My Blog is World's 3rd BEST!!!!

I recently received a Mail from www.etfdb.com, a US based etf site which has ranked my Blog http://http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com among the Top 50 50 Buy and Hold Investing Blogs and mine has been ranked at NO.3.
This is what the email said :

“From: Jimmy Atkinson
To: sharesher@indiatimes.com
Sent: Thu, 14 May 2009 21:59:42 +0530 (IST)
Subject: Good Funds Advisor Named a Top 50 Buy and Hold Investing Blog





Hi



Just in case you
have not yet noticed, Good Funds Advisor was named a top 50 buy and hold investing
blog at ETF Database earlier this week. I thought you and your readers might
want to check out the rest of the list. Let me know if you have any feedback, or
feel free to leave a comment directly on the blog post. httphttp://etfdb.com/2009/top-50-buy-and-hold-investing-blogs/



Thanks!
Jimmy
Atkinson

ETF
Database

http://http://etfdb.com
I dedicate this success to YOU. Yes, you dear readers, who keep visiting my blog and come up with interesting suggestion.
So, guys check out my blog http://http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com and tell me how can I further improve my blog and make it No.1.
Thanks to you all
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai



Also visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for an indepth Equity Analysis

ICICI Target Return Fund - Invest

Srikanth Shankar Matrubai


A rare NFO, which is good

ICICI has come with a New Fund Offer named ICICI Prudential Target Returns Fund, an Open Ended Diversified Fund. The objective of the Fund is to Generate Capital Appreciation by investing in equity/equity related instruments of BSE100 and, providing investors with options to withdraw their investment automatically based On Triggers as when and when achieved.

The fund offers investors an option to switch out their capital appreciation or entire investment when the fund reaches a particular target, preset at either at 12%, 20%, 50% or 100%. This will help the investor to book his profit and protect any downward fall.

A back testing carried by the AMC shows that a trigger @ 20% moved into even a normal savings account would have given a return of 14.92 on a Rs.10 NAV., whereas not using the trigger would have left your NAV at 10.04 inspite of the NAV having touched a high of 21.
(This Simulation is based on a Value of Rs.10 invested on 01 Jan 2006 till March 2009).

Comments:
This scheme will give comfort to first-time investors, who usually come when markets are at peak and then lose out money when they fall. This scheme will book profits regularly in a discipline manner. Profit booking in a disciplined manner is essential. Investors tend to become greedy when they see appreciation and become fearful during correction and this fund will eliminate such greed. The Trend seen in the last two years clearly shows that a bit of Active approach is essential even in Mutual Fund investments and this Fund addresses this need.

Positives :
1) The Trigger Mechanism will automatically ensure Rebalancing.
2) With Triggers, Returns are locked at regular returns and Value is preserved in the event of a Subsequent fall.
3) The fund intends to invest in Large Caps, which is a comforting factor.
4) The Fund is being launched after the Stock Market have seen a Big Correction and is Attractively Valued, thus the probability of the Fund achieving its 'Targets' is rather high.


Negative:
1) The biggest negative of the Fund is that due the Mandate, the Fund Manager is forced to Sell out Stocks as soon the Stated Target is achieved and may well miss Higher Returns if held.
2) There is no Guarantee that the Fund will meet its 'Trigger Target' if the Markets were to stay Range Bound to Negative.
3) In the Event of a Bull Run similar to 2 years back, than there is a risk of losing the Benefits of compounding Returns.


Recommendation:
The Fund should do well and one can invest going by the Fact that the Fund will be investing in Large Caps and the Markets too look attractive over the Next two years at least. The Fund may not give Huge Gains but does promise to protect your gains in the event of a market crash.

Invest with the Option of 20% Trigger Target and Switch to ICICI Liquid Plan - dividend Reinvestment Option.

One can consider investing in this Fund

Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai






Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for Stocks and Shares

TAURUS ETHICAL FUND - AVOIDABLE NFO

Hello,
Taurus Mutual Fund has launched a New Fund named Taurus
The New Fund Offer has already open now and will close on 20 March 2009.
The Fund is particularly targetted at Investors who want to put their money in a Shariah-compliant instrument. The fund will make investments only in the shares of companies that are compliant with the dictates of the Shariah, which forbids ties with companies involved in banking, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, non-halal meat or pornography. As interest cannot be earned on investments made as per Shariah laws, the fund will not invest in debt either.


COMMENTS AND ANALYSIS :
New Funds are a strict no-no for me. And coming from a Fund House with a pathetic trackrecord, it is better to avoid the New fund Offer. The fact that Fund's stock universe is limited may also restrict its potential to deliver high returns. Better to stick to an existing Diversified Fund.

Best of luck,
srikanth shankar Matrubai





Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for Stocks and Shares

JM BASIC FUND - A DISASTER

JM basic fund SIP

Dear Sir
My sip for jm basic fund(G)expires on 25 jan,it was from last one year.Should i continue or not.I have 8 diff. sip of 1000/pm and plannig for 10 year.Others are sbi Contra,hdfc prudence,hsbc equity,Magnum global,diversi power reliance,rel vision and growth,icici infra.All r growth option.I have to re-arrange portfolio,pl advice.
uday1972

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied
Dear Uday,
JM Basic Fund has been one of the Disasters of 2008. In fact, the JM Fund House itself has had a Disasterous Year in 2008. Almost all their Funds lost heavily, in fact more than the Benchmark and some Funds lost even 80%.

