Best 3 SWP for Retirees in Feb 2025 with Top Fund Delivering Over 30% Return

For retirees, a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is an effective way to generate a stable monthly income while keeping their capital invested in growth-oriented mutual funds. Aggressive hybrid funds are an attractive option for SWP, balancing high equity exposure with debt stability.

In this article, we shared the top 3 aggressive hybrid funds that can be used for SWP in February 2025, with one delivering an impressive 31.01% XIRR return.

Mutual Fund Scheme AUM ₹ in Cr as of Jan 31, 2025 NAV in ₹ Return XIRR in %
Quant Absolute Fund 2,032.39 405.5 31.01
Bank of India Mid & Small Cap Equity & Debt 1,051.92 36.06 24.01
JM Aggressive Hybrid 745.58 126.33 21.89

Note: These funds have been selected based on their performance over the past 5 years. NAV is as of February 17, 2025. 

1. Quant Absolute Fund

  • Expense Ratio: 0.69% (Direct Plan as of January 31, 2025)
  • Exit Load: 1% if redeemed within 15 days
  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000
  • Minimum Additional Investment: ₹1,000
  • Minimum SIP Investment: ₹1,000

2. Bank of India Mid & Small Cap Equity & Debt Fund

  • Expense Ratio: 0.89% (Direct Plan as of January 25, 2025)
  • Exit Load: 1% if redeemed within 3 months
  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000
  • Minimum Additional Investment: ₹1,000
  • Minimum SIP Investment: ₹1,000

3. JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund 

  • Expense Ratio: 0.71% (Direct Plan as of January 25, 2025)
  • Exit Load: 1% if redeemed within 60 days
  • Minimum Investment: ₹1,000
  • Minimum Additional Investment: ₹100
  • Minimum SIP Investment: ₹100

Ready to watch your savings grow? Try our SIP Calculator today and unlock the potential of disciplined investing. Perfect for planning your financial future. Start now!

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.

SEBI Eases Compliance Rules for Research Analysts and Investment Advisors

In a significant move to streamline compliance for Research Analysts (RAs) and Investment Advisors (IAs), SEBI has relaxed certain requirements, particularly regarding the communication of the Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC). The decision aligns with industry feedback and aims to improve the ease of doing business for market professionals.

Simplified Compliance for MITC Communication

SEBI’s latest circulars, issued on 17 February, outline a standard format for MITC that RAs and IAs must share with existing clients by 30 June 2025. The regulator has now permitted communication through email or any other mode that can be preserved, removing the earlier requirement for physical or digital signatures for confirmation.

For new clients, however, RAs and IAs must integrate the MITC into their service agreements, disclose all terms upfront, and obtain consent via physical or e-signatures. This move follows earlier reports suggesting that SEBI was considering easing certain compliance requirements based on industry concerns.

Fee Regulations and Proposed Changes

The MITC also sets limits on fees, specifying the maximum annual charges per family and the permitted advance fee collection periods—three months for RAs and six months for IAs. However, following industry pushback, SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing to extend this period to a year.

This revision reflects SEBI’s ongoing efforts to balance investor protection with regulatory flexibility, addressing concerns raised by market participants.

Conclusion

By easing compliance norms and reconsidering fee collection limits, SEBI aims to create a more efficient regulatory environment for RAs and IAs

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.

Government Considering to Raise Deposit Insurance Limit

The Indian government is actively considering increasing the deposit insurance limit beyond the current ₹5 lakh, following the recent New India Co-operative Bank scam. The proposal was confirmed by M Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, during a press conference alongside Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Deposit Insurance Revision Under Consideration

Deposit insurance serves as a financial safeguard for bank depositors in case of a bank failure. The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) provides coverage by collecting premiums from banks. Currently, a claim is triggered when a bank collapses, and the majority of such claims historically involve cooperative banks.

The government last revised the insurance limit in 2020, increasing it from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh following the Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative (PMC) Bank crisis. The current discussions signal a further enhancement in depositor protection, although no official figure has been disclosed yet. Nagaraju stated that the proposal is under “active consideration” and will be announced upon approval.

New India Co-operative Bank Scam and Regulatory Oversight

The New India Co-operative Bank scam surfaced after a physical inspection revealed a ₹122 crore discrepancy between the bank’s books and actual cash holdings. Investigations uncovered that Hitesh Mehta, the bank’s general manager for finance, had allegedly diverted a substantial portion of the funds to a local builder.

Despite this incident, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth reassured that the cooperative banking sector remains well-regulated under the Reserve Bank of India’s supervision. He emphasised that a crisis in one institution should not cast doubt over the entire sector, reaffirming the regulator’s commitment to addressing financial misconduct. Notably, 90% of the bank’s 1.3 lakh depositors are expected to receive full compensation under DICGC insurance.

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. 

