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UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – UTI Focused Equity Fund. UTI-focused equity fund 1. Investment objective The investment objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity & equity-related instruments of a maximum of 30 stocks across market caps. However, there can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme would be achieved.  2. Investment process   The investment strategy of UTI Focused Equity Fund involves investing in companies that have sustainable business models, are run by seasoned management, and generate high returns on invested capital. The fund primarily relies on bottom-up stock picking to create substantial long-term wealth.  3. Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 67% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 75% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Performance over 1 year Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Aug 26, 2021 Source: utimf.com  The UTI-Focused Equity Fund has underperformed against the benchmark. This is mainly because the investment horizon is very short in this case as the fund is very new. Investors have to be invested for a longer investment horizon to see the fund outperforming the benchmark. Fund manager at UTI-Focused Equity Fund The fund is ably managed by Vishal Chopda. Mr. Vishal Chopda is the Vice President and Fund Manager in the domestic Equity Division of UTI Asset Management Company Ltd. Vishal joined UTI AMC in January 2011. In UTI he has worked for the past 7 years in the Department of Fund Management as Research Analyst. He has previously worked with CARE Ratings (Credit Analysis and Research Ltd). He is a CFA Charter holder from The CFA Institute, USA, and also holds a PGDM from Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He has completed his B.E. from Mumbai University.  Who should invest in UTI Focused Equity Fund?  Investors looking to  Build their core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation.  Own a portfolio of both large & mid-capitalization stocks.  Why invest in a UTI-Focused Equity Fund?  Investors looking for a high-conviction and concentrated portfolio backed by research expertise and risk assessment framework.  who have a long-term goal of wealth creation and balance an overall conservative portfolio construct.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The UTI Focused Equity Fund is a relatively new fund with a focused portfolio holding. It is best for investors who are looking for a concentrated portfolio backed by research and want to create wealth in the long term by having a high-risk strategy in their portfolio.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – UTI Core Equity Fund. About UTI Core Equity Fund  Investment objective The objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of large-cap and mid-cap companies.  Investment process   The UTI Core Equity Fund carries a top-down approach, going through short-term challenges and trading at below long-term averages. It focuses on stocks that are below their long-term averages or when it is cheap relative to market aggregates. Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 50% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services that account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 75% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Ltd. Financial Services 5.50 HDFC Bank Ltd. Financial Services 5.28 ITC Ltd. Consumer Goods 3.58 Federal Bank Ltd. Financial Services 3.56 State Bank of India Financial Services 3.55 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Performance over 13 years Below are the rolling returns of the fund since inception.  Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 13 years by generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 11.42%.  Fund Manager  The fund is ably managed by V. Srivatsa. Mr. V. Srivatsa. He is an Executive Vice President, Fund Manager – Equity at UTI AMC Ltd. He is a BCom graduate, C.A., C.W.A., and has a PGDM from IIM, Indore. He has been with UTI AMC since 2002. Prior to joining UTI, he worked with Ford, Rhodes Parks & Co., Chartered Accountants for 2 years, and as Officer-Audit in Madras Cements Ltd. He started in UTI AMC in the Department of securities research covering varied sectors such as Information Technology, Capital goods, and metals.  Who should invest in UTI Core Equity Fund?  Investors looking to  Build their core equity portfolio for steady wealth creation.  Own a portfolio of both large & mid-capitalization stocks.  Why invest in UTI Core Equity Fund?  Large-cap stocks endeavor to provide stability & liquidity and mid-cap stocks can potentially generate superior returns for the portfolio.  The Fund maintains a well-diversified portfolio and avoids sector as well as stock concentration.  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more.  Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The UTI Core Equity Fund is one of the oldest funds with a proven track record of 13 years and has delivered 11.42% CAGR consistently. Thus, it is best for investors who want stable returns with large-cap stocks and high growth potential with mid-cap stocks.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Setting both long-term and short-term goals may seem like a waste of time to you. However, creating goals is crucial to the process of planning a career. Lack of planning can result in a chaotic future. Let's explore how to set short and long-term goals in more detail. What are short-term goals? Any objective that may be completed in less than two years is regarded as a short-term aim. Although this is a helpful generalization, it is ultimately somewhat arbitrary to decide where to divide goals into short-term and long-term categories. There are no appreciable differences between a goal completed in one and a half years and one completed in two years and a month. For your child's educational needs, a laptop or a phone can be a short-term objective. To save up for the expense and easily reach your objective, you can choose the appropriate finances and a time frame. You expect to complete this short-term objective in the next one to two years. To start a short-term goal for your child's educational aspirations, click here. What are long-term goals? However, anything that takes more than five years is seen as a long-term objective. Long-term goals can be things like saving for retirement and paying off a mortgage. However, using the terms "short-term" and "long-term" alone isn't always enough. Some individuals advise adding medium-term goals as well. Usually, it takes two to five years to accomplish these goals. The two temporal periods work well together while appearing to contradict one another. Short-term goals are shaped by long-term objectives. A long-term objective might be for your child to attend their ideal college. A long time horizon is typically necessary for long-term goals. The best course of action is to start saving for your child's college 10-15 years in advance. This offers you enough time to grow your money and make the necessary adjustments over the years to have the appropriate sum by the time your child leaves for college. How to set short and long-term goals Your perseverance will be the most important factor in your success, but it will be much harder to achieve your goals if you don't set them up properly. Your long-term and short-term objectives must satisfy the following requirements: 1. Write down your Goals An unstated objective is nothing more than a wish. Humans have a tendency to fantasize and believe in impossible things. In order to achieve our goals, we must take decisive action. You must put your long-term objectives in writing. Your aim will enter the physical world as a result of this one action. Your chances of success increase significantly just by doing this. It is a reminder now, after all. A prompt to set out and achieve that objective. 