Latest news with #RealEstateInvestmentTrusts
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bursa holds gains at lunch break despite softer market sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia ended the morning trading session in positive territory, though the tone remained soft due to mixed regional performances, with buying interest expected to shift towards fundamentally strong companies. At 12.30 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 2.08 points to 1,521.49, from Monday's close of 1,519.41. The benchmark index opened 0.30 points higher at 1,519.71, and subsequently fluctuated between 1,517.74 and 1,522.30 throughout the session. Advancers edged ahead of decliners at 384 versus 381 on the broader market, while a total of 466 counters were unchanged, 1,138 untraded and 11 suspended. Turnover stood at 1.79 billion units, valued at RM883.18 million. Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd said the local bourse is expected to see subdued trading, as investors' attention may shift to fundamentally strong companies. Wall Street is expected to focus on the United States-China trade talks, which have driven modest gains in equities as officials hinted at progress ahead of the resumption of negotiations on Tuesday. "As the market factors a rate-cut environment, Real Estate Investment Trusts could attract interest due to their healthy yields of over four per cent," it said in a research note today. Among the heavyweights, 99 Speed Mart added nine sen to RM2.19, Axiata was six sen better at RM2.09, Public Bank rose two sen to RM4.28 and Telekom Malaysia added nine sen to RM6.65, while MR DIY and Press Metal bagged three sen each to RM1.64 and RM5.03, respectively. As for the most active stocks, MYEG, Harvest Miracle and NEXG were all flat at 94.5 sen, 18 sen and 37 sen, respectively, while Tanco lost 2.5 sen to 96.5 sen. On the index board, the FBM Emas Index added 24.54 points to 11,417.73, the FBMT 100 Index gained 24.84 points to 11,183.31, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index climbed 30.60 points to 11,394.64. The FBM 70 Index advanced 74.24 points to 16,483.55, while the FBM ACE Index erased 5.83 points to 4,506.30. Sector-wise, the Energy Index gained 1.19 points to 722.05, and the Industrial Products and Services Index perked up 0.12 of a point to 152.46. Meanwhile, the Financial Services Index eased 3.35 points to 17,728.85 and the Plantation Index declined 13.21 points to 7,235.62.
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Personal Finance Trends to Watch in the Coming Quarter
As we enter a new quarter in 2025, the personal finance landscape is evolving rapidly. Driven by changing market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting investor expectations, new patterns in money management are emerging. From how people save and invest to how they plan for retirement or manage risks, the next few months will bring trends that can reshape how individuals approach their financial goals. In this article, we highlight the top personal finance trends that are expected to shape consumer behavior and investment strategy in the coming quarter. One of the most noticeable trends is the rise of customized financial planning. While financial advice has traditionally followed a one-size-fits-all model, investors today demand solutions tailored to their specific life stages, goals, and risk appetite. Financial advisors, fintech platforms, and robo-advisory services are responding with tools that provide hyper-personalized roadmaps. These tools take into account income levels, career progression, geographic location, lifestyle preferences, and long-term ambitions. Whether it's saving for a child's education, buying a house, or planning early retirement, tailored strategies are gaining traction. Inflation continues to be a pressing concern, especially with central banks adjusting interest rates to keep consumer prices under control. Investors are becoming more cautious about preserving the real value of their money. As a result, there's a growing interest in inflation-protected investments such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), inflation-linked bonds, and commodity-focused funds. Even retirement planning is undergoing a shift, with retirees seeking tools that help protect their purchasing power. For instance, many are turning to an SWP calculator with inflation to better understand how regular withdrawals might be impacted over time by rising costs of living. This shows a deeper awareness of not just nominal returns, but real returns, and the long-term effect inflation has on wealth. The digital revolution in finance is far from over. With mobile-first platforms becoming more user-friendly and accessible, more people are choosing to manage their investments via smartphones and tablets. A significant surge has been observed in the downloads and active use of financial tools, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. One clear standout in this shift is the mutual fund app, which has made investing in SIPs, tracking portfolio performance, and switching schemes easier than ever. From beginner investors to experienced market players, users now expect features like real-time updates, research tools, automated rebalancing, and integration with tax-filing systems, all delivered via a sleek mobile interface. With market uncertainty being the new normal, hybrid products that offer a blend of growth and stability are gaining popularity. These include balanced advantage funds, asset allocation funds, and insurance-cum-investment plans. The core appeal lies in their ability to manage volatility while delivering reasonable returns. Investors are particularly drawn to these products because they shift allocations between equity and debt based on market conditions, reducing the need for hands-on decision-making. Such instruments are especially appealing to individuals nearing retirement or with moderate risk tolerance. The convenience of not having to constantly tweak investment proportions is a huge advantage. Today's investors are more goal-conscious and socially aware. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds are receiving increased attention, especially from younger demographics who want to align their investments with personal values. At the same time, goal-based investing, where each investment is tied to a specific financial target, is becoming the norm. Be it funding a wedding, foreign education, or building a retirement corpus, investors are clearly outlining their objectives and working backward to choose the right instruments. Technology is playing a pivotal role here as well, with platforms offering goal-setting dashboards, milestone trackers, and automated alerts to keep users on track. If the pandemic and subsequent economic disruptions taught one lesson, it is the importance of emergency funds. Investors are now more inclined to maintain liquid reserves that can cover at least 6 – 12 months of expenses. Fixed deposits, ultra-short duration funds, and liquid mutual funds are seeing renewed interest. Many financial advisors are also recommending segmenting funds for emergencies, lifestyle upgrades, and travel, each allocated based on risk and liquidity needs. This trend is likely to continue as economic and geopolitical uncertainties remain on the horizon. Younger professionals are starting to think about retirement much earlier than previous generations. This shift is partly driven by financial literacy campaigns, social media influencers, and easy access to financial tools. Millennials and Gen Z investors are increasingly aware of concepts like compounding, asset rebalancing, and tax-efficient withdrawals. They're also more likely to explore equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS), NPS (National Pension System), and long-term SIPs to retire early or achieve financial independence. This change in mindset reflects a broader trend toward proactive, not reactive, financial behavior. With the new tax regime and frequent updates in tax laws, investors are placing more emphasis on tax efficiency. Planning isn't just about earning high returns anymore, it's about retaining more of what you earn. Investors are actively seeking out tax-saving funds, understanding capital gains tax implications, and leveraging tax-loss harvesting where possible. Similarly, withdrawal strategies are being fine-tuned to minimize taxes. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs), for example, are being planned with detailed simulations and advisory support to ensure they align with income needs and tax obligations. The personal finance landscape is becoming more dynamic and data-driven than ever before. As market volatility continues and inflation remains a central concern, investors are responding by embracing technology, prioritizing financial literacy, and adopting smarter, more diversified strategies. From utilizing a mutual fund app for seamless investing to using tools like an SWP calculator with inflation for long-term planning, today's investors are better equipped and more engaged in their financial journey. The coming quarter will likely see these trends deepen, setting the stage for a more informed and resilient generation of investors. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Dario Schiraldi's Perspective: Reshaping Indian Real Estate Portfolios with REITs and INVITs
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 14: Why institutional investors are turning to listed real estate and infrastructure trusts for liquidity, income resilience, and inflation India's real estate and infrastructure landscape undergoes a structural shift, institutional investors are rethinking how to access the sector with greater efficiency, transparency, and capital flexibility. At the forefront of this evolution are Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (INVITs)--emerging as preferred instruments for those seeking steady income, liquidity, and protection from rising inflation. "REITs and INVITs mark a fundamental redefinition of real estate exposure in institutional portfolios," says Dario Schiraldi, Deutsche Bank's former Managing Director and current CEO of VIDA Holding. "They provide structured access to income-generating assets while preserving the liquidity and transparency institutional investors require in a rapidly evolving macro environment." The Emergence of REITs and INVITs in India Overall, the traditional investment landscape in India was influenced by real estate assets and investments in assets through direct ownership, but this approach was very capital-consuming, illiquid, and very difficult to understand. REIT and INVIT structures were introduced by SEBI in 2014 and 2016, respectively and changed the direction of the investment landscape. These vehicles pool capital from multiple investors to acquire and manage revenue-generating assets such as office parks, logistics hubs, highways, and transmission lines, offering exposure to physical infrastructure in a liquid and regulated form. These instruments are gaining strong traction among pension funds, insurance firms, and family offices seeking reliable cash flows and institutional-grade governance. Why Are Institutional Investors Adopting REITs and INVITs? 1. Predictable Income and Inflation Resilience REITs and INVITs typically invest in mature, income-generating assets with long-term contracts. Whether rental income from commercial real estate or toll revenue from expressways, these flows translate into stable distributions for unit holders. As leases and usage fees often contain inflation-linked clauses, investors benefit from real income protection--critical in an environment where traditional fixed-income instruments face yield compression. "In an inflationary world, REITs and INVITs provide yield continuity while helping preserve purchasing power," Dario Schiraldi, Deutsche Bank's former leader explains. "They're not just yield enhancers--they're portfolio stabilisers." 