Buy IPO - Know How to Buy an IPO Online

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 18 Sep 2019
Image
Buy IPO - Know How to Buy an IPO Online

An IPO or Initial Public Offering is a process that companies use to raise capital from the general public. In this, the company offers its shares in exchange for the funds invested by the public. These shares can be subsequently traded in the market.

In short, it is a way through which a privately held company can get itself listed on the exchange and reach out to the public for its capital requirement by sale of its shares.

Points to note when applying for an IPO

• When one makes an application to buy an IPO, it is merely an invitation. It should not be confused with an offer. Only when the IPO issuing company offers the shares in exchange for money, does it amount to an offer.

• Types of IPO
There are two kinds of Initial Public Offerings – Fixed Price and Book Built. In the case of a Fixed Price IPO, the issuing company determines the IPO price (sum of the par value and premium amount) in advance. Interested investors can buy the IPO only at the pre-determined price. In the case of a Book Built IPO, the issuer only announces an indicative range. The IPO's final price is decided through the process of book building. Generally, most of the IPOs these days are conducted through the Book Building issue process.

• Classes of IPOs
IPOs typically are categorized into three classes – Retail, High Network Individuals (HNIs) and Institutional. Investments till the value of Rs. 2 Lakhs are classified as retail.

Who is eligible to buy an IPO?
Any adult (someone who is at least 18 years of age) who is considered competent to enter a legal contract is qualified to buy during the IPO. The concerned person should have the following documents and accounts:
• Valid PAN Card issued by the IT Department
• Active Demat account (In case of an IPO, it is not necessary to have a trading account. A Demat account can suffice for this purpose. However, if the investor wants to sell the stock upon listing, then a trading account is required)

Modes of investing in IPO
Earlier when one wanted to invest in an IPO, he or she would need to reach out to a broker. The broker would provide a physical copy of the application form. The investor would need to fill it and submit the same along with the cheque for payment. The application money would get deducted from the investor’s account and balance (if any) post allocation would be refunded back. It was observed that this process was time-consuming and cumbersome. Hence, a need was felt to move to a more efficient model for investing in an IPO.
ASBA – Applications supported by Blocked Amount

ASBA was designed as the answer to the issues faced during offline IPO applications. It is a process conceptualized and created by SEBI to streamline the online IPO process. With the help of ASBA, one can buy an IPO online without releasing the funds until the time the shares are allocated to them.

This application provides an authorization to block the application money in the bank account, for subscribing to an issue. If an investor uses the ASBA feature, the application money is debited from the bank account only if the application is successfully selected for allotment. During the interim period (i.e. till the time the shares are allotted) one can earn interest on the blocked amount. This benefit is applicable if the money is held in an interest-bearing account.

Considering the reach and ease of this application, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) made it compulsory for all IPO investors (for a public issue) to go through ASBA. This change has been in effect since Jan 2016.

Some key advantages of ASBA are:
• Investors do not need to pay the IPO application money through a cheque or other such facility
• It eradicates the long-drawn process of refund of the money (the difference between application amount and actual allotment) by the IPO issuer.
• It enables the investors to give authorization for the transfer of application money in the IPO application form itself. This ensures that the investors do not suffer from interest loss in the interim period.
• Simpler application form
• The IPO investor needs to deal only with a known intermediary such as their bank.

Who can apply through ASBA
Individual investors who meet the following criteria can buy IPO (book building route) through ASBA:
• He or she falls under the category of Resident Retail investor (is applying for securities whose value does not exceed Rs. One Lakh)
• The bidding is being done at the cut-off value with a single option regarding the number of securities being bid for.
• The funds being blocked for buying the IPO are held in an account with a Self-Certified Syndicate Bank (SCSB)
• Has decided not to revise the bid value
• The bidding is not being done through any reserved category

