SIP vs. RD - Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Vs Recurring Deposit (RD)


Financial planning plays an important role in today’s time. For your money to grow into wealth, it is required that you invest it in good avenues. Many individuals set aside a fixed amount every month for investment purpose. The two most popular investment avenues for investing a fixed sum of money every month are Systematic Investment Program (SIP) in Mutual Funds and Recurring Deposits (RD). In this article, you will learn about the difference between RD and SIP.
Let us begin by learning the meaning of the two terms.
What is SIP?
Systematic Investment Plan or SIP is an investment scheme where you can invest a fixed sum of money on a monthly or quarterly basis. It is a disciplined approach of investing your money because you set aside a fixed amount of money for investment purposes. You can start SIP by selecting a mutual fund scheme. The best part of SIP is that you can start it with an amount as low as Rs. 500.
Let us now learn the meaning of recurring deposit.
What is Recurring Deposit?
Recurring Deposit or RD is a term deposit scheme offered by the banks. In this scheme, you have to select the duration of time and amount of monthly deposit. Upon the start of the plan, you have to deposit a fixed amount of money every month during the tenure of the scheme. In general, the duration of the scheme is minimum 6 months and on completion, 3 months of addition can be made up to maximum tenure of 10 years. Recurring deposit schemes are easy on the pocket because in this scheme you get the option to select the amount and tenure for which you want to continue the scheme.
Let us now learn about the SIP vs. RD.
- Scheme of Investment
SIP is about investing in mutual fund plans where you have the option to select between debt or equity funds on the basis of your risk-taking capability. Whereas, RD is a deposit scheme that can give you a fixed rate of returns. If you are looking for more flexibility than you can opt for a flexible recurring deposit scheme.
- Frequency of Investment
SIP can be started with a small amount. It is your choice to invest in SIP on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. In the case of recurring deposits, you can invest a fixed amount on a monthly basis.
- Choice of Investment
SIP gives you the option to invest as per your risk appetite. Based on your risk-taking capability you can invest in different mutual fund schemes like equity, debt, hybrid, etc. On the other hand, a recurring deposit has no investment options. To earn a fixed return, you have to invest a fixed amount of money on a monthly basis.
- Tenure
You can opt for SIP investment for any tenure or duration of time. The minimum period of investment is 6 months. Whereas, in the case of recurring deposits, they have a fixed maturity date. The minimum period of investment is for 6 months and the maximum period up to which you can do a recurring deposit is 10 years.
- Return
The rate of return in SIP is not fixed because their performance is linked to the market. In general, over the past 10 years, the equity mutual funds have given return of 12% to 14% per annum and debt mutual funds have given a return of 8% to 9% per annum. On the other hand, when you start investing in RD, the rate of return is already known to you.
- Liquidity
SIP is highly liquid in nature i.e. they can be withdrawn whenever you want. However, you must remember that you would be charged an exit load on redeeming within 1 year of investment. Just like SIP, RD is also liquid in nature. RD attracts pre-withdrawal charges in case you make a withdrawal before the end of the tenure.
- Risk
Investing in mutual funds is risky because the performance of the fund is dependent on market performance. Poor market performance can even lead to capital erosion. However, in comparison to the equity mutual funds, the debt mutual funds are less risky. On the other hand, RD is a safe investment option. This is because the funds are directly deposited into the bank and they have a fixed rate of return. Hence there is no risk of capital loss in RD.
- Tax Benefit
The SIP investments and returns generated on it are exempt from tax only if the investment is made in Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) funds. Whereas, an investment made in the form of recurring deposit or interest earned on it is not exempt from tax.
- Investment Goal
SIP acts as a one-stop solution to all types of investment goals. In SIP, depending on the frequency of your investment and funds selected, you can invest for short, medium or long term. On the other hand, RD investment, in general, is done for short term purposes. It cannot generate wealth like SIP.
The above mentioned are a few differences between the SIP vs. RD scheme. Now the next important question that would arise in your mind is, SIP or RD which is better? Well, the answer to it is very subjective and will vary from person to person. Both the investment schemes are very different from each other and have their own benefits. Depending upon your risk appetite and tenure of the investment, you can select the right scheme for you. You can also refer to the difference between the two schemes and understand which investment option is ideal for you.
The beginners or inexperienced investors often find it difficult to take the investment decisions on their own. To assist them in financial planning, IndiaNivesh Ltd. is always at their assistance. We understand your financial goals and risk appetite before suggesting you any investment plan or scheme. We provide our clients with innovative and customised financial solutions. Our aim is to exceed the expectation of client in all our endeavours. You can even open a demat account with us and trade or invest in the stock market on the basis of our regular research reports.
Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Tax Free Bonds – Meaning, Features & Best Tax Saving Bonds for Investment
Investors always look for opportunities to invest in avenues that can give them good returns in the long run. Along with high returns on investments, they also look for tax saving options. The tax saving investment options that are popular in terms of high return and zero taxation are tax free bonds and tax saving bonds. If you are looking to make tax saving investments, this article will help you in learning about tax free bonds in India and its related information in detail. Let us first understand what tax free bonds in India are. What are Tax Free Bonds? Tax free bonds are issued by the government enterprise. They are like financial products and includes municipal bonds. They are a low-risk investment option and offer a fixed rate of interest. What makes tax free bonds even more attractive is the fact that it makes you eligible to claim tax exemption under section 10 of the Income Tax Act of India, 1961. The money collected by the government from these bonds is invested in housing and infrastructure projects. The maturity period of these bonds is 10 years or more. The next important question that must be arising in your mind is who should be investing in tax free bonds in India. So let us learn about the investors who can invest in tax free bonds. Who Can Invest in Tax Free Bonds? Investors who are looking for a fixed annual income and interest proceeds can invest in the tax free bonds. It is also a good investment avenue for investors who have a lower risk appetite and are looking to invest for long term duration. Individual investors like Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) members and Non-resident Indians (NRIs), who want to diversify their portfolio can also invest in these bonds. Furthermore, SEBI has allowed qualified institutional investors to invest in these bonds. Partnership companies and limited liability groups are also allowed to invest. In the last few years, the regular investors in tax free bonds include regional banks, cooperative banks, trusts and corporate companies. Let us now learn about the features of tax free bonds. Features of Tax Free Bonds Exempt From Tax The main feature of tax free bonds is that they are exempt from tax. The interest earned on these bonds is free from income tax. However, it is advisable that you must declare your interest as income from tax free bonds and not to claim the tax deduction on the investment amount. Moreover, no tax deducted at source (TDS) is applicable on tax free bonds. These bonds are beneficial for individuals who earn higher income and fall under higher tax bracket. Low Risk Since tax free bond schemes are run by the government, the chances of default on interest payment is almost nil. This safeguards your capital and also provides you fixed annual income in the form of interest. Liquidity Tax free bonds are long term tax saving investment option and they have extended lock-in period. This suggests that you cannot liquidate tax free bonds quickly. Therefore, you must be aware of the fact that these tax free bonds cannot act as your emergency fund. Lock-In Period While investing in tax free bonds you must ensure that you will not be needing the money in the short term. This is because tax free bonds have lock-in period of 10 to 20 years. This means, you cannot withdraw your investment before the maturity period. Issuance And Transaction The tax free bonds can be purchased through a demat account or in physical form. They are traded on the stock exchange. Here you must remember that only the interest earned on these bonds is tax free and capital gains made by selling the bonds in the stock market is taxable in nature. Returns The returns on tax free bonds are dependent on your purchase price because these bonds are traded in lower volumes and have limited buyers or sellers. Interest Income The investors in the tax free bonds receive the interest on an annual basis. The rate of interest on these bonds ranges from 5.50% to 6.50%. The rate of interest can fluctuate because they are related to the current rate of government securities. The rate of interest on these bonds is very attractive considering the fact that they are exempt from tax. Let us now have a look at few of the popular and upcoming tax free bonds of 2019. Popular and Upcoming Tax Free Bonds of 2019 Some of the popular and upcoming tax free bonds of 2019 are HUDCO N2 Bonds, REC N7 series, HUDCO N3 Bonds, National Highways Authority Of India, REC N6 Bonds, Indian Railways N7 Series, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Power Finance Corporation, etc. Often people use the term tax free bonds for tax saving bonds and vice versa. But in reality, they both are different from each other. In this section of the article you will learn about how tax free bonds are different from tax saving bonds. Difference Between Tax Free Bonds and Tax Saving Bonds Under tax free bonds, the interest earned is exempt from tax under section 10 of the Income-tax Act. The lock-in period is from 10 to 20 years and you can invest up to Rs. 5 lakhs. On the other hand, under tax saving bonds the initial investment made is exempt from tax under section 80CCF of the Income Tax Act. The tax saving bonds have a buy-back clause and you can withdraw your investments after 5 or 7 years. The tax exemption for tax saving bonds is up to an investment of Rs. 20,000. Let us now learn about investment and redemption of tax free bonds. Investment and Redemption of Tax Free Bonds You can make an investment in the tax free bonds through the demat account or in physical form. It is simple and hassle-free to make an investments in these highly rewarding bonds. However, you can make investment only when the period of subscription is open. Just like investing, redeeming tax free bonds is also a very simple task. You can redeem the bonds after the completion of the tenure. Investing in the tax free bonds and tax saving bonds are highly rewarding as they involve almost no risk. If you are new to the financial market or you are looking to invest in tax free bonds or tax saving bonds, you can take the assistance from IndiaNivesh Ltd. We are the leading broking firm and financial advisors in the market. With our assistance, you can achieve your financial goals and objectives in a desired manner. Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Total Expense Ratio - Know All about Total Expense Ratio (TER) Of Mutual Funds