SEBI Eases Timeline for Dematerialisation of AIF Investments

In a move to streamline regulatory compliance for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), SEBI has provided additional time for funds to transition their holdings into dematerialised (demat) form. The revised framework balances investor protection with operational flexibility, ensuring smoother implementation.

Revised Timeline for AIF Investment Dematerialisation

As per SEBI’s circular issued on 16 February, all investments made by AIFs on or after 1 July must be held in dematerialised form, regardless of whether they are acquired directly or through another entity. However, investments made before this date are exempt, except in specific circumstances.

Under the updated guidelines, pre-1 July investments must be converted into demat form by 31 October if the investee company is required to facilitate dematerialisation or if the AIF, in collaboration with SEBI-registered entities, exercises control over the company.

Exemptions for Certain AIF Schemes

SEBI has also granted exemptions to schemes of AIFs that are nearing maturity. Schemes whose tenure, excluding permitted extensions, ends on or before 31 October, as well as those already in an extended tenure as of 14 February, are not required to comply with the dematerialisation mandate.

These exemptions aim to reduce regulatory burdens on funds close to their closure while maintaining the broader goal of increased transparency and investor protection.

Conclusion

By extending the timeline and providing exemptions, SEBI ensures a smoother transition to dematerialised investments for AIFs. The move reflects the regulator’s efforts to maintain market integrity while accommodating practical challenges faced by fund managers.

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.

Retirement Planning: How a One-Time Investment of ₹10 Lakh Can Grow to ₹3 Crore

Retirement planning is crucial, and investing early can significantly impact the final corpus. A single investment of ₹10 lakh may seem modest, but with the power of compounding and long-term market growth, it can potentially grow into a substantial ₹3 crore corpus.

But how does this happen? The key lies in investment returns and time horizon. Let’s explore different return scenarios and how long it takes to reach ₹3 crore. 

Understanding the Growth Journey

The table below illustrates how an initial investment of ₹10 lakh compounds over time at different annual return rates using lump sum investment calculator:

Annual Return (%) Time to Reach ₹3 Crore (Years)
10 36
12 30
14 26
16 23
18 21

Breaking Down the Growth Path

1. Conservative Growth (10% Return – 36 Years)

It takes 36 years for ₹10 lakh to turn into ₹3 crore. This path is suited for low-risk investors who prefer safety over rapid growth.

2. Moderate Growth (12% Return – 30 Years)

With 12% returns annually, this reduces the time required to accumulate ₹3 crore to 30 years. 

3. Aggressive Growth (14% Return – 26 Years)

With 14% returns, this brings the time down to 26 years to achieve ₹3 crore corpus for retirement. 

4. High Growth (16% Return – 23 Years)

Achieving 16% annualised returns will mean ₹3 crore can be reached in just 23 years.

5. Aggressive Investing (18% Return – 21 Years)

Those willing to take higher risks can aim for 18% annualised returns. This significantly shortens the journey to ₹3 crore to just 21 years.

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.

Suzlon Energy Restructures Step-Down Subsidiaries for Operational Efficiency

Suzlon Energy Limited (SEL), a leading name in the renewable energy sector, has announced a restructuring of its step-down subsidiaries. The company has merged two of its wholly owned subsidiaries—Suzlon Energy B.V. (SEBV) and SE Blades Technology B.V. (SBT)—into AE Rotor Holdings B.V. (AERH), effective February 14, 2025.

This strategic move aims to streamline Suzlon’s group structure and enhance operational efficiency.

Entities Involved in the Merger

The transaction involves the following subsidiaries of SEL:

  1. Suzlon Energy B.V. (SEBV)
    • Relationship with Suzlon: Step-down wholly owned subsidiary
    • Net worth (as of March 31, 2024): ₹0.10 crore
    • Gross total income (FY24): Nil
  2. SE Blades Technology B.V. (SBT)
    • Relationship with Suzlon: Step-down wholly owned subsidiary
    • Net worth (as of March 31, 2024): ₹(28.55) crore
    • Gross total income (FY24): Nil
  3. AE Rotor Holdings B.V. (AERH)
    • Relationship with Suzlon: Step-down wholly owned subsidiary
    • Net worth (as of March 31, 2024): ₹(174.65) crore
    • Gross total income (FY24): ₹6.78 crore

Reason for the Merger

To optimise the group’s structure, to de-layer and to improve operational efficiencies, SBT and SEBV have been merged into AERH. 

Nature of the Transaction

The merger falls under related party transactions as all three entities are step-down wholly owned subsidiaries of Suzlon Energy Limited. However, since the amalgamation does not involve any consideration exchange, the arm’s length provision is not applicable.

Impact on Shareholding Structure

As AERH already held full ownership of SEBV and SBT, the merger does not result in any change in the shareholding pattern of Suzlon Energy Limited.

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.

