a pinch of salt as these are just rumours until now, nothing else. <h2>Intel might get multi-billion dollar investment</h2>Now, a Bloomberg report has said that <keyword id="21043511" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apollo-Global-Management" source="keywords">Apollo Global Management</keyword> Inc. might be in talks with Intel for a potential multibillion-dollar investment. The offer, reportedly worth up to $5 billion, could be a significant boost for Intel's ambitious turnaround plans, which have been in motion under CEO <keyword id="20059551" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pat-Gelsinger" source="keywords">Pat Gelsinger</keyword>. The Bloomberg report added that Intel executives have been mulling over Apollo’s proposal. It also added that the offer is still in early stages and may not come to fruition. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113568851" title="SIMPLY PUT: Founder Mode — the secret sauce to startup success or fancy term for hustle and micromanagement?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The report also added that the size of the potential investment in Intel could change and discussions regarding a deal could also fall through. Apollo’s proposal comes at a crucial moment for Intel. As mentioned already, the company, once synonymous with cutting-edge chips, has faced declining market value recently. For a company that used to dominate the <keyword id="19920003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="semiconductor" source="keywords">semiconductor</keyword> industry, the last few years have been tough. Competitors like AMD and Nvidia have pulled ahead, leaving Intel to scramble for relevance in a rapidly changing market. <h2>Apollo and Intel’s relationship </h2> Apollo’s interest in Intel isn’t entirely out of the blue. The two companies already share a financial relationship, with Apollo announcing plans to purchase a 49% stake in Intel’s manufacturing facility in Ireland for $11 billion earlier this year. The new proposed deal, however, signals a deeper involvement from the asset management firm, which has a history of investing in distressed assets. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113567973" title="Coldplay announces new show in Mumbai on January 21: How to book tickets, timings, and all you need to know" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Intel’s <keyword id="23276491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="turnaround-strategy" source="keywords">turnaround strategy</keyword> under Gelsinger involves not only revitalising its product line but also expanding its customer base. This includes diversifying into new technologies and markets, which has resulted in mixed financial results. While Intel has been attempting to reinvent itself, it’s clear that the road ahead will be expensive, and Apollo’s capital could be the lifeline the chipmaker needs to keep these plans on track. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113434470" title="Intel, once a Silicon Valley star, has been floundering. Now it's mounting a turnaround." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Apollo reportedly offering multi-billion dollar investment to Intel after reports of acquisition by Qualcomm

A week or two of cold and cough can make you conjure up some pretty odd conspiracy theories. The freshest one that I cooked up this week is that 'Big Tissue' wishes to keep everyone sick, and therefore they collaborate with 'The Scientists' to keep them from making a cure. After all, the world witnessed researchers demonstrate incredible and hasty success in combating <keyword id="19897423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19" source="keywords">COVID-19</keyword>, and yet, the <keyword id="20237676" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="common-cold" source="keywords">common cold</keyword> remains an seemingly elusive target. But far from being an actual conspiracy, there are several real reasons why we haven’t yet cracked the code to curing the cold, despite decades of research. So grab your tissues, folks, and let's get into them. <h2><keyword id="23387393" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="viral-diversity" source="keywords">Viral diversity</keyword></h2>One major hurdle in curing the common cold is the sheer diversity of viruses involved. Over 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms, with <keyword id="23387392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rhinoviruses" source="keywords">rhinoviruses</keyword> responsible for up to 75% of cases. Rhinoviruses alone consist of more than 160 known strains. This viral diversity makes it extremely difficult to develop a universal vaccine or treatment. Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which has one main spike protein target, cold viruses come in a dizzying array of structures and behaviours, requiring a vast array of medical solutions. In contrast, when COVID-19 emerged, researchers focused primarily on one virus and one major target — its spike protein. That focus allowed for the rapid development of <keyword id="19953288" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccines" source="keywords">vaccines</keyword> using mRNA technology, like those from Pfizer and Moderna. For the common cold, a similar solution isn’t feasible due to the multiple viral families involved. <h2><keyword id="20862236" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutations" source="keywords">Mutations</keyword> and adaptations</h2>Another issue is how quickly cold viruses mutate. Rhinoviruses, for example, are known for their high mutation rates. This rapid evolution allows them to evade the immune system, which is why even if you’ve had a cold before, you're not immune to future infections from different strains. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113757960" title="Healthcare in India faces massive strain as costs rise by 14% annually; most expenses paid out-of-pocket" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>This rapid mutation is akin to how COVID-19 has evolved into variants, but with cold viruses, it happens on an even greater scale. Scientists fear that if they developed a vaccine, new strains would quickly render it ineffective, much like how seasonal flu vaccines must be reformulated annually. <h2>Mildness of the illness</h2>Ironically, one reason the common cold hasn’t been cured is because it’s too mild to warrant massive investment. Most people recover from a cold without medical intervention. While cold symptoms are annoying — runny nose, sore throat, cough — they rarely escalate into serious illness. As a result, pharmaceutical companies and governments have little financial incentive to pour billions into research for a disease that poses no significant threat to public health. COVID-19, on the other hand, caused severe illness and death on a global scale, spurring massive investment from both the public and private sectors. Governments and companies alike invested heavily in research and fast-tracked vaccines, which led to solutions much quicker than we’ve seen for colds. <h2>Complex, complex immune system</h2>The immune system’s response to cold viruses is also a significant factor. Studies have shown that repeated exposure to cold viruses over a lifetime results in limited immunity. For instance, research from Harvard points out that even though the body produces antibodies after a cold, the <keyword id="20082133" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="immune-response" source="keywords">immune response</keyword> isn't strong enough to prevent future infections from slightly different strains. This is in stark contrast to diseases like measles, where one infection can result in lifelong immunity. COVID-19 benefitted from its novelty. The immune system had never encountered SARS-CoV-2 before, making it easier to target with vaccines that produce a strong and specific immune response. Here’s an additional fun fact: because there are SO many different strains of common cold-causing viruses, research says that it is unlikely that you will be infected with the same strain of common cold twice throughout your life! <h2>Attempts to develop treatments</h2>There have been attempts to develop treatments for the common cold. Some researchers have targeted the way viruses enter and replicate in human cells. For example, a 2018 study explored inhibiting the protein that cold viruses use to replicate, showing some promise in early trials. However, most of these treatments are in the experimental phase, and none have been widely successful yet. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113284254" title="Gastro problems could heighten Parkinson&amp;#39;s disease risk by 76%, study finds" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In recent years, attention has shifted towards using broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that can target multiple viruses at once, similar to how some antibiotics work against a range of bacteria. However, this approach has yet to yield a major breakthrough. The idea of a universal cure for the common cold remains distant, but advances in genetic research and vaccine technology offer some hope. For example, CRISPR technology may allow scientists to edit out the genetic components that cold viruses rely on to replicate. Additionally, the mRNA technology used for COVID-19 vaccines has opened new possibilities for antiviral treatments, although these applications are still in early stages. Research continues, but for now, humanity may have to continue battling sniffles and coughs the old-fashioned way: with rest, fluids, and time.