Their investment
approach too seems to be losing focus looking at thier portfolio. You are advised to STOP your sip in this Fund and Discontinue the same.
Regarding your other Funds, here is my take on each of them :
SBI Contra - Continue
HDFC Prudence — Continue
HSBC Equity — Continue
Magnum Global - Discontinue and switch to Birla Sunlife Equity Fund
Reliance Divesified Power - Discontinue and Switch your SIP to Fidelity Equity Fund
Reliance Vision - Continue
Reliance Growth - continue
ICICI Infra - Stop and Switch your SIP to ICICI Dynamic Fund

And your JM Basic SIP can be routed to a Better Looking and much more promising Sundaram Select Focus Fund.
BEst of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai,

Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for Stocks and Shares

MY VIEW ON LIC'S JEEVAN ANAND

JEEVAN ANAND
At first glance, Jeevan Anand looks attractive. All insurance policies look great while buying and look quite meagre when you receive it.

Sample this -

A 30Y old male person `ll put in 27550 Rs. prem. per annum for a 20Y policy. Now look at the bonus announcements of past years for this policy.

2004-2005 - 43 Rs. per 1000 Rs. Sum assured
2005-2006 - 40 Rs.
2006-2007 - 41 Rs.

From the above bonus rate, u can expact an average bonus rate of around 41 Rs. for all the 20 years (not guaranteed).

So after completing 20 years -

A. Total prem. paid over 20 years = 27550*20 = 551000 Rs.
B. Total accrued simple reversionary bonus = 20*500*41 = 410000 Rs.
C. Loyalty addition = 100000 Rs. (not gtd.)
D. Total Maturity amount after 20 years = 1010000 Rs.

E. Now ur family `ll get 5L Rs. more after ur death from the maturity date of policy, it may happen any time in next 10-20-30 years. = 500000 Rs.

Plz. do note in case ur death occurs, during the normal prem. paying term, the benefit of receiving Sa again after maturity of the policy `ll not be there.

On a simple note, u r not even getting double of ur money after paying for 20 years & the remaining cover of 5L in case of death after maturity, may seems high at present but think for next 45-50-60 years & think about the effect of inflation on this 5L amount.
don`t invest in Jeevan Anand Policy, instead ask ur agent for following 3 policies.

1. 1 Anmol Jeevan - 1 Policy of 10L Sum assured for 25 years
2. 1 anmol jeevan - 1 policy of 15L Sum Assured for 20 years
3. 1 Amulya jeevan - 1 policy of 25L Sum assured for 15 years.

Plz. do note all the above mentioned policies r term plans of LIC & u `ll not get any money back from ur prem. pmt. for these policies but on the other hand, ur total prem. paid for these policies `ll not be more than 25-30K (depending upon ur age) whereas ur Jeevan Anand Policy prem. `ll be around 2.25 to 2.75L per annum (again depending upon ur age). U can invest the saved prem. as per ur choice & by the end of 20 years or 25 years (ur term selected in Jeevan Anand policy) u `ll have more money than Jeevan Anand policy.

Insurance is not Investment. Go for PURE TERM COVER. The difference in premium if invested in mutual funds will give you far higher returns. Remember your insurance agent gets 35 to 40% commission on your first premium .

Insurance is an EXPENSE, not an INVESTMENT. No amount of money put in INSURANCE will make you richer or recover the loss suffered by your dependants in your absence. As policy holder if you receive any money from Insurance - you are a loser because you have taken a policy which is costlier than a basic term cover. As nominee if you receive money - you are the biggest loser . What you receive from insurance will only give you temporary relief. The best thing for a nominee is the policy holder staying alive and earning well. So do not look for returns when you are choosing an insurance policy. As policy holder look for the least premium payable per lakh of sum assured. Best & cheapest is PURE TERM COVER.


For investment go for Mutual Funds. And note, nowadays, even most Mutual Funds do offer you Life Insurance Cover.

Do consult your financial advisor before investing.

Best of luck,

Srikanth Shankar Matrubai






Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for Stocks and Shares

IDFC India GDP Growth Fund

IDFC has recently launched a New Fund Offer named IDFC India GDP Growth Fund.

The IDFC India GDP Growth Fund seeks to invest the assets in the sectors representing the three components of India's GDP viz., Agriculture, Services and Industry. The allocation to these levels of GDP will be in the same proportion as their contribution to the overall India's GDP, and will normally be revised on a semi-annual basis, or whenever the GDPgrowth estimates are revised.

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATION :

The Fund is innovative and aims to capture the Growth in India's GDP. The Fund would act as a Good Diversified Fund as it will be investing in Stocks in Sectors and Industries across market captilisation. The Fund Manager, Mr.Ajay Bodke has had a good expertise in managing Funds and has performed reasonably well. The Fund may a Good Pick for Long Term Investors.

The Fact that India's economy is relative insulated from the Global meltdown and that India is better positioned better than most countries makes Indian Markets attractive and India should better GDP numbers going forward. This in turn will help the Fund give good returns.

