Insuring profit. Surrender value: IRDAI holds fire
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) recently found itself walking a tightrope between policyholders and insurers as it attempted to recalibrate ‘surrender value’ — the sum disbursed to a policyholder upon premature termination of a life insurance policy. 

IRDAI raises concern over Hinduja Group-led IIHL bid for Reliance Capital
IRDAI flags Hinduja Group-led IIHL's acquisition of Reliance Capital, says plan 'not in line with regulations'
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“Our business from policies above ₹5 lakh is down by 10%”: Kamlesh Rao MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance
Traditional plans with premiums above ₹5 lakh have taken a hit, but the category still comprises the bulk of sales. Meanwhile, ABSLI is renewing its focus on annuity products, Kamlesh Rao tells Riju Mehta.

Taking a loan against life insurance policy is quicker, simpler, cheaper
In insurance, a long tenure holds the key. Substantial benefits typically accrue only after 20 to 30 years. That is why insurers and experts recommend taking a loan instead of surrendering the policy.

Insurance: High surrender charges deter exits
Ashish, a staff member, visited his bank a few months ago to rent a locker. He was asked to buy an insurance policy if he wanted the locker. He was informed he would need to pay a one-time premium of Rs 1 lakh and the returns would surpass those of bank fixed deposits (FDs). Since Ashish needed the locker, he broke his FD to pay the premium.

Beyond medical emergencies: General insurance products you need to invest in for a stress-free life
While the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many Indians to purchase or increase their life insurance coverage, the non-life insurance penetration continues to remain around the 1% mark, underscoring the lack of financial protection necessary to support India’s growth ambitions. What’s more, most Indians are aware of only few products within the general insurance space, with health and motor insurance contributing to the lion’s share of non-life insurance policies sold in our country today. Recognising the fact that financial expenses associated with accidents and other emergencies could derail one’s life, let us explore the range of general insurance products that can offer a layer of much-needed protection that can facilitate a worry-free and healthier life.

Crop insurance cover expands 27% in FY24
 

World Health Day 2024: How to choose the right health insurance plan for diabetic patients
In the big picture of life, where every heartbeat plays a part in our well-being symphony, our daily choices and habits create a fascinating story. There lies a profound connection between our choices, general health, and the path that leads us to the realm of conditions like diabetes. This journey starts by exploring overall health before diving into the specific details of living with diabetes.

Recency bias, global cues underpin elevated valuations: Sailesh Raj Bhan
Overall revenue growth in the fourth quarter (Q4) is likely to remain muted as sectors like consumer staples and information technology (IT) struggle for growth, says SAILESH RAJ BHAN, chief investment officer of equities at Nippon India Mutual Fund. In an email exchange with Abhishek Kumar, Bhan highlights that quick-service restaurants (QSRs), large banks, select utilities, and commodity businesses are a few market segments that are still sensibly valued.

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Mutual fund: Key things to keep in mind while investing in a MF scheme
Mutual funds are considered a good investment instrument for those seeking a higher return on investment and portfolio diversification without directly investing in the stock and debt markets due to time constraints or other reasons.

Mutual fund: Key things to keep in mind while investing in a MF scheme
Mutual funds are considered a good investment instrument for those seeking a higher return on investment and portfolio diversification without directly investing in the stock and debt markets due to time constraints or other reasons.

Blackrock, ADIA, domestic funds hike stake in Vedanta
 

‘Most returns likely in first half of 2024’: Taher Badshah, the chief investment officer at Invesco Mutual Fund
As we enter 2024, Taher Badshah, the chief investment officer at Invesco Mutual Fund, suggests that the bulk of returns could come in in the initial months, with the latter half of the year potentially witnessing less activity, albeit not necessarily signalling a correction. Speaking on the market's exuberance, Badshah noted that the 2017-18 rally appeared more frothy, largely due to fund flows. However, this time, he observed a blend of fund flows and robust fundamentals. So, he anticipates fewer reasons for significant corrections in future. Edited excerpts:

Gaming and Sports tech. Getting funds and fans together
Source Credit: Haripriya Sureban, The Hindu Business Line

Focused on sports tech and gaming industry, newbie venture capital firm Centre Court Capital has launched a ₹350-crore fund. It is founded by Mustafa Ghouse, former CEO of JSW Sports, along with Alok Samtaney, former investment director with TVS Capital, and Sabre Partners.

Filter Capital says it raised ₹800 cr, closed debut fund
 

PEs love a mature market: Subhrajit Roy, Bank of America
Subhrajit Roy, Head, India Global Capital Markets, Bank of America, explains in an interview to businessline how the current trend of block deals in the equity market can deepen private equity participation in India.

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Will investing in bonds be made easier in India?
Indian investors love fixed income, and equity. Bonds, however, have not made the cut yet. The discomfort to invest in bonds is further accentuated due to lack of information and illiquidity. Having twin regulators at the helm— with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) supervising government bonds and market regulator Sebi overseeing corporate bonds—has not helped active market reforms. Even today, simple information like yield and interest— that is inbuilt but not paid —is not displayed at exchanges where small lots of bonds trade.

Bond market analysts remain upbeat on prospects of yields softening in long term
 

HSBC helps overseas funds navigate India's bond market as inclusion nears
HSBC Holdings Plc is engaging with over 200 overseas funds to help establish their presence in India ahead of the nation’s entry into global debt indexes.