How did we manage to deal with COVID-19 so quickly, but the common cold still remains a persisting problem?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Asset Management are becoming a bit less bullish.</li><li>Although the US economic outlook is strong, returns may have been pulled forward.</li></ul>A pair of Wall Street juggernauts are getting slightly more skeptical about stocks and bonds, but a compelling investment opportunity may be hiding in plain sight.<div type="image" title="GS 10-year projection" height="1088" width="1508" msid="114505224" hostid="261" sizebytes="75402"></div>Goldman Sachs stole headlines recently by forecasting that <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-outlook-sp500-future-returns-decade-forecast-goldman-sachs-2024-10">US equities will only rise 3% a year in the next decade</a>, down from an average annual gain of 13% in the prior 10 years. The firm's rationale is based on a more challenging backdrop characterized by lofty valuations, an unusually high concentration in the market's biggest stocks, increased recession risk, lower profits, and elevated interest rates.<div type="image" title="GS 10-year projection baseline" height="742" width="1010" msid="114505227" hostid="261" sizebytes="35320"></div>Top minds at JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) agree that stocks might not post the returns that investors have come to expect, though they're not nearly as pessimistic.The firm, which manages $3.5 trillion in assets, expects US large-cap equities to appreciate by 6.7% a year in the next 10 to 15 years, according to its yearly long-term capital market assumptions report released on October 21. For reference, JPMAM thinks global stocks will rise between 7.2% and 8.1% a year in that same span.A mid-single-digit annual gain for US large caps is nothing to sneeze at, though it would be down substantially from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-invest-economy-growth-outlook-recession-risk-inflation-jpmorgan-2022-11">7.9% two years ago</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-invest-stocks-bonds-real-estate-outlook-strategy-jpmorgan-2023-10">7% last year</a>.There's a simple explanation for that marginally more tepid outlook: US stocks have been on a tear. And while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-outlook-prediction-2025-how-to-invest-rally-trader-2024-10">some bulls are emboldened</a> by the S&amp;P 500's excellent track record, JPMAM strategists worry that the market has pulled forward future gains."Near the bottom of all these pages, we put a little statement saying, "Past performance is not indicative of future returns.' That's actually not true," said David Kelly, JPMAM's chief global market strategist, at a press conference about the report. "Past great performance is indicative of a more difficult environment going forward."The S&amp;P 500 is on pace to rise by at least 10% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.macrotrends.net/2526/sp-500-historical-annual-returns">for the fifth time since 2018</a> and the 11th time since the financial crisis, including what's been a 22.7% gain in 2024. That strength, combined with already-rich valuations, led JPMAM to cut its long-term projection for US large caps.<div type="image" title="JPMAM valuations" height="926" width="1038" msid="114505230" hostid="261" sizebytes="32120"></div>However, Kelly said the downward shift was gradual since the economic growth outlook is promising. The firm is calling for US real GDP of 2% in the long term, which is the highest mark since the pandemic, along with 2.4% inflation, which is down for the third consecutive year."The very good news is that we think that the foundations for the US economy and the global economy look better than they did a year ago," Kelly said. "We got through some of our more significant worries on inflation; economic growth looks pretty solid."<div type="image" title="JPMAM US GDP forecast" height="828" width="1032" msid="114505215" hostid="261" sizebytes="15222"></div><h2 id="ee7765b8-415d-46ac-862a-90df145c611f">As the 60-40 portfolio loses steam, real estate can take the baton</h2>Lower stock returns are expected to drag down the traditional 60-40 stock-bond portfolio, which JPMAM now says should fetch 6.4% a year for the next decade or so.That forecast is down from 7% last year and 7.2% heading into 2023, though it's higher than the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alternative-investing-strategy-60-40-portfolio-bitcoin-outlook-inflation-jpmorgan-2021-11">4.3% mark in late 2021</a>, where US large caps were only expected to climb 4.1% a year in the long term after an outstanding rebound from the early pandemic lows.Bonds, which make up the second half of that calculus, have a solid but unremarkable outlook.US bonds broadly are expected to return 4.6% in the long term — down from 5.1% last year and the same as two years ago — while the US 10-year Treasury note is projected to fetch 4.2%, versus 4.6% last year and 4% two years ago. Meanwhile, high-yield bonds should deliver a 6.1% gain in the long term, compared to 6.5% last year and 6.8% two years ago.After accounting for inflation, JPMAM expects the standard 60-40 portfolio to return less than 5% in the long term, and the same is true of large-cap stocks and bonds. While