Where should NRIs invest their gains from a weak rupee
The rupee was quoting at 44.8001 against the US
dollar seven months ago, and has depreciated 18.28% since then. A
falling rupee is not the best news for us, but it definitely is for
exporters and NRI investors who will receive more rupee funds on
conversion. Given the current scenario, NRIs have some good investment options to park their surplus funds.
Short term (6 months to 1 year)
Fixed income mutual funds: A range of fi xed income mutual funds offer
customers the combined benefi t of attractive returns with full
repatriability, low cost, convenient processing and ease of portfolio
tracking. Safe investors should opt for liquid plus funds.
Bond funds/longer-duration gilt funds: They are meant for investors who
are comfortable with some price uncertainty. "They can benefit from any
potential capital gain arising out of any reduction in future interest
rates. Also, any appreciation in the rupee over the investment period
would imply additional returns," VISHAL KAPOOR, Head, Wealth Management,
Standard Chartered Bank, India.
NRE deposits: "They are clearly the best option after the deregulation
by RBI. Short-term deposit rates are attractive due to tight liquidity
conditions in money markets while being tax free," SUTAPA BANERJEE, CEO -
Private Wealth, Ambit Capital.
Medium term (1-3 years)
Balanced mutual funds/NRE deposits: You can opt for either of these
instruments depending on whether the horizon is one or three years,
respectively. "The choice depends on the kind of price volatility and
whether the investor is seeking a guaranteed return or not," JAYANT PAI,
CFP, Vice-President, Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services.
Fixed maturity plans: They are an attractive option for customers
looking to locking in at prevailing high rates. For risky investors,
Indian equities may offer signifi cant long-term opportunities.
"Investors could participate through selective stocks or through a wide
range of equity funds with good track record. The quarter ahead may
offer selective buying opportunities for active investors, or one could
choose to simply stagger investments through a defi ned period, using
systematic transfer from debt to equity funds," says Kapoor.
Long term (3 years or more)
Diversified equity funds (through SIPs): They are good options at the
current rates. FDs are not a good option as the uncertainty of foreign
exchange movements may not be fully compensated by interest rates.
"However, risk averse depositors may chits. Gold ETFs are also a oose
long-term NRE deposgood option," says Pai. Investors should allocate
their funds using a strategic allocation model tailored to their
individual risk profi le. This should normally combine debt, equity as
well as alternative assets. Clearly, debt offers a very attractive
opportunity in the near term but one should also keep in perspective the
attractiveness of Indian equities over the medium to long term.
Realty Check
Real estate as an investment option makes sense if you plan to return to India
after some time. However, you should choose a location that is familiar
to you and stick to a reputed builder, given that proximity is an
issue.
From a pure investment
angle too, the same caveat applies: Familiarity and reputation. Also,
there is greater chance that projects of reputed builders will
appreciate more than others'.
Also, as NRIs
are not permitted to purchase plots of land/plantations/farm houses.
Even commercial real estate is subject to a plethora of limiting
regulations. Purchasing apartments or bungalows maybe the only options
available.
It is difficult to give a ballpark estimate regarding returns, as it will depend on the location and various other factors.
However, as an investor
you have to be cautious in the near-term since it is an interest rate
sensitive sector and demand may be impacted by relatively high interest
rates.
"It is imperative to find out whether one is allowed to invest in an instrument by RBI
as well as by the country of their residence. For example, several
bonds don't have separate clauses which allow for NRIs to invest in
them," says Banerjee of Ambit Capital .
Choosing The Right Investment
Liquidity, post-tax returns, price volatility and credit risk are the
crucial factors that should determine the choice of the instrument you
invest in.
The amount
of foreign exchange risk one is willing to undertake is also a crucial
factor. Of course, the forex risk is always present in all options other
than FCNR deposits.
Convenience and trust need consideration. One may choose those options
where he/she can transact online. This enables easier portfolio
tracking.
Suitability
of the product/asset based on endogenous factors such as age, economic
situation, liquidity considerations etc. are the same as those for
resident Indians.
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