How to buy an IPO Online through the ASBA feature?
The process to buy IPO online is extremely simple and hassle-free. One needs to follow the below-mentioned steps:
• Log onto the online banking portal or net-banking account
• Go to the section dealing with investments. There will be an option for buying an IPO or e-IPO. Click on that.
• Fill in the required details such as depository information, bank account number, etc. and complete the process of verification.
• Once the required information has been entered, the investor is led to a screen usually titled as “Invest in IPO” or something on the same lines.
• Select the desired IPO. In a book building IPO, one needs to mention the bid price in addition to the number of shares
• Read properly the “Terms and Conditions” of the IPO and accept the same for the next steps
• If everything is in order, then confirm the bid by clicking on “Apply Now”

Note: The list of the ASBA certified banks or partners is available on the website of NSE or BSE.
With these technological advancements, it has become very easy to invest in an IPO. To make the process even better, one can reach out to financial experts such as IndiaNivesh. IndiaNivesh offers a wide range of financial services related to broking and distribution, institutional equities, strategic investments, corporate advisory as well as wealth management. Their research team studies the markets continuously and also lists out the top-performing IPOs for the benefit of the investors. All details are available at https://www.indianivesh.in/ipo-listing-details

Final Word
So next time you see an interesting IPO coming up, you can buy the IPO online from the comfort of your home. In case IPOs are something that you would like to consider in the future, then we suggest you save or bookmark our tips on how to purchase IPO online. It will save you time in the future. And we all know that time is money!



Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

PREVIOUS STORY

FD vs Mutual Fund - Know Difference between Fixed Deposit and Mutual Fund

Mehul Kothari द्वारा पोस्ट | 18 Sep 2019 को प्रकाशित |

How mutual funds are better than fixed deposits?Since fixed deposits are perceived to be relatively risk-free, most people opt for them when it comes to their choice for saving money. Thus, fixed deposits have been a perennial favourite with Indian investors for decades. Saving money in the bank in the form of fixed deposits is equivalent to security and safety. However, it is crucial to introspect whether fixed deposits should continue to be a wise savings choice for millions of Indians. For instance, while fixed deposits can appear to offer attractive returns, the tax payable, based on the current tax slabs, for an investor may be on the higher end if they are investing in numerous fixed deposits of higher amounts. Also, given the rising rate of inflation, investing only in fixed deposits could actually turn out to be disadvantageous or even a loss-making proposition. The best option here could be to consider mutual funds as an alternative or at least an add-on to fixed deposits. Here, we take a detailed look into FD vs mutual fund.In the debate between mutual fund vs fixed deposit, it is essential to note that currently, both mutual funds and fixed deposits are equally popular among investors. Both these investment avenues offer reasonable returns to investors over a period. However, they have their unique characteristics. The difference between fixed deposit and mutual fund lies in understanding how mutual funds can be better than fixed deposits. To know which is better FD or mutual fund, you may want to analyse both these investment options and weigh their pros and cons. Only then can you take an informed decision. What are fixed deposits?Fixed deposits are conventional financial instruments provided by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to their customers. These fixed deposits, typically, offer a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account. In other words, when you deposit a pre-specified amount for a pre-specified tenure, you get a fixed rate of interest at the end of the tenure. However, if the amount in the deposit is withdrawn prematurely, the bank could levy a penalty and you may lose out on the