Category: Personal Finance

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

Hitting Pause Without Hitting Panic

Life doesn’t always follow a fixed plan—and neither should your SIP. Just ask Sheena. A disciplined investor with her monthly SIPs running like clockwork, Sheena never thought she’d need to stop. But life had other plans. A sudden family emergency made her question everything. “Should I cancel my SIP? Will that mess up my goals?”

Here’s the truth: Pausing your SIP is not the end of your investment journey—it’s just a thoughtful pit stop.

Yes, mutual funds today allow you to pause SIPs for up to 6 months without penalties. It’s a smart option when you’re facing temporary setbacks like a job loss, medical emergency, or a cash flow crunch. Think of it like putting your investments on silent mode while the rest of your life plays loudly.

But here’s the twist: don’t pause your SIP just because the market looks scary. SIPs work best when you stay consistent regardless of market noise. That’s how rupee cost averaging builds wealth over time.

Also, remember—pausing is better than skipping payments randomly. If you default on 2-3 SIPs, the fund house may cancel it altogether, and your bank might charge you too. So if you really need a break, go the official pause route.

Like Sheena, give yourself breathing space without giving up on your dreams. Because in investing—and in life—it’s okay to pause, as long as you don’t quit.

Stay invested, stay informed. That’s how you build wealth with peace of mind.

Personal Finance

• Instagram reel wali financial planning ke side effects: Instagram finance will give you clarity for 30 seconds. Then life will happen All the neat rules such as ₹500 a day SIP, 50-30-20, spend less on rent, sound good until rent is already 50%, income is variable, and savings are irregular. What looks practical on a reel often feels unrealistic in a real month. Read here

• 5 biggest money regrets people have, and how to avoid them: 5 common money regrets: Delaying investments, skipping an emergency fund, ignoring financial basics, taking lifestyle loans, and avoiding money talks. Learn early, invest smart, and talk money—your future self will thank you! Read here
  
  
• Staying invested works, but drawdowns deserve your respect too: The challenge for investors is not just in enduring volatility but also in discerning when a drawdown presents a real opportunity—and when it signals structural decline.Read here

• Want financial freedom? Ditch impulse buys, embrace money maps: As household savings in India hit record lows, personal finance experts urge earners—especially young professionals—to curb impulse spending and embrace structured financial planning. Read here

Investing

• The Wealth Ladder: One-size-fits-all advice doesn’t work for money. The Wealth Ladder offers tailored strategies across six wealth levels—from debt to financial freedom—so you can build wealth smartly, starting exactly where you are. Read here

• Are Bear Markets Becoming a Thing of the Past? Since 2010, bear markets have become rare—only 4–6% of the time. Is this long calm the new normal, or just a pause before the next storm? Read here

• Are We Entering an Era of Gold Dominance? Central banks are buying gold again—absorbing a third of global supply—yet gold still forms just 17% of reserves. With real prices catching up and demand rising, this trend could last. Read here

Economy & Sector

• Will the Brown Revolution 2.0 bring the next big step in growth of Indian economy? India’s “Brown Revolution 2.0” aims to leverage cow dung as an economic and environmental asset, potentially boosting rural income, energy security, and organic farming. Read here

• India, UK seal historic trade deal: India and the UK sign a game-changing trade deal slashing tariffs, doubling trade by 2030, boosting jobs, and opening doors for sectors like textiles, EVs, seafood, and Indian professionals abroad. Read here

Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

The Real Deal Behind Stock Buybacks

Stock buybacks often sound like a smart move for investors, but they don’t always create value. The magic lies in when and why a company decides to buy back its shares. Warren Buffett’s timeless advice is simple — buybacks only add value if the company repurchases its stock below its true worth, or intrinsic value. This way, shareholders get a bigger piece of the company without paying too much. On the flip side, buybacks at inflated prices or funded through debt can hurt the company and investors alike. It’s crucial to look beyond the headline and ask the right questions before celebrating a buyback announcement.

Here’s what to remember:

• Buybacks add value only when the stock is undervalued. Paying full or above intrinsic value destroys wealth.
• Reducing shares increases earnings per share (EPS) and ownership stake, benefiting long-term investors.
• Debt-funded buybacks increase financial risk, especially if business conditions worsen.
• Buybacks timed to boost executive bonuses or hide weak profits are red flags.
• Always consider the opportunity cost: Could the company use that cash better elsewhere?

In short, stock buybacks are a powerful tool — but only in the hands of disciplined, value-focused management. For investors, the key is to look past the noise and focus on whether the buyback truly makes sense.

