ICICI Prudential Life Introduces ‘ICICI Pru GIFT Select’: A Guaranteed Income Plan

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has introduced ‘ICICI Pru GIFT Select,’ a long-term savings product designed to provide customers with guaranteed immediate income, offering much-needed liquidity. The plan includes various customisation options, allowing individuals to tailor their financial strategy according to their unique needs.

Customisation Options for Financial Flexibility

Customers opting for ‘ICICI Pru GIFT Select’ can decide:

  • When they want the guaranteed income to commence
  • The duration for which the guaranteed income will continue
  • The amount they receive upon maturity

Additionally, the plan incorporates a life cover component, ensuring financial security for policyholders and their families.

Addressing Inflation with an Increasing Income Feature

One of the distinguishing features of this product is its increasing income option, where the income grows at a compounding rate of 5% per annum. This feature helps policyholders safeguard their purchasing power against inflation, making it a useful financial tool for long-term wealth preservation.

Amit Palta on the Product’s Unique Offering

Amit Palta, Chief Product and Distribution Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, highlighted that the plan enables customers to benefit from guaranteed income while customising it to align with their financial goals and cash flow requirements.

“In a dynamic macroeconomic environment, there could be spells of market volatility like the one seen over the last couple of months. In such situations, customers prefer products that offer guaranteed returns while ensuring wealth preservation,” he stated.

Market Volatility and Financial Stability

Market fluctuations can significantly impact financial planning. ‘ICICI Pru GIFT Select’ is structured to help customers insulate their financial savings from market uncertainties, ensuring a stable and predictable income stream.

Claim Settlement Performance

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has demonstrated strong claim settlement efficiency, with a 99.3% claim settlement ratio recorded in the first nine months of FY’25. Additionally, the average claim settlement time for non-investigated cases is just 1.2 days, reflecting the company’s commitment to quick and hassle-free claim processing.

Conclusion

ICICI Pru GIFT Select offers a combination of guaranteed income, flexibility, and financial security, catering to individuals looking for predictable returns. The plan’s increasing income feature makes it particularly relevant in an inflationary environment, ensuring that policyholders can maintain their financial well-being over time.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata Mutual Fund Declares IDCW Payout for Select Schemes

Tata Mutual Fund has declared an Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) under a few of its schemes. The record date for this distribution is set as March 5, 2025. Investors holding units on this date will receive the payout, while those purchasing units after this date will not be eligible.

IDCW Amount Per Unit

The amount per unit (on a face value of ₹10 per unit) is as follows:

Scheme IDCW (₹/unit)
TATA Hybrid Equity Fund (Direct & Regular) 0.340
TATA Equity Savings Fund (Direct & Regular) 0.057

The payout applies to both the direct and regular plans of these schemes.

What IDCW Means for Investors?

IDCW is not the same as a dividend. It includes both profits earned by the fund and a portion of the capital. When the distribution is made, the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the scheme reduces by a similar amount. Investors receiving IDCW should keep in mind that while they get a payout, the fund’s value adjusts accordingly.

Tax Considerations

IDCW is subject to tax deduction at source (TDS) and is taxed at the investor’s applicable slab rate. Unlike capital gains, which are taxed only when units are sold, IDCW payouts are taxed immediately in the hands of the investor.

Conclusion

All in all, March 5, 2025, is set as the key date for investors holding these fund units. The actual payout date will depend on the fund house’s process. Investors should check their statements after this date for details on the credited amount.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

HDFC Mutual Fund Renames HDFC Capital Builder Value Fund

HDFC Mutual Fund has announced a name change for its HDFC Capital Builder Value Fund, which will now be called HDFC Value Fund. The change will take effect from March 15, 2025. Apart from the new name, there are no changes to the scheme’s structure, investment strategy, or terms.

Fund Details

The scheme follows a value investment strategy and is an open-ended equity fund. It aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in undervalued stocks. The fund is benchmarked against the NIFTY 500 Index (Total Returns Index) and is managed by Anand Laddha and Dhruv Muchhal.

As of January 31, 2025, the fund had ₹6,950 crore in assets under management (AUM) and held a total of 81 stocks in its portfolio. The minimum investment amount is ₹100, with no upper limit.

Investment Allocation

The scheme invests across different asset classes within these limits:

  • 65-100% in equity and equity-related instruments
  • 0-35% in debt securities and money market instruments
  • 0-10% in units of REITs and InvITs
  • 0-10% in non-convertible preference shares

The fund aims to keep at least 60% of its equity portfolio in stocks that meet one or more of the following conditions:

  • Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio lower than the median of NIFTY 500 stocks
  • Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio lower than the median of NIFTY 500 stocks
  • P/E or P/B ratios lower than their five-year historical averages

Official Notification

HDFC Mutual Fund has communicated the name change through a notice-cum-addendum. This update is now part of the Scheme Information Document (SID), Key Information Memorandum (KIM), and Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fund’s investment approach, portfolio structure, and other terms remain unchanged.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Quant Arbitrage Fund Files Draft with SEBI

Quant Mutual Fund has filed a draft for its Quant Arbitrage Fund with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This will be an open-ended arbitrage scheme, focusing on opportunities in the cash and derivatives segments of the equity market.

NFO Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) details are as follows:

  • Face Value per Unit: ₹10
  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000 (multiples of ₹1 thereafter)
  • Exit Load: 0.25% if redeemed within one month, no exit load thereafter

The fund will be managed by Sanjeev Sharma, Sameer Kate, and Yug Tibrewal. They have experience in equity, derivatives, and risk mitigation strategies.

Fund Objective

The scheme aims to generate capital appreciation and income by primarily investing in arbitrage opportunities. A portion of the portfolio will be allocated to debt and money market instruments. However, there is no guarantee that the investment objective will be achieved.

Asset Allocation

  • 65-100%: Equity and equity-related instruments (including derivatives)
  • 0-35%: Debt and money market instruments
  • Up to 10%: Units of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)

As per the filing, the fund will identify arbitrage opportunities, execute trades simultaneously in the cash and derivatives markets, and, when necessary, shift to debt and money market instruments.

Benchmark and Liquidity

The scheme will be benchmarked against the Nifty 50 Arbitrage TRI. Investors can subscribe or redeem units at NAV-based prices on all business days. Under normal circumstances, redemption proceeds will be dispatched within three working days.

Conclusion

All in all, the Scheme Information Document (SID) includes details about taxation, risks, and expenses. Investors should review the document before making any investment decisions. Further updates will follow after SEBI’s approval and the finalization of the NFO launch dates.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata BSE Quality Index Fund Files Draft with SEBI

Tata Mutual Fund has filed a draft for the Tata BSE Quality Index Fund with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The fund is an open-ended index fund designed to replicate or track the BSE Quality Total Return Index (TRI).

NFO Details

The New Fund Offer (NFO) details are as follows:

  • Fund Category: Other Schemes – Index Fund
  • NFO Period: Dates yet to be announced
  • Benchmark: BSE Quality Total Return Index (TRI)
  • Face Value: ₹10 per unit
  • Entry Load: Not applicable
  • Exit Load: 0.25% of NAV if redeemed within 15 days of allotment
  • Liquidity: Open for repurchase/sale at NAV-based prices on all business days

Investment Strategy

As per the filing, the fund’s objective is to provide returns before expenses that match the performance of the BSE Quality TRI, subject to tracking error. It will invest in the same stocks as the index in the same proportion. The scheme does not guarantee or assure any returns.

The fund will track the BSE Quality TRI, and its tracking error is expected to stay below 2%. The total expense ratio (TER) will not exceed 1% of the daily net assets.

  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000 and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter
  • Additional Investment: ₹1,000 and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter
  • Minimum Redemption Amount: ₹500 or 50 units or balance, whichever is lower

Asset Allocation

  • 95%–100% in securities covered by the BSE Quality Total Return Index
  • 0%–5% in debt and money market instruments, including units of debt-oriented mutual funds

The fund may also invest in derivatives when index securities are unavailable or for rebalancing. 

Conclusion

Tata Mutual Fund, sponsored by Tata Sons Private Ltd and Tata Investment Corporation Ltd, will manage the scheme through Tata Asset Management Pvt. Ltd. The draft document also outlines taxation aspects, investor rights, and compliance with SEBI regulations.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

IRCTC and IRFC Earn ‘Navratna’ Status; IRFC Jumps Over 4%

The Government of India (GoI)  has granted Navratna status to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC). With this, IRCTC becomes the 25th and IRFC the 26th company to receive the status among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). 