The Fund, however, may not find it easy to mirror the GDP. Besides, there are not many great performers in the agriculture sector and getting right stocks in optimum proportion would not be very easy. Also, not all the sectors of the economy would perform in a similar manner at any given point and hence the fund has to remain invested in a particular sector in a particular proportion and this is a negative of the new fund.

IN A NUTSHELL, THERE ARE MANY TOP PERFORMING FUNDS WHICH OFFER SIMILAR FEATURES AND HAVE A TRACK RECORD TO BOAST OF. RISK AVERSE INVESTORS WOULD BE BETTER OFF TO WAIT FOR THE FUNDS PERFORMANCE TO COME OUT AND THEN TAKE A CALL. OTHERS CAN TAKE THE SIP ROUTE AND INVEST IN THE FUND.

Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai


Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for Stocks and Shares

Advise on My Portfolio...

My old friend Akhil sharma wrote :


Hi Sir,

Hope you are doing really well and your Family and loved ones are in the Pink of Health.
I've finally thought of starting a new SIP in Fidelity Equity Fund.

As of now i'm invested in the following funds:
Sundaram Capex Opportunities - Rs.5500 ( Latest Value :Rs. 3156 )

Reliance RSF Equity - Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 2753 )

Reliance Diversified Power - Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 2434 )

Kotak Indo World(Closed Ended)- Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 1982 )

ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund -Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 2407 )


This is as per My Portfolio On MoneyControl Website.

My question is should i redeem from all of these Funds and invest at a single place or should i stay Invested in them and wait for recoveries.

The thing i'm thinking here is even these funds will have to come to that NAV on which i invested(which have actually fallen by 50%) to give me a NO Profit- No Loss situation.Then my Funds will start giving me returns.That may take a lot of time.Although i have long term horizon of minimum 3-4 years but still should i redeem from these funds and invest the whole lumpsum amount(whatever i finally get!) in a good fund like DSP BR TOP 100 Fund.

NOTE: It has been 14 months approximately that i have invested in these funds.


SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :

Dear Akhil,


Well Akhil, better late than never. It is indeed good news that you have thought of starting a SIP in Fidelity Equity fund. This Fund has been a favourite since its launch and it has not disppointed me.
I am surprised by your existing investment. Inspite of being in touch with me, I wonder why you have had so much exposure to One Sector (Infra)???. In fact, expect for Reliance RSF Equity, all your other investments is in those Funds which are directly investing in Infrastructure related stocks. You need to diversify and diversify soon. Thankfully, all your investments have around 5000 and not more.
I will analyse each of them one by one :
Sundaram Capex Opportunities Fund : Even at loss, prefer switching to better performing Sundaram Select Focus Fund.

Reliance RSF Equity : Continue for now

Reliance Diversified Power : Again a Sector Fund. Consider Switching to Reliance Growth Fund

Kotak Indo World : Being Close ended, no option but to continue your investment. Take a call when the Fund becomes Open Ended.

ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund : Among the Better Performing Infrastructure Funds. I would have had no hestitation in suggesting you to switch to ICICI Dynamic Fund, but for your Age profile (24) and Risk Profile, I suggest you to Continue your holding in the same for the time being.

No need to take hasty decision like Selling all the Funds at one go and investing the whole proceeds into other funds (your choice DSPBR Top 100 fund, by the way, is good), would not be such a Bright Idea.
Instead, consider the above switches and wait for better times. In future, invest only in Well Diversified Equity Funds and preferably invest through SIPS.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai.


Visit my blog
http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com


Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
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NOT ALL NFOs ARE BAD

This letter written by me was published in Outlook Money Magazine.

In the 9 April 2008 issue of the Outlook Money magazine, the article "Why have NFOs lost their lustre"? made interesting reading. However I beg with the author with some issues. Avoiding all NFOs would not be a very wise thing to do. You have to invest in some NFOs which are exceptions to the existing schemes like DSPML World Gold Fund, etc especially if they are Close-ended funds because you may not be able to invest in the fund for another 3 years.
Also, the author says that some fund houses give even upto 8.5 percent commission to distributors. I myself being a distributor have never come any fund house giving even 5%!!!! He should be careful before writing such non factual informations.

Thanking you,
Srikanth Matrubai


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- Retirement Planning and Son's education

Neha Agarwal wrote :
Dear Sir,
I Just came across your blog and read few suggestions and i really want to say thank you for all your valuable advise to the investors.
I am 32 years old and I have invested in mutual fund by starting from Rs. 500/- from one fund in 2005 and increased year by year. All the funds are having growth option. My investment horizon is +15 years.
I am having 3 year old son and I am investing for retirement and son’s education.
I am the only earning member of my family having 5 members including me.
I am having a housing loan of Rs. 12 lakhs outstanding as on today. I am repaying the principal of housing loan as an when possible.
Please analyse my portfolio and give me the feedback on the funds which I am having and suggest me if I am able to meet my goal.
I am having Life Insurance of Rs. 14, 00,000/-.
I am having following SIP.
The bold ones are the core portfolio as per my views.
Reliance Equity saving – Rs.500/- from 2008
Reliance Growth – Rs.1500/- from 2008 and Rs 500/- from 2006 to 2008
Reliance Vision – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and Rs.500/- from 2006 to 2008
Reliance Diversified Power – Rs.500/- from 2007
Sundaram Select Midcap – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and Rs 500/- from 2006 to 2008 Sundaram India Leadership – Rs.500/- from 2006
Sundaram Select Focus – Rs.1000/- from 2008
Sundaram Capex – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and Rs 500/- from 2006 to 2008
SBI Contra – Rs.500/- from 2005
DSPML tax saver – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and will discontinue as I don’t require any ELSS.
DSPML top 100 – Rs.1000/- from 2008
Kotak Tax Saver – Rs.500/- from 2007 to 2008
HDFC top 200 – Rs. 1000/- from 2008
ICICI Infrastructure Rs. 1000/- from 2007.


