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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8897 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2025

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
ramakant Question by ramakant on May 25, 2025
Money

I am 40 year old currently i am invest SIP 13 K in different Mutual fund 1)kotak Emerging Equity fund 2) Parag parikh flexi cap fund 3) Axis Blue chip Fund 3) ICICI Prudential Innovation Fund 4) ICICI Prudential Manufacturing Fund 5)Bajaj Finserv Flexi cap fund 6) Mahindra Manulife small cap fund 7) Motilal oswal small cap fund, this all funds are good ? My plan is More 7000 invest in SIP please suggest other mutual funds for batter return in future?

Ans: Your current SIP of Rs. 13,000 is spread across seven different funds. Let's assess your existing portfolio and provide suggestions for optimizing your investments.

Assessment of Existing Mutual Fund Portfolio

Assessment of Existing Mutual Fund Portfolio
1. Kotak Emerging Equity Fund

This is a mid-cap fund.

It has delivered strong long-term returns.

Suitable for investors with a high-risk appetite.

2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

A flexi-cap fund with a diversified portfolio.

It has consistently outperformed its benchmark.

Ideal for long-term wealth creation.

3. Axis Bluechip Fund

A large-cap fund focusing on blue-chip companies.

Provides stability during market volatility.

Suitable for conservative investors.

4. ICICI Prudential Innovation Fund

A thematic fund focusing on innovative companies.

Higher risk due to sector concentration.

Recommended for investors with a strong risk appetite.

5. ICICI Prudential Manufacturing Fund

Focuses on the manufacturing sector.

Subject to cyclical market trends.

Suitable for investors who can tolerate sector-specific risks.

6. Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund

A relatively new flexi-cap fund.

Limited performance history.

Investors should monitor its performance closely.

7. Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund

A small-cap fund with potential for high returns.

Higher volatility compared to large-cap funds.

Suitable for long-term investors.

8. Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund

Another small-cap fund in your portfolio.

Having multiple small-cap funds increases risk.

Consider consolidating to manage risk better.

Suggestions for Additional SIP of Rs. 7,000
1. Avoid Overlapping Fund Categories

You already hold two small-cap funds.

Avoid adding more in the same category.

Instead, choose different types for better balance.

2. Add a Balanced Advantage Fund

Balanced advantage funds adjust equity and debt mix.

They are useful in volatile markets.

Good for long-term wealth creation.

3. Add a Consistent Mid-Cap Fund

One more mid-cap fund can balance growth and risk.

Choose a fund with strong past records.

Ensure low overlap with existing holdings.

4. Do Not Add Another Thematic Fund

You already hold two sector-specific funds.

Avoid adding more thematic funds now.

These funds are more risky and less predictable.

5. Prefer Actively Managed Regular Funds

Regular plans come with professional guidance.

A Certified Financial Planner and MFD monitors fund performance.

This adds discipline and structure.

6. Avoid Index Funds

Index funds blindly follow the index.

They do not protect from downsides.

Actively managed funds have better flexibility and research backing.

7. Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

Direct funds lack personalised review and guidance.

MFDs with CFP credentials help create goal-based portfolios.

They offer risk management and fund selection support.

8. Use STP or Lumpsum for Year-End Bonus

If you get bonus or surplus, don’t hold it in savings.

Invest lumpsum in low-risk debt fund.

Set up STP to shift to equity gradually.

Other Key Suggestions
1. Set Clear Investment Goals

Define goals like child education, retirement, or home renovation.

Each SIP should align with one goal.

Time horizon helps in selecting right category.

2. Track and Review Funds Every Year

Don’t stop SIPs due to short-term loss.

Review all funds once a year.

Remove consistent underperformers only after 3 years.

3. Manage Tax Efficiently

Equity fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Plan withdrawals smartly for tax efficiency.

4. Avoid Too Many Funds

Seven to eight funds are enough.

Too many funds create overlap and confusion.

Focus on quality, not quantity.

5. Do Not Chase Recent High Performers

Choose funds with long-term consistency.