such gains may be satisfactory for some, it would take over 16 years for an investor to double their money.Those looking for a more compelling investment opportunity should consider real estate, according to JPMAM. Unlike stocks and bonds, the firm's projected returns for that asset class are steadily rising, from 5.7% two years ago to 7.5% in late 2023 to 8.1% this year.US core real estate is projected to yield close to 6%, up from just over 4% a few years ago and well above the 10-year's yield of 4.2%. Real estate isn't cheap based on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/capitalizationrate.asp">capitalization rates</a>, which measure how much money a property generates relative to its market value, but JPMAM believes the asset class is an exceptional value relative to other yield-generating investments.<div type="image" title="Real estate vs 10-year yield" height="924" width="1032" msid="114505221" hostid="261" sizebytes="34048"></div>"If you were to look at this on a spread basis, the cap-rates spread would tell you that real estate looks a little bit expensive," said David Lebovitz, a global market strategist for JPMAM, at the conference. "But if you look at the all-in yield and think of that as your valuation and your starting point, we're looking at a generational opportunity."Monica Issar, JPMorgan Private Bank's global head of multi-asset and portfolio solutions, echoed that sentiment."This is absolutely the largest generational opportunity to invest in real estate in a long time," Issar said at the conference.Commercial real estate looks especially compelling, Issar said. Unlike residential real estate, which has held up well in recent years — as evidenced by <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS">remarkably resilient home prices</a> despite <a target="_blank" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms">still-elevated mortgage rates</a> — office buildings have struggled to regain their value since the pandemic ushered in a new era of remote work for millions of Americans.As companies reduced their physical presence or eschewed offices altogether, demand for commercial spaces has taken a massive hit. However, Issar thinks that risk is reflected in prices."All we've been reading about and all we've been seeing is price declines and discussions about empty buildings," Issar said. "This is a time for investors to step in, move into attractive pricing, move into asset classes like non-core real estate."Investors can bet on a commercial real estate rebound by working with <a target="_blank" href="https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/institutional/investment-strategies/alternatives/real-estate/">JPMAM's team</a>, or on their own through publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs). JPMAM didn't outline any specific investments to make, but Issar threw out a few ideas to help investors brainstorm."Think of multifamily housing; think of student housing around campuses; think of cell towers and data centers," Issar said. "That is the modernization of the new direct real estate that is going to be really attractive for investors in the future."

'Generational opportunity': Invest in real estate as stock and bond returns shrink, according to $3.5 trillion JPMorgan Asset Management

“I started <keyword id="20024281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investing" source="keywords">investing</keyword> when I was 24, and had just taken up my first job. At first, it felt like a herculean task, setting aside Rs 15,000 every month for long-term investing. But now, at 29, I have a comfortable corpus with me, and I am able to even fund my sister’s education. I now realise how investing is the first step towards achieving some level of financial independence”. That was Yumna, a 29-year-old Delhi-based communication professional’s “tryst with her finances”. Tomorrow, India will celebrate its “tryst with destiny”, its 78th day of independence from Britishers. And so, it is certainly the right time to revisit our personal journeys towards independence, at least financially. If we heavily rely on our monthly salaries, being broke towards the end of the month, and desperately waiting for that end-of-the-month fund credit “ting”, then are we really independent? So, this Independence Day, consider gifting yourself (and your friends and loved ones) these five presents that promise you financial freedom. <h2>Start SIP-ing in Mutual Funds, stocks</h2>The British ruled India for almost 200 years, starting from the battle of Plassey in 1757, to when India finally ousted the British Raj in 1947. Nearly 200 years of tireless persistence, struggle and revolution was what it took to achieve freedom. Keep that in mind when you feel constantly investing for 10-15 years is “way too long!”