Private sector life insurer Max New York Life on Monday launched Shiksha Plus, a unit-linked plan, to facilitate a child's aspirations and goals over different phases of student life. "Shiksha plus is a 360-degree child plan that provides resources for over all development of your child under all uncertain circumstances," said Max New York Life director V Viswanand. Along with addressing the increasing cost of education, the plan also provides an option to secure the future of second child, he said. In case of death of the parent, the nominee or beneficiary is entitled to receive 10% of initial sum assured every year, subject to a maximum of 100% of sum assured, to provide for yearly education expenses of the child, Mr Viswanand said. It provides control over uncertainties of life and inflation, he added. Available with seven investment fund options, the plan has the option for upgrading premium for sibling on birth/adoption of second child, he said, adding, one could also increase the premium option to counter the impact of inflation. With a minimum premium of Rs 5,000, the fund allows partial withdrawal after completion of three years.
Taurus Tax Shield has seen a turnaround in performance since 2007, but still remains a volatile offering… The fund has seen a turnaround in its performance since 2007 and has delivered impressively during market rallies since then. The portfolio is also more diversified. It contained its downfall to an average level in 2008 but is still one of the most volatile offerings in this category. Bold investors can look at this fund. Strategy The fund manager invests across the market capitalisation and sectors. The selection of stocks is made on the basis of long-term business prospects and value creation. Fund Insight Launched in March 1996, the fund was a laggard with just two annual outperformances. Concentrated stock bets and high exposure to mid and small caps led to it being hit harder during market downturns. The number of stocks in the portfolio never exceeded 20 and it was not rare to see the top 5 holdings account for around 60 per cent of the portfolio. After b...