TCS Follows Infosys: Salary Hike Letters Coming Soon – What to Expect

India’s largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is gearing up to distribute salary hike letters for the financial year 2025. News reports indicate that the increments will range between 4%-8%, with revised salaries expected to be reflected in April 2025.

This announcement comes shortly after Infosys, another IT giant, declared that its employees would receive their salary increments by the end of February 2025. The development highlights a shift in salary trends across the IT sector, as companies navigate economic headwinds and changing business dynamics.

IT Industry’s Shift from Double-Digit Hikes

The IT sector has witnessed a decline in salary hikes from the double-digit growth rates seen during the COVID-19 period. In FY22, TCS offered an average hike of 10.5%, whereas in FY24, the increments were 7-9%. The latest salary revision for FY25 is expected to be even lower, reflecting the broader trend of cost optimisation within the industry.

As of February 18, 2025, TCS holds a market capitalisation of ₹14.02 lakh crore, reinforcing its position as India’s largest IT company.

Salary Hikes Tied to Return-to-Office Compliance

One of the key factors influencing salary increments this year is compliance with the return-to-office (RTO) mandate. TCS has reportedly linked salary hikes and variable pay to employees’ adherence to its hybrid work policies. Employees who have followed the RTO policy are more likely to receive higher increments, indicating a shift in corporate priorities towards workplace presence.

In February 2025, TCS also released its quarterly variable pay (QVP) for the October-December quarter. While many junior and mid-level employees received 100% of their variable pay, senior employees saw lower payouts, ranging between 20-40%.

A Changing Landscape for IT Salaries

With global economic conditions remaining uncertain and companies prioritising cost efficiency, salary increments in the IT sector are expected to remain conservative in the near future. The trend suggests that performance-based pay, adherence to workplace policies, and overall industry health will play a crucial role in determining employee compensation going forward.

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.

BharatNet to Aadhaar: How India’s Digital Services Impact Millions with Key Stats

India’s push towards digitalisation has significantly transformed governance and public services, making them more accessible and efficient. Several key initiatives have played a vital role in shaping this transformation. These digital services not only streamline administrative processes but also empower citizens with seamless access to essential resources.

Among the most impactful digital initiatives are BharatNet, Bhashini, DigiLocker, and Aadhaar—each contributing to India’s vision of a digitally inclusive society. Let’s explore how these services have expanded and their growing impact.

BharatNet: Bridging the Rural Digital Divide

BharatNet is India’s flagship project to bring high-speed internet access to rural areas, ensuring connectivity for millions who were previously digitally excluded.

Key Highlights

  • 2,14,000 Gram Panchayats connected to the internet as of January 2024.
  • 6,92,000 km of optical fibre cable was laid across the country.
  • 1,04,000 Wi-Fi hotspots are installed in Gram Panchayats to provide rural citizens with internet access.

BharatNet has been instrumental in expanding digital inclusion, enabling rural communities to access online education, government services, and financial transactions.

Bhashini: AI-Powered Language Translation

Language diversity often poses a challenge in a country as vast as India. Bhashini, an AI-powered language translation tool, bridges this gap by enabling real-time translation across multiple Indian languages.

Key Highlights

  • Supports 22+ languages, making government services and digital platforms more accessible.
  • Facilitated 237 million translations, promoting linguistic inclusivity in the digital space.

Bhashini enhances communication across different linguistic regions, ensuring information is available to all, regardless of their native language.

DigiLocker: Cloud-Based Document Storage

DigiLocker is a cloud-based platform that allows citizens to securely store and access digital versions of their important documents, such as Aadhaar cards, driving licences, and educational certificates.

Key Highlights

  • 480.9 million registered users as of February 2024.
  • Over 9.24 billion documents were issued through the platform.

This initiative reduces dependency on physical documents and simplifies identity verification for various services, promoting paperless governance.

Aadhaar: India’s Biometric Identity System

Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric identification system, serves as a unique identity for Indian citizens, enabling access to government benefits and financial services.

Key Highlights

  • 2.84 billion Aadhaar-authenticated transactions were conducted in January 2024.
  • Used for various services, including banking, welfare schemes, and mobile number verification.

Aadhaar has played a crucial role in improving service delivery by eliminating fraud and ensuring targeted distribution of government benefits.

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.

Gold Prices Jump Over ₹450; Check Gold and Silver Prices in Your City on Feb 18

Gold prices surged on February 18, 2025. In the international market, the spot gold price has risen by 0.52%, reaching $2,913.69 per ounce as of 1:00 PM.

Gold prices also increased on February 18, 2025, both in India and globally. In India, gold rates have risen by over ₹450 per 10 grams in major cities.

In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold is ₹8,557 per gram, while 22-carat gold now costs ₹7,844 per gram. The 24-carat gold price stands at ₹85,570 per 10 grams as of 1:00 PM on February 18, 2025.

