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Should I switch my Rs 5000 SIP from SBI Bluechip Fund to ICICI or Nippon Largecap?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Sujit Question by Sujit on Dec 10, 2024Hindi
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I'm doing Rs 5000 SIP in SBI blue chip fund for last few 5 years . But it has been underperformer for last many quarters. Kindly advise , shall i switch to ICICI large cap or Nippon Large cap which looks stronger from many parameter . Please comment on my Switching Strategy : a) will stop SIP with SBI , but continue the holding. b) will start SIP of that Rs.5000 with Nippon/ICICI whichever you suggest Investment horizon -13 years till retirement

Ans: You have consistently invested in the SBI Blue Chip Fund through a systematic investment plan (SIP) for the past five years. This disciplined approach is commendable and ensures you benefit from rupee-cost averaging. However, you are concerned about its underperformance in recent quarters. Let us evaluate whether switching is the right strategy and how to optimise your investments.

Evaluating SBI Blue Chip Fund
Large-cap funds like SBI Blue Chip Fund invest in established companies with stable returns.

Short-term underperformance is not unusual, as large-cap funds may face temporary sector or stock-specific challenges.

Review the fund’s performance over a five-to-seven-year horizon.

Compare its rolling returns and risk-adjusted returns with peers.

Consider the management strategy and whether there are recent changes in the fund house or team.

Switching Strategy: Key Considerations
Switching to another large-cap fund needs careful evaluation. Here are factors to keep in mind:

Consistency: Assess whether the new fund consistently outperforms over longer timeframes.

Expense Ratio: Opt for funds with a reasonable expense ratio to maximise net returns.

Portfolio Overlap: Ensure minimal portfolio overlap between funds to diversify your holdings.

Exit Load and Taxation: Check for exit load charges and tax implications when redeeming investments.

Investment Horizon: With a 13-year horizon, focus on funds with steady growth potential.

Action Plan for Your SIP
Stopping SIP with SBI Blue Chip Fund
You can stop the Rs. 5,000 SIP in SBI Blue Chip Fund.

Retain your existing investments in the fund for now.

Monitor its performance over the next 1–2 years.

If it improves, you can reconsider restarting your SIP.

Starting SIP with a New Large-Cap Fund
Begin a new Rs. 5,000 SIP in an actively managed large-cap fund.

Choose a fund with consistent long-term returns, strong management, and a diversified portfolio.

Nippon India Large Cap and ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund are potential options.

Review the fund's portfolio allocation and compare it to SBI Blue Chip.

Why Retain Existing Holdings?
Selling the entire holding could trigger capital gains tax.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Retaining allows your existing corpus to grow and recover if the fund’s performance improves.

Evaluate its performance yearly to make informed decisions.

Balancing the Portfolio
Diversification ensures optimal risk-reward. Here’s how you can balance your portfolio:

Large-Cap Funds: Allocate 40–50% of your portfolio to large-cap funds for stability.

Mid-Cap and Flexi-Cap Funds: Add mid-cap or flexi-cap funds for higher growth potential.

Hybrid Funds: Consider hybrid funds for a balanced approach between equity and debt.

Debt Allocation: Invest 20–30% in debt funds or fixed-income instruments for stability.

Tax Implications
Avoid frequent switches to minimise tax liability.

Redeeming mutual funds too early could reduce compounding benefits.

Use systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) during retirement for tax-efficient income.

Reviewing Your Investments
Regularly review your portfolio every six months or annually.

Evaluate funds based on performance consistency and market conditions.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice and portfolio optimisation.