If you have ever considered who pays for mutual fund advertisements, the costs of managing your mutual fund investments, operating costs of mutual fund companies and others, it's time to know about Total Expense Ratio [TER] of mutual funds. As a mutual fund investor, you contribute towards the running costs of managing your mutual fund company, that is the AMC or the asset management company. For example, if you have invested in an equity mutual fund, you could be paying an annual cost of approximately 2.5% of the total value of your investments. Generally, in India, equity funds charge 2.2% to 2.4% as the expense ratio. After adding all the costs together, it is known as the total expense ratio. If the TER is approximately 2.4% per annum, it is proportionately debited each day. Typically, it is seen that if the assets of the mutual funds are small, the expense ratio could be high. For the mutual fund to meet its costs from restricted or a small asset base, it could raise the expense ratio. Similarly, if the net assets of the mutual fund are substantial, ideally the expense percentage must be slim. In September 2018, SEBI initiated significant alterations by bringing ending down the total expense ratio of mutual funds. It also changed the process of providing commissions to distributors. Understanding the elements of expense ratio Numerous charges within the expense ratio are used to run a mutual fund scheme. Mutual fund investors contribute towards the expense ratio on a day-to-day basis, and complete disclosure is revealed every six months by the AMC on the deducted fees. There are five significant components within the expense ratio. These include: Management charges - This is a considerable cost and constitutes an integral portion of the TER. It is used to run the fund office, manage a mutual fund, recruit staff and more. Generally, it is a fixed cost for any mutual fund. Service/GST tax - Effective from July 1, 2017, service tax has been replaced by GST, and today is an integral component of the total cost of a mutual fund. The GST of a mutual fund is approximately 18% which makes it a critical cost component for all mutual funds. Transfer agent charge - Transfer agents are as crucial as registrars in equity investment. Typically, the mutual fund registrar takes care of unitholders’ services that include new investments, processing the changes in ownership, dividend reinvestment, managing accounts, redeeming accounts and more. Since mutual fund houses are unable to handle such a colossal activity on their own, two principal mutual funds transfer agents in India, known as KARVY and CAMS accomplish these activities. Brokerage and statutory charges - These two types of commissions are essential in mutual funds. These fees are applied to execute transactions in equity and debt as part of an individual's portfolio management. Besides, the mutual fund house pays commissions to distributors and brokers who promote their products to investors. In this, there is an upfront brokerage to procure new investors and a trail commission to retain clients. A direct plan can help you to save on brokerage costs and hence could be 70 to 80 basis points lower than a regular plan. Operating expenses - Day-to-day operations and marketing costs are also part of the TER. Fees related to advertising, brand promotion, branding, under marketing costs and hence, regardless of whether you are under a direct or regular plan, every mutual fund investor pays towards these charges. The impact of expense ratio on fund returns Say you have invested ₹20,000 in a mutual fund that has an expense ratio of 2%. This means you have to pay ₹400 to the fund manager, each year to manage your investment in the fund. Simply put, if the mutual fund provides you with a yield equal to 15% with a TER of 2%, your returns will be approximately 13%. Also, the net asset value of your mutual fund is stated after taking into account all the charges and costs. Therefore, it is critical to understand the expense ratio of the mutual fund you are paying to the AMC. Conclusion The total expense ratio plays a significant impact on your returns, especially over the long-term. Seek the best TER for your mutual fund to maximise your gains and create wealth.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Share Buyback – Meaning & Upcoming Buyback of Shares
Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 14 Nov 2019“XYZ company announces a buyback of its shares”. You must have seen or read this headline multiple times in the last couple of years. Especially by companies from the IT or technology industry. According to reports, in the financial year 2018, buyback offers worth Rs. 50,000 crores were made in the Indian markets. Have you wondered what is share buyback and what are the technicalities involved with it? Or if you should give up your shares during buyback offers? Then read on and get all your queries resolved. What is share buyback? Buyback of Shares – Meaning: A share buyback is a process through which a listed company uses its money and repurchases its own shares from the market. It is the opposite of an IPO (Initial Public Offer). Stock repurchase is also seen as a way for the company to re-invest in itself. Once the stock buyback is complete, they are absorbed and cease to exist. There are two ways in which stock buyback can take place: Tender Offer: In this buyback channel, the company offers to buy back a certain number of stock at a quoted price. The buyback is done directly from the shareholders. Open Market: The open market buyback takes place through the secondary market (stock exchange). The resolution (special or board) needs to specify the maximum price for the buyback. 2. Buyback of Shares – Regulations: SEBI has laid down the following guidelines for buyback of shares: It cannot be more than 25% of the total paid-up capital value and free reserves held by the company. It needs to be approved by the shareholders through a special resolution. If the buyback value does not exceed 10% of the total paid-up capital value and free reserves held by the company, it necessitates only a board resolution. Why do companies offer stock buyback schemes?1. Surplus cash but lack of investible projects This is one of the primary reasons behind stock repurchase by companies. Idle cash reserves come with a cost. Matured businesses do not need to invest exorbitantly in research, development or other such aspects. Also, holding on to unused equity funding results in ownership dilution without any good reason. Hence, companies prefer to buy-back their own shares.2. Tax-efficiencies Buybacks usually happen at a premium as compared to the market price. Companies prefer this route to reward shareholders rather than paying our dividends due to the tax implications. Dividends attract 15% DDT (Dividend Distribution Tax) for the companies as well as 10% tax in the hands of shareholders if the dividend income exceeds Rs. 10 Lakhs. Hence, earnings through buyback become more tax efficient for both the parties, even after considering the taxes applicable.3. Enhanced valuations Buybacks are associated with enhanced share valuations as a result of an improved PE multiple. Stock repurchase leads to a reduction in the number of outstanding shares and hence, capital base. This, in turn, improves the value of EPS (Earning per Share) as the same amount of dividend is now divided between lesser shareholders. The ROE (Return on Equity) also goes up as the cash assets on the Balance Sheets come down.4. Signal to the market Stock buybacks are also used to send indicators to the market. It signals that the company has great confidence in itself. Hence it is ready to repurchase its own shares (mostly at a premium) as it feels that the company is undervalued currently in the market. For instance, when the company management is highly optimistic about the future prospects but the stock price still reflects bearish sentiments based on past performance only. In some cases, promoters can also use the buyback channel to tighten their hold on the company. This is especially true when the shareholding is highly diluted or is in the hands of individuals or investors who do not have the best interest of the company in mind. How to evaluate stock buyback offers? Now you know what is share buyback and the reasons why companies offer them. But the fundamental question remains – what should be your stance in case of buyback offers? Should you hold your stock or give them up? These pointers can help you take the final decision:1. Offer Price and buyback quantum Buybacks are lucrative only when they are offered at a significant premium amount. The offer price must be substantially above the current market price to make it worthwhile for the investor. Also, the quantum of the share repurchase amount should be substantial. 2. Look at the tax implications Till recently, shareholders had to pay capital gains tax on their buyback earnings. However, with the introduction of buyback tax for listed companies, investors are now exempted from the same. Companies will now have to pay 20% buyback tax. This move has been done as the Government observed that more companies were distributing their profits through the buyback channel rather than dividend as the latter attracted DDT (Dividend Distribution Tax). Note: The buyback tax is not applicable to companies who had announced their buyback schemes prior to 5th July 2019.3. Promoter Participation Promoters cannot participate in the buyback process if it is being done through the open market. However, they are allowed in case of tender offer. In case of participation by the promoter, there is usually a positive movement for the stock price in the long-term. Final Words Buyback can be rewarding for both parties (company as well as investors). As an investor, it is important for you to understand the implications of each buyback offer and decide wisely. You should keep an eye out for the upcoming buyback of shares in 2019 and corporate news around the same. In case you feel that you are not able to decide on your own, you can always reach out to an expert like IndiaNivesh. Indiaivesh has been providing excellent financial solutions to investors since the last 11 years. It offers a wide range of products – broking, distribution, equities, strategic investments, investment banking as well as wealth management. With its “client-first” approach, skilled and experienced team members and state-of-the-art research and technological capabilities, you can be rest assured that your financial interests are in safe hands. Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Gold Exchange Traded Funds (Gold ETFs) - Overview & how to invest in it
Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 16 Oct 2019Gold Exchange Traded Funds (or Gold ETFs) combine the two passions of many investors – stock trading and gold investments. They provide a channel through which you can be a part of the bullion (gold) market. The investor’s funds are invested in gold stocks but there is no physical delivery of the yellow metal. They are often referred to as open-ended Mutual Funds that invest the corpus in gold bullion. Key highlights of Gold ETFs: Gold ETFs in India started in the year 2007. Slowly but steadily they have started gaining momentum. Some of the key benefits offered by Gold Exchange Traded Funds are:1. Transparency: Transparent pricing is one of the USPs of Gold ETF. Like stock prices, information about gold prices are easily available to the general public. You can easily determine the value of their portfolio by checking the gold prices for that time or day.2. Ease of trade: Just like shares, Gold ETFs can be easily traded on the stock exchange. You need to buy a minimum of one gram of gold which is equivalent to one unit of Gold ETF. Investors can invest in Gold ETFs from any location in India. Moreover, the difference in price (due to GST) will not be applicable.3. Cost efficiencies: Unlike many investment avenues, there are no entry or exit loads with Gold ETFs. The only cost involved would be the brokerage fees. 4. Risk: Unlike physical gold, there are no storage hassles or theft fears with Gold ETFs. Additionally, gold prices are not prone to frequent fluctuations. This makes Gold ETFs a relatively safer choice. 5. Tax efficiencies: Gold ETFs do not attract any wealth tax or securities exchange tax. Also, if they are held for a period of more than one year, the gains are treated as long-term capital gains. For anyone interested in holding gold, these ETFs provide a tax-efficient alternative. 6. Diversification: Gold ETF investments can help to bring diversity in the investment portfolio. During volatile market conditions, they can help to stabilise or improve the overall returns for you.7. Collateral: Gold ETFs are accepted as security collaterals for loans or capital borrowings by many financial institutions. Why is investing in Gold ETFs better than traditional forms of gold? You do not need to worry about impurities or adulteration in the metal As ETFs are held in electronic form, there are no storage related issues or costs Easy trading on the stock exchanges and hence high liquidity Real-time tracking of investments No mark-ups costs such as making charges, wear and tear involved The price of Gold ETFs remains the same throughout the country. However, the gold prices can vary from one location to another. How does Gold Exchange Traded Fund work? The investment is converted into unit of gold basis the cost applicable at the allotment time. For instance, the cost of gold (per gram) on a particular day is Rs. 3000. Ms. X wants to invest Rs. 60,000 in Gold ETFs. Her investment amount will get translated into 20 gold units. At the back-end, physical gold acts as security for these ETFs. For example, if you invest in Gold ETFs, the entity at the back-end purchases gold. They act as the custodian for the investment and also guarantee for the purity of the metal. The stock exchanges assign the responsibility of buying and selling gold to authorised members or participants which in turn can be used to issue ETFs. These are usually large companies. As a result, these authorised members ensure that there is parity between the gold cost and ETFs. How to invest in Gold ETFs? Gold ETF investments are a simple affair.1. Choose a broker or fund manager: Many financial institutions (including banks) offer Gold ETF products. Similar to the online share trading, you would need to reach out to a fund manager or a firm which will trade on behalf of you.2. Demat and Trading Account: In order to invest in Gold ETFs, you need to have a demat account and an online trading. You can apply for these accounts online with the broker or such service provider by providing details like PAN, Identity Proof, residential proof, photograph and a cancelled cheque (for bank account linkage).3. Online Order: Once the accounts are in place, you can select the desired Gold ETF and place the order through the broker’s online portal. You can also opt for Mutual Funds which have an underlying Gold ETF.4. Confirmation: The placed orders are then routed to the stock exchange. The purchase orders are matched with the corresponding sell orders and accordingly executed. A confirmation email or message is sent to you. Who all should invest in Gold ETFs? Gold is a relatively safe and stable investment. Its prices do not fluctuate as much as equities. Hence, Gold ETFs can be a good choice for you, if you do not want to take too much risk. Additionally, since these ETFs are tradeable easily on the stock exchange, they are useful if you are looking for an investment opportunity with high liquidity. Hence, it is a good option for you to diversify your portfolio. So, if you meet the requisite objective of investment, Gold ETF is a good option for you as well. Things to keep in mind while investing in Gold Exchange Traded Funds Here are some tips that you could use while investing in Gold ETFs Gold is generally considered as a stable asset. However, you should not forget that the Net Asset Value (NAV) of Gold ETFs can also fluctuate basis market volatility As an investor, you need to bear brokerage fees or commission charges for Gold Exchange Traded Funds. Hence, you should check these costs while deciding on the broker or fund manager However, you should not make the decision on the basis of price alone. Consider the broker/ fund house’s past track record, services provided, type of clients handled etc. before choosing the service provider Do not over-invest in Gold ETFs. It is usually suggested to restrict investment in these ETFs to 10% of the entire portfolio. Final Words A smart investor knows that all that glitters is not gold. A good fund manager or firm helps choose the best Gold ETF products in India. IndiaNivesh, a well-known financial services company can help in this regard. With their rich experience in the Indian market and in-depth understanding of the financial ecosystem, they have helped numerous customers to grow their wealth and fulfill their financial goals.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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SIP Investment - Why Should You Increase Your SIP Every Year
Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 11 Jul 2019Whenever people begin their investment journey, they secretly wish to become millionaires, almost overnight. However, to effectively create wealth you need years of consistent investing at a gradual pace. Investments need time and also a boost from time to time to grow. Mutual funds are an effective investment tool to build a corpus. When it comes to investing in mutual funds, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a convenient option. In this article, we look at SIP investments and how increasing your online SIP investment every year can be beneficial to you.What Are SIP Investments? Many investors think of SIPs and mutual fund schemes as synonyms, however, that is not the case. SIPs are merely tools that allow you to invest in a mutual fund scheme over a period of time. It can be monthly, quarterly or semi-annually depending on your financial goals. It acts as a convenient option for salaried individuals to regularly invest in mutual funds. The money can get deducted from their account automatically thereby engraining a financial discipline. Most mutual fund managers advise investing through SIP investment plans rather than lumpsum investments. This is because SIPs help you to average your purchase cost and maximise returns. Since you invest regularly over a period irrespective of how the market conditions are, you automatically end up buying fewer units when the market is high and vice versa. This helps to average out the purchase cost of your mutual fund units.How To Start SIP Investment? You can start an SIP with a minimum amount of Rs. 500. Here is how to start SIP investment if you wish to buy mutual funds. • Basic InformationThe first step of SIP investment requires you to provide all your basic personal information in an online form such as your name, date of birth, address, mobile number, etc. • Upload DocumentsIn the next step, you are required to upload a scanned copy of your PAN card and address proof. • Video CallNext, you are required to complete the IPV or In-Person Verification by selecting a time slot which is convenient for you. This requires confirming your physical existence through a webcam video call. It is advised to keep your address proof and original PAN card handy as you will be asked to show it during the video call. • Aadhar Based eKYCThe above procedure for SIP investment can be simplified if you have an Aadhar card. You have to enter your Aadhar number and authenticate it with a One-Time Password (OTP). This will pre-populate the online form with all your basic information details available in the UIDAI database. IPV through a video call is not required if you complete the eKYC procedure through Aadhar as the UIDAI database already has your biometric information. However, there is a statutory limit which will not allow you to invest more than Rs. 50,000 per fund house in a financial year if PAN card details are not submitted by you. You can submit your PAN card and enhance this limit. • The Final StepLastly, visit the website of IndiaNivesh Ltd. and register for a new account. Keep your phone and cheque book near you as you would be required to verify your account through OTP and enter your bank details. Once the account is created, you can log in and choose the mutual fund scheme you are interested in. Choose the SIP date and submit your request.Benefits of Increasing Your Online SIP Investment Every Year Here are some advantages of increasing your SIP every year.• Builds A Bigger CorpusWhen your income and surplus increase every year, it makes sense to increase your SIP investment too. It adds to the power of compounding and helps accumulate greater wealth by building a bigger corpus. Even a small 5% to 20% increase in the SIP investment plan at the end of 10, 15 or 20 years can make a big difference. In addition, you can avoid increased documentation as it will reduce the necessity of creating and tracking multiple stocks. • Counters InflationWhile investing, the return adjusted for inflation is a significant factor to be considered. As inflation increases every year, the amount you find substantial today may not have the same worth some years down the line. Hence, if you do not increase your SIP investment amount every year, you ignore inflation which erodes the purchasing power of your hard-earned money. • Achieve Your Financial Goals FasterSuppose you start a SIP investment plan of Rs. 5,000 per month. Assume an annual return rate of 12%. After 10 years, your corpus would grow to be Rs. 11.6 lakhs. However, if you decided to increase your SIP contributions by 10% every year, after 10 years your corpus would grow to be Rs. 16.8 lakhs. That is a difference of over Rs. 5 lakhs. As the years multiply, the difference would be a lot more.How To Increase Your Online SIP Investment? Here are three simple ways by which you can increase your online SIP investment.