interest your investments were to fetch. Under the ambit of fixed deposits, banks also offer recurring deposits and flexible fixed deposits, which may overcome some of the above-mentioned flaws but simultaneously reduce your returns.Understanding mutual funds as an alternative to fixed depositsDebt mutual funds are a type of mutual funds that offer a wide range of possibilities depending on your risk taking ability and multiple other factors. In actuality, debt mutual funds are almost similar to bank deposits, serving the same function and rivalling each another. However, the main areas of difference lie in taxation, liquidity, returns and safety. Mutual funds top the advantage in terms of tax-adjusted returns, rate of interest and liquidity, while fixed deposits may be considered safer by the larger populace.Although bank deposits are regarded as the safest avenue to saving money in India, there has been historical precedence of local banks and cooperative banks defaulting on their customers' money. Hence, it may not be entirely true that fixed deposits are the safest savings instruments today. Fixed deposits that are locked in for a lengthy tenure could also face the risk of losing value in a scenario where interest rates are likely to rise. Although the risk can be in terms of opportunity cost, investors may not actually lose value when the deposit matures.On the other hand, the yields from debt mutual funds are market-linked, thus the returns sometimes may not be as high as promised. Having said that, the mutual fund industry is stringently regulated and monitored by the Securities And Exchange Board Of India (SEBI). SEBI authorities have drawn tightly regulated guidelines that control the risk profile of investments, the risk individual funds are likely to face, valuation of investments, and how rigorously the maturity profile shapes the fund's clear goals. The measures laid down by SEBI have been highly efficient in curtailing risk and ensuring safety.Why consider mutual funds over fixed deposits?Coming closest to traditional fixed deposits, in terms of safety, debt mutual funds can be ideal. The primary objective of debt mutual funds is to provide its investors with steady income throughout the investment tenure. Hence, choosing a tenure in line with that of a debt mutual fund can be useful in getting desired returns. Every fund house offers detailed information regarding various debt funds and their time horizon. This information can be crucial in helping you understand how the fund is performing with regards to interest rates. This can also help you understand market fluctuation and steer you to make informed choices while helping you take advantage of the right fund.The most crucial difference between mutual funds vs fixed deposits India comes down to taxation. The returns received from fixed deposits are under the purview of interest income and are typically added to one's overall revenue. If you belong in the top tax bracket (30%), the taxed could eat a substantial portion of the returns. Besides, fixed deposits can also be a candidate for tax deducted at source (TDS) if the interest exceeds a certain amount. On the other hand, tax rates are constant for debt funds, if held for 36 months or less. However, TDS is not generally deducted. If debt mutual funds are held for more than 36 months, the yields are classified as long-term capital gains. These gains are taxed at 20% with indexation.With regards to liquidity, you could receive the proceeds from an open-ended debt fund within a period of 2 to 3 working days. Fixed deposits, on the other hand, could also be availed within a couple of days’ notice, but can attract penalties if the funds are withdrawn before its maturity.Conclusion At the end of the day, debt mutual funds can be a superior savings option over bank deposits with its capacity to offer better tax-adjusted returns, as can be seen in the market. At the same, since there is an element of credit risk and higher interest rate in mutual funds, you can be compensated with higher returns by investing in mutual funds over fixed deposits. But knowing the risks involved and choosing the right mutual fund can help you get the best yields from your savings.  Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