In Delhi, 22-carat gold is currently priced at ₹78,302 per 10 grams, while 24-carat gold is trading at ₹85,420 per 10 grams.

Gold Prices Across Major Indian Cities on February 18, 2025

Here is a detailed breakdown of gold prices as of February 18, 2025:

City 24 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹) 22 Carat Gold (per 10gm in ₹)
Chennai 85,810 78,659
Hyderabad 85,700 78,558
Delhi 85,420 78,302
Mumbai 85,570 78,439
Bangalore 85,630 78,494

Silver Prices in India on February 18, 2025

The international silver price has increased by 0.40% to $32.46 as of 1:00 PM on February 18, 2025. However, in India, silver prices have increased by ₹590 per kilogram.

Silver Prices Across Major Indian Cities

 

City Silver Rate in ₹/KG 
Mumbai 96,450
Delhi 96,280
Kolkata 96,320
Chennai 96,730

Key Takeaways

  • Gold Prices: Both 22-carat and 24-carat gold prices have risen in major Indian cities. The international spot price of gold is trading above $2,900 per ounce.
  • Silver Prices: Silver prices have increased in the international market but have declined in the domestic 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.

BigBloc Subsidiary Announces Acquisition of Land for Greenfield AAC Block Manufacturing Facility

StarBigBloc Building Material Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BigBloc Construction Limited, has announced the acquisition of land for a greenfield AAC Block manufacturing facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. This strategic move is expected to enhance the company’s presence in central India, catering to the growing demand for sustainable construction materials.

Share price of BigBloc Construction was down by 4.84% as of 12:55 PM on February 18, 2025. 

Land Acquisition Details

The company has secured approximately 57,500 sq. mts. of land at Gram Nimrani, Tehsil Kasrawad, District – Khargone, Madhya Pradesh for this expansion. The total cost of the land acquisition, including stamp duty, is estimated at ₹6 crore. The new facility will focus on the production of AAC Blocks, a widely preferred eco-friendly building material known for its lightweight, thermal insulation, and fire resistance properties.

Existing Operations and Expansion Plans

Currently, StarBigBloc operates an AAC Block manufacturing plant in Kheda, near Ahmedabad, with an installed capacity of 250,000 cubic meters per annum. This facility serves key regions, including:

  • Most parts of Gujarat
  • Udaipur in Rajasthan
  • Indore in Madhya Pradesh

During Q3-FY25, the capacity utilisation of this plant stood at 75%, reflecting strong demand in existing markets. The new Indore facility is expected to strengthen market penetration in Madhya Pradesh and its surrounding regions.

Financial Performance and Reasons for Tepid Earnings – BigBloc Construction Ltd (Q3 & 9M-FY25)

  1. Revenue Performance:
    • Q3-FY25 Revenue: ₹568 Mn (down 7.6% YoY from ₹615 Mn in Q3-FY24)
    • 9M-FY25 Revenue: ₹1,601 Mn (down 8.7% YoY from ₹1,753 Mn in 9M-FY24)
  2. Profitability:
    • EBITDA:
      • Q3-FY25: ₹61 Mn (down 62.3% YoY)
      • 9M-FY25: ₹235 Mn (down 46.1% YoY)
    • EBITDA Margins:
      • Q3-FY25: 10.74% (down from 26.34% in Q3-FY24)
      • 9M-FY25: 14.68% (down from 24.87% in 9M-FY24)
  3. Net Profit (PAT):
    • Q3-FY25 PAT: ₹3 Mn (down 96.5% YoY from ₹86 Mn)
    • 9M-FY25 PAT: ₹35 Mn (down 84.1% YoY from ₹220 Mn)

Reasons for Tepid Earnings Performance

Lower Demand Due to Festive & Political Season: Q3-FY25 demand declined due to Diwali and Maharashtra state elections, affecting sales and order execution.

Lower Capacity Utilisation: Overall capacity utilisation stood at 53%, with Umargaon plant scaling up gradually and Siam Cement BigBloc at only 11%.

Subsidiary Loss Impact: Siam Cement BigBloc reported a ₹46.8 Mn loss, significantly impacting overall financial performance.

Increase in Costs: Operating expenses rose 11.9% YoY in Q3-FY25 and 3.7% YoY in 9M-FY25, while higher finance costs (₹110 Mn vs ₹65 Mn) weighed on profitability.

Technology Upgradation & Expansion Costs: Umargaon plant upgradation in October 2024 led to lower output, while Wada plant’s Phase 2 expansion doubled capacity but added investment costs.

One-Time Costs & Higher Depreciation: Depreciation rose 51.9% YoY in Q3-FY25 and 38.2% YoY in 9M-FY25, with new product launches and JV costs further impacting margins.

Competitive Pricing Pressure: Increased competition in the AAC block industry resulted in lower pricing power and compressed EBITDA margins.

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.