I for IPL or I for Investments

I for IPL or I for Investments

After witnessing depressing COVID-19, everyone is glancing with high hopes for a change and entertainment this IPL. Cricket is a religion for a country with diverse population over 1.38 billion. The excitement is pretty much tangible everywhere be it stadium, streets, or homes. Cricket teaches some valuable & relatable investment lessons as well.

“How much do a team needs on the board to win the match” is a process that goes through captain’s mind? And which is very important to make a tough fight. Determining winning score is equivalent to setting and accomplishing financial goals. Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound are the factors considered to set financial goals. Every keen player keeps a watch on his opponents’ moves. Similarly, keep a watch on your opponents which are real inflation and the volatility.

To win a match, the selection of right team players is vital. Similarly, while investing, every investment avenue has a role in the portfolio. The investment avenues must be chosen considering age, risk appetite, objectives, financial goals, the time horizon before goals shake, and the risk-return feature of the investment avenue.

The cricket enthusiast knows that the strategy changes from one cricket format to the other. Similarly, while addressing financial goal/s, one need to recognize investment objective; the risk appetite; and the time left (balls left) to achieve the foreseen goals. 

A good head-start sets the direction of the game and works in favor of the team to win the game. In the same way, the sooner one starts the process of saving and investing, a big corpus can be built advocated by the magic of compounding.

Pacing up the innings as the match unfolds, maintaining the required run rate always. Similarly, for your investments to roar, the earlier one starts saving and investing regularly, systematically, and prudently; with more investment time horizon you can compound wealth better. 

Just being a good player is not enough. Following the rules is equally important. In investing, the market factors and volatility provokes. One should be disciplined for the long-term particularly in equities to overcome volatility, and potentially earn decent returns. 

Cricket is full of highs and lows. Any captain keeps a ‘Plan B’ to win the game.
Similarly, if any unforeseen financial emergency occurs, one must have a backup plan. Therefore, building an adequate contingency reserve is necessary to deal with emergencies.

Keeping a target, the scoreboard and run rate to defeat the opponent team, and plans a strategy. Reviewing the investment portfolio to ensure whether you are on track to accomplish the goal. Further, it will help to serve in the interest of long run financial wellbeing.

The way the winning of a team can be attributed to preaching command of the captain. Similarly, seeking an efficient advisor who spoon-feed their clients in creating a robust financial plan with a holistic approach. 

Cricket is a sport played with a passion to win. With the same passion, focus on accomplishing your financial goals by making prudent decisions. Believe in the magic of compounding and invest for the long-term, a sure-shot formula to win.

Should I stop SIP at Market High?

Should I stop SIP at Market High

The stock markets are making all-time highs. Many think – too fast, too soon! We could sense that all those questions are back such as should I stop my SIPs? Or should I pull out money invested in my funds? Is the time right to add more funds to stocks? Or should invest in gold/real estate? Now the problem arises is that what should be done to find the correct answers for above stated what shall be done. Investing success is about 99% temperament and only 1% about where you invest.

We have huge ocean of investment avenues and various hot ideas that keep floating around, the question is how to react in such times. It is very well said, “Your biggest enemy is yourself.” That’s where thought process of investors comes into picture. Think of a state of mind as a predefined thinking guide but not as a shortcut to meet goals. It is something that makes you behave in a certain manner.

As far as investing and wealth is concerned, the model that works is Asset Allocation. It acts as a FOMO antidote. For your information, FOMO is Feeling of Missing out. At any time, it is difficult to know which investment is best. Asset Allocation allows us to take a chunk of several avenues that is worth investing in and market cycles does wonders.

Any investor rebalances with time, to check that did the portfolio was a thumb-up or a thumb-down. Don’t stress on the positioning of the market, or if product is expensive to get into or get out of.  The idea of allocating in various types of investments wherein few can be highly volatile, & others less. Some active, some passive. It helps you diversify which encourages prudence, risk management and good investment practices.

We live in a world of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. A diversified portfolio, it acts as a cushion from the impact of unknowns. Investor is aware that there is a chance of finding comfort as the other ones are working towards long term accumulation.

It gets you to act. The portfolio is to be rebalanced periodically based on the rules set before, without getting mixed up in present emotions. It helps in getting Behavioral Alpha. Investments when managed well, the alpha is assured. One never pulls out of markets when it’s all-time high. One never stops SIPs. Invest when there is blood around. One should patiently move from one asset to another, without a fuss.