Final Insights
Switching SIP from SBI Blue Chip Fund to another large-cap fund can be a strategic move. However, retaining your existing investment allows time for recovery and avoids tax implications. Focus on long-term goals, diversify across asset classes, and periodically monitor your portfolio. With disciplined investments, you are well-positioned for a secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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I have SIP in following funds since one year, should I continue or switch: 1. SBI PSU fund - 3000 2. SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund - 3000 3. SBI Contra Fund - 5000 4. Quant Small Cap Fund - 4000 5. Quant Mid Cap Fund - 2000 6. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - 4000 Should I continue or switch - please advise.
Ans: Evaluating Your Investment Portfolio: Should You Continue or Switch?
Understanding Your Current Portfolio
Your current investment portfolio consists of a mix of actively managed mutual funds across various categories. Let's delve into each fund and evaluate its performance and potential.

Assessing Fund Performance
SBI PSU Fund: This fund invests primarily in stocks of public sector undertakings. Over the past year, its performance may have been affected by market conditions and the performance of PSU stocks.
SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund: Focused on the healthcare sector, this fund may have seen fluctuations due to sector-specific factors and market dynamics.
SBI Contra Fund: As a contrarian fund, it aims to invest in undervalued stocks. Its performance depends on the fund manager's ability to identify such opportunities.
Quant Small Cap Fund & Quant Mid Cap Fund: These funds target small and mid-cap stocks, which can be volatile but offer growth potential.
Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Similar to the Quant funds, this one focuses on small-cap stocks, which carry higher risk but can deliver higher returns over the long term.
Considering Switching Options
Switching investments should be driven by changes in your financial goals, risk tolerance, and the performance of your current funds. Here are some considerations:

Performance Comparison: Evaluate the performance of your funds against their benchmarks and peers. Consistent underperformance might warrant a switch.
Diversification: Assess the diversification of your portfolio across sectors and market caps. Switching may be considered to achieve better diversification.
Expense Ratio: Actively managed funds typically have higher expense ratios compared to index funds. However, they may offer the potential for outperformance, which needs to be weighed against the higher costs.
Decision Making
Review Your Goals: Reflect on your financial goals and investment horizon. Ensure that your investment choices align with your objectives.
Risk Tolerance: Consider your risk tolerance and whether you are comfortable with the volatility associated with certain sectors or market segments.
Consultation: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to continue or switch your investments depends on various factors including performance, diversification, and alignment with your financial goals. A thorough evaluation of each fund's performance and your investment objectives is crucial in making an informed decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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Hi ... I am a 48 year old male and need some specific financial advice on my finances. Here is a detailed breakup of my income, assets and liabilities Income from Salary : 4.6L per month after taxes Assets & Investments : Apartment - 4 crore at current value Savings & Equity - 35L SIP - 40L corpus (75K per month being invested) EPF & VPF - 60L (I contribute around 15K every month to VPF) Liabilities : Home Loan : 1.1 Crore (Tenure remaining 9 yrs) Other Loans : 45L (Tenure remaining 5 yrs) Monthly household Exp : 2.2L Insurance : Health Insurance Coverage : 25L (Company provides 5L and I have upgraded to 25L) Life Insurance : 1cr for wife & 6cr for self Future Milestones : Retirement Son's Education & Marriage (Currently 17 yrs old) I don't think I have enough savings and assets to head to a comfortable retirement and this gives me sleepless nights. Can you please help by providing a detailed plan of where I should invest more and by how much? Please note that I don't have much room to save more given my expenses. Thank you.
Ans: You're in a solid financial position but carrying a heavy loan burden, which is affecting your retirement confidence. Here’s how you can optimize your finances:

Debt Management
Prioritize clearing your Rs 45L loan in the next 3-5 years.
Try prepaying Rs 5-10L annually from bonuses, RSUs, or other windfalls.
Keep your home loan for tax benefits, but consider refinancing if a lower rate is available.
Investment Strategy
Your SIPs are strong; continue the Rs 75K/month allocation.
Increase your equity exposure post-loan repayment for better growth.
Review your portfolio to balance large caps, mid-small caps, and debt.
Retirement Planning
At 48, you should aim for Rs 12-15 crore by 60.
Your current investments will compound, but increasing contributions post-loan repayment is key.
Consider a mix of mutual funds, PPF, and NPS for tax efficiency.
Son’s Education & Marriage
With 1-2 years left, ensure Rs 40-50L liquidity for college fees.
If not done yet, set aside a lump sum in debt mutual funds or a fixed deposit.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

