I have 10 L lump sum. I want to park it and then do STP. I have two debt funds Nippon liquid and Axis Short term fund, which one will be better to park for stp? How much time should be given to move this to equity by STP. I have Nippon and ICICI large cap, hdfc mid cap,Nippon multi cap and hdfc hybrid equity. Which would be better and how much stp every month? Or do I need to open one more fund for STP? Please guide me for horizon of 6 years
Ans: You have a clear plan of using a lump sum parked in debt funds, then moving gradually to equity via STP for a 6-year horizon. Let me provide a thorough 360-degree assessment and guidance from a Certified Financial Planner perspective.
Parking Lump Sum: Choosing Between Debt Funds
You mentioned Nippon Liquid Fund and Axis Short Term Fund to park your Rs. 10 lakh lump sum.
Liquid funds like Nippon Liquid invest mostly in overnight and very short maturity papers.
Short term funds like Axis Short Term hold instruments with slightly longer maturity, usually 1-3 years.
Liquid funds generally give better liquidity and lower interest rate risk.
Short term funds carry slightly higher credit risk and moderate interest rate risk.
For a 6-year horizon with STP, safety and liquidity matter at the start.
Nippon Liquid Fund is more stable in value, less volatile in interest rates.
Axis Short Term Fund may offer slightly higher returns but can have NAV fluctuations.
Since you want to do STP over time, start by parking in the Liquid Fund.
This preserves capital and gives stable NAV, allowing smooth STP withdrawals.
You may consider shifting to Short Term Fund after 6-12 months if markets are volatile.
But for initial parking, Liquid Fund is preferred.
STP Duration and Strategy
Your investment horizon is 6 years. STP duration should align with that.
A 24 to 36 months STP period is usually good for phased equity entry.
STP over 2 to 3 years reduces risk of lump sum timing.
After STP completion, you can stay fully invested in equity funds.
Remaining lump sum parked in liquid or short term fund can be withdrawn gradually.
STP intervals of monthly or quarterly are better to spread market risk.
Monthly STP is common and convenient.
STP amount depends on total lump sum and your risk tolerance.
For Rs. 10 lakh lump sum and 36 months STP, you can start with Rs. 25,000–30,000 per month.
This balances steady equity exposure and capital preservation.
You can increase STP amount if markets dip.
Flexibility in STP helps capture market volatility better.
Choice of Equity Funds for STP
You currently have Nippon and ICICI Large Cap, HDFC Mid Cap, Nippon Multi Cap, and HDFC Hybrid Equity.
Large cap funds are more stable and less volatile.
Mid cap funds offer higher growth but more volatility.
Multi cap funds give diversified exposure across market caps.
Hybrid equity funds blend equity and debt, reducing volatility.
For STP, using a mix is wise.
Large cap funds can be the core of STP.
Add some mid cap and multi cap funds for growth.
Hybrid funds can be considered if you want moderate risk.
Given your horizon of 6 years, you can have about 50-60% in large and multi cap funds.
30-40% in mid cap funds, balancing risk and reward.
10-15% in hybrid equity funds for stability.
Since you already have these funds, no need to open a new fund.
Ensure funds have good track records and consistent performance.
Avoid over-diversification. Too many funds dilute focus.
You can create an STP basket from 3-4 funds.
For example, monthly STP split: 50% to large cap, 30% to mid cap, 20% to multi cap or hybrid.
STP Amounts and Monitoring
Decide STP amount based on lump sum parked and your cash flow needs.
Rs. 25,000 to 30,000 per month is a reasonable start.
You can increase if market dips or reduce in rising markets.
Review fund performance every 6 months to 1 year.
Switch funds if underperforming for long periods.
Avoid frequent changes to stay invested.
Rebalance portfolio yearly based on market changes and goals.
Keep long term horizon in mind; avoid panic during volatility.
Tax and Withdrawal Planning
STP is a transfer, so not a redemption for tax purposes until units are sold.
Equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5% LTCG.
Short term capital gains in equity taxed at 15%.
Debt funds taxed as per your slab rates.
Use STP to reduce lump sum exposure risk.
After STP completes, hold for at least 3-4 years for best returns.
Avoid premature withdrawals to minimise tax impact.
Final Insights
Park lump sum initially in liquid fund for safety and liquidity.
Start STP monthly for 24-36 months into a mix of large, mid, and multi cap funds.
Hybrid equity fund can add stability but keep allocation small.
Monitor portfolio yearly and rebalance if needed.
No need for new fund if current ones perform well and cover your risk.
STP amount should match your comfort and liquidity needs.
Patience is key for 6-year horizon; avoid rash changes.
Your plan is solid. Execution with discipline will give good outcomes.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment