Should I invest in PPF or mutual funds?
PPF offers guaranteed returns, making it a safe option for risk-averse investors. While, the mutual funds come with market-related risks and returns are not guaranteed.
While it is difficult to compare a market-linked product with a fixed income one, investment in PPF is recommended for absolutely risk-averse individuals. Investors who are willing to take a moderate risk to earn higher returns can invest in mutual funds.
Advisor Insight. A mutual fund provides diversification through exposure to a multitude of stocks. The reason that owning shares in a mutual fund is recommended over owning a single stock is that an individual stock carries more risk than a mutual fund. This type of risk is known as unsystematic risk.
However, if the investor does it last minute every financial year for 15 years, he would earn an interest of Rs 15,48,515 instead of Rs 18,18,209. The maturity amount will also come down to Rs 37,98,515 instead of Rs 40,68,209. Besides, investing in one go every financial year is also preferable to monthly deposits.
Therefore returns from debt funds, even short term ones can vary from year to year. But then, PPF interest rates will now change every quarter too. If you are completely averse to taking any risk with your money, then opt for the Public Provident Fund (PPF). It is safe because it is backed by the government.
Premature withdrawal from the PPF has strict conditions and is limited to one withdrawal per financial year after five years, excluding the year of account opening. Premature closure is allowed only after five years, subject to specific conditions and a 1% interest deduction.
As you grow older, your risk appetite tends to reduce as well. PPF is an ideal low-risk option to include in your portfolio, but it should not be the only one. For long-term, risk-free investments, the Public Provident Fund (PPF) remains one of the most preferred instruments among investors.
According to experts, you should think about buying mutual funds when their NAV (Net Asset Value) is lower than their unit price. This will assist you to maximise your returns. Additionally, you should think about investing when the markets are at their lowest point. You can then purchase the shares at lower prices.
Over the full period, just 2% of actively managed Large-Cap Core funds beat the S&P 500. Even in categories such as small- and mid-sized stocks, and growth — which benefited from the tailwinds of an outperforming universe — a minimum of 81% of actively managed funds underperformed the benchmark.
Of course, you might also consider ETFs vs. mutual funds. Both are investment funds offering built-in diversification. However, unlike mutual funds, ETFs trade like stocks during regular market hours and may subject you to fewer taxes.
Can I deposit 1.5 lakh in PPF in one time?
One can deposit a maximum of ₹1.50 lakh in one PPF account during a financial year.
Can I pay more than 1.5 lakh in PPF? The maximum amount that you can invest in your PPF account in a financial year is Rs. 1.5 lakh. Any amount beyond that will not earn any earning interest and would not be eligible for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
How to Maximize PPF Returns? Invest before the 5th of every month. PPF interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of every month. For instance, if you deposit Rs 10,000 on 2nd Jan and another Rs 10,000 on 15th Jan, the interest will only be calculated on Rs 10,000 and not Rs 20,000.
- Lock-in Period: One of the biggest disadvantages of PPF is its lock-in period of 15 years. ...
- Low Interest Rate: The PPF interest rates are subject to annual revisions by the government. ...
- Liquidity: PPF is not a liquid investment.
Both LIC Jeevan Labh and PPF offer the scope of increasing one's savings corpus. While your PPF account is a traditional savings scheme with a high-interest rate, LIC Jeevan Labh offers life cover with additional returns as a means for increased earnings. However, the rate of return for LIC policies is lower.
If you deposit money early in the month you would get the advantage of interest added on the contribution before 5th of the month. You can also invest a lump sum on or before 5th April of a year in order to get the interest for the whole year.
PPF accounts can be started at any time. Given that there is no age limit to open PPF account, all that matters is that contributions are made at regular intervals of time so as to earn healthy returns in the future.
The PPF (Public Provident Fund) is considered an excellent investment option, especially for people uncomfortable with taking risks. While the returns may not be very high because they depend on the market, they offer stability. Additionally, investing in PPF can help diversify your portfolio and has tax benefits.
Some of the best investment options in India for 2024 include Mutual Funds, FDs, Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension System (NPS), Stock Investment, Mutual Funds, Commercial Real Estate, Initial Public Offer (IPO), Bonds, etc.
High-quality PPF can last for several years, often up to 5-10 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance. Considering the potential cost savings from avoiding paint repairs and maintaining the vehicle's resale value, many car owners find PPF to be a worthwhile investment.
Is PPF a better option?
PPF is suited for individuals who are absolutely risk-averse and can afford a 15-year lock-in period. Whereas those investors who are willing to take a moderate risk to earn higher returns can opt for ELSS.
However, if you have noticed significantly poor performance over the last two or more years, it may be time to cut your losses and move on. To help your decision, compare the fund's performance to a suitable benchmark or to similar funds. Exceptionally poor comparative performance should be a signal to sell the fund.
Mutual funds have sales charges, and that can take a big bite out of your return in the short run. To mitigate the impact of these charges, an investment horizon of at least five years is ideal.
Despite all the ups and downs that come with equity investing, all major Equity Mutual Funds have delivered double-digit average annual returns in the long run. This level of returns can help you beat inflation easily and hence avoid erosion in your money's purchasing power.
If you were to stay invested for a shorter duration, say 20 years, you'd invest Rs 2,40,000, but your portfolio value would be Rs 9.89 lakh. A decade-long investment of Rs 1,000 per month would equal Rs. 2,30,038, as compared to Rs. 1,20,000 invested over the same period.
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