Personal Finance

• Forget 9-to-5 till 60: Can you really retire at 40? Expert decodes the trend: The FIRE movement is catching fire in India, as more people ditch the 9-to-60 grind for financial freedom. By saving smart, investing right, and living intentionally, they’re choosing purpose over paychecks—and rewriting what success really means. Want to know how a ₹2 lakh SIP can fund early retirement? Read here
  
  
• How safe are India’s instant loan apps? From students low on fees to families with sudden hospital bills, many use instant loan apps for fast cash, some promise money in 10–30 minutes using just a phone and a few documents. But how safe are they? Read here
  
  
• Personal banking needs to be a smoother experience: One of the maxims of personal finance has it that “time is more valuable than money”. But what happens when time is spent chasing your own money. Which one is more valuable then? Read here

Investing

• Why Rising Japanese Bond Yields Could Impact Global Markets: Japanese bond yields have surged to 3.5% from near-zero levels, disrupting the yen carry trade. As borrowing costs soar, global markets may feel the shock. What this means for your portfolio? Click to see what’s changing worldwide. Read here
  
  
• The Death of the Amex Lounge: Why the Upper Middle Class Isn’t Special Anymore: Upper middle class faces an unexpected crisis: too many millionaires competing for limited luxury and space. From $10K mortgages to crowded lounges, exclusivity is vanishing. Want to see if you’re part of this growing struggle? Read here
  
  
• The rise of SIFs: A new frontier for Indian investors: Specialised investment funds are breaking ground—not just for institutional capital, but potentially for retail investors too. Read here

Economy & Sector

• Which sectors and companies will benefit from 8th Pay Commission salary hike and why? The implementation of the 7th Pay Commission in 2016 led to significant changes in consumption patterns, which in turn impacted many sectors and companies thereafter. A similar impact is expected from the 8th Pay Commission.Read here
  
  
• Hope is brightening for India’s Goldilocks scenario: India’s economy is showing signs of entering a ‘Goldilocks’ phase, characterised by moderate growth and subdued inflation. Retail inflation in June 2025 fell to 2.1%, prompting the RBI to consider further rate cuts. GDP growth remains steady at 6.5%, supported by strong domestic demand. A potential India-US trade agreement could further boost exports. Read here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

When Speed Becomes the Game

What happens when you pack your portfolio with the fastest-rising stocks?

In 2023, it meant celebration—momentum funds returned 42%, flexi-caps trailed at 29%. Momentum became the darling of the bull market. Portfolios soared. Investors cheered. And fund assets tripled in four years.

But trends, by nature, don’t last forever.

Fast forward to now: the same funds that topped charts are sitting at the bottom decile. One sharp correction, and the thrill turned into whiplash. Momentum didn’t just dip—it dove. Why? Because when sentiment breaks, momentum doesn’t stroll out. It bolts. No loyalists, no long-term believers—just silence and selling.

A quick look at the Nifty 200 Momentum 30 shows a beta of 1.20 and downside capture of 1.43. In simple terms: when the market falls, it falls harder.

So where does that leave investors?

Some are now looking at the 11% overlap between momentum and flexi-cap portfolios and seeing opportunity. Different stocks. Different cycles. A possible edge. Others are noticing how most flexi-cap funds held up better in the correction.

Momentum isn’t just a strategy—it’s a mood. One that rises fast but also tests your nerves when things turn. The game isn’t just about catching trends. It’s about knowing when you’re riding one—and when the trend is riding you.

Some are not discarding momentum—but domesticating it. Keeping it to 10–30% of the portfolio and pairing it with flexi-cap or multi-cap funds that can adapt.

Because sometimes, it’s not about choosing sides—it’s about building balance.

Personal Finance

• Will 77% Indian families retire poorer than they should? In 2023–24, household wealth in India surged by over 19 per cent. But here’s the catch: a big chunk of that growth didn’t come from saving more — it came from being invested in the right places. So, want to know where Indian households are saving their money, as per the latest RBI report? Read here

• EPF, NPS, PPF: How much should you invest in these schemes monthly to build a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus? Planning to build a Rs 5 crore retirement fund by age 60? Here’s a detailed comparison of EPF, NPS, and PPF to help you choose the best scheme in 2025. Learn about returns, tax benefits, risks, and expert-backed strategies. Read here

• Changed jobs recently? Here’s how to file ITR without any errors: Switching jobs mid-year can complicate tax filing, but with a little attention to detail, you can avoid common mistakes. As experts say, ‘A few extra steps today can save you headaches tomorrow. Read here

• How to Make More Without Working More: Making more without working more. It’s the holy grail of personal finance. But is it as difficult to achieve as it seems? Or are there actual ways to increase your earnings without needing to increase your effort? Read here

Investing

• Assumptions Can Be Costly in the Markets: Imagine you’re the Thanksgiving turkey—fed daily, life feels secure. But then, the unexpected happens. Like markets, the past doesn’t guarantee the future. Want to invest smarter? Build a rule-based system that ignores emotion and survives any market. Ready to rethink? Read here