2. Your goals must be measurable  Have a deadline for completing your goals and a method to determine whether you have done so. You may even divide them into more manageable checkpoints you can gauge along the road. 3. Be realistic Your long-term objectives must line up with your aptitudes and competencies. If you can't sing or play an instrument, saying, "I want to win a Grammy Award", might not be the best objective for you. Consider your abilities as you create goals, keeping in mind your level of experience. 4. Take baby steps over time to achieve your goals  A deadline for your objective is not required, but it may help you keep on track to accomplish it. Divide a long-term goal into smaller objectives. Baby steps are preferable to a single, enormous leap. 5. Pair each goal with an action Consider enrolling in a book writing seminar or practicing writing one chapter every week for a month if your objective is to write a book. 6. Be flexible If you run into roadblocks that endanger your development, don't give up. Change your objectives properly, instead. Let's imagine you must continue working to support yourself, preventing you from enrolling in college full-time. You can enroll in part-time classes and complete your bachelor's degree in six or eight years, even if it might not be practical to do so in four years. Being flexible also involves having the ability to let go of objectives that no longer serve you and focus your efforts on achieving new ones. The most crucial element is constancy. You have to make your unique road map to success by setting long-term goals and then dividing them into smaller goals that are simple to achieve. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With over Rs 2.4 lakh crore, the AMC is one of the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The AMF offers products across asset classes.   Let us talk about the flagship product – UTI Long-Term Equity Fund.  About UTI Long-Term Equity Fund  Investment Objective The primary objective of the scheme is to invest predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of companies across the market capitalization spectrum. Securities shall also include fully/partly convertible debentures/bonds.  Investment Process  The UTI Long Term Equity Fund carries a top-down approach for sector selection and a bottom-up for stock selection. It follows a blended style of investing with a preference for companies with consistent cash flow generation, healthy balance sheets,s and reasonable valuations.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds the major exposure in large-cap stocks at 76% and sectoral major exposure is to financial services which account for roughly one-third of the portfolio. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 75% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF  Top 5 holdings Name Sector Weightage % ICICI Bank Financial Services 8.53 HDFC Bank Financial Services 7.58 Infosys Information Technology 6.35 Axis Bank Ltd. Financial Services 4.58 Bharti Airtel Ltd. Telecommunications 3.73 Note: Data as of 30th Sep 2022. Source: UTIMF   Performance over 22 years  If you would have invested 10,000 at the time of inception of the UTI Long Term Equity Fund, it would be now valued at Rs 2.22 Lakhs whereas the benchmark (Nifty 500 TRI) would have fetched you Rs 1.89 Lakhs. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date – Dec 15, 1999 Source: utimf.com   The UTI Long Term Equity Fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed the benchmark over the period of 22 years generating a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 14.65%.  Fund Manager  The fund is ably managed by Vishal Chopda. Vishal Chopda is the Vice President and Fund Manager in the domestic Equity Division of UTI Asset Management Company Ltd. Vishal joined UTI AMC in January 2011. After joining UTI, he has worked for the past 7 years in the Department of Fund Management as Research Analyst. He has previously worked with CARE Ratings (Credit Analysis and Research Ltd). He is a CFA Charter holder from The CFA Institute, USA, and also holds a PGDM from Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He has completed his B.E. from Mumbai University.  Who should Invest in UTI Long-Term Equity Fund?  Investors looking for  Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) that aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by primarily investing in equity and related securities.  a long-term wealth creation vehicle investment horizon. Why Invest in UTI Long-Term Equity Fund?  Provides tax deduction up to the limits specified u/s 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.  The fund attempts to invest in businesses having healthy return ratios, cash flows, and sound management, with an aim to provide superior risk-adjusted return  Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of 5 years or more  Lumpsum is a better way to invest in ELSS to avoid a prolonged lock-in period on your SIP investments.  Conclusion  The UTI Long Term Equity Fund is the oldest fund with a proven track record of 22 years and has delivered 14.65% CAGR consistently. Thus, suitable for even first-time equity investors who want to earn better risk-adjusted returns and avail of tax exemptions at the same time.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

We already saw some of the best investment plans in India for one year. Here, we’ll get to know some of the best investment plans in India for five years. There are many investment options available, majorly in the equity and debt funds segment. Investment plans in India for five years.  a) Equity funds and Hybrid funds  Equity mutual funds are investment instruments that primarily invest in stocks of various companies across different sectors. Equity mutual funds are the riskiest category of mutual funds because of the high exposure (at least 65%, according to the rules laid down by the Security and Exchange Board of India) to equity markets.  On the other hand, Hybrid funds are less risky than equity funds because they are a mix of equity and debt funds; also, hybrid funds are less liquid than equity funds. Both hybrid and equity funds are for investors with a time frame of 5-7 years.  b) Above-average to high-risk funds  If you search for more than the market returns, you should bear more than the usual risk. The best option, in this case, are equity mutual funds because of their very high exposure to the equity markets.  