VSRK suggests that even when markets are at all-time highs, our experts tells us to continue investments as per allocations. Be active in SIPs. Rebalancing of asset allocation is better but one can sell the chunk of the money that is needed urgently. For lumpsum investing, consider the kind of a stomach you have in terms of funds and risk appetite.

Should Investors Encash their Gains?

Should Investors Encash their Gains_

A lot of investor have experienced the uptrend in the portfolio and from the recent market rally accessed outstanding gains. Most of the investors are enticed to liquidate them. Let’s read further to evaluate whether this scheme is sound enough or not.

VSRK has a good clientele and few of them keep asking such questions. Recently, a client named Mr. Dheer invested an added amount of Rs 5 lacs from existing savings in equity funds in lump sum during the market bang in March 2020. Alike others, he was advised that the market is low lying and that it would be the propitious time to earn gains in the coming future.

The professionals say when the markets collapse, investors feel congenial in withdrawing from market and holding cash as it gives them a sense of security in the short term. This act of mindset is not intellectual to do so in the long run. It is well said and aptly resembles here, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Surprisingly, the recovery of the market went shooting within a few time and documented new highs in the immediate past, and the value of investments crossed Rs 8 lacs, giving an annual return of about 64%.

The figures depicts not only numbers but VSRK’s expertise and clients’ joy for the decision made to invest during the market fall. Now, he was confused and wanted to know whether to book profits by redeeming. But up to what extent and proportion of the investment could be withdrawn.

VSRK suggested him that either he can withdraw the money that was invested in stock markets at any moment of the time as no rules are preventing him from doing it. So when the markets fall, instead of thinking of how to get your money out of the stock market, restructure short term equity plans to meet long-term goals.

Conclusion:
Market lows are gut-wrenching for even habituated investors. Whereas equity investing has to be a skillful term plan. Stay invested to reap the benefits with the delta in market conditions for an uptrend. You can visit VSRK to reset your portfolio and earn the best out of the stock market.

Nuts & Bolts of Cashing the Stock Market Gains

Stock Market Gains

Triumph in timing the market

This incidence may give this client or anyone reading this, an impression, that timing the market is as easy as breathing and a good shot. But that’s not right. The market is unpredictable and no one can time it perfectly not even any scholar. It can be accepted as a one-off instance. It won’t be ethical to expect same returns from investments in the future.

Score on the flourishing days of the market

Trying to time the market, the possibilities are failing to experience the best days of the stock market gains. Glancing the long-term perspective, missing a single day gains will deprive one from the benefit of compounding of the missed returns.

Redeem at reaching goal

Equities are meant for a time horizon of at least 5 years or say 3 years in today’s market scenario. Never invest if one will need the money before the time period. One should stay invested throughout the tenure and avoid making unnecessary transactions. You will gain maximum benefits from equities if you stay invested for a longer time period, as you get to benefit from compounding.

A must asset-allocation Strategy 

Having a planned asset-allocation scheme assures an investor to book profits in a systematic manner. Apply a rule for rebalancing, be it at the end of financial year or as the allocation diverges by more than 10% of the planned ratio.

Try for a SIP not lump sum

Anyone should spread the investments over a period of time especially in case of equities. Investing systematically through an SIP or STP helps in entering the market at the right time, as the purchase cost is averaged out. 

Points to Focus

Emergency fund: Preserve the funds equivalent to at least six months’ expenses either in a liquid fund and sweep-in deposit which can be handy during uncertain scenario.

Life insurance: Cromulent life cover is important specially term plans if one has financial dependents.

Health insurance: Owing to 2020 uncertainty, adequate health cover has become vital for the family.

Should you cash out of the stock market?

When the stock market falls, it is only a paper loss but actually, no monetary loss. However, the moment any investor converts stocks to cash in this period, one turns paper loss into an actual one.  Investors should know that the cashing out will not give you the chance to benefit from market rebounds. A market uptrend can give you the scope of a break-even if not the opportunity to profit. If you cash out, then there is no hope for sure. As Inflation also has a devastating effect by eroding the value of money and reduces its purchasing power.

Never Under-Estimate the Power of SMALL CAP

SMALL CAP Performance

Over the last two years, in the unfolding Bull Run, small caps have monopolize the limelight. Since April 2021, S&P BSE 250 Small Cap TRI has delivered 106% as of July 2021, thus doubling an investment made in the index. Looking at the long-term figures, the picture is pale. The 7 and 10-year returns of the BSE 250 Small Cap TRI stand at a modest 13.4 and 11.3% p. a. respectively. This tells that the short-term smart performance of small caps may not reflect in the long-term, because of amid market corrections. The investors who are hypnotized by short-term returns from small caps need to put things in perspective with time.

