The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has been one of the popular investment options for investors looking for safety of their money, tax benefits and a decent return. Currently, the PPF offers 7.1% interest rate per annum. Unlike market-linked products such as mutual funds or stocks, which offer higher returns but come with higher risk, PPF gives investors a guaranteed return with no risk.
Backed by the government, PPF brings safety and offers the added advantage of tax-free interest and maturity proceeds under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. PPF is particularly appealing for conservative investors seeking long-term growth with guaranteed returns, while those willing to expose them to more risks might prefer market-linked investments as they offer higher gains.