अधिक पढ़ें

NEXT STORY

Mutual Funds KYC - Know about How to do KYC for Mutual Funds

Mehul Kothari द्वारा पोस्ट | 19 Sep 2019 को प्रकाशित |

How to do KYC for Mutual Funds Recent media accounts reported that mutual fund industry now has over Rs. 23 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM) in February 2019 alone. This could be considered to be a sign that an increasing number of people are taking financial planning earnestly and are setting distinct financial goals for their future.With regards to secure investment schemes that provide above-average yields, mutual funds beat most other options to stand out as the emerging winner. Given the effortlessness through which one can invest in mutual funds, an upbeat market and a wide variety of mutual fund types make it an attractive investment proposition for new and seasoned investors alike. If you are looking to invest in mutual funds, first and foremost, it is essential to know that you can only invest in mutual funds if you are KYC compliant.Understanding KYC for mutual fundsKnow Your Customer, also known as KYC, enables financial institutions to validate your identity. As a first-time investor, you must undergo the KYC process before transacting in a mutual fund. Because it is a mandatory customer identification process, it is critical to submit your identity details to a mutual fund house, a stock broker like IndiaNivesh or any other financial institutions. This is because, according to the Prevention Of Money Laundering Act, 2002, AMCs must abide by the rules and guidelines established by the Act to implement a Customer Identification Proof. Furthermore, there are specific requirements prescribed by SEBI concerning KYC norms of financial institutions and intermediaries to know their customers. KYC for mutual fund requirements are typically in the form of verifying the customer's identity and address, financial standing, occupation and vital demographic data. These rules and regulations are continually updated by SEBI periodically.Valid from January 1, 2012, every investor regardless of the investment amount in mutual funds must comply with KYC to carry out any transaction. Since money laundering is a major issue worldwide, mandating KYC formalities is regarded as an efficient way of preventing illegal activity. The chief objective of the KYC process is to ensure that a real person or individuals are making investments rather than fictitious names. Every mutual fund investor must adhere to the KYC procedure via a KYC Registration Agency (KRA). This information held by the agency is stored in a single repository for all fund houses and intermediaries to access. Examples of these agencies include NSE, CAMS and KDMS.Documents required for KYCTo initiate your KYC process, you must submit the following documents along with the KYC application form and passport size photograph. Documents include:• Identity proof such as driving license, passport copy, voter ID, Aadhar card, bank photo passbook, or PAN card• Address proof such as recent landline or mobile phone, passport copy, electricity bill copy, voter ID, driving license or Aadhar cardTypes of KYC proceduresTypically, you can complete the mutual fund kyc form either through the off-line or online method. CDSL Ventures Ltd has been nominated and authorised by the mutual fund industry to conduct the Know Your Customer procedure.Off-line method• Visit the CDSL Ventures website and download the KYC application form• Fill in the details• Submit the signed application form through the specified mutual fund authorities or intermediaries• Provide identity proof and address proof and the passport size photograph to go along with KYC form• The duly filled form can be physically submitted at any of the following places. These include the Asset Management Company (AMC) through which you are making the investment or the Registered Transfer Agent  (RTA) such as CAMS.Online Method• Create an individual account on the official website of the KRA. Fill in your credentials to initiate the online kyc for mutual fund• Key in your registered mobile number and enter your Aadhar card number• Verify the details through the OTP sent on your registered mobile number• Upload a self-attested copy of your e-Adhaar• Accept the consent declaration terms for the eKYCAadhar based KYC through biometricsYou can also opt for Aadhar based KYC if you have the Aadhar card. Request the fund house or agency to send their representative or an official to visit you personally and collect the details from you in person. You can submit a copy of your Aadhar card to the representative, and they will enter your biometric information on the scanner and link it to the Aadhar data repository. As your fingerprints get matched to the database, your credentials stored with the Aadhar database will reveal that your KYC has been validated. This process can ensure that you can go ahead with your mutual fund investment.KYC for non-individualsHowever, if the investor is not an individual, the KYC process must be completed in a different manner. For instance, here are some cases on how to complete the KYC based on the following:• Joint applicants. All or both applicants in a joint applicant setting must complete the KYC individually.• Power of attorney. The power of attorney holder and investor must complete the KYC process individually.• NRIs/PIOs. All NRIs and PIOs must complete the KYC formalities individually.• Minors. If a mutual fund investment is being made on behalf of a minor, the parent or legal guardian who wishes to operate the account on behalf of the minor must complete the KYC procedure. When the underage individual attains adulthood, he or she must complete the KYC formalities at the time.It is important to note that if any KYC documents are found incorrect, insufficient or not in order, the investor's compliance status can get cancelled. Under such a situation, the investor is informed of the status by the relevant authority.To know your mutual fund kyc status and the progress of your KYC process, you can check on the following websites. Here, it is important to note that you can visit any of the below sites depending on where you have given the KYC application form:• CDSL Ventures Ltd. CVL - https://www.cvlkra.com/ • NSE (DotEx International) - https://www.nsekra.com/ • NSDL Database Management Ltd (NDML) - https://kra.ndml.in/ • CAMS - https://camskra.com/Home.aspx • Karvy - https://www.karvykra.com/To know more about your mf kyc status, you can visit any of the above sites and enter your PAN number.Conclusion On completing the KYC procedure successfully, you will be able to purchase mutual fund units from your respective AMC or RTA. You can freely invest in a wide variety of mutual funds of your choice and any amount, after completing your KYC formalities.   Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

अधिक पढ़ें

Are you Investment ready?

