Don't invest over 10% of your debt portfolio in an NCD issue

It will help you diversify. If you're risk-averse, consider India Post deposits or debt funds

Retail investors seem to be buying non-convertible debentures (NCDs) aggressively. Recently, Muthoot Finance came up with an NCD issue of Rs 2,000 crore, which offered interest rate between 8.25 per cent and nine per cent. The company had planned to keep it open for a month but it was subscribed in a few days. Muthoot had kept 60 per cent of the issue for retail and high net worth individuals.

“After the success of the Muthoot Finance issue, more companies are in line to offer NCDs,” says Ajay Manglunia, executive vice-president and head of fixed income at Edelweiss Capital. Depending