Best Investment Options To Look Forward To In 2024 – Forbes Advisor INDIA

Investors should anticipate both possibilities and uncertainties in 2024. Markets may still be impacted by economic headwinds like rising interest rates and soaring inflation, but fresh investment opportunities will also be worthwhile to pursue. An overview of some intriguing choices that could help your portfolio manage the upcoming year is given in this article.

We talk about developments in sectors that, despite obstacles, are expected to flourish, such as technology, healthcare innovation, and renewable energy. Continue reading to learn about some of the best investment opportunities for 2024 and how you may maximize returns by dedicating a portion of your portfolio to them.

Best Investment Options in 2024

Direct Equity

Buying shares of publicly traded firms directly through a demat account and trading platform is known as direct equity. Through due diligence and performance monitoring, investors can purchase equities they anticipate will increase in value in the long run. Purchasing shares in fractional amounts and having free access to secondary market listings are two benefits of direct equity. 

Retaining voting rights and receiving dividends on qualified stocks are further benefits for investors. But conducting market research and keeping a close eye on firms takes time and work. If the share price drops, there’s a chance of suffering capital losses. The ideal candidates for direct equity are seasoned investors with a greater tolerance for risk and a minimum of five to seven year time horizon to weather market fluctuations. Cross-sector diversification is also crucial.

Equity Mutual Funds

With equity mutual funds, investors can buy a professionally managed portfolio of various companies, thereby indirectly participating in the stock market. Instantaneous diversification between large, mid, and small-cap companies across many industries is the primary advantage. In contrast to direct equity, this reduces risk particular to the company. 

Since mutual funds usually contain between 30 and 50 stocks, they are also comparatively less hazardous than direct stock investing. There are many different kinds of equity funds available, based on an investor’s risk tolerance and investing objectives, including large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, sector, and theme funds. The performance of the market affects returns, and costs such fund management fees are incurred. Regular monthly equity investments through SIP for long-term wealth growth are typically permitted with a minimum commitment of Rs. 500.

Real Estate

Over time, investing in residential, commercial, or land property can yield consistent rental income as well as capital growth. Direct investments have high carrying expenses and a significant initial capital requirement. Listed on stock exchanges, real estate investment trusts, or REITs, offer an alternative to owning income-producing commercial assets under experienced professional management. Price volatility and liquidity problems are among the risks.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

The PPF is a well-liked government-sponsored small savings program that offers tax breaks. It now offers a guaranteed interest rate of 7.1% annually with a 15-year maturity. This is a pretty high rate. After the sixth year, withdrawals in part are permitted. The maximum annual deposit amount is INR 1.5 lakh, and early withdrawal is subject to an exit load. It is a more secure investment choice for people who want to accumulate a large retirement fund that will grow tax-efficient over time.

Bank Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Investors can place a lump sum into bank fixed deposits, or FDs, and get a fixed rate of interest for a predetermined time of seven days to ten years. Because the bank guarantees the principle amount, fixed-rate investments (FDs) are regarded as among the safest investment options. FD interest rates are typically greater than savings account interest rates. 

Given their stability and financial strength, larger nationalized banks like SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are recommended for fixed deposits. Depending on the investor’s income tax slab, the interest earned is entirely taxable. Even though FDs provide capital safety, their long-term gains might not outpace inflation. They work well for temporarily holding onto extra income.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

Government securities denominated in kilos of gold are known as Sovereign Gold Bonds, or SGBs for short. They are offered for sale by stock exchanges, banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd (SHCIL), and selected post offices as alternatives to storing actual gold. SGBs have an 8-year maturity, a 5-year exit option, and an annual interest rate of 2.50%. They present an alluring option for ordinary investors to purchase gold with a sovereign guarantee and steer clear of the storage problems that come with actual gold.