Within equity funds, small-cap and mid-cap funds are riskier. However, these funds provide the chance to make unusually high gains.  c) Long-term funds  When your investment horizon is long, say ten years. Your best road is to have equity in the highest proportion in your portfolio because, in the long run, the share markets outperform nearly every other standard asset class.  The best options for this type of investment are either purely equity-based funds or hybrid funds with very high exposure to equity (and a small investment in debt).  d) Other funds  Regarding the instruments mentioned above, there are other options as well.  1. Index funds  Track particular indices in the market and invest in the movement of the index.  2. Flexi-cap funds  These funds diversify the investment because they invest in a mix of large-cap, small-cap and mid-cap companies for greater exposure to the entire market.   Another less discussed investment option is the Dynamic Asset allocation fund – these funds are a type of hybrid fund, and, as the name suggests, the funds are invested and dispersed across stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.   Balanced funds that invest primarily in equities with some exposure to FD-like securities are known as aggressive hybrid funds; because of the diversification of investments, these funds are less risky than pure equity while providing nearly identical long-term returns. Source: Pexels Which funds are available in India?   Some available funds are:  1. Axis Midcap Fund  This scheme aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in mid-cap stocks and equity-related assets.  2. DSP Midcap Fund  It primarily aspires to achieve long-term appreciation by investments in midcap firms and other equity-related assets.  3. Tata Index Nifty Fund  The Tata index super funds strategy generates medium to long-term financial returns by investing in equity shares of just those firms' part of the Nifty 50 index, in the same proportion index.  4. Navi Nifty Index Fund  The investment objective is to produce a return comparable to the Nifty 50 index by investing in stocks of companies that make up the index, subject to tracking error.  5. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund  The fund’s aim is to achieve long-term capital growth from an actively managed portfolio comprising majority equity investments.  6. DSP Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund  This hybrid, dynamic asset allocation fund considers the CRISIL Hybrid 50+50 Moderate index as the benchmark. Investment in this fund carries a moderately high level of risk.  7. Tata Balanced Advantage Fund  Investment is in a mix of equity, arbitrage, and debt portfolios to maximize capital appreciation and income distribution. The scheme tries to follow the market trend with a good balance of debt and equity.  FAQs What is the best investment in India 2023? Some of the best investment options in India in 2023 are: Public Provident Fund (PPF)National Savings Certificate (NSC)Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.Government BondsNational Pension Scheme (NPS)Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)Equity Mutual Funds.Unit-linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) What is best investment for future in India? The best investment for future in India are mutual funds, stocks, bonds, index funds, ULIPs. Investment options are determined by your time horizon, risk tolerance and financial goal. Which SIP is best for 5 years in India? Some of the best funds that offer SIP are: Axis Midcap Fund DSP Midcap Fund Tata Index Nifty Fund Navi Nifty Index Fund Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund DSP Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund Tata Balanced Advantage Fund This is not an investment advice. Please consult your financial advisor before investing. Which investment is best for 5 years? Public Provident Fund (PPF)National Savings Certificate (NSC)Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.Government BondsNational Pension Scheme (NPS)Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)Equity Mutual Funds.Unit-linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) My son is in 9th grade, and I want to save for his college. What are some top fund options for a 5-year investment plan? Some of the top SIPs for 5 years in debt and equity funds are the following - ICICI Prudential Technology Fund, DSP Equity Fund, HDFC Balance Advantage Fund, Quant Infrastructure Fund, TATA India Consumer Fund, Nippon India Large Cap Fund, etc. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Artificial intelligence will prove to be one of the important investment trends in the coming years. But let's be clear: Artificial intelligence is already here.  According to Grand View Research, a business consulting organization, the worldwide artificial intelligence market was worth $39.9 billion in 2019.  Over the last year, artificial intelligence equities like Amazon.com (AMZN), Tesla (TSLA), and Nvidia (NVDA) have been market darlings, outperforming the overall market several times. With ETFs in action, most Artificial Intelligence ETFs are seeing at least a doubling in market value since last year.  What is Artificial Intelligence ETFs (AI ETFs)?  Artificial Intelligence ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in equities of artificial intelligence firms, such as robotics, navigational systems, automated machines, 3D printing, natural language processing, social media, and vehicles.  AI ETFs may invest entirely in AI stocks or incorporate other technology-related stocks in their portfolios. Source: Pexels ETFs that invest in artificial intelligence must satisfy at least one of these three criteria 1. They are funds that invest in firms developing new products or services, making technological advancements in a scientific study relating to artificial intelligence, or both.  2. These are funds with at least 25% of their portfolio invested in companies that spend a lot of money on artificial intelligence research and development. Amazon, Tesla Motors, Apple, and Alphabet are examples of such businesses.  3. Funds that choose specific assets for selection in the fund using artificial intelligence approaches.  How to invest in Artificial Intelligence ETFs?  AI ETFs are, arguably, the finest method to invest in AI technology - because, like with other specialized sectors still in the early phases of the growth cycle, picking specific companies that will dominate the industry is intrinsically difficult and risky.  When you buy in an AI ETF, you'll often gain exposure to numerous stocks, lowering your total market risk by diversifying your holdings.  Artificial Intelligence ETFs have $8.56 billion in assets under management, with 35 ETFs trading on US exchanges. The cost-to-income ratio is 0.68 percent on average. With $1.96 billion in assets, the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF BOTZ is the largest Artificial Intelligence ETF. IECS, the best-performing Artificial Intelligence ETF in the previous year, returned 16.25 percent.   The Advisor Shares Let Bob AI-Powered Momentum ETF LETB was the most recent ETF to come into the market in the Artificial Intelligence area on 02/08/22.  