The small-cap segment provides ample opportunities, as seen by the long-term returns of the top funds. Deciding to invest in this cap, must go with a fund that has proved its ability to navigate the funds and returns.

After the crash in March last year due to the pandemic, the segment witnessed an investor evacuation as the markets recover. From July 2020 till February 2021, small-cap funds experienced an outflow of Rs 4,300 crore. Noting, during the same frame, the AUM of the category grew at an annualized rate of 87%, thanks to the mega relay in small caps.

Time and again, whenever investors are fearful, and then miss out on the big Bull Run that follows the crash. Presently, it’s relevant to small-cap funds, where the return-generating periods come in cycles and those who are not invested during the times tend to have a dismal return experience. 

The small-cap category has outperformed all the major equity categories in 2020-21. At the end of July 2021, the one-year return of the small-cap category stand at an average of 108%, which is about 30% more than the returns from the mid-cap category, the next best performer. Thus, if you look at the returns over any of the shorter time-frames, the small-cap segment triumphs over all other major categories by a small margin. However, if we look at the other end of the spectrum, one sees that the quantum of outperformance over other categories significantly reduces as we increase the investment horizon.

Despite this, the small-cap segment does provide ample opportunities, as seen by the long-term returns of some of the top funds. Hence, if you decide to invest in this space, you must go with a fund that has proved its ability to navigate this tricky segment.

The investors in this high-volatility segment pay not just in terms of costs but also in terms of high emotional strain from time to time. If planning of investing in same, one must have the ability to digest high volatility. Also, given the recent high returns, moderate your return expectations. Like other equity funds, invest in small-cap funds only through SIPs.

Understand that small-cap funds should play supplementary role in any portfolio with allocation of 10-15%. For most investors, investing in three-four flexi-cap funds would satisfy to provide the necessity to the small-cap segment. Happy Investing.

Joyous God Mangalmurti Ganesha brings Prosperity in Investments

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

The god who is an epitome of knowledge and abundance of wisdom & is always worshipped before initiating any work. Let’s start our investment planning with an inspiration for proper financial planning through attributes and techniques of his stature.

Wisdom from Big Head

The bigger head represents broad-mindedness, forward thinking, and a vast ocean of knowledge. It emphasizes on the ability to grasp and understand markets open mindedly, prudent thoughts, and seek knowledge will help one look at all the options and make wiser investment decisions.

Draw up a smart goal-based financial plan and wisely act on it to secure your future. Anticipate how investment would grow after say 5-10 years considering the effect of inflation on different investment avenues and accordingly choose the type of Investment Avenue.

Big Ears symbolizes good listening skills

He is named Surpakarna for his large ears which indicate that in order to be a good investor, one must be a good listener. A good investor keeps ears wide open to sound financial advice which is ethical, unbiased, experienced, and research-backed from VSRK to make better investment decisions. 

Listening in unification with wisdom will enable you to filter and choose the right. Focus on requirements, aspirations, and desires in terms of your financial goals, investment horizon, financial standing, age, and risk profile, and the number of years left for the completion of your goal.

Focus from the Eyes

The sharp small eyes teaches to have focused approach and looking at the details with concentration to achieve growth. One should focus on individual or family goal-based investment plan. A focused mind to have a clear objective of “where to invest”. Consider safety and returns as foremost requisites.

Carefully create a well-diversified strategic portfolio based on your asset allocation that will strive to beat the inflation and accomplish your financial goals. Eliminate the unnecessary noise of the herd with a holistic view and a long-term approach helps to maintain and grow wealth.

Adaptability from the Trunk

The lord is known as Vakratundaya for the flexibility of trunk representing adaptable nature and to follow what is righteous. As an investor, one should track and review investment portfolio to check its performance contribution to the journey of wealth creation. Evaluate portfolio on a regular basis to know when to be patient about holding on to a particular investment and when it’s time to change it.

One-Tusk Removes Evil 

Ekdantaya is another name for Lord Ganesha which symbolises plucking out the evil from the good. Investors based on market news and stock sensitivity do not realize holding on to the underperformers in portfolio which is equally damaging as the removal of a worthy investment from your portfolio.