I had also invested in following NFO

Reliance Long Term Advantage – Rs. 5000/-
Reliance Natural Resources – Rs. 5000/-
DSPML Mid and Small Cap – Rs. 5000/-
Sundaram Select thematic Energy – Rs. 5000/-
Sundaram Equity – Rs. 5000/-
Sundaram Small Cap – Rs. 5000/-
J M Contra – Rs. 5000/-
Birla Long Term Advantage Fund – Rs. 5000/-
HDFC Midcap – Rs. 5000/-
SBI Tax saver series I – Rs. 15000/-
SBI Blue Chip – Rs. 5000/-
UTI Contra – Rs. 5000/-
UTI Infrastructure Series I – Rs. 5000/-
My question is am i too much betting on Sundaram BNP Paribas</span>?The core portfolio which i indiacted in Bold is it correct ?
I am planning to shift my equity MF investment to balance fund at the age of 45. if this is correct ?
Regards
Amit & Neha





SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI advised :

Dear Amit and Neha,

First of all, I thank you for your kind words on my blog.
It is good to see that your faith in Mutual Funds has not diminished even after the mauling the Stock Markets has received in 2008.
Before analysing and commenting on your portfolio, I take pleasure in appreciating on your foresight for creating a Buffer for your Retirement and Son's education.

ANALYSIS AND COMMENTS:
Shockingly, you have got 27 funds in your portfolio. You seem to have become a "collector" of funds. Your portfolio needs a complete overhaul. Some funds are outright sell, even at a loss.
I will go through each fund one by one.
1. Reliance Equity Saving (Sip 500 from 2008) :
Probably you mean to say Reliance Regular Savings Fund (Equity). This fund has had a terrific 2007-08 and since then like other funds, has taken a big beating. This fund focusses on Mid-caps and Samll Caps. I advise you to STOP your SIP in this fund immediately.

2. Reliance Growth :
This fund has been a Star Performer since inception. Though it faltered in 2008, looking at its portfolio, I continue to maintain a positive view on the Fund. CONTINUE.

3. Reliance Vision :
This Fund has been living on Past Glory. STOP YOUR SIP.

4. Reliance Diversified Power :
I am never in favour of Theme/Sector Funds. STOP YOUR SIP.

5. Sundaram Select Midcap :
A Great Performer which has gone off-track of late. AVOID. STOP YOUR SIP.

6. Sundaram India Leadership :
CONTINUE.

7. Sundaram Select Focus Fund :
A Truly Quality Performer and Must Have in everyone's portfolio. CONTINUE.

8. Sundaram Capex Fund :
Could struggle going forward. Best to Avoid and STOP YOUR SIP.

9. SBI Contra :
Not a Contra Fund in True Sense. More of a Diversified Fund with a Large Cap Bias. CONTINUE YOUR SIP.

10. DSPBR TAX SAVER :
As you do not require any ELSS, it is good that you are discontinuing.

11. DSPBR TOP 100 :
Excellent Performer in Both Bull and Bear Markets. CONTINUE.

12. KOTAK TAX SAVER :
Has been an average performer. Switch to K30 fund on completion of Lock-in period.

13. HDFC TOP 200 Fund :
One of my favourites. Has been a very very consistent performer. CONTINUE YOUR SIP AND ADD MORE IF POSSIBLE.

14. ICICI INFRASTURCTURE :
One of the best Infra Funds. But does not deserve to be a part of Core Holdings, especially since you are the sole earner. STOP YOUR SIP and switch to other funds suggested below. Under the Same Fund House, you can switch to ICICI Growth fund.

NFO :

Reliance Long Term Advantage – Rs. 5000/- (After Lock-in Period is over, switch to Reliance Growth)
Reliance Natural Resources – Rs. 5000/- (Retain your holdings. The fund should start delivering as it still holds significant cash and has invested in Quality Stocks)
DSPML Mid and Small Cap – Rs. 5000/- (Even at a loss switch to DSPBR Top 100 Fund)
Sundaram Select thematic Energy – Rs. 5000/- (Take a decision when the Lock-in Period ends.. which is still 2 years away)
Sundaram Equity – Rs. 5000/- (Continue to hold as the Fund has performed better than its Benchmark and has good holdings in Large Cap Blue Chips)
Sundaram Small Cap – Rs. 5000/- (Holds nearly 93% in Small and Mid Caps which do not promise a bright future. Better to switch even at a loss to SUNDARAM SELECT FOCUS).
J M Contra – Rs. 5000/- (Has a taken a huge beating. No Other option but to wait and pray for better times. )
Birla Long Term Advantage Fund – Rs. 5000/- (Close-ended. Take a call when the Fund becomes Open ended).
HDFC Midcap – Rs. 5000/- (Close-ended. Take a call when the Fund becomes Open ended).
SBI Tax saver series I – Rs. 15000/- (Close-ended. No other option to stay invested)
SBI Blue Chip – Rs. 5000/- (Even though invests in Blue Chip, has not had a great run. But its holdings do inspire some confidence. Continue to hold and take a call after a year)
UTI Contra – Rs. 5000/- (Even at a loss switch to UTI Dividend Yield Fund)

UTI Infrastructure Series I – Rs. 5000/-(Even at a loss switch to UTI Dividend Yield Fund)

Out of your existing ongoing SIP of Rs.11500, I have suggested you to stop Rs.5000 and Rs.1000 will be stopped from DSPBR Tax Saver.