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Dear Sir, I took a loan of Rs. 44 lakhs @ 8.70% floating with 216 EMIs in August 2019 from HDFC Housing. Till recent, i'm not aware that the rate of interest being applied is 10.5% and still it is shown as 213 EMIs balance to be remitted as on 18.02.2025, despite no pending or late payments at my end. Please advise what to be done sir!
Ans: Your situation is a classic case of interest rate hikes affecting floating-rate home loans. Since you took the loan in August 2019 at 8.70%, and now the rate has increased to 10.5%, your EMI is going more towards interest rather than the principal. That's why your loan tenure has barely reduced.

Immediate Steps to Take
1. Contact HDFC Housing Immediately
Visit or call your bank and ask for a detailed loan amortization statement.
Get clarity on why the tenure is not reducing despite timely payments.
Request a break-up of the outstanding loan amount and revised interest calculations.
2. Ask for an Interest Rate Reduction
HDFC allows you to reduce your floating rate by paying a nominal fee (loan conversion charge).
Check the current floating home loan rates for existing borrowers and ask them to apply the lowest possible rate.
If HDFC refuses, ask about switching to a better scheme within HDFC itself.
3. Consider Balance Transfer to Another Bank
If HDFC does not reduce your interest rate significantly, you can transfer your home loan to another bank with lower rates.

Banks like SBI, ICICI, and Axis Bank may offer interest rates below 9% for a balance transfer.
Check with a few banks and negotiate for the lowest possible interest rate.
Ensure that the processing fee and other charges do not offset the savings from lower interest.
4. Prepay a Part of Your Loan (If Possible)
If you have some savings, prepay at least 5-10% of the loan principal.
This will reduce your interest burden and EMI tenure.
Ensure that prepayment charges (if any) are minimal or waived.
5. Monitor Your Loan Regularly
Floating-rate loans fluctuate based on RBI policy changes.
Check your home loan rate every 6 months to avoid sudden increases.
Opt for automatic rate conversion with HDFC, if available.
Final Insights
You should first try to reduce your rate with HDFC.
If they do not offer a better rate, go for a balance transfer.
If you have surplus funds, consider prepayment to reduce your tenure faster.
Always monitor your home loan rate every 6 months to avoid overpaying.
Would you like help in evaluating a balance transfer option with a different bank?

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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Hello Team, Please advice from the below stocks which are not good from long term perspective of 3-5yrs with reasons: 1.Bajaj Housing Finance 2.BEL 3.Coal India 4.Dixon 5.Deepak Nitrite 6.Escorts 7.First Source Solution 8.Gareware Fiber Textile 9.Greaves Cotton 10.IRCTC 11.JK Paper 12.Maruti 13.Mazgon Dockyard 14.RVNL 15.Pidilite 16.Trent 17.Titan 18.Zen Technologies Regards, Amarendra
Ans: Your stock portfolio consists of companies from various sectors, including finance, defense, auto, infrastructure, and manufacturing. While some of these stocks have strong long-term potential, a few may face challenges over the next 3-5 years. Below is an analysis of stocks that may not be the best fit for long-term holding.