Past year performance can mislead.

Select based on long-term stability and risk-adjusted returns.

6. Avoid Investment-Linked Insurance

If holding LIC or ULIP, assess its performance.

Most traditional plans give poor returns.

If returns are low, surrender and shift to mutual funds.

7. Emergency Fund Is Must

Keep 6 months of expenses in liquid form.

Helps avoid breaking SIPs during emergencies.

Keep it in liquid or ultra-short-term debt funds.

Finally
Your SIP journey is headed in the right direction.

You have chosen diversified categories across funds.

But small adjustments can help you improve outcomes.

Limit exposure to thematic and small-cap schemes.

Invest new SIP in balanced or mid-cap category.

Regular monitoring and goal tracking are important.

Use MFD with CFP credential for guidance and review.

Rebalancing once in a year will control risk.

Always link your SIPs to financial goals.

Stay focused on long-term and avoid panic in short term.

Avoid crowding your portfolio with too many similar funds.

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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I am 32 and would like to know the following mutual funds are good or not as I am investing in them for more than 5 years around Rs 40,000 each month by SIP mode. Please suggest me if I have to change any.  UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund (dividend and growth both)  UTI Equity Fund (dividend and growth)  UTI Infrastructure Fund (growth)  UTI Midcap Fund (growth)  UTI MNC Fund (dividend) UTI Core Equity Fund (dividend)  UTI Value Opportunity Fund (dividend and growth)  UTI Arbitage Fund UTI Ultra Short-term Fund ICICI Pru India Value Opportunity Fund ICICI Value Discovery Fund ICICI Pru Equity and Debt Fund Please suggest as I am investing almost Rs 40,000 per month in SIP mode. Whether any change is required or not?  Also suggest the best funds for me as I am thinking for 12 to 20 years. Waiting for your valuable comments  
Ans:
Name of the Fund Name of the Fund RankMF Star Rating
UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund(dividend and growth both)     
Growth Equity - Sectoral Fund - Auto 2
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Equity - Sectoral Fund - Auto 1
Dividend Payout Plan Equity - Sectoral Fund - Auto 1
UTI Equity Fund (dividend and growth)     
Growth Equity - Multi Cap Fund 5
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Equity - Multi Cap Fund 5
Dividend Payout Plan Equity - Multi Cap Fund 5
UTI Infrastructure Fund (growth)  Equity - Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure 3
UTI Midcap Fund (growth)  Equity - Mid Cap Fund 2
UTI MNC Fund(dividend)    
Dividend Payout Plan Equity - Thematic Fund - MNC 2
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Equity - Thematic Fund - MNC 2
UTI Core Equity Fund (dividend)     
Dividend Payout Plan Equity - Large & Mid Cap Fund 1
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Equity - Large & Mid Cap Fund 2
UTI Value Opportunity Fund (dividend and growth)    
Growth Equity - Value Fund 4
Dividend Payout Plan Equity - Value Fund 3
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Equity - Value Fund 4
UTI ArbitageFund Hybrid - Arbitrage Fund 4
UTI Ultra Short-term Fund Debt - Ultra Short Duration Fund 5
ICICI Pru India Value Opportunity Fund Equity - Thematic Fund - Other 3
ICICI Value Discovery Fund Equity - Value Fund 2
ICICI PruEquity and Debt Fund Hybrid - Aggressive Hybrid Fund 5

You may continue with funds with 4 and 5 star rated, sector funds to be avoided and good funds in Multicap , Focused and Mid cap should be invested in.