For this 6000, I suggest you to invest in the following funds
HDFC PRUDENCE FUND (1000 * 2 sips at different dates)
FIDELITY EQUITY FUND (500 * 4 sips at different dates)
BIRLA SUNLIFE EQUITY FUND (1000 * 2 sips at different dates)

so, ultimately your CORE portfolio will look like this....


RELIANCE GROWTH FUND
SUNDARAM SELECT FOCUS FUND
SUNDARAM INDIA LEADERSHIP FUND
SBI CONTRA
DSPBR TOP 100 FUND
HDFC TOP 200
HDFC PRUDENCE FUND
FIDELITY EQUITY FUND
BIRLA SUNLIFE EQUITY FUND

If you observe, I have added a Balanced Fund HDFC Prudence Fund to your Core portfolio and your portfolio now looks tilted towards Large Caps, which is how it should be.

Continue to retain your existing holdings in the Funds where I have suggested to STOP YOUR SIP. Do try to reduce/sell out when the situation improves and shift to Quality Funds as suggested.

Your Life Insurance Coverage of 14Lakhs looks inadequate to me, especially when seen in the backdrop of you being the only earning member in a Family of 5.

Try to get a Term Insurance, as this is the Cheapest Form of Insurance.

Also while investing in Reliance Growth and Birla Funds, there is Free Life Insurance available, get the details about the same from your Mutual Fund Advisor and invest through them, which will also increase your Life cover.

Rebalance your portfolio periodically, ideally, every two years. Make a gradual shift from Equity Heavy to Balanced and then to Debt Heavy, without compromising on returns/risks.

Do consult your Financial Advisor before taking action on my suggestions.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai




Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
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SAFE DEBT FUNDS FOR AN NRI

Mr.Tyagi wrote :
HI, Mr.Srikanth,



First of all I cannot fin dout any space in your blog where I can ask questions. Can u educate me where am I suppose totype in my question?



My actual question is I'm a NRI and woul dlike to park my money in safe Debt funds. Can you suggest some safe Debt funds that I can invest in? Also let me know is it safer to invest in Long term debt funds or short term debt funds?



REgards

Thyagi

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied:

Mr.Tyagi,
I am not a Technical Person, hence there is no provision to type your question in my blog. My email is the only solution.
Your idea of investing in Debt Funds is very good considering the State of Equity Markets today. And moreover, Indian Debt Securities offer Higher Interest Rates compared to Developed Markets making the Debt Funds an attractive Option.
While investing in Debt funds, please note that the Currency Rate Fluctuations could also affect your returns. Another Caveat is that Debt Funds are not risk-free like Bank Fixed Deposits. However, an Appreciating Rupee would obviously work in your favour.
Considering the Falling Interest Rates, you would be better off investing in Long Term Debt Funds rather than Short Term as these would not yield much.
My Top Picks would be
ICICI Prudential Income Opportunities Fund
Birla Sunlife Income Plus
Canara Robecco Income(Growth) Fund
and my all time Favourite
HDFC Income Plan

You could also consider investing in TATA Capital NCD which is giving Attractive Rate of 12%. You can see more details about the same in my blog http://goodfundadvisor.blogspot.com
Best of luck,
Srikanth shankar Matrubai



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SHALL I INVEST IN TATA CAPITAL NCD?

Ms.Shalini asked :
Dear Sir,

What are NON-CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES (NCDs)?
How safe are Tata capital's recently open secured NCDs? Is Income from them is taxable?

Shalini

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :
Dear Shalini,
How are you?. I remember answering your query in August last year. Hope you are sticking to your investment in HDFC Top 200 Fund....
Non Convertible Debentures (NCDs) are those that cannot be converted into equity shares of the issuing company, as opposed to Convertible debentures, which can be. Non-convertible debentures normally earn a higher interest rate than convertible debentures do. NCDs have a fixed maturity.

Tata Capital has come out with a NCD issue of Rs.500 Crores with an option to retain oversubscription of upto 1000 crores. It offers an attractive interest rates : 11% for the monthly option, 11.25% for the quarterly option and 12% for the annual or cumulative option.
Due to Strong Promoters and Tax Benefits (due to listing in NSE), no TDS and relatively easy liquidity, I recommend you to consider investing in this NCD.
The NCD is secured and shall rank pari passi with other credit holders. Even Banks and Company FDs do not offer this safety. The Company also proposes to create a Debenture Redemption Reserve towards maturity. The NCD offer is also rated by ICRA at LAA+ indiciating Investment Grade.
The NCD offers Monthly, Quarterly, Annual and Cumulative Options. Of all the options, the cumulative option appears most attractive, as it allows investors to reinvest the interest proceeds at high coupon rates of 12 per cent. This instrument is shielded from the interest rate and re-investment risks. For Rs 10,000 invested today, a cumulative amount of Rs 17623 pre-tax can be earned at the end of five years.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai

Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
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ULIP/Mutual Fund, which is Preferable??

