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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 24, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Darshan Question by Darshan on Jun 24, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello, Kindly suggest which gold ETFs to invest in.

Ans: Investing in Gold Funds: A Comprehensive Guide
Gold has always been a valuable and popular investment. People invest in gold to diversify portfolios, hedge against inflation, and preserve wealth. When it comes to investing in gold, many think of Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). But there's a better option: Gold Funds.

Let's explore why gold funds are a better choice and understand the nuances of investing in them.

Understanding Gold Funds
Gold funds are mutual funds that invest in gold-related assets.

These funds offer a simpler and more flexible way to invest in gold without worrying about storage or security.

No Impact Cost
One of the main advantages of gold funds is that they don't have an impact cost. Impact cost refers to the cost of buying and selling assets in the market, which can affect the overall returns. Gold ETFs, being traded on exchanges, are subject to this cost. Gold funds, on the other hand, are not, as they deal directly with the fund house.

Liquidity and Flexibility
Gold funds offer high liquidity. You can buy or sell units of the fund at any time without worrying about market conditions. This flexibility is not available with physical gold investments. It allows investors to take advantage of market movements and manage their investment strategy more effectively.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
One of the most significant benefits of gold funds is the ability to invest through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, making it easier to accumulate gold over time. This disciplined approach helps in averaging the purchase cost and mitigating the impact of market volatility.

Asset Allocation
Review the asset allocation strategy of the gold fund. A well-diversified portfolio with a mix of physical gold and gold-related securities can provide better risk-adjusted returns. Ensure the fund's asset allocation aligns with your investment goals.

Risk Factors
Every investment comes with its risks, and gold funds are no exception. Understand the risks associated with gold funds, such as market volatility, geopolitical factors, and currency fluctuations. Assess your risk tolerance before investing.

Investment Horizon
Your investment horizon plays a crucial role in choosing the right gold fund. If you have a long-term investment horizon, you can benefit from the compounding effect and potentially higher returns. Short-term investors should consider funds with lower volatility.

Comparing Gold Funds and Gold ETFs
To make an informed decision, it's essential to compare gold funds with Gold ETFs. This comparison will highlight the benefits and drawbacks of each option, helping you choose the best investment for your needs.

Cost of Investment
Gold ETFs involve brokerage fees, impact costs, and other transaction charges. These costs can eat into your returns. Gold funds, with their no-impact cost structure, offer a more cost-effective investment option.

Convenience
Gold funds are more convenient as they don't require a demat account or trading account. You can invest in gold funds through mutual fund distributors or directly with the fund house. This simplicity makes gold funds accessible to a broader audience.

Redemption Process
Redeeming Gold ETFs involves selling them on the stock exchange, which can be affected by market conditions and liquidity. Gold funds offer a smoother redemption process with direct transactions with the fund house, ensuring timely access to your money.


As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of aligning investments with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Investing in gold is not just about returns; it's about preserving wealth, ensuring financial security, and achieving peace of mind. I appreciate the trust you place in my guidance and aim to provide recommendations that meet your unique needs.


I commend you for taking the initiative to explore investment options and make informed decisions. Investing in gold funds shows your commitment to diversifying your portfolio and securing your financial future. It's a prudent choice that reflects your understanding of market dynamics and your willingness to explore smarter investment avenues.

Benefits of Investing Through an MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through a mutual fund distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential offers several advantages. These professionals provide personalized advice, helping you choose the right funds based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They also offer ongoing support and guidance, ensuring your investments stay on track.

Final Insights
Investing in gold funds is a smart choice for diversifying your portfolio, hedging against inflation, and ensuring financial security. Gold funds offer several advantages over Gold ETFs, including no impact cost and liquidity. By considering factors such as fund performance, fund manager expertise, expense ratio, asset allocation, and risk factors, you can make an informed investment decision.

Choosing gold funds through a mutual fund distributor with a Certified Financial Planner credential adds another layer of security and expertise to your investments. It ensures personalized advice and ongoing support, helping you achieve your financial goals.

Thank you for your proactive approach to managing your finances and your trust in my guidance. Investing in gold funds reflects your commitment to making informed and strategic investment decisions. It's a prudent step towards securing your financial future and achieving peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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I want to invest in gold etf. But i have zero knowledge about that. Sir can you help me.
Ans: Gold is a popular investment option, often considered a safe-haven asset. Investing in Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) is a modern, convenient way to gain exposure to gold without the need to hold physical gold. Let me walk you through some essential insights to make your gold ETF investment journey clearer and help you make informed decisions.

What is a Gold ETF?
Gold ETFs are funds that track the price of physical gold. They are traded on stock exchanges, similar to shares. When you invest in a gold ETF, you essentially buy units that reflect the price of physical gold.