. Consider this. Yumna started investing Rs 15,000 every month, five years ago. Assuming 12% p.a. in return, she has already amassed over Rs 12,00,000, out of which her investments are worth Rs 9,00,000, while her returns come to Rs 3,37,295. What if Yumna continues to invest at this pace for the next 20 years? If she invests Rs 15,000 (and assuming 12% p.a. return), she’d have invested Rs 36,00,000, while her returns would be a whopping Rs 1,13,87,219, making her total corpus worth Rs 1,49,87,219. The best time to start investing in the market was yesterday. So, if you’re yet to start investing, do so right away. But remember, it’s a marathon, and not a sprint, so remember to stay in and invested for the long run. <keyword id="20481917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="index-funds" source="keywords">Index funds</keyword>, which basically mirror popular market indices like Nifty and Sensex are a good place to start. <h2>Insure yourself</h2>Getting a term and <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">health insurance</keyword> should be at the top of your to-do list, immediately after you start earning. And no, don't rely just on your employer-provided <keyword id="19996817" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="insurance" source="keywords">insurance</keyword>. Plus, having term insurance can also help you save on taxes (an annual premium paid of up to Rs 25,000 for those aged less than 60 is tax-free under old tax regime), apart from saving you during medical emergencies. Says Sabyasachi Sarkar, Appointed Actuary, Go Digit Life Insurance, “a life insurance plan is a tool that provides a safety net for your family in case of unexpected events and for your need of savings or pension. Ideally one should take a term life cover that is at least 10-15 times your annual income. Moreover, adding riders like death benefits or disability coverage to your policy can offer protection and advantages beyond the basic coverage. Moreover, when picking a life insurance company, consider factors like the claim settlement ratio, returns etc”. Once you’ve insured your life, it's time to safeguard your health as well, with a solid health insurance policy. As Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO and Head of Direct Sales at Go Digit General Insurance notes, “Ensure the plan that you are picking does not come with any cap on the choice of room or ICU as this may impact your overall hospitalization bill. Second, make sure your policy provides a sum insured backup or reinstatement benefit.” Also, check for the pre- and post-hospitalization benefits in your health coverage. Ensure that expenses like diagnostic tests, doctor’s fees, medical check-ups, etc. that you might have to incur before you get hospitalized or after you are discharged are covered. A good plan should provide at least 60/90 days of pre- and post-hospitalization coverage. And lastly, check the coverage for organ donor expenses. While it is a low-probability event, any organ transplant is an expensive affair. This ensures such costs are covered by the insurer. <h2>Save for a rainy day</h2>“It can’t happen to us until it does”. When you are flooded with a daily deluge of news about accidents, deaths, fires, train wrecks and more, it’s easy to disassociate and think “Oh, this won’t happen to me”. But when emergencies arrive at your doorstep, they don't knock but rather break the door down. As such, it's best to be financially prepared for any contingencies, and the best way to do so is to have an <keyword id="20747810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emergency-fund" source="keywords">emergency fund</keyword> handy. For this, you can set aside 3-6 times your monthly income in a liquid mutual fund, recurring deposit (RD) or savings bank account. This will help you tide over a medical emergency, job loss and more. But remember, this is not to be broken into for funding those impromptu vacations! <h2>Upskill, Upskill</h2>Earning money is hard, but still easier than effectively managing it. Most of us run away from managing and investing our own hard-earned money because it sounds difficult and looks too complicated and jargon-y. This Independence Day, gift yourself a basic course on <keyword id="20762784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="money-management" source="keywords">money management</keyword>, budgeting and investing. You won’t become <keyword id="19921921" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="warren-buffett" source="keywords">Warren Buffett</keyword> overnight, but it will certainly be a good start. Start with a basic budget and importantly, stick to it. Write and track how much you earn and spend on a monthly basis, so that you’re more in charge of your funds, and not looking (hopefully!), at maxed-out credit cards and empty wallets at the end of the month. <h2>Be free of anything that looks easy money</h2>These days, it’s super easy to get credit, a personal loan, and buy your favourite gadget, or your latest fascination via <keyword id="19985897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BNPL" source="keywords">BNPL</keyword> (Buy Now Pay Later). And in the short run, it can be incredibly satisfying as well. But then, when you get your monthly statements, and find a never-ending stream of interest charges, and penalties, which eventually pull you into a spiral of debt trap. If something looks too good to be true, it might really just be too good to be true. BNPL and instant credit are very much like that. So, the next time you want to buy something expensive, hold that thought for at least 48 hours, before revisiting it. Most of the time, you’ll find you don't even desire it anymore. If you still have the urge to buy it, try the saving and buying approach, instead of swiping your credit card or signing up for BNPL apps!