Top AI ETFs with respect to % change and AUM  Top ETF Performers according to etf.com TickerFund NameTrailing 30-day price TR changeDUDEMerlyn.AI SectorSurfer Momentum ETF3.24%WIZMerlyn.AI Bull-Rider Bear-Fighter ETF3.18%BOBMerlyn.AI Best-of-Breed Core Momentum ETF1.68%SNUGMerlyn.AI Tactical Growth and Income ETF1.56%ARKQARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF0.31% Top ETF Performers in terms of AUM according to etf.com TickerFund NameTrailing 30-day price AUM changeLETBAdvisorShares Let Bob AI-Powered Momentum ETF3,390.76%DUDEMerlyn.AI SectorSurfer Momentum ETF18.37%BOBMerlyn.AI Best-of-Breed Core Momentum ETF16.19%WIZMerlyn.AI Bull-Rider Bear-Fighter ETF15.31%NVQQRAFT AI-Enhanced U.S. Next Value ETF11.85% FAQs What is AI ETF? Artificial Intelligence ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in equities of artificial intelligence firms, such as robotics, navigational systems, automated machines, 3D printing, natural language processing, social media, and vehicles. What are the top 5 artificial intelligence stocks? The top 5 artificial intelligence stocks are: Meta Platforms Inc. ( META)Nvidia Corp. ( NVDA)Adobe Inc. ( ADBE)International Business Machines Corp. ( IBM)Intuitive Surgical Inc. ( ISRG) What is a good AI stock to invest? Meta Platforms Inc. ( META)Nvidia Corp. ( NVDA)Adobe Inc. ( ADBE)International Business Machines Corp. ( IBM)Intuitive Surgical Inc. ( ISRG) What are some good AI ETFs to invest? AdvisorShares Let Bob AI-Powered Momentum ETF Merlyn.AI SectorSurfer Momentum ETF Merlyn.AI Best-of-Breed Core Momentum ETF The bottom line of AI ETFs is that robots, automation, and artificial intelligence have the potential to grow in demand in the future.  As a result, AI equities and AI ETFs have substantial growth potential, while the market risk is often more significant than the more diversified investments.  Investors should exercise caution when adding minorly targeted sector funds to a portfolio, such as AI ETFs. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Can US inflation affect your INR Savings? We know inflation causes the rise in the prices of vegetables, fruits, cars, houses, and even education.   Education inflation is not the sole factor affecting the rising cost of education. Other factors like cost of living, transportation cost, and dollar appreciation affect the cost of education.  Let’s find out the answer!   The rising cost of foreign education  Countries like US & UK are the most preferred countries among Indian parents and students. After China, India is the second largest source of international students. With a growing demand for foreign education and inflation, these universities have increased their tuition fees.  Over the years, the average cost of studying higher education in the United States rose by 1200% (from 1980-2020); which is far more than the rate of normal inflation in the same period.  In fact, numerous overseas universities have hiked their college tuition fees for 2022-2023. The University of Pennsylvania announced a 2.9% increase in its tuition fees, while Arizona State University announced that tuition fees would increase by 5% for international students.  Impact of Dollar Appreciation on INR Savings  When you plan to send your child to pursue higher education overseas, you should be aware of currency depreciation and appreciation. The planning to pursue higher education from abroad must consist of saving in dollar value So that you don’t lose out on the value of dollar appreciation. Let’s understand it in detail.  Suppose you are required to pay $1,00,000 dollar as tuition fees for your child's higher education. And currently $1=82INR, then you need to save INR 82,00,000. But, let’s say, the dollar appreciated and now trades at $1=85INR, in that case, you need to save INR 85,00,000. If you had saved in dollar values then, you would not have needed any extra penny to pay. But, if you have saved it in INR values, then you need an extra INR 3,00,000 to pay. So, if you are planning to send your kids abroad to study then, you should start saving in dollar value. Impact of US Inflation on INR Savings  Studying abroad not only means paying tuition fees, it means paying for other expenses as well like living costs, the cost of books, the cost of stationary, and the cost of transportation, etc. If inflation in the US is rising then the cost of other things will become costly as well. US inflation and dollar appreciation will have a direct impact on your INR savings. Suppose, the living cost in the US is $1000 per month currently and the dollar is trading at $ 1=82 INR. Then you need Rs 82,000 per month as living expenses. But let’s say inflation in the US has caused an impact on living expenses by 5%, then the cost of living will be $1050. At the same time, the dollar has also appreciated and now one dollar is trading at 90 INR. So, the overall impact on INR savings will be 15.24%. Now, you need to pay 94,500 INR per month as living expenses.  How can you protect your savings from US inflation?  Most parents do not realize the rising cost of higher education until it’s too late. They have little option left at the end – either to compromise on the quality of education or opt for education loans that take years to pay off. Both these options can drastically impact your child’s future and potentially risk their careers  Saving and investing early is the right way to protect your child’s higher education. The sooner you start saving and investing, the better it is. The time horizon will help you to determine when you need the money, how much you need it, and how to reach the goal.   The country you desire to send your child to can determine which asset class you should be investing in. If you are planning to send them abroad, then considering US ETFs and US equities is highly beneficial as this will provide you with geographical diversification in terms of investing, which will also cover the purchasing power parity in the future when your child starts spending in dollars or pounds.     Conclusion  If you are planning to send your child abroad start saving and investing in dollar value, and also start as early as possible.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

The affordable living expenses in Germany, a stable economy, high-class living, and numerous job opportunities make the country one of the premier destinations for quality education and successful careers.  The cost of living in Germany depends on the location of the university because some cities are relatively more expensive than others. It is important to be flexible if a student wants to thrive on a limited amount. The average living expenses in Germany for Indian students vary between 10,200 EUR – 12,000 EUR (nearly INR 8.1 lakhs – INR 9.5 lakhs) every year.  Students should be aware of their living expenses before traveling abroad as it is helpful in creating a budget for living expenses. The college cost calculator on the Edufund app is a blessing as it helps to get an estimate about the future living expenses besides the education costs and create a personalized financial budget based on needs and requirements. Semester contributions Most of the universities in Germany are state-run; hence the education cost is a bare minimum. Students, however, have to contribute between EUR 175 – EUR 250 (nearly INR 13,993 – INR 19,990) per semester for administrative fees and student amenities.  Students can also apply for a public transport pass or a semester ticket that costs between EUR 25 – EUR 200 (nearly INR 1,999 – INR 15,992) for six months, based on the type and location of the university. They will not have to pay for transport for the next six months.   Private institutions in Germany charge tuition fees, especially for non-EU citizens. Additional read: Education loan process for Germany Living expenses in Germany for Indian Students 1. Accommodation (average monthly cost) An important chunk of the living expenses goes towards accommodation costs, which depend on the location of the university and the type of accommodation the student prefers.  The preferred accommodations and their average cost per month are. 2. Food (average monthly cost) Students have access to restaurants and cafes on the university campus, where they can eat at discounted prices. For students that live off-campus, local street vendors and food trucks are an option.  The living expenses in Germany are manageable for Indian students as there are Indian stores that can provide ingredients to cook authentic food items. Students who have to rely on restaurants need to remember that eating out on a regular basis will prove expensive.  Self-cooking is the best way to manage funds because the cost of basic food and beverages is affordable.  Average costs on some of the common food items include. 3. Transportation  The daily public transport facilities in Germany cost around EUR 20 (nearly INR 1,599) and a monthly pass will cost EUR 200 (nearly INR 15,992). Students can apply for student passes or choose to move around via rented bicycles at a nominal fee. 4. Health insurance International students must have health insurance in Germany. Students who are studying degree programs are eligible for a public health insurance plan that costs between EUR 70 – EUR 80 (nearly INR 5,597 – INR 6396) per month. Whereas students above 30+ should have private health insurance that costs between EUR 400 – EUR 500 ((nearly INR 31,984 – INR 39,980) per month. 5. Utilities and Bills Students living off-campus have to pay for water, electricity, garbage, and heating. In some cases, the bill is included with rent, otherwise; it costs nearly EUR 29.42 ((nearly INR 2,352) for a kilowatt-hour. How to save more as an international student in Germany?  Keep a fixed budget for the month Studying abroad means, you will be away from your parent and you’ll be alone so you need to have a budget for everything.  Talk to locals  Talk to locals around you because they know that place more than you. They will tell you the best deals around you in restaurants, cafes, and all.  Cook for yourself Go to the local grocery market and cook for yourself. Eating outside daily can cost you way more than cooking for yourself.  Get a flatmate/roommate Sharing space and your accommodation mean that you will be able to cut costs. It will save you money. Staying alone in a flat or room means you will spend more. If you get a flatmate/roommate, the price of that place will be half. You will end up splitting utility costs as well.   Do a side hustle Earn money by doing some part-time jobs or a side hustle. By doing that you will learn and also earn extra for you.   Use public transportation or a bicycle Using public transport daily is the best way to save money in countries like Germany. Private cabs and rentals can be very expensive for students. If you live in a small town, then opting for a bicycle to roam the city is the most cost-effective method.   Go secondhand Cut costs wherever you can and the best way to do this is by opting for second-hand products. Suppose you need a bicycle, no need to get a new one! Buy it from a second-hand market or from someone who doesn’t want his/her bicycle anymore.  Save money wherever you can Cut off your unnecessary plans. There is Wi-Fi everywhere so instead of buying data plans use them. You should also unsubscribe from OTT subscriptions you are not using anymore. Or any auto-debit subscription that is not in active use.  FAQs How can international students save money in Germany? Here are some tips on how to save money in Germany: keep a maintained budget  Talk to locals  Cook for yourself   Get a flatmate/roommate  Do a side hustle  Get a bicycle  Go for secondhand  Save on your mobile bills  Is it expensive to live and study in Germany as an international student? In comparison to other countries and cities, Germany is one of the places which is less expensive. How much money can international students earn in Germany? You can earn around 450 euros (Rs 37,000) per month by doing part-time jobs. How much money do I need as a student in Germany? On average around 870 euros (Rs 71,000) for a month is all you need for your expenses. Conclusion Prestigious universities and reasonable living expenses in Germany make the country an excellent choice for studying abroad. If you are in a dilemma about the cost of living, then consult with the counselors on the Edufund app to know more about it in detail. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Bull market vs bear market - you have probably heard these terms in the news. There are many options, complications, and foreign terminologies in the world of investment. The terms "bull" and "bear" are regularly used to describe market circumstances. These phrases explain the general state of the stock markets, including whether their value is increasing or decreasing. Additionally, as an investor, the market's direction is a powerful factor that greatly affects your portfolio. Determining how each of these market circumstances may affect your assets is crucial. What is a Bull market? A financial market is said to be in a bull market when prices are increasing or are anticipated to rise. The word "bull market" may refer to anything that is traded, including bonds, real estate, currencies, and commodities. However, it is most frequently used to describe the stock market. The term "bull market" is normally reserved for prolonged periods in which a significant share of asset prices is rising. This is due to the fact that while trading, the prices of securities essentially fluctuate continually. Bull markets often last for several months or even years. What is a Bear market? Bear markets, which happen when stock values fall 20% or more over a protracted period, are the exact reverse of bull markets in that they are driven by pessimism. Bear markets sometimes take place at times of economic downturn and elevated unemployment, whereas bull markets are typically driven by economic strength. Investors desire to sell, frequently running for the security of cash or fixed-income instruments instead of buying into the market. There is a seller's market as a result. Bear markets can exist for a short while or for a long time. Bull vs Bear market Following is the difference between Bull and Bear Market based on various factors: How should you invest in a Bull or Bear market? Value equities are often better investments in down markets, whereas growth stocks typically perform well in bull markets. Because people believe that "undervalued" equities must be inexpensive for a reason while the economy is expanding, value stocks are often less popular during bull markets. Your time horizon will largely determine how you invest in stocks during bull and bear markets. It doesn't matter if the market is now bullish or negative if you won't need the money for a longer time span.  