Mr.Badrinath wrote ;

Dear Friend,

I Saw your blogspot its realy very attractive. This year i am planning to invest 6,00,000 rupees every year for 20 years for my kid education, according to you which is most preferable ULIP Child Plan or Mutual Fund




Please send me if you have any comparisions about the Mutual fund and ULIP



Thanks and Regards,


Badarinath C.R.
Bangalore


SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :
Dear badrinath,
First of all, thank you for you very nice words on my blog.
Before answering your question, I happened to go through your blog (http://badrirathod.blogspot.com). I was shocked. You are aged 24-25, if I am not wrong. And you already have a kid!!!. Good.
And now, 6,00,000 per annum means a saving of Rs.50,000 per month. A Huge Saving Indeed for a Assistant Manager in a Bank. I was in a dilemma. It is not a big headache suggesting ULIP/Mutual Fund. But what stopped me, how come a person with MBA in Finance Specialisation is asking for my advise. Then it stuck me, Yes, you want to TEST my knowledge and maybe try to make a fool out of me.
So, sorry, Mr.Badrinath. I do not feel you are asking this question with any sincerety. You yourself are competently qualified to advise yourself and would definitely not need my advise. If you still feel you do, do visit my blog and under the tag "Financial Planning", you will find number of advises similar to your query.
Best of luck,
Srikanth shankar Matrubai


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SUGGEST BEST TAX SAVING FUNDS

Mr.Sumit Gupta wrote :
Hi,

I am looking to invest around 35-40k in MF to avail the tax saving as well.
searching the option around about now, i got SBI Magnum Tax Gain (Dividend), i can go with now.
could you please suggest some good investment now, looking the market scenario




Thanks & Regards
Sumit Gupta

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :
Dear Sumit,
Mutual Funds are the best avenue for Tax Savings.
The Best ELSS/Tax Saving Fund is that which is not Baised towards any Sector or Theme and my Pick would be :
1. Birla Sunlife Tax Relief 96 Fund
2. DWS Tax Saving Fund
3. Fidelity Tax Advantage Fund
4. Franklin Tax Shield fund
5. Principal Personal Tax Saver
6. Sundaram Tax Saver
I am not in favour of SBI Magnum Tax Gain 93, which is everyone's favourite, mainly because of its bloated fund size.
My favourite in recent past has been DWS Tax Saving Fund, not only because of good performance since its inception but also because it offers Free Life Insurance upto 5 times your investment.

HDFC Tax Saver is also a good choice but keep in mind that it is a Mid-Cap Oriented Fund.
Franklin Tax Shield has not been performing very well since the last 2-3 years but due to its Focus on Large Caps, it should be a Good Performer going forward.

Best of luck,
Srikanth shankar matrubai,




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http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com



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GOLD CONTINUES TO GLITTER...

The Uncertain times, we are living in, is reinforcing that Gold as the Best Investment Option in times of Distress. Gold Share indices have nearly doubled from October 2008 lows, though Gold has been up by 35%. The strong investment interest in gold has been fueled by concerns about the falling health of the US financial system. US President Obama's stimulus package is not enthusing many.
In these times of tight liquidity, many were pleasantly surprised when Gold Major Newmont's $1.5 billion deal sailed through quite easily, indicating renewed interest in Gold Companies.

The increasing printing and supply of US Dollar will only make the Dollar depreciate further making Gold all the more attractive. Gold's limited supply, rising demand is only adding fuel to the fire. And with the Marriage Season on in India, the World's Largest consumer of Gold, Gold seems to be only on one direction, up.

GOLD FUNDS ARE A GOOD OPTION :
Instead of buying Gold Directly with its associated quality risks, you have the option of Buying Gold through Gold ETFs. Here you do not face the problem of either Storage Risk or Quality Risk as the Gold is bought and sold in Paperless Form. And moreover, it is tax efficient too.

Apart from Gold ETFs, you have the option of investing in Gold Equity Funds like AIG World Gold Fund and DSPBR World Gold fund, which invests in stocks of Gold Mining Companies worldwide. These Funds, however, tend to be more volatile compared to Gold as their fortune also depends on the Equity markets. And, as they invest overseas, they also face Currency Risk. Thus, invest in these Funds, only if you ready to ride out volatility. These Funds are for Medium Risk-Medium Return type of Investors. For others, there is always Gold ETFs like UTI Goldshare, Reliance Gold, etc.

Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai,
Bangalore

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SUGGEST ME GOOD TAX SAVING FUNDS

Mr.Naveen Ekbote Wrote :
Hi Srikanth,

Nice to know you work on mutual fund investments.

I have made two SIP investments of Rs.1000 each in HDFC Tax saver and Franklin templeton Tax saver from last 1 1/2 year. Unfortunately I have lost heavily due to fall in the stock market. Almost to the tune of 50%. Do you suggest to hold on for lock in period of 3 years? What is your suggestion.