2. Liquidity and Transparency REITs and INVITs, unlike direct property transactions, are all traded on stock exchanges and therefore can provide daily liquidity and price discovery. They are in a great position to offer both flexibility and accountability for institutions. Thanks to SEBI's regulatory oversight, you can count on the highest standards of governance, transparency, and independence when it comes to asset valuation. 3. Diversification and Scale Investing in REITs and INVITs provides broad sector and geographic exposure, due to the pooling of a wide range of assets within a single trust, which mitigates concentration risk. They present a scalable solution for investors seeking large-scale real estate allocation without direct asset management burdens. Market Performance and Momentum As of 2024, India hosts three listed REITs: Embassy Office Parks, Mindspace Business Parks, and Brookfield India Real Estate Trust. These have consistently delivered 6-8% annual yields, supported by steady office leasing demand in key metros. On the infrastructure side, INVITs like IRB INVIT and India Grid Trust have proven that user-based models--toll roads and power transmission--can generate predictable long-term cash flows. These vehicles are becoming core holdings for investors balancing long-duration liabilities or seeking alternatives to volatile equity and debt markets. Key Considerations and Risks Despite their appeal, REITs and INVITs are not risk-free. Unit prices remain susceptible to market sentiment and interest rate cycles. Asset quality, lease duration, and sponsor credibility must be carefully evaluated. Operational missteps or underperformance in underlying infrastructure projects can impair returns. "Thorough due diligence remains essential," Dario Schiraldi cautions. "Institutional investors must assess both the quality of underlying assets and the governance standards of the managing entities." A Strategic Asset Class for the Future India's rapid urbanisation, digital economy expansion, and infrastructure push--driven by programs like Gati Shakti--are setting the stage for exponential growth in tangible assets. REITs and INVITs offer an elegant solution for channelling long-term capital into these sectors while delivering liquidity, transparency, and consistent income. "The Indian real estate market is at an inflexion point," Schiraldi concludes. "Organised investment structures like REITs and INVITs empower institutional investors to participate in India's growth story without sacrificing control, diversification, or governance. This is not just an evolution--it's a redefinition of real estate investing." As India modernises its infrastructure and deepens its capital markets, REITs and INVITs are poised to play a central role in institutional portfolios. Investors seeking durable yield, regulatory clarity, and scalable access to tangible assets represent not just an opportunity, but a necessity in the next generation of portfolio strategy. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Economic Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Gold, debt and stocks: Why multi-asset funds are the smartest play
So, What Exactly Is a Multi-Asset Allocation Fund? Live Events Why Is This Category Becoming More Popular in 2025? 1. Equities Are Volatile, Not Cheap 2. Debt Has Stabilised, But Yields Are Capped 3. Gold Is Quietly Doing Its Job 4. The New Investing Generation Wants Simplicity How Much Do These Funds Allocate? Equity allocations in MAAFs range from just over 20% (for conservative models) to 70% or more (for aggressive growth strategies). Debt allocations vary just as much — from under 10% in some funds to over 50% in others. Gold or alternative assets (like international equity or REITs) often make up 5–20%, depending on the fund's objective. What About Tax Efficiency? Are There Risks? Manager's skill matters: In dynamically allocated funds, poor asset calls can hurt performance. The fund's success depends on how well the managers read macro signals. Asset class caps: Some funds may be constrained by internal rules or SEBI mandates, limiting flexibility. Lag in aggressive markets: In a bull run, a MAAF may underperform a 100% equity fund, simply because it's holding debt or gold for protection. What Makes a Good MAAF? Have a clear asset allocation framework (and communicate it transparently) Show a track record of navigating both bull and bear markets Include exposure to non-traditional assets (like global equities or REITs) for added diversification Deliver consistency, even if not the highest headline returns Final Thoughts: Balance is the New Alpha In 2025, Indian investors are standing at an inflexion point. Equity valuations are running high, debt yields have started to flatten, and gold is no longer just a cultural asset — it's a strategic one. In this environment, the conventional wisdom of 'just stay in equities' is being challenged. And a quiet category of mutual funds — multi-asset allocation funds (MAAFs) — is starting to are not the flashy, high-return funds that dominate social media. But for investors who care about stability, resilience, and a smoother investing experience, multi-asset allocation funds may be one of the smartest decisions in today's simply, it's a mutual fund that spreads your money across at least three different asset classes — typically equity, debt, and gold. Some mutual funds even extend their reach by providing exposure to international equities, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), or InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts).Think of it as a pre-assembled portfolio managed by