Best Investment Options with Higher Returns

Many people are inclining towards investing in high yield instruments. But, amongst so many options, it is often difficult to choose the ideal avenue. To start with, one should always invest based on financial goals, risk appetite, investment tenure, liquidity and taxation. High return investments often come with high risks. These are preferably long-term investments with a long holding period. Thus, one should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of such high return investments. This article will guide you through some of the high return investments.

Top 5 Best Investment Options with Higher Returns

1. Stocks

Stocks are preferred for higher returns, but many times, investors don’t pay much attention to the risks as compared to the returns. Investing in the stock market will be is possible only if you know how to start. But without knowledge, you may feel lost. Hence, investors wanting to invest in stocks should assess themselves on the following parameters-

• In-depth knowledge about the markets
• Knowledge on how to assess good stocks from bad ones
• Ability to Monitor, since exiting is also important
• Ready to take high risks

Investors who feel confident about the above can try to invest in stocks.

2. Equity Mutual Funds

For investors looking for high return investments, the Mutual Fund is one of the best investment options in India. As the name signifies, a Mutual Fund is a collective pool of money with a common objective of purchasing securities (via the fund). Mutual Funds are regulated by the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and are managed by AMCs (Asset Management Companies).

Investors can choose from a host of option such as Large cap funds, mid & small cap and thematic funds. Large-cap funds carry low risks compared to mid-cap and thematic funds. Since thematic funds give exposure to a specific industry, they carry the highest risks amongst all equity mutual funds.

Investors planning to invest in equity mutual funds are advisable to stay for a longer period of time i.e., more than 5- 10 years. Below is an analysis done on the BSE Sensex since 1979 to 2016 showing average returns and the variation from this average in case of different holding periods.

Mode of Investment- The Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is also considered to be one of the best investment options to invest in a Mutual Fund. SIPs make an excellent tool for investing money, especially for those earning salaries. The investment through a SIP is invested in stock markets, thus generates good returns when invested for a long duration.

Other than this, investors can invest in ELSS. Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) are tax-saving Mutual Funds. By investing in ELSS, one can attain deductions up to INR 1,50,000 from their taxable income as per the Section 80C of income tax Act. These funds have a lock-in period of three years and invest a majority of their portfolio in the stock market.

Investors can invest in these funds via Mutual Fund companies, through distributor services, Brokers (regulated by SEBI), Independent financial advisers (IFAs), or through various online portals. Investors should choose Equity Funds that are doing well in the market. One should know how a fund behaves and performs during market fluctuations.

Best Equity Funds to Invest

Some of the Best equity funds to invest in India are:

3. Debt Funds

Debt funds are preferred by investors looking for a steady income with relatively lower risks, as they are comparatively less volatile than equity funds. A Debt fund invests in fixed income instruments. As these funds invest most of the money in debt instruments such as government securities, corporate Bonds, money market instruments etc., they are considered to be a relatively safer investment than equity. However, there are risks to investing in debt funds too.

There are different types of debt funds such as Gilt Funds, Liquid Funds, ultra-short term funds, short-term funds, dynamic bonds and long-term income funds. Since debt mutual funds largely invest in government securities, corporate debt, etc., they are not affected by equity market volatility. However, long-term funds do carry moderate to high risk and any adverse interest rate movement can give negative returns. But at the same time, if chosen wisely, debt funds can give medium to high returns.Thus, investors can consider debt funds as one of the best investment options in India.

Best Debt Funds to Invest

Some of the best debt mutual funds to invest in India are:

4. Gold

Investing in Gold as it’s not only considered to be one of the best investment options, but also to be one of the best hedges for Inflation. Today, there are many options to invest in gold. Investors can buy physical gold through gold coins or bars; they can buy products backed by physical gold (e.g. Gold Exchange Traded Fund), which offer direct exposure to the gold price. They can also buy other gold-related products, which may not include ownership of gold, but are directly related to the gold price. Gold, at times of a crisis, negative sentiments and in downturns of the markets is an asset class of choice. It is in these periods that gold yields very good returns. Over a long period of time, gold is a very good hedge against inflation and keeps the value of your capital intact.

Apart from this, there are three new Gold Schemes launched by the Government of India, which is currently blooming in the Indian gold market. They are viz, the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, Gold Monetisation Scheme and the Indian Gold Bond Scheme. Investors can invest in these schemes and plan their gold investments accordingly.

Best Gold Funds to Invest

Some of the best underlying gold ETFs to invest in India are:

5. Insurance- Endowment Plan

An Endowment Plan gives life cover and also helps the policyholder to save regularly over a specified period of time. Upon maturity, the insured receives a lump sum amount. There a few types of policies in this plan, such as; Endowment Insurance with Profit, Endowment Insurance without profit, Unit Linked Endowment Plan and Full Endowment Plan. Additionally, there are bonuses offered by the Insurance companies in India on these policies time to time. A bonus is an extra amount which adds to the promised amount. The insured must have an endowment policy with profit to avail these profits offered by the insurance company.