• The performance of safe haven assets during geopolitical conflicts: Geopolitical conflicts have historically influenced financial markets, prompting investors to seek refuge in safe haven assets. But how do these assets perform when crises erupt, and which ones offer the most reliable protection?Read here

Economy & Sector

• India’s Export Boost for Economic Growth: To boost exports and become the world’s 3rd-largest economy, India must invest in its shipping sector, says Minister Shantanu Thakur. What’s key? Faster transport, AI-driven logistics, better connectivity, and adding more value to Indian products. Thoughts? Read here

• How India’s hospitality boom is reshaping talent, tech, and tier 2 growth: In this new era, hospitality is no longer just about transactions; it’s about transformation. Success will belong to those who reimagine the sector as a platform for meaningful engagement, driven by innovation and powered by a young, dynamic workforce.Read here

Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

Chart Ki Baat

Gyaan Ki Baat 

Want High Returns Fast? Here’s the Reality Check

We all dream of quick riches — like Sameer, hoping for 20% returns in just three years, with zero risk. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the truth: chasing high returns without respecting risk is like expecting a Ferrari to run on just water.

Small- and mid-cap funds can deliver big gains, but they’re also rollercoasters — sometimes dropping your money by 30-40% in just a few years. If your cash is needed soon, riding that wave is a gamble you might lose.

So, what’s the smart move? When the clock’s ticking, think boring but steady: short-duration debt funds. They won’t make you rich overnight, but they protect your money and grow it reliably.

Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience is your best friend — and respecting risk is the secret sauce. Fast money sounds sweet, but steady wins the race every time!

Personal Finance

• EPF, NPS can build Rs 12 crore retirement fund. Tax expert breaks it down: A ₹12 crore retirement corpus is possible for salaried individuals earning up to ₹14.65 lakh by smartly using EPF and NPS. This strategy offers tax-free salary today and long-term wealth, combining stability, growth, and tax efficiency over 30 years. Read here
  
  
• Non-Resident Indians can pay zero tax on capital gains; here’s how: NRIs can pay zero tax on long-term capital gains from foreign exchange assets by reinvesting proceeds in specified Indian assets under Section 115F. With smart planning, they can legally reduce tax, preserve wealth, and reinvest efficiently across borders. Read here

• Why hitting pause on your loan might cost you more: Loan moratoriums offer temporary EMI relief but can lead to long-term costs due to accrued interest and potential compounding, making it a costly option for borrowers in financial stress. Read here

Investing

• Why Financial Independence is Overrated: Financial independence is often overhyped. True financial well-being lies in financial freedom—having choices and security, not just quitting work. Instead of rushing toward early retirement, aim for Coast FIRE: a balanced life where meaningful work and financial peace coexist.Read here
  
  
• How do changing interest rates affect the stock market? Despite high but stable interest rates, equity markets have rebounded in 2025, with the S&P 500 reaching record highs. Range-bound Treasury yields and steady Fed policy support investor confidence, while sector performance shifts reflect evolving economic and inflation dynamics. Read here
  
  
• The Power of Longevity Investing: When Retirement Goes Off-Card: Retirement is evolving as longer lifespans, rising costs, and shifting goals reshape expectations. Many now work past 65, emphasizing purpose over just savings. Longevity trends are also opening new investment opportunities in healthcare, tech, real estate, and lifestyle sectors. Read here

Economy & Sector

• Govt approves ₹1-trillion RDI scheme to boost private-sector innovation: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1-trillion RDI Scheme to boost private investment in high-growth sectors like AI and green tech. Managed by ANRF, it offers long-term, low-interest funding to bridge research funding gaps and strengthen strategic innovation. Read here
  
  
• Power Sector: How Financial Sustainability Can Make Discom Landscape Resilient: India’s discoms face mounting financial challenges amid rising energy demand. Ensuring sustainability requires smart metering, tariff reforms, debt restructuring, and infrastructure upgrades. Government schemes like RDSS, along with private investment and policy support, are key to long-term viability.Read here
  
  
• India needs a nationwide strategy, not patchwork SEZs: India must move beyond Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to achieve true industrial competitiveness. Instead of relying on isolated enclaves, systemic reforms in governance, infrastructure, and regulatory consistency nationwide are needed to position India as a credible global manufacturing power. Read here

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Check out CAGRwealth smallcase portfolios

Our smallcase portfolios are ranking well in the smallcase universe in terms of 1-year returns.

• CFF (launched in June 2022) – Ranked 1^st amongst smallcase with medium volatility.

• CVM (launched in May 2022) – Ranked among Top 20 across the Momentum smallcase universe.

Do check it out here

****
That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.