Greater endurance with large stomach

Vighnaharta signifies keeping all the negativity away and managing every kind of obstacle that comes in the path of life. This is a vital trait that we can definitely benefit from if we strive for gaining more courage and bravery in the face of adversities.

The enormous brook of Lord Ganesha teaches to alphabetize the investments as eating meal in small bites. Investments should in accordance to risk appetite, age factor, & financial goals. It is always suggested to invest systematically and diligently via the SIP route; gradually increase the amount as per financial capacity. With the rupee-cost averaging in volatile markets and the power of compounding, the money will grow over time. One should maintain a contingency fund and undergo both financial and emotional trauma during harsh or extraordinary circumstances.

Not being biased from Axe

The axe possessed by Ganesha acknowledges not to fall quest to sentiments or any sort of biases during investments. Think logically and freely, keeping aside the undercurrents of market downswings. Never discontinue SIP during this time frame and never harbor any anchoring bias to any investment that is unhealthy for financial well-being.

Feet positioning to maintain Balance

Lord’s one feet rests on the ground and another is folded. One can learn to maintain balance in life between inner happiness and materialistic happiness. To lead a contented and happy life, one needs to maintain a balance between material and spiritual needs and invest seeking all the financial needs or goals.

Simple living from his Vahana

The tiny mouse is represented as the vehicle of Lord Ganesha. It demonstrates the most important lesson of life: Simple living, high thinking. Learn to flourish within means; saving more than spending, avoiding impulsive purchases via instant gratification. Invest wisely empowering to yearn for a better tomorrow with a prospering financial plan.

Riddhi-Siddhi suggests to know the Payback timings

The Lord Ganesha preaching wisdom symbolises that every investment plan is not meant for retirement life, there are various short term goals too. So, understand the need for finance and earn cash from your investment in desired period.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Green is the New Gold

ESG Investing

The investor has various Permutation and Combinations to build portfolio in which the most common options include a combination of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. All the investments are based on risk tolerance and financial goals. Now-a-days investors have become more aware and started making more sustainable decisions. ESG investing has become progressively approachable opportunity. ESG investing stands for environmental, social, and governance investing, which anchors on sustainability and the impact on your money. This concept actually comes with an opportunity to utilize investments in a way that aligns with one’s beliefs and core values.

Any investment is said to be an ESG investment depending upon the measure of sustainability across the environmental, social, and governance categories. The measurements are ranked and hence, helps potential investors in regard to portfolio, to make better decision ethically. 

The Environmental Factors determines the green initiatives a venture takes. It considers what a company does to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and how they use natural resources. It also looks at the product created to calculate sustainability and recycling.

The social components include cells like community involvement and development, comprehensive variegation, balanced employment levels, and impact on local and global human rights.

This Corporate Governance evaluates the mentorship. It compares executive pay and employee pay, cross section and potpourri among the top executives and board members, and the receptivity of the venture to their stakeholders.

ESG is important for successful long-term investments, diversification is must. ESG investing is a stupendous way to support acts well for the society, decide acquaint fully related to the environment, and assure equality.

ESG investments have experienced high returns as compared to traditional investments and in some cases, even outperformed. One can cherish his moral or ethical values with growing investments inclusive of low risk with strategic ESG investing.

Last but not the least, ESG investments is termed as Socially Responsible Investing as it promotes sustainability in the environment, workforce, and employment opportunities. 

Interested to get going with ESG investing, Determine Your Approach, research ESG Policies and find the right ESG Investments to park funds.

Understand how each company is scored, what initiatives they follow, explore funding, and know more on their core values and overall morality. With VSRK, gain access to such investment avenues to create a personalized ESG investment plan.

Ethical investing and investing in socially responsible causes are altogether different. The values based on religious, cultural, or environmental beliefs alter desperately every individual, all solidified goals. One has to look upon whether to invest in a company or not that upholds social beliefs but fails in environmental protection.

After understanding the investor’s beliefs, we can help investor finding the right ESG investments, which firms you support.

Savings is Not Always Investing; Investing is Savings with Amazing Returns

Savings is Not Always Investing; Investing is Savings with Amazing Returns

Always been into savings! And now investing for the first time? It can be traumatic, puzzling, and alarming. Campaigning hard earned money requires a basic understanding of financial assets; enough knowledge and confidence to avoid common investing mistakes; and importantly an understating of your investment goals.

By the time you’re ready to start investing, you must have specific goals in mind. Having a concrete goal can help you become more visionary and dedicated to that goal, making it real through regular actions.