Five gifts you can give to yourself, friends, or family, towards achieving financial independence

Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Sebi" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Sebi">SEBI</keyword> has asked the <keyword id="20677983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutual-fund-industry" source="keywords">mutual fund industry</keyword> to proactively conduct stress tests, a key component of <keyword id="20383727" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="risk-management" source="keywords">risk management</keyword> for the financial sector, which will help strengthen the ecosystem, its whole-time member Ananth Narayan Gopalakrishnan said on Friday. The regulator's stress testing emphasizes the need to assess and manage liquidity risks, especially in small and midcap equity schemes. Speaking at a mutual fund event, Gopalakrishnan highlighted the importance of modelling stress scenarios not just for individual schemes or fund houses, but for the entire mutual fund ecosystem. "It is also important to model stress scenarios for the entire composite mutual fund ecosystem. I would strongly encourage the industry and <keyword id="20090036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AMFI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AMFI" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="AMFI">AMFI</keyword> to take the lead and proactively conduct objective and credible industry wide stress tests. themselves," Gopalakrishnan said. He also emphasized the need to find better ways to communicate the risks associated with different mutual fund schemes. The SEBI official mentioned that while the current risk measurement system is straightforward and has had a significant impact, it doesn't fully capture the differences in risks among various investment schemes. According to him, many schemes are just labelled as high risk, even though they have different kinds of risks. The goal is to improve this system to better reflect those differences, while keeping it simple and easy to understand. One possible approach is to consider the portfolio's volatility and liquidity from stress tests to give a clearer picture. "While ensuring simplicity and ease of understanding remains a key objective, perhaps the underlying volatility of the portfolio along with the liquidity of the portfolio from stress tests could be used to provide better colour all around," he added. This comes at a time when the holdings of mutual funds by <keyword id="20234284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-institutional-investors" source="keywords">Domestic Institutional Investors</keyword> (DIIs) and individuals have risen from about 54.3% of free float of all mid cap and small cap companies, as of March 2020 to 60.6% as of March 2024. Several fund houses have proactively stopped lump sum investments in some small-cap schemes and also capped the amount that can be invested through <keyword id="20675888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="systematic-investment-plan" source="keywords">Systematic Investment Plan</keyword> (SIP) into small-cap schemes. He also highlighted the potential mismatch between the demand for paper and the supply of fresh paper coming into the ecosystem. Gopalakrishnan said the industry can make more progress in streamlining operations and improving efficiency for investors. "At a time when instantaneous fund transfers have become ubiquitous in our country, perhaps we should look to improve our internal processes and the security settlement ecosystem, to ensure that funds are passed on to investors on the day of the settlement itself, rather than a day after or two days after," he added. Over the last few years, the mutual fund industry has made impressive strides, and is now playing a crucial role in channeling financial savings towards risk capital formation. This was driven by stable macros, increased formalization, robust corporate earnings, digitisation and user friendly access. Moreover, the number of mutual fund investors has grown significantly from about 2 crore as of March 2019 to nearly 4.7 crore as of June 2024, an impressive compounded annual growth rate of 18% during that period. Gopalakrishnan mentioned that several exciting initiatives are in the works, developed with input from all stakeholders. These include a proposed low-ticket SIP, further breaking down regular SIPs into smaller, more accessible units (sachetisation and tokenization), and the introduction of "mutual funds lite" regulations. These new regulations will simplify rules for passively managed funds, reducing the compliance burden and encouraging competition and innovation. Additionally, a new class of higher-risk schemes is proposed for investors with a greater capacity to handle risk.