Key Points About Gold ETFs:

Each unit typically represents one gram of gold.
They offer easy buying and selling on the stock exchange.
Since you don't own physical gold, there are no storage concerns.
Prices of gold ETFs are transparent and aligned with the actual gold market price.
Advantages of Gold ETFs
Gold ETFs offer several advantages over physical gold. Here are the top benefits:

Liquidity: They are easy to buy and sell on the stock exchange during market hours. You can transact them like any other equity.

Purity: Gold ETFs represent pure gold; you don't need to worry about impurities.

Storage and Safety: You avoid storage-related risks, as gold ETFs are held in electronic form.

Tax Efficiency: Gold ETFs are more tax-efficient than physical gold. Holding them long-term (over three years) reduces your tax burden due to indexation benefits.

Disadvantages of Index Funds Over Actively Managed Funds
While ETFs might look appealing, especially to track assets like gold, index funds (including gold index funds) have notable disadvantages when compared to actively managed funds:

Limited Growth Potential: Index funds only mirror market movements and cannot outperform the market.

Lack of Professional Management: Index funds lack active fund managers, which may limit flexibility to seize potential opportunities.

Risks in Downturns: In market downturns, index funds cannot adapt, often leading to limited downside protection.

For a diversified portfolio, actively managed funds may be a better choice. They offer expertise and flexibility, which can enhance returns and reduce risks.

How to Invest in Gold ETFs
Investing in gold ETFs is easy and requires only a few simple steps:

Open a Demat and Trading Account: You need these accounts to invest in ETFs. Most banks and brokers offer easy options to open them.

Place an Order During Market Hours: Buy gold ETFs like you would buy a stock. The units will reflect in your Demat account.

Monitor and Track Performance: Gold prices fluctuate, so tracking the performance helps make informed buy and sell decisions.

How Much to Invest in Gold ETFs?
Investing in gold requires a balanced approach. Experts often recommend keeping 5-10% of your portfolio in gold or gold-related assets. Gold performs well during economic uncertainties, providing stability to your portfolio. However, it doesn’t generate interest or dividends, so keeping a limited allocation is usually beneficial.

Final Insights
Gold ETFs offer a convenient, safe way to invest in gold. They provide liquidity, transparency, and are free from storage concerns. By maintaining a balanced allocation, you can enjoy the benefits of gold while focusing on long-term wealth creation.

Investing in gold ETFs can be a prudent choice for portfolio diversification, especially when done strategically.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Hello, I am a 35-year woman from Manali, divorced for three years now. My family is constantly pushing me to get remarried, saying it’s ‘for my own good.’ But honestly, I don’t feel the need for marriage again. I’m financially stable, have great friends, and I genuinely enjoy my independence. Despite explaining this to my family multiple times, they keep bringing up alliances and even guilt-trip me, saying things like, ‘Who will take care of you when you’re older?’ or ‘What will society think?’ I’m exhausted from these arguments and feel like I’m being cornered into something I don’t want. How do I stand firm in my decision while maintaining my relationship with my family? How do I help them understand that being single is a choice, not a problem to fix?
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Ans: History noted.
Considering your age 35 years, trying to conceive since, one year and few test done, one of which suggest possibility of tubal blockage, there are various modalities of treatment.
Firstly, you can do laparoscopy to note the severity if blockage and do tubal cannulation.
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Hello Doctor, I’m in my late 20s, and lately, I’ve been feeling like something’s off with my body. My periods either show up way too early, sometimes not at all for months. And, I’ve been putting on weight even though I haven’t changed my diet or exercise routine. My skin has also turned into a battlefield with acne all over, which I never used to have before. My cousin, who’s around my age, just found out she has PCOS, and her mom (my aunt) went through something similar when she was younger. Now, I’m scared because I’ve been hearing all these horror stories about how it can affect fertility, and I’m not even married yet. What if it’s a family thing and I end up facing the same problems? My mom says, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll be fine,’ but I can’t stop thinking about it. Should I see a gynecologist, or is there another kind of doctor I should be visiting? What tests should I do to get to the bottom of this before it gets worse? Honestly, I’m feeling overwhelmed and just want to know what’s going on before it’s too late.
Ans: Hello, noted your concerns
You are in late 20’s with irregular periods, acne, weight gain,
You are undergoing hormonal imbalance
We need to do certain blood test like
CBC, tsh prolactin fasting insulin level
Hba1c, testosterone level
DHEA, LH FSH ESTRADIOL LEVEL
Amd AMH level to check for fertility level
Usg pelvis to rule out
Pcos
The mainstay treatment. For pcos is lifestyle changes
1) Daily exercise, walks. Zumba, running
2) Good nutritious food with proteins, vitamins, minerals, low carbs and fats
3) good adequate sleep 7 to 8 hours
4) stress management: yoga meditation, breathing exercise
5) supplements to controls effects of pcos
6) low dose OC PILLS TO regularize the cycles

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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