Stocks to Reconsider for Long-Term Investment (3-5 Years)
1. Bajaj Housing Finance
Housing finance companies are highly dependent on interest rate cycles.
RBI rate hikes can impact lending growth.
Competition from banks and fintech players is increasing.
2. Coal India
Coal demand may decline due to a global shift towards renewable energy.
Government regulations on carbon emissions could impact future growth.
The company has strong dividends, but capital appreciation may be limited.
3. Greaves Cotton
Faces stiff competition in the electric vehicle (EV) and auto component space.
EV transition is challenging for traditional engine manufacturers.
Growth prospects depend on EV adoption, which is uncertain.
4. First Source Solutions
IT services firms face margin pressure due to automation and AI.
The company lacks strong global scalability compared to bigger IT players.
Growth in the BPM (Business Process Management) industry is slowing down.
5. IRCTC
Revenue depends heavily on Indian Railways policies.
Any policy change by the government can impact profitability.
Stock is overvalued with limited growth potential.
6. RVNL (Rail Vikas Nigam Limited)
PSU infrastructure stocks depend on government projects.
Execution risks and delays affect revenue growth.
Limited innovation and scalability compared to private players.
Stocks with Strong Long-Term Potential
The remaining stocks in your portfolio have strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. However, active management is necessary to ensure continued performance.

Switch to Active Mutual Funds for Better Growth
Managing an individual stock portfolio requires constant tracking, analysis, and decision-making. Instead of investing in individual stocks, switching to actively managed mutual funds can offer several benefits:

? Professional Management – Fund managers actively monitor and adjust holdings.
? Diversification – Reduces risk by investing in multiple sectors.
? Consistent Returns – Actively managed funds can outperform the market over time.
? Tax Efficiency – Mutual funds offer better tax advantages compared to stocks.

You can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap mutual funds based on your risk appetite. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized investment advice.

Would you like a detailed mutual fund recommendation based on your goals?

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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Hello Ramalingam, Could you provide your feedback on my active SIPs? Axis Bluechip Fund Direct Plan Growth - 5k DSP Global Innovation FoF Direct Growth - 10k ICICI Prudential Tech Direct Growth - 8k Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth - 10k Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Direct Growth - 2.5k PGIM India Midcap Oppurtunites Fund Direct Growth - 6k Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct Growth - 15k Nippon India Pharma Fund Direct Growth - 10k Quant Small Cap Direct Plan Growth - 10k Axis ELSS Tax Saver Regular Growth - 2.5k Kotak Emerging Equity Fund Regular - 4.3k Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Direct Regular - 2.5k Kotak Small Cap Fund Growth Regular - 2.5k
Ans: You have a well-diversified SIP portfolio, but some improvements can be made. Below is a detailed review of your portfolio with suggestions.

Portfolio Diversification
Your portfolio covers large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, pharma, technology, and international exposure.

There are too many funds in the portfolio, leading to duplication.

A more focused approach can improve returns while maintaining diversification.

Large-Cap Exposure
Your portfolio has a large-cap fund. Large-cap funds provide stability.

Consider keeping only one large-cap fund instead of multiple overlapping ones.

Large-cap funds deliver steady growth but may not beat inflation significantly.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Exposure
You have multiple mid-cap and small-cap funds. These funds offer high growth potential.

Overexposure to small-cap and mid-cap can increase risk.

Reducing the number of mid-cap and small-cap funds will avoid redundancy.

Flexi-Cap and Multi-Cap Exposure
Flexi-cap funds allow fund managers to invest across market caps.

One flexi-cap fund is sufficient. Multiple flexi-cap funds lead to overlap.

A well-managed flexi-cap fund can balance risk and returns.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Pharma and technology funds are sectoral funds. They perform well in specific market cycles.

Sectoral funds are high-risk and should not exceed 10-15% of the total portfolio.

Consider reducing exposure to sectoral funds unless you have a long-term view.

International Fund Exposure
Global exposure adds diversification. However, international markets have different risks.

Foreign exchange rates and geopolitical risks can affect returns.

A single international fund is enough for diversification.

Tax-Saving ELSS Fund
ELSS funds help save tax under Section 80C.

ELSS has a lock-in period of three years.

One ELSS fund is enough instead of multiple tax-saving funds.

Direct vs Regular Funds
You have invested in direct funds. Direct funds require active tracking.