If you are a buy-and-hold investor, you generally shouldn't alter your investment approach in response to current market circumstances. Even when other asset classes are experiencing bull markets, the stock market can be bearish, and vice versa. Allocating a portion of your portfolio to gold or real estate may be a wise decision if the stock market is rising and you are worried about price inflation.  You may think about raising the percentage of bonds in your portfolio or perhaps turning a piece of it into cash if the stock market is down. Additionally, you should think about geographically distributing your holdings so that you can profit from bull markets that happen in different parts of the world. Keep your attention on the long-term potential of the firms in which you have investments, regardless of the status of the stock market. Businesses with strong fundamentals are more likely to generate long-term gains that are significant for your portfolio. FAQs What is a bull and bear market? A financial market is said to be in a bull market when prices are increasing or are anticipated to rise. The word "bull market" may refer to anything that is traded, including bonds, real estate, currencies, and commodities. Bear markets, which happen when stock values fall 20% or more over a protracted period, are the exact reverse of bull markets in that they are driven by pessimism. Which is better bull market or bear market? The economy grows in a bull market while in bear market, economy slows down. Companies register more revenue and profit during the former while in the latter, they are likely to suffer losses or a slow down. Why is it called bull vs bear market? A bull market is when the economy is aggressive and securities and assets are on a rise. A bear market is when the economy swipes down and stock prices tend to fall. These are referred to as bull vs bear market as they replicate the behaviour of the respective animals. Should I buy during a bear market? Yes, buying assets during a bear market is a good investment idea. Prices are on the lower end and you are likely to see a profit if you stay invested for a long-term goal. Thus, we hope that by now, you have understood the concept and the difference between Bull and Bear markets. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Similar to how one might set up a systematic mutual fund investment plan, one can create a systematic withdrawal plan to get a stream of regular income from investments on a specific date each month. In this blog, let’s talk about SWP in mutual funds. What is SWP (systematic withdrawal plan) Bank fixed deposits or postal deposits are frequently the default choice for investors who want a consistent cash flow from their assets. Investors are now concerned about their future needs for income due to the falling interest rates on these programs. SWP, a mutual fund product, provides a remedy for this. SWP, or systematic withdrawal plan, is a mutual fund investing strategy that enables investors to take fixed distributions from their mutual fund investments at predetermined intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly. The AMC will credit the amount of the withdrawal to the investors' bank accounts on the day of the month, quarter, or year they specify. The SWP Plan redeems mutual fund scheme units at the specified frequency to produce this cash flow. As long as there are still available units in the plan, investors may continue with SWP. Benefits of SWP The following are the top benefits of SWP:  Flexibility: A SWP plan gives the investor the freedom to select the amount, frequency, and date in accordance with his or her needs. The investor may also stop the SWP at any moment, make additional investments, or withdraw money in excess of the fixed SWP withdrawals. Regular Income: SWP in mutual funds makes investing easier for investors by generating a consistent income from their holdings. For people who want constant cash flow to cover ongoing expenses, this becomes very beneficial and convenient. Capital appreciation: SWP in mutual funds makes investing easier for investors by generating a consistent income from their holdings. For people who want constant cash flow to cover ongoing expenses, this becomes very beneficial and convenient. No TDS: There is no TDS on the SWP amount for domestic individual investors. Tax efficiency through SWP When units are redeemed to get the SWP amount, the gains from the selling of the units are subject to capital gain (if the redemption NAV is higher than the purchase NAV). Depending on the factors listed below, a capital gain may be defined as short-term or long-term: Equity-Oriented Funds: These are considered short-term gains if redeemed within a year of the investment date and are subject to a 15% tax. Gains realized more than a year after the date of investment are considered long-term gains and are exempt from tax up to Rs 1 lakh every financial year. Only 10% of long-term capital gains over Rs 1 lakh are subject to tax. Non-Equity Funds: If redeemed within 36 months (treated as a short-term capital gain) from the date of investment, the gains are added to the investor’s income and taxed at the rate applicable to him/her. Gains made beyond three years are considered long-term and are subject to 20% taxation after indexation benefits. For domestic individual investors, there is no TDS on capital gains in mutual funds, unlike traditional savings (such as FDs and postal investments). In addition to TDS, interest income from FDs and the majority of post office modest savings plans are taxed at the investor's individual income tax rate. Since the AMC deducts TDS at a rate of 10% from the declared income, SWP in mutual funds is preferable to dividends in mutual funds. Additionally, investors must pay taxes on the dividends they receive. How can you withdraw from SWP?   In mutual funds, SWP enables investors to personalize their withdrawal schedules. A specific sum can be paid to a person every month, every six months, every three months, or every year. With an appreciation withdrawal, you can only take out the amount that has increased in value while leaving the rest invested to grow. Why is SWP a good investment? You can withdraw money from an SWP plan in accordance with your needs. An SWP might help with cash requirements if your plan calls for funding in stages. With an SWP plan, you can withdraw money in accordance with your demands. You can facilitate cash requirements with an SWP if your aim demands funding in stages. With regular withdrawals, an SWP can assist in preserving the value of your investment, particularly when the market is erratic. SWP plans are a tool that investors can use to plan their retirement income. It enables people to routinely get a fixed income on a set day to cover their cash needs. It may take some time to fully understand your alternatives when picking an SWP.  