fixed income experts

Why India needs retail participation in fixed income markets, and how

As things stand, no taxpaying investor should consider saving via direct investments in any fixed income instrument, including in government securities. Instead, she would be much better off investing via a debt mutual fund that undertakes identical investments, notwithstanding the added fund management fee 

Why income may not be fixed in fixed-income funds

Fixed income funds or debt funds are typically used to reduce volatility in your portfolio. That doesn’t mean that your returns are guaranteed. There’s a big difference

Amid inflation threat and RBI’s rate increase, markets are positive

The benchmark 10-year government security yield eased after the RBI’s announcements and the stock market indices turned green.

Date with debt funds: Taking a tough call amid soaring inflation, rising policy rates

Investing your hard-earned money in fixed income space is a tough call, given the anticipation of higher interest rates going forward

With yields up, will interest rates on small savings schemes rise?

The government has seen it fit to keep interest rates on small savings schemes such as NSC and PPF steady despite them being pegged to g-sec yields that have fallen in the last two years. But benchmark yields have been rising now.

Debt markets race ahead of RBI and signal a rate hike. How should you handle your debt portfolio?

Don’t touch your existing debt funds, say financial planners. But if you want to invest incremental money, deploy slowly

Two fixed income investments that outshine low interest options

In the current inflationary scenario, locking in rates for long term is not a wise scenario and the short term rates are not at all remunerative.

Good times ahead for debt funds, though returns are muted

Market-level fluctuations are part and parcel of any market, be it equity or debt or commodities. Price levels work in cycles and if you stay the course, you will reap your returns.

When mutual funds merge fixed maturity plans with debt funds, what should investors do?

Since FMPs come with a specific timeframe, are close-ended, and of a specific credit quality, investors must first ensure the profile of the new schemes suit their investment objectives.

Why EPF is still a winner despite lowest rate in over four decades

The EPFO has announced lowest interest rate in over 40 years, causing heartburn among EPFO’s 60 million members, or salaried employees. However, EPF as well as its extension VPF continue to be indispensable as retirement planning tools.

Status quo on interest rates: Should you go for small saving schemes?

If you have been following the bond market, then you would have noticed that the bond yields are rising across the world. But do not wait for higher rates on small saving schemes.

Received FMP maturity proceeds? Here are options to reinvest the money for better returns

Investors in fixed maturity plans typically look for relatively less volatile returns than those offered by open-ended bond funds

Despite government’s U-Turn on small saving interest rates, don’t rush for PPF before April 5

Many investors invest entire lumpsum in PPF between April 1-4 because of the way interest is calculated. But a closer look at this strategy reveals it does not make much difference.

Interest rate cut U-turn: Should you continue with small savings schemes?

By reversing the rate cut in small savings, investors have got a relief. That doesn’t mean you should rush for them rightaway. Allocate your investments across asset classes and use small saving schemes, smartly, especially NSC and Postal Time deposits.

Explained: Government bond yields and impact on equity markets

One of the ingredients of equity valuation is the cost of capital which is directly linked to government bond yields. So if the bond yields rise, the implied cost of capital increases.

Coming soon: Retail investors can directly invest in government securities with RBI

After lukewarm response to its earlier scheme to allow small investors to invest in government securities through stock exchanges, the RBI now allows direct investments.

Continuity of 'Accommodative' stance by RBI bodes well for fixed income investment: Lakshmi Iyer of Kotak AMC

The ingredients are just the right mix for investors to stay invested across fixed income strategies – as “carry” assumes significance over “capital gains”.

Investing for short-term is tricky; Here's why

You have to align your investment plans with your financial goals.

Attractive fixed income options amid falling interest rates

The interest rate on small savings schemes are not reduced as frequently as they are supposed to be

Effective from June 30, your liquid funds become more transparent and liquid

Increased volatility of returns or slightly lower returns should not make you take increased risk, in search of higher returns.

Should you buy RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds (2020)?

The interest payable on January 1 and July 1 will be linked to the then prevailing rate of interest on National Saving Certificate (NSC).