The upgrade was confirmed by the Department of Public Enterprises in a social media post.

Navratna Status 

Navratna status provides financial and operational autonomy to public sector enterprises. Companies with this designation can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth, in a single project without requiring prior government approval. They also gain the ability to form joint ventures, establish subsidiaries, and enter major partnerships independently.

CPSE Classification

The government classifies CPSEs into three categories: Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna. Navratna companies have big financial powers but fall below Maharatna CPSEs in terms of investment limits and autonomy. 

Other companies with Navratna status include Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Financial Performance

For FY 2023-24, IRCTC, under the Ministry of Railways, reported:

  • Annual turnover: ₹4,270.18 crore
  • Profit after tax (PAT): ₹1,111.26 crore
  • Net worth: ₹3,229.97 crore

For the same period, IRFC, which finances railway projects, recorded:

  • Annual turnover: ₹26,644 crore
  • Profit after tax (PAT): ₹6,412 crore
  • Net worth: ₹49,178 crore

Market Reaction 

Following the announcement, as of March 4, 2025, at 11:16 AM, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) traded at ₹675.50, down 0.16% for the day and 27.99% over the past year, while Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd (IRFC) was at ₹115.02 as of 11:17 AM, gaining 3.50% intraday but declining 20.98% over the past year.

IRCTC also declared a second interim dividend of ₹3 per share for FY 2024-25, with February 20, 2025, set as the record date for eligible shareholders.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: Delhi’s ₹2,500 Monthly Aid Scheme for Women Registration Opens March 8

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi is to launch the registration process for its ₹2,500 monthly financial aid scheme Mahila Samriddhi Yojana for women from economically weaker sections on March 8. The initiative, introduced under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, was a promise in BJP’s election manifesto.

Mahila Samriddhi Yojana Timeline and Beneficiary List

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari confirmed that the registration process would begin on International Women’s Day, and the first installment is expected to be credited within one and a half months. A list of beneficiaries will be prepared, and eligible women have been urged to register promptly to avail of the assistance.

This initiative mirrors schemes from other BJP-ruled states, such as Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Yojana and Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana. It also counters AAP’s ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’, which had promised ₹2,100 per month for women, had the party retained power in Delhi.

Mahila Samriddhi Yojana Eligibility Critera

While the exact eligibility criteria for the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana would depend on official government guidelines, based on similar financial assistance schemes, the likely criteria could include:

  1. Residency – The beneficiary must be a resident of Delhi.
  2. Gender – The scheme is exclusively for women.
  3. Age Limit – There may be an age criterion, such as 18 years and above.
  4. Income Criteria – The scheme may be targeted at economically weaker sections, requiring applicants to have a household income below a certain threshold.
  5. Bank Account – Women must have a bank account linked to Aadhaar for direct benefit transfer (DBT).

Conclusion

While the BJP maintains its commitment to fulfilling its election promises, clarity on the registration process and fund disbursement is still awaited. CM Rekha Gupta is expected to officially launch the scheme on March 8, outlining further details on the rollout.

With registrations set to begin soon, eligible women in Delhi are advised to stay updated on the application process to benefit from the initiative.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

BSE Midcap Index Kicks Off March on a Positive Note: A Look at Historical Trends

The BSE Midcap Index started the first trading session of March 2025 with a modest gain of 0.25%, outperforming the benchmark BSE Sensex. Market breadth for the midcap segment remained positive, with 19 stocks closing in the green, while 11 ended in the red. However, the broader trend over the past few months paints a different picture.

A Tough Start to 2025 for Midcaps

While March has begun on a slightly positive note, February 2025 was a challenging month for the BSE Midcap Index. The index recorded a sharp double-digit decline of over 10%, significantly underperforming the BSE Sensex. In the first two months of the calendar year 2025, the index has plunged by 17.6%, reflecting the heightened volatility in the midcap space.

Historical March Performance: What the Data Reveals

Examining past trends, the BSE Midcap Index has delivered an average return of 1.31% in March since 2009. Over the last decade, the index has alternated between gains and losses, closing positive in 5 years and negative in 5.