SEBI asks mutual fund industry to proactively conduct stress test

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?

Life Insurance Corporation of India (<keyword id="19903588" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="LIC" source="keywords">LIC</keyword>) MD and CEO Siddhartha Mohanty has said that the corporation is looking to make fresh investments of around Rs 1.30 lakh crore in equities during the current financial year. During April-June FY25, the insurance behemoth made an investment of about Rs 38,000 crore in <keyword id="19907577" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shares" source="keywords">shares</keyword> as against Rs 23,300 crore in the same period a year ago. LIC earned a profit of Rs 15,500 crore from its investments in equity markets during the first quarter. The profit from its investment was higher by 13.5 % quarter-on-quarter. "We are surely looking at the markets and price movements...we are looking to invest a good amount at least whatever we had invested in last financial year...LIC invested around Rs 1.32 lakh crore in FY'24," he said. The <keyword id="19913381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="market" source="keywords">market</keyword> value of LIC's investment in stocks of various <keyword id="20027214" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="companies" source="keywords">companies</keyword> stood at around Rs 15 lakh crore at the end of June, he said. LIC has exposure in 282 companies through investment in their shares as of June 30, 2024. The <keyword id="20340200" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="assets-under-management" source="keywords">Assets Under Management</keyword> (<keyword id="20019621" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AUM" source="keywords">AUM</keyword>) increased to Rs 53,58,781 crore as of June-end as compared to Rs 46,11,067 crore at the end of the same quarter the previous year, registering an increase of 16.22 %. Total investment grew by Rs 7,30,662 crore, from Rs 42,44,852 crore in March 2023 to Rs 49,75,514 crore as of March 31, 2024. The total equity investment portfolio constitutes Rs 12,39,740 crore as against Rs 8,39,662 crore in 2022-23, whereas other investments constitute Rs 37,35,774 crore as against Rs 34,05,190 crore in 2022-23. For the June quarter 2024, LIC reported a 10% increase in net profit to Rs 10,461 crore as against Rs 9,544 crore in the year-ago period. Total income increased to Rs 2,10,910 crore during the latest June quarter as against Rs 1,88,749 crore in the year-ago period. Total premium income for the quarter increased 16 % to Rs 1,13,770 crore as compared to Rs 98,363 crore in the same quarter a year ago.

LIC to invest around Rs 1.30 lakh crore in stock market in FY25

<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?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Interest in moving to Canada has spiked among Americans after the election.</li><li>Beyond the physical move, there are financial considerations that potential movers should know of.</li></ul>The result of the 2024 elections left about half of the US displeased. As Donald Trump prepared to return to the White House, many Americans began considering a move up north, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%201-m&amp;geo=US&amp;q=moving%20to%20canada&amp;hl=en-US">Google search traffic</a> at least.Interest in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/we-moved-to-canada-not-perfect-but-prefer-over-us-2024-11">moving to Canada</a> tends to spike after big political events such as the <a target="_blank" href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2016-11-01%202016-11-30&amp;geo=US&amp;q=moving%20to%20canada&amp;hl=en-US">2016 election</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2022-06-01%202022-06-30&amp;geo=US&amp;q=moving%20to%20canada&amp;hl=en-US">overturning of the Roe v. Wade</a> Supreme Court ruling.This phenomenon doesn't just live on the internet, either — some US residents are seriously considering the move."Even when Trump was elected last time, a lot of people felt that they weren't as comfortable staying in the States, and so we actually did see an influx of people moving to Canada," said Tiffany Woodfield, a senior financial advisor at SWAN Wealth Management of Raymond James.Moving, especially across borders, is a big decision and shouldn't be taken lightly. While the physical act of moving is complicated enough, Woodfield points out that there are a lot of financial considerations to be aware of."I think sometimes it can be a knee-jerk reaction," Woodfield said of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/we-moved-to-canada-not-perfect-but-prefer-over-us-2024-11">moving to Canada</a>. "If they don't plan ahead of time, they can fall into traps that end up costing them money."