There are various investment options available for common people in India. Here are a few popular ones:
Public Provident Fund (PPF) – PPF is a long-term investment scheme offered by the government of India. It has a lock-in period of 15 years and offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The current rate of interest is 7.1% per annum.
Fixed Deposits (FDs) – Fixed Deposits are a popular investment option offered by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). They have a fixed tenure and offer a fixed rate of interest, which is usually higher than the savings account interest rate.
Mutual Funds – Mutual Funds are a professionally managed investment option that pools money from multiple investors and invests it in various financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. There are various types of mutual funds available, such as equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid funds.
National Pension System (NPS) – NPS is a government-sponsored pension scheme that allows individuals to invest in a pension account during their working years. The money invested in NPS is invested in a mix of equity and debt instruments and offers tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act.
Stocks – Stocks are equity shares of companies listed on the stock exchange. They offer higher returns than fixed-income instruments but come with a higher risk. Investors can buy and sell stocks through a stockbroker or through online trading platforms.
These are some of the common investment options available to people in India. It is always advisable to consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.