Time for NRIs to file returns

Individuals with taxable income in India above the basic exemption limit should file their returns by July 31

Business Standard

Pay heed to your spouse's credit score

Your partner's poor credit score could mar your chances of getting a joint loan, so work on improving it while there is time

Balanced Mutual Fund

With AMCs providing as many as 4-6 balanced fund options, investors need to be cautious before buying

Balanced funds good for first-timers, retirees

The distribution gridlock

They suffer from the problem of mixing investment with insurance; also, lesser choices compared to MFs

New Ulips still not ideal investment tools

Diversify to counter volatility

Continue SIPs, look at other foreign funds to protect your portfolio and even benefit from the uncertainty

Gold up 6.7% in Jan on renewed prospect as safe asset

While the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, or Sensex, has been taking a serious hit because of the global uncertainties, gold has quietly made a comeback, in terms of returns. In the past year, when the Sensex fell 5.1 per cent, gold funds returned as much as 17 per cent -18 per cent. And on Friday, when the British populated voted to exit the European Union, popularly known as Brexit now, investors rushed to the yellow metal's safe haven leading to a surge by four per cent to Rs 30,755 per 10 gm. No wonder, fund managers are busy fielding calls from potential investors who want to invest in gold. "We have got some enquiries from investors after the recent increase in gold prices. But our advice is not to invest in gold as an immediate reaction to the fall in markets. Ideally, gold should just be 5-10 per cent of your portfolio," says Anjaneya Gautam, National Head-Mutual Funds, Bajaj Capital.But given the uncertain times, many investors would seek the yellow metal more aggressiv

Gold's comeback in portfolios

New insurance rules may not help private players

LIC tops loyalty charts, but lead narrows

Irdai plans to introduce scheme to compensate for loss arising from litigation or unauthorised transfers

Title insurance to come to the aid of property buyers

Proximity to the airport, land availability, reducing supply in nearby sub-markets, infrastructure improvements and affordability will trigger new housing supply in the Dhanori region. Dhanori is adjacent to Lohegaon, where Pune's airport is located. It is a rather nascent market for the housing sector but is witnessing spillover development on account of its proximity to Viman Nagar. The interest of developers has now moved further towards Lohegaon and Dhanori, which are emerging as the new residential hubs in the neighbourhood.While Dhanori has already witnessed substantial residential development on the stretch just off the main Lohegaon-Dhanori Road, the defence establishments and height restrictions due to the Air Force base have been impediments in the way of larger real estate developments in Lohegaon. The major developments are in the form of stand-alone and small residential projects/individual houses.Current real estate dynamicsDue to the proximity to major defence installati

Next destination for Pune's mid-segment buyers

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Business Standard analyses one family's finances and suggests a way forward

Case study

For regular cash flows, bet on commercial property

Annual yield of 9-11% and the opportunity arising from Reits are driving high net worth investors towards the commercial real estate segment

Digital banking 2.0

From using Aadhaar cards for withdrawals to mobile-only solutions, new offerings by banks are changing the way you transact

Is it possible to get an add-on international credit card for my daughter, who will be going abroad for higher studies ? What are the  options? Yes, it is possible to get an add-on international credit card for your daughter on the basis the internationally accepted credit card issued by your existing bank. Once you complete the Know Your Customer requirement for your daughter, post the bank will issue the card. In fact, with the advent of Chip and Pin technology, the transactions have become far more safe and secure. Alternatively, you can also give your daughter an internationally enabled debit card or a prepaid forex card. These are much better options compared to cash.Can I take a home loan to build a house on a plot in my mother's name? Or should we take a joint loan? Since she is retired, can she get a loan? If the plot is in your mother's name, you should apply for the loan with your mother as a co-borrower, as all property owners are required to be part of the loan structure. H

Banking: Rajiv Anand

Showing leniency to those who obey orders of consumer fora would send a wrong signal

Builder faces imprisonment for defying consumer court order

Automation devices that offer convenience and safety can be set up easily; price depends on the customisation

Smart homes needn't be too costly

Even short-term money market funds could be a good option, as they would be relatively immune

Park money in gold

Claim tax benefit for purchase and renovation

A recent judgement suggests that money spent on making a house "habitable" also qualifies for benefit under Section 54

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Before taking advantage of the facility, they should weigh the currency and tax implications

NPS an option for conservative NRIs

Don't lose tax benefits

During the tax filing season, many of our investments in property or instruments get tax exemption leading to considerable savings. In fact, many investors rush to make investment during the end of the financial year just to get these exemptions. However, just buying a property or investing does not ensure tax exemption, there are certain other guidelines that need to be followed lest the income-tax department comes back with queries or even withdraw the exemptions. A few examples that will help understand this.Property: If you purchase a property on a home loan, you can claim exemption on the principal up to Rs 1.5 lakh and up to Rs 2 lakh on the interest amount. But if you sell the house within five years of buying, you will lose the tax exemption on the principal amount, in the following year. There is no mechanism for tax authorities to know since tax filing is self-declaration. But since there is one per cent tax deduction at source for any transaction above Rs 30 lakh, the inform

Do not lose tax benefits

Realty check: Budget: Rs 3-3.5 crore

Business Standard brings you a snapshot of average current rates and unit sizes in localities that offer property in the price range of Rs 3-3.5 crore

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Deals rain during monsoon

Many travellers use the season to get great discounts from hotels and airlines

Page 12 - Investment