*All fields are mandatory

related stories view all

  • Value Investing - What is Value Investing & its Fundamentals
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 15 Jan 2020

    Value investing is the dark horse of stock markets. And this dark horse has created huge wealth for none other than Warren Buffet. Read on to know what value investing is, and what are the critical factors in this strategy. All that glitters is not gold and all that is gold does not always glitter. This holds true for investment decisions as well and forms the core principle of value investing. What is Value Investing? The value investment strategy was popularised by Benjamin Graham along with David Dodd after successfully surviving the period of the great depression. It involves proactively identifying stocks which are trading at a significantly lower value than their intrinsic value. Intrinsic Value refers to the true value of a stock. The two factors behind value investing are market price and value. Price is the amount you pay, and the value is what you get in return. Value investing believes that the stock market does not always remain in an efficient or balanced state. It sometimes overreacts to events such as political announcements, organisational restructuring, economic conditions and results in stock price fluctuations which do not correspond to the company’s actual worth or long-term fundamentals. Hence, there is a good probability that there are undervalued or overvalued stocks in the market. Value Investing and Behavioral Finance Value Investing and Behavioral Finance are two sides of the same coin. Value investing aims to exploit irrational or impulsive behaviour of investors. Emotions heavily influence investment-related decisions. Greed, fear, peer-pressure lead to poor investment decisions. This creates a huge potential for dispassionate or objective investors. Value investors do not get carried away by market sentiments or herd mentality, instead, they look at the real value of a stock in the long run. They also do not fall into a “growth trap” without actually understanding the history or behaviour of stocks. Fundamentals of Value Investing1. Find the intrinsic value Investors who follow value investing strategy are more interested in a stock’s intrinsic value and not just the current market price. There are multiple ways and valuation methods that are used to identify the intrinsic or true value of a stock. Such as discounted cash flow analysis, dividend discount model, Earning per Share valuation, etc. There is also a formula coined by Benjamin Graham to arrive at the true value of a stock. It is:  Intrinsic Value = Earnings Per Share (EPS) multiplied by (8.5+ Twice the growth rate of the company in the coming 7-10 years).  This formula has been now tweaked to reflect the current market conditions correctly. It is now:  Intrinsic Value = [Earnings Per Share (EPS) multiplied by (8.5+ Twice the growth rate of the company in the coming 7-10 years) multiplied by 4.4] divided by current corporate bond (AAA) yield.  4.4 in the above formula referred to the minimum rate of return in the USA in the year 1962. For the purpose of valuation of Indian stocks, 4.4 should be replaced by the corporate bond yield in the same year in India. When the stock’s market value goes below the calculated intrinsic value, investors purchase those stocks. Then they sit back and relax till the time the market corrects itself and the stock price reaches its actual value.  2. Margin of Safety Margin of Safety enables value investors to manage risks and avoid losses. It is also the key element which distinguishes value investing from mere speculation. It refers to the difference between the stock’s current market price and its intrinsic value. Higher the gap, greater is the safety margin. By investing in a stock with an adequate security margin, investors know that any negative event or volatility will not adversely impact the value of the investment. 3. Don’t follow the crowd Value investing is not for those who like to follow the herd. Value investors focus on stocks which are overlooked or avoided by others because of their low valuations but are inherently solid stocks.   Are there risks in Value Investing? Yes. Just like all the other things in our life, there are risks involved in Value Investing as well. One of the biggest risks is falling into Value Traps. All cheap stocks do not translate into good investment decisions. Value traps are stocks which seem to cheap due to low PE multiple or cash flows, but never go up in value. It is important to do full due- diligence before investing. This includes not just financial metrics, but also qualitative aspects such as quality of management, stability, competition, etc. Final Words Value investing is a proven strategy for wealth appreciation in the long run. But it can be an intimidating way of investing without the right support. A partner like IndiaNivesh can make the process smooth and more fruitful for investors. IndiaNivesh is a reputable financial service provider which offers a wide range of services related to Broking, Institutional equities, strategic investments, wealth management, investment banking and corporate finance. With their in-depth understanding of the Indian markets, the organisational experience of three centuries and cutting-edge technological tools, they help investors make well-informed and profitable decisions.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

    read more
  • Online Trading – 5 Essential Tips for Trading Online in 2020
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 14 Jan 2020

