Where to invest in 2004

One size doesn't fit all. So, tailor investments to your unique financial goals.
Gautam Chikermane
AT 26, she’s the CEO of a Rs 250 crore technology company, earns more money in a month than many of us would in a year, jets around the world with the who’s who, swings and jives at parties with the gay abandon of Hrithik Roshan in Koi Mil Gaya, gets interviewed by TV channels every other day, is expected to be among the 50 most powerful Indian women in 2009, and has the looks to kill for. She might be the most desirable of women, but is she the right one for a 45-year-old professor of history, whose wildest fantasy is to discuss the intricacies of dharma with Veda Vyasa and Valmiki, who has a fear of flying, whose most intense interaction with technology is reading the morning newspaper, whose idea of growth is the grand awakening of his consciousness?
Perhaps not.
Investing is no different. Life insurance may be the best instrument to protect your family, but why mistake it for investment? Sector funds may offer the highest returns in short three- to five-year spurts, but why should the risk-averse take this uncharacteristic short-cut to supernormal returns? Bank deposits may be absolutely safe, but why should young people with many working years ahead of them be content with the pathetic returns they offer? Gold may look pretty on a woman’s neck but why should anyone make the mistake of believing gold jewellery is an investment for her girl child?
Opinion in Outlook Money