Midcap: Suitable option considering quality and value for money at present levels is DSP Midcap and Axis Midcap

Multicap: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are UTI Equity Fund, Axis Multicap, Motilal Oswal Multicap 35

Focused: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are Axis Focused 25 and Motilal Oswal Focused 25

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8897 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 25, 2024Hindi
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Hi. I am ready to invest SIP of 5000 per month for next 20 years and can step up 10% every 2 years. I'm looking for medium risk mutual fund as I'm going for long run. Kindly suggest me some mutual fund that gives some good returns. Quant active fund, mid cap fund, Parag Parikh flexi cap, ICICI prudential retirement fund, Edelweiss large & mid cap are the funds which I have chosen to invest in. Correct me with better plans if I am wrong. Thanks in advance.
Ans: Your investment approach of SIP with step-up every two years for the next 20 years reflects a disciplined and long-term perspective. Here are some insights and suggestions:

Medium-Risk Mutual Funds: Your selection of mutual funds like Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund aligns well with your medium-risk tolerance and long-term investment horizon. These funds offer diversified portfolios across different market caps and sectors, reducing overall risk.
Quant Active Fund and Mid Cap Fund: While these funds may offer higher growth potential, they also come with higher risk due to their focus on mid-cap stocks or active management strategies. Ensure you're comfortable with the associated volatility and risk before investing.
Edelweiss Large & Mid Cap: This fund provides exposure to both large and mid-cap segments of the market, offering a balanced approach. However, review its performance and portfolio composition periodically to ensure it meets your investment objectives.
Review and Adjust: Regularly monitor your portfolio's performance and make adjustments if needed. Consider factors like fund performance, changes in your financial goals, and overall market conditions when reviewing your investment strategy.
Consider Professional Advice: Consulting with a financial advisor or Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial situation and goals. They can help you fine-tune your investment strategy and select the most suitable mutual funds.
Remember, investing in mutual funds involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Stay focused on your long-term goals, maintain a diversified portfolio, and invest regularly to maximize your chances of achieving financial success.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8897 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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I am 47 years old and investing in multiple mutual funds via Sips, few of my funds are Quant mid cap, bank of India manufacturing and infrastructure, quant value, Invesco India infrastructure, Edelweiss flexi cap, union small cap, Helios flexi cap, quant small cap, kotak infrastructure and economic, Nippon India small cap, kotak small cap, kotak blue chip, axis nifty 50 index, hdfc flexi cap, icici prudential technology and few more, are all these funds good to give good returns, shall I stay invested in this or change, please advise soon
Ans: Investing in multiple mutual funds demonstrates your commitment to diversification and wealth creation. Let's assess your current portfolio and determine if any adjustments are needed to optimize returns and mitigate risks.

Reviewing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your portfolio comprises a diverse range of funds across various categories and sectors, reflecting a well-rounded investment strategy. However, it's crucial to evaluate each fund's performance and suitability for your financial goals.

Analyzing Fund Selection
Active vs. Index Funds: Active funds like the ones you've invested in have the potential to outperform the market by leveraging fund managers' expertise and research. However, index funds offer lower costs and may be more suitable for passive investors.

Sector Funds vs. Diversified Funds: Sector funds, such as technology or infrastructure funds, focus on specific industries, offering potential for higher returns but also carrying higher sector-specific risks compared to diversified funds.

Identifying Potential Challenges
Overlapping Holdings: Review your portfolio for overlapping holdings across multiple funds, which can lead to concentration risk and compromise diversification benefits.

Expense Ratio: Assess the expense ratio of each fund, as higher expenses can erode returns over time, especially in actively managed funds.

Evaluating Performance
Fund Performance: Evaluate the historical performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peers. Look for consistency in returns and fund manager track record.

Risk Management: Consider the risk profile of each fund and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization
Consolidation: Consider consolidating your portfolio by pruning underperforming or overlapping funds to streamline your investments and enhance portfolio efficiency.

Focus on Quality: Prioritize funds with strong fundamentals, experienced fund managers, and consistent performance over the long term.

Diversification: Maintain a balanced asset allocation across different fund categories to mitigate risk and capture opportunities in various market conditions.

