Investing in equity markets directly, with the objective of making quick gains is an exciting proposition when you compare it with choosing to buy and hold a managed portfolio like a mutual fund. However, what looks exciting in a rising market, can turn sour just as easily in a falling market.

If you are unsure about what you can claim, deduct and expense before arriving at your tax payable figure, then here are three points to help you out.

The market trend over the last few months, clearly underlines that equity market returns are nonlinear. While many had given up on long term returns at the end of March, it also shows that patience in the market is what gets rewarded rather than panic.

Paying taxes is a civic duty you can’t escape, but it helps to know how you can take advantage of the most efficient taxation when it comes to your investment growth.

To help you get started, or if you are already investing, to help you course-correct, there are three myths which need to be dispelled.

Managing your investments for the most relevant outcome requires some thought to be given to asset allocation and diversification. Think about it in the following two simple ways and decide what suits you.

Job security is not a given, hence, there is practically no way of relying on pension. Secondly, individuals actively strive to work for fewer than 30 years and support retirement for 30-35 years. In a way, the tables have turned. To achieve the goal of early retirement, it’s imperative to perfect these two things.

In developing financial markets such as India, the ability to beat benchmarks is still a lucrative possibility. But where can this come from? The fund manager or the process the AMC might follow?

Investment process at the asset manager’s level are over and above regulatory guidelines. How do these processes help and what can be some of the risks?

Selecting an appropriate asset manager or fund manager will make an impact on your long-term growth. But of the two, which should take priority?

Whether you are cleaning up your equity mutual fund portfolios or starting fresh, one of the gnawing questions is always whether to add more large cap, mid cap or small cap schemes? Out of the three where should one invest ,or allocate higher amounts?

If you are already past your professional prime, you may be worried about gaps in your retirement kitty. If you don’t want to compromise on your preparedness for your financial future, begin by focusing on these three aspects.