professionals. Instead of juggling different funds for equity growth, debt stability, and gold protection, a MAAF wraps them all into one. That means fewer decisions, less panic during market dips, and a built-in diversification rise of MAAFs isn't random. It's being driven by a combination of market volatility, macro uncertainty, and maturing investor equity markets have delivered handsome returns over the past few years. But valuations have reached multi-year highs in several sectors. That doesn't mean a crash is coming, but it does suggest that the next few years might see slower, bumpier a period of rising interest rates, most debt instruments have stabilised. Yields are no longer falling, but they're not expected to rise significantly either. Debt, therefore, becomes a useful anchor — it adds predictability without dragging too much on has done what it always does in times of macro uncertainty — protect capital. With geopolitical risks, shifting interest rate policies in the West, and inflation still a concern, gold adds a meaningful hedge against sharp equity investors are not just looking for alpha (market-beating returns) — they're looking for clarity, peace of mind, and consistency. MAAFs simplify portfolio management and reduce decision fatigue, especially for those who are just starting or want to automate their investing point is: no two MAAFs are alike. Their design depends on the fund house's philosophy, the target risk level, and the market a lesser-known advantage: you don't pay capital gains tax when the fund switches between asset classes an investor manually switches between, say, a debt fund and a gold ETF, each move triggers a taxable event. However, in a Mutual Asset Allocation Fund (MAAF), the fund manages this rebalancing, which doesn't impact the investor's tax bill unless they sell the entire makes MAAFs more efficient for long-term investors who want asset allocation without tax leakage every time markets — but they're manageable and largely these are trade-offs for a smoother ride — and often, that's precisely what investors want no one-size-fits-all answer. But a solid MAAF will typically:In an era of algorithmic trades, viral stock picks, and economic headwinds, the idea of 'playing it safe' has often been dismissed as boring. But in 2025, boring looks allocation funds aren't about chasing the next 30% return. They're about reducing regret, managing risk, and staying invested without second-guessing every market turn. For long-term wealth building, that's often the difference between good plans and great funds may not make you rich overnight, but they could make you a more confident investor over time. And that might just be the smartest investment you make this author Chakravarthy V. is Cofounder & Executive Director, Prime Wealth Finserv. Views are own): Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
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Business Standard
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Sebi mulls easing InvIT, REIT norms to boost ease of doing business
The market regulator is mulling relaxations to the Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) framework in a bid to promote ease of doing business. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued a discussion paper on Friday proposing a slew of reliefs. These include changes in the definition of 'public' for minimum public unitholding requirement, alignment of minimum allotment with trading lot for privately placed InvITs, and timelines for submitting various reports. Sebi has also sought comments on adjustment of negative cash flows at holding companies with distributions received from special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in calculation of net distributable cash flow (NDCF). NDCF refers to the amount a REIT can distribute to its unitholders after deducting all operational expenses and obligations. Sebi proposes reducing disclosures in QIP document The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) proposed amendments to the "placement document" for qualified institutions placement (QIP) on Friday, aiming to streamline disclosure requirements by focusing solely on issue-relevant information. QIP, a key fundraising avenue for listed companies, accounted for 35 per cent of equity-based fund mobilisation in 2023–24. Sebi's proposal considers that listed companies already comply with continuous disclosure obligations, and the existing format's extensive requirements may be time-consuming and lead to redundant information. Sebi relaxes norms for stock brokers to expand in GIFT City The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Friday waived the requirement of seeking specific approvals from the regulator for stock brokers to undertake business in GIFT-IFSC. In a circular, the market regulator stated that brokers could undertake securities market-related activities under a separate business unit (SBU), which will have to be ring-fenced from the activities in the domestic market and the accounts will be kept at arm's length. Net worth of the SBU will also be considered separately. Further, decisions on eligibility, risk management, inspection, claims and investor grievance for such SBUs will fall under the GIFT City regulator. Carlyle exits PNB Housing Private equity (PE) major Carlyle Group's affiliate firm Quality Investment Holdings on Friday sold its entire 10.44 per cent stake in mortgage lender PNB Housing Finance. The PE major sold 27.12 million shares at ₹1,000.2 apiece to raise ₹2,713 crore. Several mutual funds (MFs) and foreign investors bought shares in small quantities. Among the top buyers were Kotak Mahindra MF (₹342 crore), Nippon India MF (₹301 crore), Morgan Stanley (₹130 crore) and Aditya Birla Sun Life MF (₹125 crore). Shares of PNB Housing rose 4.3 per cent after the 'clean out' trade to end at ₹1,054, valuing the company at ₹27,383 crore.
