5 Ways to be Financially Ready for a Job Loss
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| In light of the worsening job market worldwide, it is crucial for individuals to be financially prepared for any uncertainty. Here are five ways to be financially ready for a job loss: 1) Cut avoidable expenses, 2) Build an emergency fund, 3) Focus on conserving investments, 4) Increase insurance coverage, and 5) Avoid adding new financial liabilities. Being financially prepared and mentally resilient can help navigate through the difficult times of job loss more effectively. |
Festive Season Boosts Real Estate Investments in India
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| Real estate investments are gaining prominence during the festive quarter in India. Factors such as increased liquidity, market activity, and attractive buying opportunities contribute to the appeal of real estate. The festive season brings an abundance of offers, discounts, and tax exemptions from developers, attracting buyers. Developers launch new projects and clear existing inventory during this season, providing a diverse portfolio for investors. Salaried professionals experience a boost in their financial resources during the festive season, empowering them to explore larger and better properties. The Indian real estate market is expected to grow consistently, making investments made during the festive season promising for long-term value and financial gains. The real estate sector in India is anticipated to have a successful year in 2023, with even stronger prospects in 2024. |
Small Cap Mutual Funds: The Hidden Potential for Long-Term Wealth Creation
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| Small Cap Mutual Funds have shown impressive returns, outperforming mid-cap and large-cap funds this year. Investing in small-cap stocks can yield high returns and potentially turn small companies into big corporations. However, caution is warranted as small-cap stocks are highly sensitive to market sentiment and may experience higher volatility. Despite this, small-cap funds can be a good addition to an equity portfolio, especially for investors with a long-term view. Factors such as robust economic growth, healthy corporate earnings, emerging sectors, and high retail participation contribute to the potential of small-cap funds. |
Indian Stock Market Sees Shift Towards Share Buybacks Over Dividends
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| In recent years, the Indian market has witnessed a shift in how companies reward their shareholders, with share buybacks becoming the preferred choice over traditional dividends. This transformation is driven by the tax advantages of buybacks, particularly for shareholders in the highest tax bracket. Buybacks have emerged as a tax-efficient way for these shareholders to maximize their post-tax returns. This trend is not limited to large-cap companies; small and mid-cap players are also leveraging buybacks to reward shareholders and minimize tax burdens. The tax treatment of buybacks versus dividends plays a crucial role in this shift, with buybacks subject to a lower tax rate. However, for individuals in lower tax brackets, dividends may still be the more beneficial option. |
NPCI to Deactivate UPI IDs of Inactive Customers from January
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| The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has directed banks and payment service providers to deactivate UPI IDs and numbers of customers who have not performed any transactions for one year or more. The move aims to ensure that funds are transferred only to intended recipients and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent fund transfers. Inactive UPI IDs will be disabled for inward credit transactions, meaning customers cannot receive funds. The NPCI has set a deadline of December 31 for deactivating UPI IDs of inactive customers. The measure is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of UPI payments. |