<h2 id="c4feab40-7084-4563-951b-72a890ad2b58">You need to file US and Canadian taxes</h2>US citizens residing in Canada might not realize that even on the other side of the border, they're still not free from their tax obligations to Uncle Sam.If you are a US citizen, you still need to file federal US taxes and report your worldwide income to the IRS no matter where you live. In Canada, taxes are based on your residency status, so if you spend more than 183 days of the year living in Canada, you owe the Canadian government taxes.To prevent ex-pats from getting taxed twice on their income, the US and Canada have a tax treaty that provides a foreign income tax credit for any income tax paid to the other country, Woodfield explained. That means you can offset your US tax liability with taxes already paid to Canada, but you still need to file two separate tax returns — one to Canada and one to the US — to receive a tax credit.Additionally, the promise of free healthcare in Canada might sound enticing, but that does come at the cost of higher taxes, so be aware that your Canadian tax bill will probably be higher than what you paid in the US. You also don't have the option to file joint income tax returns with your spouse in Canada, Woodfield warned.<h2 id="7d31b42f-84db-43c3-b2f8-4f871c9958bf">Some Canadian investments have complicated tax implications</h2>"As a US person living in Canada, you don't want to invest in Canadian mutual funds or Canadian ETFs," Woodfield said. That's because these investments are considered Passive Foreign Income Corporations (PFIC) by the US government.PFICs are subject to unfavorable tax treatment from the IRS. The associated tax forms are lengthy and complicated, and you may end up paying high tax rates. If you're still a US citizen, investing in a Canadian mutual fund or ETF simply isn't worth the hassle.<h2 id="0333acc5-88aa-436b-bf74-7cb1b79b71b0">Bringing your retirement plan over the border can be tricky.</h2>401(k)s are a popular way to save for retirement here in the US, but Canadian employers offer a different type of retirement plan: the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).Once you move to Canada, you won't be able to actively manage the holdings in your 401(k), according to Woodfield. One workaround is to roll your 401(k) to an IRA and have it managed in Canada. US citizens should also be aware that, in most cases, they won't be able to contribute to their IRA once they move to Canada.Another option is to transfer your US retirement account into an RRSP. However, if you choose this step, make sure you're committed to moving to Canada permanently, as you cannot move RRSPs to IRAs, Woodfield said.You may not be able to bring your brokerage accounts over the border, either. Some people don't realize this until they update their address with their US brokerage account after moving and receive a letter informing them that they have to close out their account.<h2 id="2d468c1f-efc0-45a8-9a7c-53c03c550ff1">You'll need a new financial advisor…and a lot of time</h2>US financial advisors are prohibited by law from providing Canadian residents with financial advice, as they aren't licensed in Canada. If you want expert advice, you need to work with a dual Canada / US licensed advisor.The earlier you start preparing for your cross-border move, the better — ideally, one to two tax years before moving, Woodfield said. That way, you can plan certain taxable events ahead of time and realize the greatest amount of savings, such as liquidating mutual funds. It's also easier to sell your home while you're still in the US, Woodfield said.If you've already begun the moving process or you're already in Canada, don't panic. Woodfield has worked with plenty of people after they've already moved, but the more time you give yourself, the better.Moving across the border is no simple feat, so make sure you're confident about your choice."I've had clients that have moved, and then after the fact, they think, 'Oh, I shouldn't have done this,'" Woodfield said."It's very hard to go back, so people need to be aware of that."

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