I also want to take one Mutual fund SIP in my wifes name which gives tax benefit. Pls suggest.

Thanks

Naveen

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :
Dear Naveen Ekbote,
Thank you for you nice words.

Both of your SIP investments, HDFC Tax Saver and Franklin Templeton Tax Saver are going into good funds. Though I am not so pleased with the performance of Franklin Templeton Tax Fund.
This Market Meltdown has not spared anyone and you are no exception. My sympathies are with you. You have got no other option but to stay invested till the lock-in period of 3 years. Unlike other Tax Saving Tools, Mutual Fund Equity Linked does not allow you prematural withdrawal. In a way, this is good as Equities tend to deliver better returns over longer periods of time.
Consider stopping your existing SIP in Franklin and starting a SIP in Sundaram Tax Saver which has been a very consistent performer.
To invest in your wife's name, I would have been happy if you have given your goal, term for the investment. If you wife does not have any Insurance and is under insured, start with investment in DWS Tax Saving Fund (offers Free Life Insurance 5 times your investment amount) or Birla Sunlife Tax Relief 96 (which too offers Free Life Insurance)

For details on the above schemes/offers, you visit my site http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com

If Insurance is not an issue, but Returns are, then you should consider investing in Fidelity Tax Advantage Fund or Principal Personal Tax Saver or Sundaram Tax Saver Fund among others.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai,
Bangalore

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WHAT IS ASSET ALLOCATION?

Dear investors,
     ASSET ALLOCATION is the most important investment decision an investor will make in their portfolio because it explains most of the risk and return.
     WHAT IS ASSET ALLOCATION?
     ASSET ALLOCATION  involves dividing an investment portfolio among different asset classes based on an investor's financial requirements. The right mix of asset classes in a portfolio provides an investor with the highest probability of meeting their need.

LET ME EXPLAIN.......
After the Battering the Stock Markets has recieved, investors are jittery and pegged down their return expectations from a Sky hugging 30% to a Safe return of 8%. As long as their principal is safe and the returns are secure, they are happy. No fancy returns, no volatility, investors has had enough.
     But is this good?. The Drastic changes in investors preferences will hurt the Investor's performance. But Investors, worldwide, tend to base decisions on the immediate past performance of their investments. They will be tempted to buy into Equity, when the markets move up and sell when the markets start going downhill and thus lose on both sides.
This is where ASSET ALLOCATION comes into picture. 

There is no single category of investments that performs consistently across time, be it Equity, Debt, commodities, real estate, gold. All are cyclical in nature and A True Investor's best bet would be to have sensible ASSET ALLOCATION.
     Having 20-30% investment in Debt would insulate you from Equity Crash and help mitigate the overall Portfolio losses.
      ASSET ALLOCATION in practical scenario will help you manage risks in a sensible way by avoiding over exposure to any one single tool of investment. True, with ASSET ALLOCATION the investor has to face the fact that some component of his portfolio will earn a lower return then the best performing compenent.
      Sensible ASSET ALLOCATION is a valuable guard against the misconception of steady and predictable returns from any single investment category.

  

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IS THE TATA MOTORS FD SECURED????

Mr.Akhil sharma had a few more doubts and wrote:

sir,
you said that the Tata Motors Fixed Deposit Scheme is "SECURED".I read the offer document and it says that..
The Company hereby declares that:

(i) The Company has complied with the provisions of the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits)

Rules 1975, as amended upto date; (ii) The compliance with these rules does not imply that the

repayment of deposits is guaranteed by the Central Government; (iii) The deposits accepted/

renewed by the Company are unsecured and shall rank pari-passu with other unsecured

liabilities; (iv) The Company is not in default in the repayment of any or part thereof and any

interest thereon in accordance with the terms and conditions of such deposits.

So will my money be secure even if the company dissolves or is taken by some other company!!
thanks and regards
Akhil Sharma

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :
Dear Akhil Sharma,
By saying "Secured", I did not mean it literally, I meant it only in Good Faith. It is as safe as the company itself. If it files for bankruptcy, then you queue up for your deposit dues.. GoI or FDIC is not giving any guarantee for the deposits..

Though, Their $ credit rating has been downgraded to bb-. Indian rating remains as is. There is also the Tata group name behind it (I doubt if the group will let one of its companies fail).....

Given all this, what do think might be % chance of failure?
Some of the regional and co-operative banks are offering fixed deposits at somewhat similar rates of interest. But the security of money with them is always questionable, especially in the current economic circumstances. If we have to trust any company, the Tata Group is undoubtedly among the favorites. Moreover, successful vehciles like Tata Indica, Tata Safari, Tata Ace etc and anticipatory success of Tata Nano makes the funds more more secure.

The major issue of course: Is Tata Motors going to be solvent? Going by how this stupid government is thinking of bailout a Satyam, I think it's a given that even Tata Motors is going to be bailed out. In Satyam they aren't even letting the shareholders go bust - usually bailouts protect debt holders, but here they're protecting those that took the risk!

Given this mentality it's likely Tata Motors won't be allowed to go bust, but if things get ugly money could be stuck for a while. The financials don't look very good, but that's true of everything. Comes down to trust. So if you like Ratan Tata - and most importantly, if he likes you - this might just be the "alpha" you're looking for.