One of the standout performances was in March 2016, when the index recorded a double-digit gain of 10.90%. On the other hand, the steepest decline occurred in March 2020, when the index plummeted by 27.60% amid global market turmoil.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for March 2025?

Following consecutive sharp declines in January and February, investors are keenly watching whether the BSE Midcap Index can reverse its trend and post gains in March. While historical data provides insights, market movements remain subject to multiple factors, including broader economic conditions, corporate earnings, and global market sentiment. Only time will tell if March 2025 aligns with past positive trends or continues the recent downtrend.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Nifty Smallcap 100 Index PE Near 1-Year Low; Below 5-Year Long-Term Average!

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index represents the small-cap segment of the Indian financial market, comprising 100 actively traded stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). It is calculated using the free-float market capitalisation method, where the index level reflects the total free-float market value of all constituent stocks relative to a base market capitalisation.

This index serves multiple purposes, including benchmarking fund portfolios, the launch of index funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and structured financial products.

Recent Performance: A Period of Underperformance

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index has witnessed a notable decline, underperforming the broader market:

  • It has fallen nearly 18% from its September 2024 peak.
  • In February 2025, the index dropped by 6.54%, lagging behind the Nifty 50.
  • On March 3, 2025, during the first trading session of the month, the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index declined by 0.27% (provisional basis).
  • Market breadth remained weak, with only 36 stocks advancing, while 64 stocks ended in the red.

Valuation Perspective: Analysing the PE Ratio

As of February 28, 2025, the Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratio of the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index stood at 25.2, marking its lowest level in the past 1, 3, and 6 months.

  • It is also near the lower end of the one-year PE range.
  • The 2-year average PE stands at 26.67, while the 5-year average PE is 28.13, indicating the current valuation is below these long-term averages.

Historical March Performance: A Balanced Track Record

An analysis of March month returns for the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index over the last 10 years reveals an equal probability of positive and negative returns.

  • In 5 out of 10 instances, the index delivered negative returns.
  • In the remaining 5 instances, the index registered gains.
  • The most notable double-digit gains were:
    • 11.97% in March 2016
    • 12.44% in March 2019
  • The steepest decline occurred in March 2020, when the index plunged by 36.66%, coinciding with the global market turmoil during the onset of the pandemic.

Conclusion

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index has been in a phase of correction, underperforming broader indices in recent months. Its valuation is at a multi-month low, and historically, March returns have been evenly split between gains and losses. While past performance does not dictate future outcomes, historical trends and valuation metrics provide useful insights into its current positioning within the market.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Indian Equity Market Wipeout: ₹94 Lakh Crore Erased Amid Sensex Decline

The Indian stock market has witnessed a sharp downturn, erasing a massive ₹94 lakh crore in investor wealth over the past 5 months. The BSE Sensex, which touched an all-time high in September 2024, has since tumbled 13.5%, reflecting the widespread sell-off. So far in CY2025, the Sensex has declined 6.55%, bringing the market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies down to ₹384 lakh crore as of February 28, 2025, from a peak of ₹478 lakh crore in September 2024.

Key Drivers Behind the Market Sell-Off

The Sensex has seen a steep drop of 4,302 points, primarily attributed to:

  • Relentless selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)
  • Mounting global economic uncertainty
  • Concerns over US tariff policies

These factors have collectively put immense pressure on Indian equities, leading to a prolonged market downturn.

March Market Trends: A Look at Historical Performance

The month of March has historically shown a mixed trend for the BSE Sensex. Since 2015, the index has closed in positive territory on 7 occasions, while it ended in the red three times.

Best and Worst March Performances in Recent Years:

  • Best March: 2016 saw the highest gain of 10.17% in the last decade.
  • Worst March: The COVID-19 market crash in 2020 led to a steep 23.05% decline.

Taking a broader view from 2009 onwards, the average returns for March stand at 1.56%.

Will March 2025 Offer Respite?

With the Sensex recording consecutive losses since December 2024, historical data suggests that March has often brought relief. However, past trends are not indicative of future performance. The trajectory of the Indian markets in March 2025 will largely depend on:

  • FII investment flows
  • Global market developments
  • Macroeconomic news and policy shifts

Conclusion 

While past data provides insight, the ever-evolving nature of the stock market underscores the importance of monitoring global and domestic cues for any potential recovery.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.