    Technological advancements and digitalisation have changed the online arena for every business, and the online share trading is no exception to the trend. Over the last few years, online trading has become very popular, especially amongst the millennials and generation Y. Prevalence of smartphones, lower costs, opportunity to earn extra income, low entry barriers, ease of access, etc has had a profound impact on online trading. Even though online stock trading today is huge, and many people are motivated to explore online trading for a rewarding career, by no figment of imagination it should be assumed that it is easy, and they can become financially self-sufficient in a short period. Here are 5 essential online trading tips to help improve your chances of success in your endeavours as a trader-1. Do the research and gain relevant information about the markets The economic conditions are constantly changing and it has a significant impact on the stock markets. To be successful in online share trading you have to do your research, collect relevant information and be updated about matters relating to markets. With information being available at the click of a button, it is easy to get access to information from various sources. Keeping your eyes and ears open about the official announcements being made, reading up market-related articles and financial publications can help you ace the game of online stock trading and avoid making whimsical trade calls.  2. Get acquainted with the trading terminologies and tools Getting yourself familiar with various terminologies and trading tools beforehand is extremely important so that you do not falter when you start trading. Clearing your basics about the important workings, different types of trades, important terms are critical. If you are not clear about the basics, then you may end up placing a wrong order. Once you are trading online, you are investing real capital and you cannot undo the trade. So, it is essential that you must be familiar with the features and the functions of the trading platform which you are going to use. Practice trading on dummy versions to get a hang of the trading interface before you can start with online trading. Once you have enough practice you will not be flustered and confused at the time of real trading. 3. Start with small capital and practice risk management There are infinite opportunities in the trading world and you do not want one experience to be the deciding factor for you. As online trading is risky, you should always make a small start in the beginning and invest little capital. Even the most successful traders do not put their entire investible surplus for trading but use only the capital which they have to spare after they have put aside for their long-term goals such as retirement. So, invest only the capital which you can afford to lose and which will not affect your financial planning. Another important thing to keep in mind at the time of executing trades is that the risk associated with trading is high and hence you should take adequate measures to minimise risk. Setting a stop-loss to your order will automatically stop a trade if the losses hit a particular mark and help minimise your losses. 4. Be patient and disciplined Online trading is a great way to make an income and many have successfully made a career out of it. If the success stories of other traders have motivated you to take the plunge, then, let’s be honest, online trading is risky and not for the light-hearted. Moreover, it is not something you can master overnight or become rich overnight on a single trade. To be successful, you need to have the right mindset and should be disciplined in your approach. Make a trade plan and stick to it. Trading out of impulse or greed will not help you become successful but following a plan and trading when you see opportunities can help you achieve the desired results. 5. Select the right broker and trading platform Last but not least, choosing the right broker and opening the best trading account online is important, and hence you should be careful about your selection. Choose a trading platform that best meets your needs and has a user-friendly interface. You should be comfortable using their software. Your success rate would be greatly affected by the timely execution of your orders. Other aspects to consider are a level of customer service and satisfaction, market reputation and competitive fee structure.   Conclusion With the above essential online trading tips, you can give your income a boost. We at IndiaNivesh have one of the best online trading platforms at the most competitive price and also offer expert advisory and research to meet your investment needs.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

    read more
  • Tips on Investing Money in Mutual Funds
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 20 Nov 2019