If you are so worried, you can consider going for FD by State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur which too has a 3 year FD paying 10.75% compounded Quarterly. Backed by Govt of India!!!! So, by foresaking .25% extra, you are avoiding risk and ensuring safety. There is nothing wrong in it. Go ahead.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai.

To this, Mr.Akhil Sharma wrote a thank you letter :
you are the best sir!!!
thanks a lot!
you are a big support to me!!
great going sir!
god bless you n your family!

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WHAT IS TERM INSURANCE??

Mr.Akhil Sharma wrote back :
thanks a lot Mr.Advisor.
You don't know what your recommendations and the information passed on by you means to me.I really hope that somewhere in life even i could be of any help to people.
Thanks again Sir!
But what i want to know from you is "what is term insurance".......can you suggest some product to me so that i can go thru it and understand and get myself insured!

Thanks a lot sir
Regards
Akhil Sharma

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :
Dear Akhil sharma,

Term Insurance
The cheapest and the most basic, this is a no-frills life cover that should be one of your first financial instruments. Being a pure insurance cover, it does not return your money if you survive the policy term.

If you don`t, the sum assured is paid to your dependants. So, buy only if you have financial dependants, or you expect to have dependants in the future. If you expect to have dependants till a later stage of your life, look for a plan that has a high maturity age.
For a Term Insurance of 10 lakh, for your age of 24, you will have to pay approx only 3k per annum. My suggestion, take 5 Different Term Plans from 5 Different Ins Co.s which will cost you around 15k per annum.

Keep the highest possible term
Keep the maturity age as long as possible
Talk to 4-5 insurers or visit their websites to get premium rates
Choose the plan that has the lowest premium at your parameters
Undergo medical tests, if required
Keep the nominees informed
Pay premiums every year

As of now for all age groups, the ICICI Pure Protect Classic Term plan is cheapest for Sum assured up to 24.99L Rs. & Pure Protect Elite for SA more than 25L Rs. Plz. note that with Pure protect only ADDBR & WoP Riders r available.

For exact prem. u may check the same from ICICI Pru life website or contact their local agent.

Ha, one more thing, Mr.Akhil Sharma, I am not a Insurance Agent, so I do not know much about Insurance. Do contact your friends/relatives who know a bit about Insurance.
Best of luck,
srikanth shankar Matrubai


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SHALL I INVEST IN TATA MOTORS FD?

A Regular Visitor to my blog, Mr.Akhil Sharma wrote :

Hello Sir,

How are you doing?....i again want to congratulate you for the terrific job you are doing.

Coming to the point i wanted to know about Company FDs.I just saw an advertisement of "Tata Motors Fixed Deposit Scheme".It says earn 12.83% per annum on a 3 years deposit.i have just joined my first job and my salary is around 2,10,000.

I along with my mother wanted to invest in a fixed deposit of Rs.50,000.Is this the right option.what will be the Net return after tax.i mean what will i get after 3 years if i invest Rs.50,000 now.

Or should i go for some Bank FD rather than Company FD.

You can check this link if you want.http://www.tatamotors.com/fixed-deposit-scheme.htm

I want to invest in the cumulative deposit plan!

thanks and regards
Akhil Sharma.

P.S:Thanks for your kind words on my blog Confessions of a delhite!

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :

Hi Akhil sharma,
It is with great pleasure that I recd that the news that you have got your first job. Congrats!!!
I will answer your query later. First of all, I would like you to Insure yourself adequately. For this, you should consider taking Term Insurance as this is the Cheapest form of Insurance available. Only later on, you should think of Investments.
Regarding FDs, as you are young, you are better off investing in Diversified Mutual Funds, which I have already discussed with you earlier. Sure, if you are planning to keep aside the amount for a particular reason, with a fixed time horizon, then go ahead.
For your investment amount of 50000, you should be getting about 62940 after taxes (I have considered you to be in the highest Tax Bracket). If you are in the lower Tax Bracket, you should be getting somewhere around 66400 or so.
With the falling interest rates, the Tata Motors Fixed Deposit Scheme is quite Attractive. Though the Company is going through tough times presently, 3 years is a good enough time for the company to sail through and moreover your investment is secured. So, go ahead and invest but before that, PLEASE NOTE, THAT THE COMPANY OFFERS HALF(1/2) PERCENT EXTRA FOR SHAREHOLDERS. YOU CAN BUY A SMALL LOT OF TATA MOTORS SHARE AND AVAIL A HIGHER RATE ON THE FIXED DEPOSIT!!!!!.
Best of luck,
Srikanth shankar Matrubai
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Best Tax Saving Instruments

This letter by me was published in Financial chronicle on January 27, 2009
Tax-saving tools ¦
DHIRENDRA Kumar’s article Here’s why you should invest in tax-saving mutual funds made very interesting reading.
People tend to ignore investing in tax schemes until the last minute and then rush in to invest in whatever instruments they can without analysing the pros and cons. Equities are the best avenue to invest your hard earned money.
ELSS not only saves taxes but also give consistent returns. The icing on the cake is the very short lockin period of only three years. The biggest advantage of investing in ELSS is that mutual funds are that rare investment avenue, where not only your investment but also your returns as well as principal are all exempted from tax.

Srikanth Matrubai Bangalore

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