As a result, we advise you to weigh all of your options before making a purchase. The majority of mutual funds will let you create a schedule for withdrawals that you may follow FAQ What is SWP in mutual funds? SWP, a mutual fund product, provides a remedy for this SWP, or systematic withdrawal plan, is a mutual fund investing strategy that enables investors to take fixed distributions from their mutual fund investments at predetermined intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Is SWP better than FD? The benefit of investing in SWP in mutual funds is that you pay fewer taxes and you have more flexibility to change withdrawals. Can I stop SWP anytime? Yes, SWP investors can choose the amount they like. date of withdrawal, and amount. You can also stop and withdraw the money as well. Is SWP income taxable? SWP redemption is taxable. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Are you looking for ways to start your investment journey? Are you confused between the lumpsum vs SIP investment route? Maybe mutual funds can be the right way of starting but which one you should choose?  Don’t worry, we’re here to help you!  Let’s get to know about Lumpsum and SIP: which is better and when to choose?  What’s lumpsum?  Investing in a mutual fund as lumpsum refers to investing a big sum of money to get locked up into a one-time investment. This is a one-time investment rather than spreading it out over time, like in SIP (Systematic Investment Plans).   Lumpsum investments are usually preferred by big players or investors who are actually dependent on company stocks for capital creation. For an investor with a massive funding quantity and a high-chance capacity, a lump sum mutual fund funding may be an amazing opportunity.  Suppose you get the whopping bonus at the end of the year and after settling all the expenses, you still have around Rs. 50,000 - 75,000 left! In this scenario, you can invest the money as a lump sum investment wisely as a lumpsum order in a fund of your choice. Benefits of lumpsum  With the lumpsum investment method, people can invest a large amount in one go. As a result, when the market shows a growth period, then the value which you have invested also increases.   Lumpsum investments are great for those who wanted to invest for the long term and have a bulk amount ready.   Lumpsum investments are great for the long term. If you are interested in a time horizon of nearly 10 years or more.  Investing in a long-term investment can be risky but still, it gives better returns.  While investing in long-term investment, gives the money more time to grow potentially. When to choose lumpsum investment?  If you have got a whopping bonus and after settling your expenses you can opt for lumpsum investment. If you are a freelancer and you’ve got a big amount after completing a big project then you can opt for a lumpsum investment. What’s SIP?  A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), popularly called SIP, is a facility provided with the aid of using mutual funds range to the buyers to spend money in a disciplined way. SIP scheme allows investors to invest money at defined intervals in a selected mutual fund.  The starting Investment can be as low as Rs 500 and the defined interval can be weekly/monthly/yearly. It’s convenient as you can give instructions to debit the price every month.  SIP has been gaining a reputation amongst Indian Mutual Fund investors because it enables them in making an investment in a disciplined way without annoying marketplace volatility and timing of marketplace. Systematic Investment Plans presented by Mutual Funds are effortlessly an excellent manner to go into the arena of investments. Benefits of SIP  With SIP, you can even invest as low as Rs 500 each month and let it grow. SIP is super easy, easy to track, and also lets you save more.  The best feature of SIP is rupee cost averaging, where you can buy more, when the market is not at a peak point and buy less when the market is at a peak point. This is because of the built-in feature of SIP, where whenever the market is low, you can buy more which reduces your cost and gains more.  SIP provides amazing flexibility. Long-term investments are not that flexible. You can withdraw whenever you want to at your convenience. You can either withdraw the whole amount or half of it.  As compared to other investments, SIP provides you with better and higher returns.  SIP operates at the percept of receiving compound interest on your investments. In different words, a small quantity invested for the long term collects higher returns than a one-time investment.  When to choose a SIP?  If you are a person who earns every month or you are a salaried person then it can be suitable for you that you can save and invest every month. Or, if you earn very little then you don’t need to wait for a big sum of money, you can just start investing a little amount every month.  If you can’t opt for long-term investment or can’t invest a large sum of money then you can definitely go for SIP to start your investing journey. SIP vs Lumpsum Now that you know what is the lump sum vs SIP investment route, it's time to analyze which is better for you.  Investment as lumpsum or SIP has its own set of benefits and advantages. It’s hard to choose just one because both are good ways of investing.   The biggest difference between the two depends on how you are investing. In lumpsum, you need to invest in one go while in SIP, you can invest monthly.  Many investors choose SIP as it’s more convenient and more flexible. It is also a good choice for small investors who are just starting off and do not have a huge income. As a SIP investor, you can start saving with as little as Rs. 100 with certain mutual funds. Conclusion  You can never say that SIP is better than lumpsum or vice versa. There will be something in both of them which will be better than the others. An investor can never choose only one.   Both have similar benefits and differences. That’s the reason why it’s important to start investing early so that you can learn while investing in your journey.  It’s advised you to choose one which is better for you and suitable for you.  TALK TO AN EXPERT

