March 2009 - Posts - Simple Equation

March 2009 - Posts

Gilt Funds, Guilty Investors

Posted by Harish Rao at 
A section of investors in Gilt Funds are an agitated lot these days. For good reason too : As a category, Gilt Funds have fallen by 7.03% over the past 3 months, as compared to a return of 11.39% over the past year. Just what has irked this section of investors? Excessive Volatility in the bond market translating to negative returns. (Should you want...

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Nano Yes, Mercedes No

Posted by Harish Rao at 
Looks like there is atleast one real estate player that acknowledges the new reality. DLF. In an obvious recognition of a massive slowdown in the Real Estate sector, DLF has begun refunding deposits and initial payments of over 560 investors in their ambitious Chennai project. (Read details here). Despite reduced prices, investors in the Chennai project...

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Wolf in Sheep’s clothing

Posted by Harish Rao at 
In a major crackdown against misselling, the Insurance regulator, IRDA, has instructed Insurance companies to ensure that second and subsequent year premiums for ULIPs should be atleast 75% of the First Year (FY) premium. Background ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans, that have an investment and risk cover component) have become one of the most popular...

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Notes on Notes: Download a Personal Finance Audio show

Posted by Harish Rao at 
As of today, we launch "Notes on Notes" - a downloadable audio show designed to clarify news and demystify myths within the personal finance space. In our inaugural show, we discuss if the cut in repo and reverse repo rates really do translate into a benefit for the end consumer and the wisdom of waiting before investing in the real estate...

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Cash : Mattress or Market

Posted by Harish Rao at 
In an uncertain market and nervous economy, taking a plunge into the equity market requires a strong heart. Pundits in the media and friends in the drawing room advocate hoarding cash till the horizon becomes clearer. Is that wise? Depends on a lot of things: a. Your present asset allocation : Most likely, you are underweight on equities, given the...

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Top 10 Finance Quotations

Posted by Harish Rao at 
The one tool that most fund managers and investment advisors use, to make a point, is quote a person of authority. Most Indians view such maxims as words of wisdom and not mere clichés. Indeed, most are witty, wise and cerebral. Classics really. Just thought I would compile my personal favourites (have excluded some classics that have become chestnuts...

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