    Mutual Funds are the cynosure of the financial world. And rightly so! These investment havens pool in money from multiple investors and then invest the corpus across asset categories in line with the scheme’s objective. They are a great option for retail investors who would otherwise find it difficult to get exposure to such varied investment opportunities. What makes Mutual Funds a good investment tool? ·         Professional Management The USP of Mutual Funds is that they are managed by a team of experts. They are equipped with the necessary resources and information to continuously monitor the markets, analyze market trends and conduct in-depth research. As a result, the fund managers can devise the best investment strategy for the investors and guide them regarding the best mutual funds to invest in. ·         Financial Discipline One of the common problems faced by investors is that they lack the rigour or discipline to stick to their financial resolutions. Mutual Funds take care of this issue easily. Systematic Investment Plans ensure that investors continue to invest regularly. ·         Flexibility Mutual Funds offer a great deal of flexibility to investors. You can choose the frequency of contribution as well as opt to increase or reduce the investment amount as per cash flows. ·         Affordable Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) facility makes Mutual Funds affordable to everyone. One can start mutual fund investments with just Rs. 500. That is basically the cost of one pizza these days! They are perfect for novice investors who are overwhelmed or scared of equities but still want some exposure. ·         Tax savings ELSS are tax-saving Mutual Funds. Investment in these mutual funds qualifies for tax deductions (till Rs. 1.5 Lakhs) as per Section 80C. Owing to their potential of higher returns and shorter lock-in period, as compared to other tax-saving alternatives, ELSS have become a preferred choice for many investors.   Mutual Fund investment tips Now that you know what makes Mutual Funds a great investment tool, here are some mutual fund investment tips to help you make the most out of your hard-earned money. ·         Set a goal It is rightly said that “Dreams do not come true. Goals do”. The same rationale applies to investments too. Investments bring the best results when they have a purpose. So, the first step in mutual fund investments should be setting an investment goal. You should consider factors like budget, investment horizon, financial ambitions and most importantly your risk appetite.  ·         Select the right fund type When it comes to mutual fund investments, one size does not fit all. Just because your friend is investing in a fund does not mean it will benefit you as well.  Mutual Funds invest across a range of asset classes. Hence deciding which mutual fund to invest in can be slightly tricky. It is important to choose a scheme that is in sync with your needs and risk profile. For instance, if you are an experienced investor and can afford to take risks, you can easily go for equity funds. However, if you are a novice then most mutual fund tips for beginners will suggest going for debt or balanced funds. It is important to understand the risk-return relationship inherent in each asset category before making a decision. Rule of thumb being – higher the risk, higher the return! The asset allocation should be in sync with your risk appetite. Also, ask yourselves why you are investing in mutual funds. Is it to save taxes? Then ELSS Funds are your best bet. If you have a short investment horizon and want a fund type with high liquidity, then you can go with Liquid Funds. ·         AMC Credibility Check The right fund house can not only help you decide which mutual fund to invest in but optimize the potential of your overall portfolio. It is important to look at factors such as the credentials of the fund managers, expense ratio, components of the portfolio and AUM (Assets Under Management) of the Fund House. ·         Diversification is the key You should not put all your eggs in the same basket. Diversification across asset categories and investment styles is important. It helps to lower the risk quotient as it gets spread over different investments. Even if one fund underperforms, the other can compensate for it. The value of the entire portfolio is not at risk. ·         SIPs vs Lump-sum One of the best mutual fund tips for beginners is choose the SIP way. Especially if you are venturing into equity or equity oriented mutual funds. A SIP will allow you to spread out your investments over a longer duration of time. You will invest at different points in the market cycle and hence even out the associated risk. Also, the power of rupee-cost averaging in SIPs helps to generate higher returns in the long-term. ·         KYC KYC has become a necessity these days. Government of India has mandated KYC for most of the financial transactions including mutual fund investments. So, ensure that you have documents such as PAN Card, valid address proof, etc. before you venture into mutual fund investments. ·         Have a long-term view Mutual Funds are like a committed relationship and not a one-night stand. You need to remain invested for a longer duration in order to get the best rewards. Especially in the case of equity funds. This is because markets tend to be volatile in the short run but tend to move up in the long-term. The best combination is to invest in a mix of debt and equity to get best of both the worlds. Debt Funds would help to lower the overall risk of the portfolio and could help meet emergency fund requirements in the short run. While your equity funds work on wealth appreciation in the long run. ·         Ask the Expert Just like KBC, Mutual Funds also come with a helpline – Ask the Expert! There are so many options available in Mutual Funds. It can become rather overwhelming for a new investor to select the right mutual fund to invest in. A professional expert will not only help to select the right funds and schemes but will also constantly monitor the market on your behalf. One such expert is IndiaNivesh. They offer a wide variety of financial solutions related to broking and distribution, strategic investments, institutional equities, corporate advisory, investment banking and private wealth management. The team at IndiaNivesh has a combined experience of more than 300 years. With their cutting-edge technological and research capabilities, competent team and “client-first” approach, you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.   Final Words Now that the mystery is solved about how you can select the best mutual funds to invest in, what are you waiting for? Especially when you know that you have a guide like IndiaNivesh available at the click of a button.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

    read more