A quick look at the returns of BSE’s sectoral and thematic indices shows that the sectors which have done well in the period between 2014 and now do not include sectors like capital goods, manufacturing, infrastructure, realty, power, and PSUs where most of the policy action has happened. In fact, these are some of the worst performing sectors.

The per capita income itself is growing at about 10% annually. On the other hand, ‘basic needs’ like food has already been met for most of the population and will not grow at the same pace. Most likely, basic needs will grow in line with inflation or less.

ELSS is one of the most popular instruments for saving on taxes. With its impeccable track record of beating inflation hands down to its lesser lock-in period (of three years), ELSS as a savings instrument has scored over PPF, Bank fixed deposits and other tax-saving instruments. However, investors need to guard themselves against some common mistakes committed while investing into ELSS.

We hope to make this Women's Day about the step that you take to achieve financial independence and empower others around you as well.

Being lucky, seems totally illogical and unscientific and as a result the human mind rejects the possibility of developing the art of being lucky. On the other hand, Dr Richard Wiseman did a detailed study on the psychological difference between lucky and unlucky people and wrote about it in his book “The Luck Factor”.

The answer is International funds of funds. This is a mutual fund that invests in other mutual funds. Instead of owning shares of companies, such a mutual fund owns units of other mutual fund(s).

It really starts with a commitment to yourself that you will work towards getting yourself out of the debt trap. Having the belief and setting a realistic timeline to get out of the trap is the first real step.

Focus on the fact that, despite these problems, funds have been doing well

Here’s our assessment of equity and debt markets in February 2019. Apart from the elections, one of the larger issues having an impact on the markets is the spate of selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPI), driven by US-China trade war.

We have seen some people view stock market investing as a zero sum game – which means that if someone makes money, correspondingly someone would have lost. There is a sense of scepticism while investing in stocks, as if it is a gambling den.

Is this really true? - “Fixed deposits provides a reliable and safe source of income for retired people”

Help them understand the importance of ensuring that a portion of their monthly earnings are saved and these savings are invested properly.