• Select The Right SchemeIf you are interested in SIP investment plans that allow step-up option where you can enhance the amount regularly, ensure that it matches your risk profile. For example, if you are an aggressive investor, you can opt for a mid-cap equity fund. Or, if you are a conservative investor, you can look at balanced funds. • Determine The FrequencyYou can choose the frequency and the amount by which you want to increase your SIPs. It can be semi-annual or annual. An appraisal or bonus is the best time to start increasing your SIPs. It is always a wise decision to align your additional earnings to existing financial goals. • Identify Your Investment CapYou can decide to put a cap on the maximum amount of money you wish to invest every month in SIPs. When you choose this option, your SIPs can keep increasing till they hit the ceiling amount set by you. Once this maximum limit has been hit, the SIP then acts as a regular SIP with the same investment amount every month. SIPs allow you to invest periodically and help your wealth grow. You can achieve your long-term financial goals with regular small investments and gradually increase your SIPs every year to achieve your financial goals sooner. You can either increase your SIPs by a fixed amount or a certain percentage, depending upon your financial goals. You may contact IndiaNivesh Ltd. if you wish to start a SIP investment plan. We can help you choose the right mutual fund schemes based on your financial goals, risk tolerance and investment horizon. Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Tax Free Bonds – Meaning, Features & Best Tax Saving Bonds for Investment
Investors always look for opportunities to invest in avenues that can give them good returns in the long run. Along with high returns on investments, they also look for tax saving options. The tax saving investment options that are popular in terms of high return and zero taxation are tax free bonds and tax saving bonds. If you are looking to make tax saving investments, this article will help you in learning about tax free bonds in India and its related information in detail. Let us first understand what tax free bonds in India are. What are Tax Free Bonds? Tax free bonds are issued by the government enterprise. They are like financial products and includes municipal bonds. They are a low-risk investment option and offer a fixed rate of interest. What makes tax free bonds even more attractive is the fact that it makes you eligible to claim tax exemption under section 10 of the Income Tax Act of India, 1961. The money collected by the government from these bonds is invested in housing and infrastructure projects. The maturity period of these bonds is 10 years or more. The next important question that must be arising in your mind is who should be investing in tax free bonds in India. So let us learn about the investors who can invest in tax free bonds. Who Can Invest in Tax Free Bonds? Investors who are looking for a fixed annual income and interest proceeds can invest in the tax free bonds. It is also a good investment avenue for investors who have a lower risk appetite and are looking to invest for long term duration. Individual investors like Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) members and Non-resident Indians (NRIs), who want to diversify their portfolio can also invest in these bonds. Furthermore, SEBI has allowed qualified institutional investors to invest in these bonds. Partnership companies and limited liability groups are also allowed to invest. In the last few years, the regular investors in tax free bonds include regional banks, cooperative banks, trusts and corporate companies. Let us now learn about the features of tax free bonds. Features of Tax Free Bonds Exempt From Tax The main feature of tax free bonds is that they are exempt from tax. The interest earned on these bonds is free from income tax. However, it is advisable that you must declare your interest as income from tax free bonds and not to claim the tax deduction on the investment amount. Moreover, no tax deducted at source (TDS) is applicable on tax free bonds. These bonds are beneficial for individuals who earn higher income and fall under higher tax bracket. Low Risk Since tax free bond schemes are run by the government, the chances of default on interest payment is almost nil. This safeguards your capital and also provides you fixed annual income in the form of interest. Liquidity Tax free bonds are long term tax saving investment option and they have extended lock-in period. This suggests that you cannot liquidate tax free bonds quickly. Therefore, you must be aware of the fact that these tax free bonds cannot act as your emergency fund. Lock-In Period While investing in tax free bonds you must ensure that you will not be needing the money in the short term. This is because tax free bonds have lock-in period of 10 to 20 years. This means, you cannot withdraw your investment before the maturity period. Issuance And Transaction The tax free bonds can be purchased through a demat account or in physical form. They are traded on the stock exchange. Here you must remember that only the interest earned on these bonds is tax free and capital gains made by selling the bonds in the stock market is taxable in nature. Returns The returns on tax free bonds are dependent on your purchase price because these bonds are traded in lower volumes and have limited buyers or sellers. Interest Income The investors in the tax free bonds receive the interest on an annual basis. The rate of interest on these bonds ranges from 5.50% to 6.50%. The rate of interest can fluctuate because they are related to the current rate of government securities. The rate of interest on these bonds is very attractive considering the fact that they are exempt from tax. Let us now have a look at few of the popular and upcoming tax free bonds of 2019. Popular and Upcoming Tax Free Bonds of 2019 Some of the popular and upcoming tax free bonds of 2019 are HUDCO N2 Bonds, REC N7 series, HUDCO N3 Bonds, National Highways Authority Of India, REC N6 Bonds, Indian Railways N7 Series, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Power Finance Corporation, etc. Often people use the term tax free bonds for tax saving bonds and vice versa. But in reality, they both are different from each other. In this section of the article you will learn about how tax free bonds are different from tax saving bonds. Difference Between Tax Free Bonds and Tax Saving Bonds Under tax free bonds, the