Regular funds provide guidance from an MFD with CFP credentials.

If you are not monitoring regularly, consider switching to regular funds.

Overlap Analysis
Some funds have similar stocks, leading to portfolio overlap.

Reducing overlapping funds can make your portfolio more efficient.

A focused approach improves returns without excessive diversification.

Debt Fund Allocation
There is no debt fund in the portfolio.

Debt funds provide stability and liquidity.

A small allocation to a short-duration debt fund can help manage short-term goals.

Portfolio Simplification Suggestions
Reduce the number of overlapping funds.

Keep one large-cap, one mid-cap, one small-cap, one flexi-cap, and one sectoral fund.

Limit international exposure to a single fund.

Maintain tax-saving investments only if needed under Section 80C.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-structured but has too many funds.

Streamlining the portfolio will improve efficiency and returns.

Reduce sectoral and mid/small-cap exposure for better risk management.

Add a debt fund for stability and liquidity.

Monitor the portfolio regularly or consult a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |249 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 23, 2024Hindi
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Career
Sir,I am a bsc. Zoology student interested in pursuing Msc.Clinical embryology. Which all exams should I appear to get admission to this course? Which is better - Msc. Clinical Embryology or Msc. Clinical embryology and Assisted reproductive technology? What is the scope of this subject and what is its pay level? Please guide
Ans: The NTA has started conducting eligibility exams for all PG courses, including professional courses like Pharmacy (MPHARM), known as the PG CUET exams. This is the first year for these exams, with 174 universities participating: 41 central universities, 38 state universities, 12 government institutions, 14 deemed universities, and 69 private universities. Similar to NEET, universities from all over India are involved, so you need not worry. Additionally, you may be able to obtain a scholarship to pursue your course. In the near future, many more universities are expected to join this initiative.

For your specific situation, you need to appear for the entrance exam for TEST PAPER SCQP17, based on the course you have studied and the one you have selected. In some cases, the syllabus is also provided. Therefore, you don’t need to struggle with the admission process. However, you should research which courses are offered by each university to gather the necessary details individually. If you haven't registered this time, you can always try again next time. Please note: A candidate can take up to four different test papers.
Both courses are acceptable, but consider pursuing an MSc in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology for a better future.

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |528 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025
Relationship
Hi i am a married woman aged 45 years, i am happily married and have a loving husband. My husband travels a lot due to work and my son is studying in college in Pune. Everything was going fine in my life, but few months back a MBA graduate boy 23 years joined our office in my team. He had to report to me, and our company send us for sales corporatemeetings to Mumbai and other cities often. Gradually we became close and he confessed he had a crush on me. I was falttered but told him i am much older and married. Although i was very flattered that he found me attractive. I am tall 5ft 7 inches and kept myself very fit and always men keep hitting on me but i always ignore them. On our last trip together we went for a meal and had a few drinks together. Then i told him i was sleepy and needed to go to my room. He accompanied to my room and had a coffee. I had a bavk ache and he said he can massage me for 5 mins. I hesitantly agreed during the massage one thing led to another and we had sex and since then we have started having sex whenever we travel togther often. He says he truly loves me but for next 5 years he cannot marry anyone. I have now started loving him a lot i often fight with my husband. I want to continue this affair but am afraid if my husband finds out or if people in office come to know. Strangely another young man in office has starterd showing interest in me and asked me out for a coffee. He also says he likes me a lot anf is caring, I am confused shall i also go for a simple coffee. what if my husband or younger boyfriend find out. Is what i am doing wrong, i just want to live my life fully am i wrong ???
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
If you do not have an open marriage, then what you are doing is certainly wrong. When has cheating ever been right? Especially when you did not mention anything wrong with your husband. I am not judging you; but I would suggest that if you want to keep this up, you either come clean to your husband or let him go. This isn't fair. You living your life to the fullest should not harm or hurt others.
Hope this helps.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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