Budget: Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 croreBusiness Standard brings you a snapshot of average current rates and unit sizes in localities that offer property in a price range of Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore. If you are looking at buying real estate and your budget falls within this range, an idea about prevailing rates would come in handy.

Realty check

Business Standard

Every Monday, Business Standard analyses one family's finances and suggests a suitable way forward.

Case study

Today, Hemant Rustagi, CEO of Wiseinvest Advisors , answers your questionsIs this the right time to revisit one's portfolio? The markets are moving up and we are expecting a stable government. My goals haven't changed, though. How do you rejig a portfolio?The pre-election rally in the stock market has taken benchmark indices to an all-time high. Besides, there has been a significant improvement in macro numbers such as the current account deficit and fiscal deficit. As foreign inflows are expected to remain strong, the market is likely to continue its good show.However, there is a need to exercise caution and follow the asset allocation strategy based on your time horizon and risk profile, rather than investing randomly. This process needs to be followed irrespective of whether one is investing in a rising, falling or volatile market. Similarly, it might not be wise to exit from the markets in a hurry. Especially if you are sure about your holding period and have been investing systema

Mutual Funds: Hemant Rustagi

A bank cannot take advantage of an error committed by the share transfer agent for punching the wrong rejection code when this mistake had subsequently been corrected

Consumer forum can order corrective retrospective action

Always watch the price paid for an acquisition and the strategic intention of a merger, say expertsIf there's a quick way to expand a company's scale of operations, widen its product portfolio, expand into new geographies and add to its technological capabilities, it's through mergers and acquisitions (M&As). However, while companies are able to gain and expand their balance sheets, shareholders might not always be able to make money from such deals.If the past is an indication, M&As might not always turn out as anticipated. Experts say shareholders must always watch for the price and strategic intention. They reckon in the coming years, mergers, domestic and foreign, will increase; so should the scrutiny of such deals.Says Mehraboon Irani, head (private client group), Nirmal Bang: "Not all mergers are profitable and not all will be profitable. But some will add a lot of value. Broadly, it depends on the price and the strategic intention of the company merging."Experts say some

How beneficial are mergers for shareholders?

Take a look at prices on May 15 and assume a five per cent move in either direction by May 29. Then, strangle with long puts and calls

Market likely to continue making gains till May 16

...but stick to those that have turned around because these could perform well once a new government is in place

Exit non-performing mutual funds...

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

Today, Rishi Nathany, a certified financial planner, answers your questionsWho should invest in international mutual funds (MFs)? I am 55 and only 30 per cent of my portfolio is in equities.At the age of 55, your exposure to equities at 30 per cent of your investments does not seem to be very low since you will be retiring in a few years, though I do not know your exact situation to offer an informed opinion. Any investor in India can invest in MFs abroad, either directly through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme within certain limits every year, or through fund-of-funds in India that invest abroad. One would normally consider investing in MFs abroad if one expects those economies to do very well, wants to diversify investments globally, or is expecting the rupee to weaken further, apart from other reasons.I have been a conservative equity investor for eight years. I have stuck to large-cap stocks and MFs. Should I include mid and small-cap stocks or funds, too? Also, does it make sens

Investing: Rishi Nathany

Hyderabad evolved as a preferred investment destination during 2007-2008. Both foreign and domestic private equity investors joined hands with local developers and invested in new projects or those under construction. Most investors opted for residential and mixed use developments. Unlike other cities in India, Hyderabad is still affordable. Property prices in the prime precincts are relatively less when compared to other cities. Therefore, it is a good time for investors to consider this city to gain the benefits of planned economic development and infrastructure development.The recently passed Telangana Bill is likely to end the political uncertainty Hyderabad faced for the past few years. Given its state-of-the-art infrastructure and that it is the most developed city in the state, investors looking at Hyderabad will find the current period favourable, as property valuations are still low. Home prices will remain stable for the interim but will eventually begin rising steadily, sinc

Affordable and well-developed; good time to invest

When a consumer takes a home loan he incurs a large liability, a big burden on his family if he died during the tenure.It makes sense for him to buy a life insurance policy that will pay off the home loan in the event of his death. It is imperative that such a crucial policy should not lapse. Typically, a single premium is normally paid, so that the policy does not lapse during the loan tenure. The bank is also benefited, as its loan will not turn bad because of the consumer's death. It is happy to finance this single premium and treat it as an additional loan amount. Effectively, the consumer ends up paying for the policy in easy instalments. Since banks have a large number of such consumers, they can get a group for a better deal. This can be smoothly administered and the lender gets additional income as commission on the policy sold.It is this ability to make additional income from a lending transaction that can and does lead to trouble. The need for additional commission income com

You can say no to term plan bundled with home loan

Provisions under the new Companies Act will give teeth to minority shareholders but only if they come together

Some muscle for small shareholders

Going by calls and puts, expectations for the next nine months are 25% up and 20% down over the long term

Will optimists triumph over pessimists?

Tinker a little with sectoral funds or stocks. You can start an SIP but don't overhaul the portfolio

Should you play the pre-election rally?

Do not get carried away by tax planning. Prioritise, instead, to ensure you have enough for contingency and other requirements

Plan your investments at the start of the year

Some brokerages are banking on mid-caps. But are they right bets?

Stock picks till election results

These basic purchases will go a long way in securing your family's future

Small steps to save big money

Returns from these funds can be higher in the long run but watch out for volatility, which can be more than diversified mutual funds or index funds

Page 55 - Investment

Realty check

Case study

Mutual Funds: Hemant Rustagi

Consumer forum can order corrective retrospective action

How beneficial are mergers for shareholders?

Market likely to continue making gains till May 16

Exit non-performing mutual funds...

Case study

Investing: Rishi Nathany

Affordable and well-developed; good time to invest

You can say no to term plan bundled with home loan

Some muscle for small shareholders

Will optimists triumph over pessimists?

Should you play the pre-election rally?

Plan your investments at the start of the year

Stock picks till election results

Small steps to save big money

Sector funds provide a boost to your portfolio

Women should play an active role in finances

Seeking value in this market