One need to first empower themselves with some basic know-how. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has an eminent handbook for newbie investors which explains basic concepts and difference between the types of investments.

Choosing your first investment

When choosing an investment for the first time, experts say protruding on what one is literate about. If someone does have an expertise, one has slight tilt towards being more comfortable and knowledgeable when making an initial investment. 

If one do not have a specific forte that makes you uncomfortable towards investing and that would make you like many others, no shame in it. Make another key choice and VSRK’s experts and financial analysts can help you actively managing your mutual funds. 

An initial investment should be held for at least a year, in order to avoid short-term capital gains taxes. Avoiding high turnover or excessive trading; cutting costs associated with placing multiple trades, plus their tax implications, are wise or unwise strategies depends upon novice investor’s financial goals.

As per the research done at VSRK, major issues faced by new investors are that they tend to gamble with money that they can’t even afford to lose. Secondly, unaware investors seek out exotic products online. Inverse leveraged funds can be lucrative to triple your investments within no time, but they silently carry risk and are tricky to manage after certain point of time.

We at VSRK won’t allow your first or many investments to drop. Follow VSRK to start small and grow steadily and we will act as a catalyst for your wealth of tomorrow.

WHAT NEXT WHEN MARKET TOUCHES 17K

WHAT NEXT WHEN MARKET TOUCHES 17K

The Indian equity markets have ended on a record high. The 30-share Sensex rose 514 points to end at 57,852 while the 50-pack Nifty settled at 17,234, up 158 points. This has led to many of the readers and investors wondering, what next?

It’s simple really! VSRK has always maintained that successful investing depends more on ‘Time in the market’ as opposed to ‘Timing the market’. While valuations and prices are absolutely significant, it is more important for investors to spend time with high-quality businesses than time their ups and downs. Around 50 stocks that have rallied over 500% in the last few years bear testimony to this.

The questions still remain unanswered: Is the market going to rise further or is it going to fall? One should be a pessimist and wait or cheer up and invest right away?

Waiting for a market correction to start investing would result in a loss of opportunity. This is the only reason why one should get going ASAP. If one will wait for some correction, surely will stay dwell. Therefore, one should invest. Even at a market high, the markets are only going to go higher in the long-term orientation. One can expect a few jerks on the way, but the general market course is going to be largely upward-looking. But remember, Investing should be played for a long-term.

Step #1: Avoid the temptation of booking profits!

Equity as an asset class is habitual of giving superior returns in the long term due to the power of compounding. VSRK insists & helps in cutting the losses short and riding on winners. This selling rule is deeply embedded in our policy. You should always have an investment plan and remain disciplined.

Step #2: Asset allocation is important

The fact remains intact that market volatility affects your portfolio’s asset allocation. It could be possible that your portfolio is composed only of small-cap or mid-cap stocks. In up trending market, a concentrated portfolio may increase chances of loses. One should diversify when the markets are really high. Diversification means flexible market capitalization. The best way to keep your portfolio up to date is by utilizing an active investment strategy such as VSRK.

Step #3: Get rid of under-performing investments

When you initially constructed a portfolio, markets must have been quite different. Now that considerable time has elapsed, chances are that the valuations have changed. The reasons that made you buy those particular stocks might no longer exist. The market leaders might have changed ranks. In such a situation, sticking to laggards can result in losses. So, use this time to review your entire portfolio and weed out stocks that don’t seem valuable anymore.

Step #4: Invest according to a proven investment strategy

It is rightly said that a plan without a strategy is merely a vision. Investing in accordance with a strategy can help you achieve your various financial goals and understanding your risk appetite will keep you away from making impulsive or ill-informed investment decisions based on greed and fear. VSRK is a smart investment strategy that is complete with selling rules and can help you invest in accordance with your risk appetite.

Step #5: Consult your Investment Advisor

The art of investing includes doing the basics of investing right i.e. knowing how much to invest for your goals, where to invest, understanding your risk appetite, proper asset allocation and re-balancing, investing systematically and remaining disciplined in your plan irrespective of market conditions.

An investment advisor can not only help you understand your financial objectives but will also help you curate your equity portfolio in order to achieve those objectives. An advisor will act as a guiding light in navigating your way through the volatility of financial markets.

All said and done, market highs and market lows shall come and go. The volatility shouldn’t bother long-term investors. You should always aim to keep an eye on your goals and invest in a systematic manner. VSRK would be delighted to assist you in your investment journey so that you can fulfil all your financial goals.