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o Different avenues give different returns.
o Stocks may give high returns but fluctuate.
o Fixed deposits give steady but lower returns.
3. Liquidity
o Liquidity means how quickly you can convert your investment into cash.
o Shares are highly liquid (easy to sell).
o Real estate is less liquid (takes time to sell property).
4. Risk Factor
o Every investment has some risk.
o Risk comes from market changes, inflation, or company performance.
o Investors must balance risk with expected returns.
5. Tax Benefits
o Some avenues (like Public Provident Fund or ELSS mutual funds) give tax
deductions.
o Others may have tax liabilities on gains.
6. Time Horizon
o Short-term avenues: savings accounts, short-term deposits.
o Long-term avenues: pension funds, real estate, retirement plans.
7. Accessibility
o Some investments are easy to start (like SIPs in mutual funds).
o Others require large amounts (like buying property).
8. Diversification Possibility
o Investors often spread money across multiple avenues to reduce risk.
o Example: A mix of stocks, bonds, and gold.
Diagram: Features of Investment Avenues
Investment Avenues
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| Safety of Principal | Return on Investment |
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| Liquidity | Risk Factor |
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| Tax Benefits | Time Horizon |
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| Accessibility | Diversification |
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This diagram shows the “building blocks” of any investment avenue.
Step 3: Real-Life Examples
Let’s connect these features to real-world choices:
• Bank Fixed Deposit: Safe, steady returns, low risk, but limited liquidity.
• Stock Market: High return potential, high risk, very liquid.
• Mutual Funds (SIP): Balanced risk, good returns, tax benefits, easy to access.
• Gold: Safe during crises, moderate liquidity, acts as a hedge against inflation.