Articles

One more avenue to buy mutual fund (MF) units – Stock Brokers

SEBI has announced that now MFs can be traded through stock exchanges. You would be able to buy them through stock brokers.

New Fund Offers (NFOs) after announcement of entry load removal – Should you invest?

After it has been announced that there would be no entry load for investors putting their money in mutual fund (MF) schemes, many fund houses have come up with NFOs before the entry load ban comes into effect. What should you do?

No entry load for mutual funds (MFs) – How SEBIs move positively impacts you

In a welcome move, SEBI has totally abolished the entry load charged by mutual funds (MFs) effective August 1, 2009. Read on to know how this impacts you.

Close Ended vs Open Ended Mutual Funds (MFs)

Mutual funds (MFs) are of two types – close ended and open ended. But what is the difference between these? If we do a close-ended versus open-ended comparison, is one better than the other? Is there any advantage in opting for one over the other?

This article explains what these are, and compares these two types of MFs.

Best Performing Mutual Funds (MFs) of 2008

This article lists the top 5 mutual funds (MFs) for the year 2008 for various types / categories – Equity Diversified MFs, Tax Saving (ELSS) MFs and Debt MFs.

A comparison between bank FD and FMP: FD versus FMP

Fixed Maturity Plans, or FMPs, are pitched against bank fixed deposits (FDs). So, how do they compare with fixed deposits? Which is better if we do a “fixed maturity plan v/s FD” analysis?

Let’s have a FD vs FMP comparison.

Understanding a Fixed Maturity Plan (FMP)

Fixed Maturity Plans, or FMPs, have become quite popular among conservative investors not wanting to invest in asset classes considered risky. FMPs have emerged as an alternative to fixed deposits (FDs).

What is an FMP? How do FMPs work? What are the risks involved? Are there any income tax benefits?

[Article inspired by a query from reader Vijaya]

When “at-par” is not so good: New Fund Offer (NFO) versus existing MF schemes

Many people get attracted to a New Fund Offer (NFO) because it is available at par, or at face value of Rs. 10. But does it actually mean that the units are cheap or inexpensive? Is there any advantage of buying MF units during an NFO compared to buying units of an existing scheme?

This article talks about New Fund Offers (NFOs), and why they should be avoided - in favour of old, established schemes having a good track record.

More on Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and Micro SIP

This article emphasizes the fact that SIPs give superior returns compared to lump-sum investment. It also talks about various investing options available for SIPs (like Micro SIP), along with their characteristics and possible limitations. It advises you about the strategy to be followed for SIP investment.

(The article has been inspired by a question from the reader “rikinj”)

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) - A rupee a day, keeps worries away

This article describes how cost averaging can be achieved using MF SIPs. It also talks about the benefits of SIPs against cost averaging in stocks.

Mutual Funds - Growth or Dividend option?

This article talks about various options available to Mutual Fund (MF) investors - Growth, Dividend and Dividend Reinvestment. It guides readers about which option is most suitable for them.

No entry load for Mutual Funds (MFs) - What does it mean for you?

This article demonstrates the benefit of having no entry load (for MFs) on a long term investment.

Best Performing Mutual Funds (MFs) of 2007

This articles lists the top mutual funds (MFs) for the year 2007. The ranking is for Equity Diversified MFs, Tax Saving (ELSS) MFs and Debt MFs.

Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) is not for someone else

This article tells you how to save taxes along with equity investments, using Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) MF.

Direct investment in Stocks versus Mutual Funds (MFs)?

This article compares mutual fund investments with direct equity investments. It gives pros and cons of each, and suggests what type of investors should invest in each.