I Have 15000 units of Bandhan Flexi cap Mutual Fund (Previously Known as IDFC Flexicap Fund). But the fund is not performing from last 1-2 Years. Pls guide...

Ans: I always feel that, be it any asset - real estate, gold , MF or shares, it is always better to diversify. In your case, since your SIP is under=performing, it is better to wait and then to diversify. The investment object of UTI Flexicap is capital appreciation, which would be possible in long term only. Always read the investment objective of the MF, before investing and check if the objective is aligning with your own investment objective.

Ans: Hi Shree,
When did you brought it? If you check the holding of this fund, there major allocation is to Infy ~20% and TCS ~18% and all other in major IT companies. IT as a sector is not doing good since last 1year as we are the mojor supplier of services to countries like US and EU, these countries are in problem and hence impacted the sector. You need to hold this fund for atleast 5yrs to see the real benefits.

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Ans: When faced with underperforming investments like UTI Flexicap Fund, it's essential to evaluate your options carefully. Here are some steps you can consider:

Review Performance: Assess the fund's performance objectively over different time periods and compare it with its benchmark and peer funds. Look for consistent underperformance or temporary setbacks.
Understand Reasons for Underperformance: Research and understand the reasons behind the fund's underperformance. Is it due to changes in fund management, investment strategy, market conditions, or specific sectoral exposures?
Reassess Investment Thesis: Revisit your original investment thesis for choosing UTI Flexicap Fund. Does it still align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon? Consider whether the fund's underperformance is a temporary setback or a fundamental issue.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor for personalized guidance. They can provide insights into whether it's prudent to hold onto the investment, reallocate funds to better-performing options, or exit the investment altogether.
Consider Portfolio Diversification: If UTI Flexicap Fund no longer fits your investment strategy, explore reallocating your investment to other funds or asset classes that better align with your goals and risk profile.
Patience vs. Action: Determine whether you're willing to wait for the fund's performance to improve or if you prefer to take proactive steps to address the underperformance.
Ultimately, the decision to withdraw or wait depends on your individual circumstances, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. It's essential to make informed decisions based on thorough research and professional advice.

Ans: You started SIP in 2015. That shows long-term discipline. Very few investors stay consistent for 9+ years.

Your frustration with underperformance is valid. Many investors face similar doubts.

Let’s now evaluate your situation in detail from a Certified Financial Planner’s point of view.

» Your Discipline Deserves Respect

You started SIP on 15th April 2015.

You continued it for over 9 years.

Staying consistent is not easy in volatile markets.

Your investment commitment shows strong financial character.

But now, your fund return is low. You feel disappointed. That’s natural.

Let’s find out why this happened and what to do next.

» Why UTI Flexi Cap May Have Underperformed

Every mutual fund goes through cycles.

Even good funds have dull phases.

The fund manager may have changed.

Sector allocation may not have worked well.

Peer funds might have taken more risk and gained.

Flexi-cap funds have flexibility. But sometimes this flexibility is not well-used.

UTI Flexi Cap may have missed some high-performing sectors.

» You Must Not Judge Based on Past Alone

Past return alone is not the only parameter.

You must look at fund house track record.

Check fund manager’s consistency and strategy.

Assess volatility, risk, and peer comparison.

Look at rolling returns, not point-to-point returns.

A short-term underperformance doesn't mean the fund is bad.

But prolonged and consistent underperformance needs action.

» Never Exit in Emotion

If the fund underperformed for 2 years, review performance.

If underperformance continues for 4–5 years, consider exit.

But don’t exit suddenly or fully.

Gradual switch is always better.

Emotional exits can lead to loss of compounding.

So take an informed decision, not a hasty one.

» Don’t Stop SIPs Suddenly

Stopping SIP suddenly can break your habit.

You may never restart it again.

SIPs create long-term discipline.

Consider pausing temporarily if needed.

But stopping without planning harms your wealth creation.

You can redirect SIPs instead of stopping altogether.

» Keep or Withdraw? Here’s a Safe Method

Don’t withdraw full amount in one go.