Addressing Sector Exposure
Diversification Strategy: While sector funds offer potential for high returns, they also carry concentrated sector-specific risks. Consider reallocating some investments from sector funds to diversified funds to enhance portfolio diversification.
Conclusion
While your current mutual fund portfolio demonstrates diversification and investment discipline, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investments to align with your financial goals and market conditions. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your needs and objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.i

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8897 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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I am 43 years old and a salaried person. Started in SIP in 2018. Kindly suggest about the funds. Following are my current mutual fund investments: 1) Franklin India Prima fund Rs.1000 2) Invesco India Contra Fund Rs.6000 3) Kotak flexicap fund Rs.4000 4) Mirae Large & midcap fund Rs.2000 5) Axis Bluchip fund 3500 6) Sbi Banking & financial service fund Rs.3500 7) Axis Small cap fund Rs.5000. All i have monthly SIP. please suggest me if any changes require.
Ans: It's great to see that you've started investing in mutual funds through SIPs. Here are some suggestions regarding your current mutual fund investments:

• Diversification: You have a good mix of funds across various categories, which is essential for diversification. It's important to spread your investments across different sectors and market capitalizations to reduce risk.

• Review Performance: Periodically review the performance of your funds to ensure they are meeting your expectations and performing in line with their peers and benchmarks.

• Consider Your Goals: Reflect on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon to determine if your current funds align with your objectives. If you have specific goals such as retirement planning or wealth accumulation, consider adjusting your portfolio accordingly.

• Evaluate Fund Managers: Assess the track record and expertise of the fund managers managing your investments. Look for consistency in performance and a clear investment strategy aligned with your goals.

• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with market trends, economic developments, and changes in regulations that may impact your investments. Stay connected with your financial advisor or conduct your research to make informed decisions.

• Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a qualified financial advisor to get personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your needs.

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Sir MNIT Jaipur AI and Data science vs NIT jamshedpur CSE Vs MNNIT Allahabad ECE what should I choose.I Am from Rajshthan. Or take drop for IIT next year
Ans: Choosing Between MNIT Jaipur (AI & Data Science), NIT Jamshedpur (CSE), and MNNIT Allahabad (ECE):

1. Understanding the Branches:
AI & Data Science (MNIT Jaipur):
A fast-growing field with rising demand, though its future is still evolving. Best if you're passionate about AI and strong in programming.

CSE (NIT Jamshedpur):
A well-established and highly sought-after branch with excellent job prospects. Ideal if you want broader career options and strong placements.

ECE (MNNIT Allahabad):
Offers a solid foundation in electronics and communication, with flexibility to move into software roles if you're willing to learn programming on your own.

2. College Highlights:
MNIT Jaipur:
Good reputation, balanced college life, and decent placements.

NIT Jamshedpur:
Known for excellent CSE placements and a strong coding environment.

MNNIT Allahabad:
Has a very active coding culture and great placement track record, especially in CSE.

3. What to Consider:
Placements:
CSE at NIT Jamshedpur and MNNIT Allahabad usually offers the best salary packages.

Coding Culture:
MNNIT Allahabad and NIT Jamshedpur both have vibrant and supportive coding communities.

Campus Life:
MNIT Jaipur has a lively campus in a better city setting. Allahabad is quieter, and the city isn’t as happening.

Faculty & Facilities:
All three colleges have solid infrastructure and good faculty support.

4. Match with Your Interests:
If you enjoy coding:
Go for CSE at MNNIT Allahabad or NIT Jamshedpur.

If you're passionate about AI/Data Science:
MNIT Jaipur’s program could be a great fit — especially if you're ready to explore this emerging field.

If you’re open to ECE with plans to shift to software later:
MNNIT Allahabad’s ECE can work well if you’re self-motivated.

5. Final Advice:
For top placements & coding focus:
Choose CSE at MNNIT Allahabad or NIT Jamshedpur.

For balanced campus life & decent placements:
Consider MNIT Jaipur, especially if choosing between CSE and AI/Data Science.

For long-term AI/DS interest:
MNIT Jaipur’s AI/Data Science is a good pick if you're truly enthusiastic and willing to upskill.

For flexibility via ECE:
MNNIT Allahabad’s ECE can still open doors to software roles, provided you put in extra effort.

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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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