Debt Funds For Short-Term

If you have extra money to spare for a short while, debt mutual funds that invest in short-term debt instruments with a low maturity of one year or less are perfect. Overnight funds, liquid funds, money market funds, and ultra-short duration funds are a few prominent choices. Their goal is to offer lower capital loss risk and higher returns than savings bank accounts. Returns are contingent on the state of the market and differ slightly throughout funds. 

Generally speaking, exit loads are not relevant. Perfect for money needed for immediate needs or to increase equity investments.

How to Find The Best Investment Plan?

• Determine your financial goals and time horizon: The first stage is to identify your goals and timetable for investing. Are you preparing for retirement, a child’s education, or seeking extra money? Knowing your objectives will assist you in identifying appropriate investing opportunities.
• Assess your risk tolerance: How comfortable are you with future ups and downs in the value of your portfolio? Consider your ability to recover from setbacks. Fixed-income assets are often preferred by more conservative investors, whereas increased risk tolerance allows for more growth-oriented equities holdings.
• Research investment vehicles: Consider equities, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and so on. Consider the minimum investment amounts as well as any costs. Mutual funds enable you to invest in a portfolio of securities with a single investment. ETFs are low-cost investments that track market indices.
• Diversify your portfolio: Diversify your portfolio and avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket. A diversified portfolio with exposure to several asset classes, industries, and locations can aid in risk management. Rebalance on a regular basis to maintain your preferred asset allocation.
• Choose a low-cost approach: Look for low expense ratio investing possibilities. Even little differences in fees can have a major influence on long-term returns. Low-cost index funds and ETFs are available through online brokerages.
• Review and adjust periodically: Personal and market situations change. Rebalance your portfolio once a year or whenever your risk tolerance or goals change. Make changes to capitalize on possibilities and limit risk. Monitor performance to verify that your investing strategy remains on track.

Methodology: Factors Considered While Choosing Investment Options For 2024

A number of things need to be carefully taken into account while selecting the finest investment plan in India, such as your present financial condition, investment horizon, risk tolerance, and financial ambitions. The following are some important things to think about:

Financial Goals

Your investment goals and their associated financial objectives are among the most crucial things to take into account. It could be purchasing a vehicle, funding a child’s schooling or marriage, purchasing a home, or making retirement plans. You should choose the investment option that best serves your objective in light of it. 

Risk Tolerance

In investment, it refers to the level of risk you are willing to take. Which investment option is best for you depends on how much risk you can take. You can opt to invest in market-linked assets if you’re ready to take on more risk, or you can choose to invest in the government-guaranteed program if you’d rather not.  

Performance

You should weigh the investment’s historical performance against that of alternative investment options before making your choice. If you wish to invest in mutual funds, for instance, you can review the funds’ historical returns and contrast them with the benchmark.

Lock-in Period

There is often a required lock-in period associated with investment options. It implies that you are unable to withdraw or redeem your investment until the allotted time has passed. For instance, you are unable to withdraw your investment from ELSS funds prior to the three-year lock-in period. You should choose an investment lock-in time based on your needs and take that into account as well. 

Expense Related to Investment

Certain costs associated with the investment, such as the expense ratio, exit load, brokerage fees, management fees, etc., may lower your return. Thus, you ought to take these costs into account as well.

However, in times of crisis, gold prices typically climb as investors seek out safe-haven investments. They therefore provide a good hedge against stocks or inflation.

Bottom Line

A thoughtful investing plan is essential to reaching your financial objectives. Finding the right investment options will be made easier if you take the time to consider your goals and risk tolerance up front. You can start down the correct path with a diverse portfolio that is built using a low-cost technique and examined on a regular basis.

Recall that investing well is a marathon, not a sprint. Along the journey, there will be ups and downs, so be patient and disciplined to follow your plan through the bumpy times. You can create a personalized investment strategy to efficiently build and safeguard your hard-earned assets by following the above-described procedures. In general, starting is more crucial than waiting for ideal circumstances or advice. To get one step closer to reaching your financial goals, take action right now.