You can stop new SIPs if return is consistently low.

Keep the existing corpus invested.

Use Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) if switching.

STP helps avoid timing risk.

Partial exit is better than full withdrawal.

» How to Switch Smartly Without Exit Stress

Open a new mutual fund folio.

Choose a better performing flexi-cap fund.

Start new SIP there.

Use STP to move money monthly from old fund.

This way, you reduce risk of market timing.

You shift money gradually and avoid regret if market rises.

» How to Choose a Better Flexi Cap Fund

Look for consistent 5-year and 7-year rolling returns.

Check fund manager’s track record.

Fund house reputation matters a lot.

Avoid high-churn portfolios with too many stock changes.

Choose fund with controlled volatility and long-term consistency.

Avoid funds with sudden spikes. Focus on sustainable performance.

» Stay Away from Index Funds in Flexi Cap

Index funds follow Nifty or Sensex blindly. But flexi-cap needs smart handling.

Index funds lack downside protection.

They don’t have active fund manager.

They can’t switch between large-, mid-, small-cap wisely.

They underperform in falling or sideways markets.

Flexi-cap funds need active human decision-making, not passive copying.

Choose actively managed flexi-cap funds only.

» Don’t Invest in Direct Plans on Your Own

If you are investing directly, be cautious.

Direct plans have no advisor support.

You will not get portfolio reviews.

No emotional guidance during market fall.

You may panic-sell and lose returns.

Invest through a regular plan via MFD with CFP credentials.

That gives you monitoring, advice, and accountability.

Regular plans offer better long-term guidance, even if cost is slightly higher.

» Don’t Mix Insurance with Investment

If you hold LIC, ULIP, or money-back policies, review them now.

These give low returns and block your capital.

They are neither good investments nor good protection.

Consider surrendering them.

Reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds for better returns.

Keep insurance and investments separate.

» Important Points to Review Now

Don’t make sudden exit from UTI Flexi Cap.

Start a better flexi-cap SIP from now.

Gradually move funds using STP.

Don’t shift everything at once.

Invest only in regular mutual funds via CFP or MFD.

Avoid direct plans and index funds.

Review your mutual fund portfolio every 6–12 months.

Track rolling returns and consistency.

Let every rupee work harder and smarter for your future.

» Capital Gains Tax Rules – Know Before You Exit

If you sell equity mutual funds now:

LTCG (after 1 year) above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG (within 1 year) is taxed at 20%.

So, plan exit in small parts. Avoid large redemptions in one go.

Use STP to reduce tax hit and market risk both.

» How to Plan for 15-Year Investment Horizon

You have a long-term horizon. That is your biggest strength.

15 years allows compounding to do its job.

Stick to 2–3 flexi-cap or diversified equity funds.

Keep SIPs running every month.

Increase SIP by 10% every year.

Review once a year with your Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t keep switching funds often. Stay consistent with good choices.

» Common Mistakes to Avoid

Comparing past returns only.

Exiting fully due to temporary dip.

Following tips and social media noise.

Investing without long-term goal.

Using direct funds without support.

Mixing insurance with mutual funds.

Investing in too many funds at once.

Ignoring expense ratios and churn rate.

Avoiding mistakes matters more than picking the best fund.

» Build a 360-Degree Financial Plan

Start with these steps:

Define your financial goals clearly.

Assign timelines and amount for each goal.

Allocate funds based on goal duration.

Review risk appetite.

Choose suitable mutual fund categories.

Build SIPs in regular plans.

Increase SIP yearly.

Keep emergency fund ready.

Ensure proper insurance protection.

Monitor and rebalance once a year.

This gives your money direction and discipline.

» Finally

You are not late. You are just in the right time to correct and move forward.

You stayed invested for 9 years. That shows commitment.

Now focus on smarter execution. Don’t lose hope because of one underperformer.

Take the right call with guidance.

Keep SIPs alive. Use better funds. Let compounding do its magic for the next 15 years.

Your financial future is still fully in your hands.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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