What is digital gold? What are the benefits of Digital Gold as an investment? How is it better than buying traditional gold? Digital Gold refers to the process of buying and investing in gold virtually. You can do all of this online; there is no need to go to a jewelry store. It’s the more suitable way of buying gold.  Investors who want to sell or buy gold can do it without any problems with one click. The minimum cost of buying or selling gold can be as low as Rs 1. Benefits of Investing in Digital Gold  Safe storage: The best benefit is its hassle-free and secure storage, which can be guaranteed. The gold you buy will be stored in a secured vault.  The minimum limit for buying or selling gold: There’s no limit on buying costs. The minimum cost can be as low as Rs 1. The person who buys the gold will have it registered under his name.  Collateral: If you are looking to take out a loan, then you can keep the digital gold as collateral for the loan.  Authenticity: Virtually all gold bought today is 24 karats, and that’s why it’s 99.99% pure. The chances of fraud are low.  Easy exchange: Another advantage is that digital gold can be exchanged anywhere, anytime, for physical gold or coins.  Gifts: It can be the perfect gift for someone’s wedding or birthday day. You can gift anyone the digital gold you brought without worrying about its safety and physical transfer. Disadvantages of digital gold  The price at which you have invested doesn’t increase. It doesn’t increase your invested money.  There’s a maximum amount in which you can invest, which is Rs 2 lakh.  Even though when buying digital gold, you don’t need to pay making charges, you still have to pay 3% GST with it.  There is no regulation by SBI or SEBI.  Who should buy digital gold?  Anyone who cannot buy physical gold or cannot invest large sums of money at once can choose digital gold.  You can buy digital goods without worrying about their safety. You can buy digital gold in the Edufund app too. Link for the app (URL)  You can buy digital gold from any other source too.  Digital gold can be bought and sold anytime at market price without going to a jewelry shop.  You can buy other types of digital gold, such as gold bonds or ETFs. This is the best way to invest in gold.  Indians are in the second position in terms of buying gold. More than 100 million consumers own digital gold. FAQ Is investing in digital gold worth it?  Buying and storing digital gold makes it much easier, more useful, and more secure than buying physical gold How long can I not sell my digital gold?  Five years. Is there GST on digital gold?  There is a 3% GST on digital gold.Digital gold can be a good option for those who want to start their investment journey but are not ready to invest too much. One of the best benefits of digital gold is the flexibility and convenience of buying and selling

While the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 receive the most media attention, investors should be aware that there are several stock indexes.   The Russell 2000, often regarded as the benchmark for smaller U.S. stocks, is one of the most popular indexes that does not cover significant corporations.  With that in mind, here's a quick review of what investors need to understand about the Russell 2000 Index. What is the Russell 2000 index and how does it work?  The Russell 2000 index follows the Russell 3000 stock index's 2,000 smallest public businesses by market capitalization. The Russell 1000 large-cap stock index contains the remaining 1,000 firms.   As small-cap companies, such as those in the Russell 2000, account for a substantially lower portion of the U.S. share market as compared to large caps, the Russell 2000 accounts for around 10% of the market capitalization of the entire market. The FTSE Russell Group ranks every company in the Russell 3000 based on market capitalization. It divides the top 1/3 into the Russell 1000 and the bottom 2/3 in the Russell 2000 to determine which companies make each list.   Every May, the FTSE Russell Group re-examines companies to see if their current ranking is appropriate - because corporations grow or shrink coverage, and new businesses that deserve to be in the indexes may emerge.  Eligible firms that go public via an initial public offering (IPO) and fit by market capitalization can be included in the Russell 2000 every quarter between the yearly rank day reconstitution. As a result, the Russell 2000 may occasionally monitor over 2,000 equities.  Breakup of index  Here is a look at some of the companies in the index and the sectoral breakup.  CompanyTickerAMC EntertainmentAMCAsanaASANCrocs Inc.CROXOvintiv Inc.OVVTetra Tech IncTTEKLattice SemiconductorLSCCIntella Therapeutics IncNTLAAvis Budget Group IncCARSilicon Laboratories IncSLABMacys IncM Related indices   FTSE for traders keen on tracking the performance of specific areas of the small-cap world, Russell Group divides the Russell 2000 into smaller indexes. The following are some of the additional indexes  Russell 2000 Defensive  Russell 2000 Dynamic  Russell 2000 Growth  Russell 2000 Value  Russell 2000 Growth-Defensive  Russell 2000 Growth-Dynamic  Russell 2000 Value-Defensive  Russell 2000 Value-Dynamic  The Russell 2000 Index performance  Since 2000, the Russell 2000 has outperformed the Russell 1000 (the Russell 3000's large-cap section) and the S&P 500 in terms of total yearly returns.  The Russell 2000 small-cap index follows the S&P 500 large-cap index rather closely, though there are periods when it moves more significantly on one side or the other.  Small-cap stocks are much more volatile than large-cap stocks in general. Thus, they react more significantly to market changes.  The Russell 2000 Limitations  Investors who desire to invest in small-cap stocks follow the Russell 2000. Keep in mind that the index excludes hundreds of companies that are too insignificant to be in the index.  The Russell 2000 does not include the "micro-cap" category, which represents the smallest companies on the market. They are, nevertheless, among the fastest-growing equities in the market.  Investors who rely too heavily on the Russell 2000 may be missing out on opportunities in other industries and areas. For example, the index favors financials, health care, tech, and industrials, but it has little representation of companies in the communications and materials industries.  What is the best way to invest in the Russell 2000 index fund?  You don't have to buy all 2,000 stocks in the Russell 2000 Index to invest in it. You can invest in the index through a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks it passively.  The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO), for example, invests in all of the stocks in the index based on their relative weights. The ETF's costs are low, with a 0.10 percent expense ratio, so its long-term returns should be nearly comparable to those of the index sectors.  Should you put your money in the Russell 2000 index?  The Russell 2000 index is a brilliant complement to any investment portfolio, but it isn't for everyone.  The Russell 2000 exposes investors to the greater risk and greater reward of small-cap investing without disclosure to any firm or industry because of its broad exposure.   This can provide investors with the perfect blend of a comfortable ride while allowing for the significant returns that small-cap firms may be better poised for. FAQs What is the Russell Index 2000? The Russell 2000, often regarded as the benchmark for smaller U.S. stocks, is one of the most popular indexes that does not cover significant corporations.  Which companies are in the Russell 2000? Companies in Russell 2000 are Crocs Inc. (CROX) Ovintiv Inc. (OVV) Tetra Tech Inc (TTEK) Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC) Intella Therapeutics Inc (NTLA) Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR) Silicon Laboratories Inc (SLAB) Macy's Inc (M) Is Russell 2000 a major index? Russell 2000 is one of the most watched and followed indexes in the USA. When should you invest in Russell 2000? The Russell 2000 exposes investors to the greater risk and greater reward of small-cap investing without disclosure to anyone firm or industry because of its broad exposure.   TALK TO AN EXPERT