interest earned is exempt from tax under section 10 of the Income-tax Act. The lock-in period is from 10 to 20 years and you can invest up to Rs. 5 lakhs. On the other hand, under tax saving bonds the initial investment made is exempt from tax under section 80CCF of the Income Tax Act. The tax saving bonds have a buy-back clause and you can withdraw your investments after 5 or 7 years. The tax exemption for tax saving bonds is up to an investment of Rs. 20,000. Let us now learn about investment and redemption of tax free bonds. Investment and Redemption of Tax Free Bonds You can make an investment in the tax free bonds through the demat account or in physical form. It is simple and hassle-free to make an investments in these highly rewarding bonds. However, you can make investment only when the period of subscription is open. Just like investing, redeeming tax free bonds is also a very simple task. You can redeem the bonds after the completion of the tenure. Investing in the tax free bonds and tax saving bonds are highly rewarding as they involve almost no risk. If you are new to the financial market or you are looking to invest in tax free bonds or tax saving bonds, you can take the assistance from IndiaNivesh Ltd. We are the leading broking firm and financial advisors in the market. With our assistance, you can achieve your financial goals and objectives in a desired manner. Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
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Total Expense Ratio - Know All about Total Expense Ratio (TER) Of Mutual Funds
If you have ever considered who pays for mutual fund advertisements, the costs of managing your mutual fund investments, operating costs of mutual fund companies and others, it's time to know about Total Expense Ratio [TER] of mutual funds. As a mutual fund investor, you contribute towards the running costs of managing your mutual fund company, that is the AMC or the asset management company. For example, if you have invested in an equity mutual fund, you could be paying an annual cost of approximately 2.5% of the total value of your investments. Generally, in India, equity funds charge 2.2% to 2.4% as the expense ratio. After adding all the costs together, it is known as the total expense ratio. If the TER is approximately 2.4% per annum, it is proportionately debited each day. Typically, it is seen that if the assets of the mutual funds are small, the expense ratio could be high. For the mutual fund to meet its costs from restricted or a small asset base, it could raise the expense ratio. Similarly, if the net assets of the mutual fund are substantial, ideally the expense percentage must be slim. In September 2018, SEBI initiated significant alterations by bringing ending down the total expense ratio of mutual funds. It also changed the process of providing commissions to distributors. Understanding the elements of expense ratio Numerous charges within the expense ratio are used to run a mutual fund scheme. Mutual fund investors contribute towards the expense ratio on a day-to-day basis, and complete disclosure is revealed every six months by the AMC on the deducted fees. There are five significant components within the expense ratio. These include: Management charges - This is a considerable cost and constitutes an integral portion of the TER. It is used to run the fund office, manage a mutual fund, recruit staff and more. Generally, it is a fixed cost for any mutual fund. Service/GST tax - Effective from July 1, 2017, service tax has been replaced by GST, and today is an integral component of the total cost of a mutual fund. The GST of a mutual fund is approximately 18% which makes it a critical cost component for all mutual funds. Transfer agent charge - Transfer agents are as crucial as registrars in equity investment. Typically, the mutual fund registrar takes care of unitholders’ services that include new investments, processing the changes in ownership, dividend reinvestment, managing accounts, redeeming accounts and more. Since mutual fund houses are unable to handle such a colossal activity on their own, two principal mutual funds transfer agents in India, known as KARVY and CAMS accomplish these activities. Brokerage and statutory charges - These two types of commissions are essential in mutual funds. These fees are applied to execute transactions in equity and debt as part of an individual's portfolio management. Besides, the mutual fund house pays commissions to distributors and brokers who promote their products to investors. In this, there is an upfront brokerage to procure new investors and a trail commission to retain clients. A direct plan can help you to save on brokerage costs and hence could be 70 to 80 basis points lower than a regular plan. Operating expenses - Day-to-day operations and marketing costs are also part of the TER. Fees related to advertising, brand promotion, branding, under marketing costs and hence, regardless of whether you are under a direct or regular plan, every mutual fund investor pays towards these charges. The impact of expense ratio on fund returns Say you have invested ₹20,000 in a mutual fund that has an expense ratio of 2%. This means you have to pay ₹400 to the fund manager, each year to manage your investment in the fund. Simply put, if the mutual fund provides you with a yield equal to 15% with a TER of 2%, your returns will be approximately 13%. Also, the net asset value of your mutual fund is stated after taking into account all the charges and costs. Therefore, it is critical to understand the expense ratio of the mutual fund you are paying to the AMC. Conclusion The total expense ratio plays a significant impact on your returns, especially over the long-term. Seek the best TER for your mutual fund to maximise your gains and create wealth.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.