Investment Strategies 2012

Equities:

1. Continue with your existing SIPs.
2. Avoid lump-sum investment in funds
3. Be conservative and balanced
4. Go for large-cap diversified portfolio
5. Avoid sectoral and international funds even they did well.

Real Estate:

1. Buyer: Go for and bargain hard for near completion or ready to use property.
2. Seller: If you are not in hurry, wait until market picks up.
3. Tenant: Rents will be going up this season.

Gold:

There are varied views on gold prices for 2012. Some experts say that it will go up till US$2000, while opponents are expecting a significant drop to US$ 1400 - 1450. Invest smartly, though due to increase in demand may boost the prices, while gold will come down in mid of the year. Book profits every now and then and keep buying on dips only.

Insurance:

1. Use technology to cut down your insurance cost. Buy online and save big.
2. Products are becoming user friendly, but buyers need to be proactive. With fewer agents to give advice, you must assess and understand your insurance yourself.
3. Don't be guided by tax consideration while buying insurance.
4. Don't buy an insurance plan less than 15 years.
5. ULIPs will give benefit only when held for longer period.
6. Long-term debt fund are expected to give good returns. Shift the debt portion of your ULIP corpus to the fund option with long term debt holding.

 Invest in Short term deposits

Short term deposits are made in bank saving accounts and are the easiest kind of investment. Earnings are less as compared to other endowments, but the value of the investment will not decline in short term plan as it is warranted by the bank. The investor is entitled to withdraw the amount at point of the plan which makes them ideal for short term investment. For long term goals you can invest in fixed term investments of the Bank. 

Invest in Mutual Funds

Protected market plan, Mutual Funds are professionally administered joint endowments that collects investments from different investors and invests in bonds, capital market, stakes and other mortgages. 

Direct investments

Direct investment involves investing in bonds, stakes, assets, long and short term deposits and are administered by professionals who take care of the investment decisions. While investing directly into shares consider the tenure, risk prospects, earnings, diversification and liquidity. 

Capital market

Capital Market is another endowment idea which is believed to be protected and hassle free. In Capital market financial documents like business documentations, treasury receipts and bankers approval are being dealt with.