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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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
Sunny Question by Sunny on Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 year old, I have started doing SIP , some are one-time and some are per month SIP, Here is the list:- A---One time SIPs 1.Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan- One time invested One lakh and have kept it for 5 years. 2.Nippon India Multi Cap Fund Direct Growth-One time invested One lakh and have kept it for 5 years. 3.ICICI Prudential Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth-One time invested One lakh and have kept it for 5 years. 4.Kotak Nifty AAA Bond Jun 2026 HTM Index Fund Direct Growth B--Monthly SIPs 1.HDFC Mutual fund - 10,000 per month 2.Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan- 15,000 per month 3.SBI PSU Direct Plan Growth-10,000 per month. My aim is to make 50 Lakhs in 5 Years, am i actually contributing in the right fund or do I need to change, I have taken high risk. Thank you Sunny Sinha

Ans: It's great that you're investing systematically through SIPs to achieve your financial goals. However, it's essential to review your investment strategy periodically to ensure it aligns with your objectives and risk tolerance.

Considering your aim to accumulate 50 lakhs in 5 years and your willingness to take high risk, here are some considerations:

One-time SIPs: Investing in small-cap and multi-cap funds can potentially offer higher returns but also comes with higher volatility. Given your relatively short investment horizon of 5 years, ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with these funds.
Monthly SIPs: Continuing SIPs in small-cap and PSU funds aligns with your risk appetite. However, it's crucial to monitor the performance of these funds regularly and be prepared for market fluctuations.
Review and Adjust: Periodically review the performance of your funds and assess if they're on track to meet your goal of accumulating 50 lakhs in 5 years. If necessary, consider rebalancing your portfolio or switching to funds with better growth potential and risk-adjusted returns.
Diversification: While high-risk investments have the potential for higher returns, it's essential to diversify your portfolio to mitigate risk. Consider adding funds from different categories such as large-cap or balanced funds to achieve diversification.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Given the complexity of investing and your specific financial goals, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice tailored to your needs and objectives. They can help you evaluate your investment strategy, identify any gaps or areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to maximize your returns while managing risk.
By staying informed, regularly reviewing your portfolio, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can increase the likelihood of achieving your financial goals effectively.
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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir/Madam, I am 27 years, 6 months ago I started doing sip of 10k total, five mutual funds 2k each, 1. Quant small cap 2. Parag parikh flexi cap 3. Kotak equity opportunities 4. Parag parikh elss tax saver 5. HDFC dividend yield I know I started a bit late, but now I am full stable and disciplined to be consistent and increase the sip amount by time to time. Am I going right, are my chosen funds are good, or I should change, please help and guide, give corrective suggestions
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach to investing at such a young age. Let's delve into your portfolio and see how you're doing:

• Starting a SIP at 27 is a commendable step towards building wealth for your future. Remember, it's never too late to begin investing, and your consistency will be key to your success.

• Your choice of mutual funds reflects a diversified approach, covering different sectors and market capitalizations. This is a smart strategy as it spreads your risk across various segments of the market.

• Investing in small-cap, flexi-cap, equity opportunities, ELSS tax saver, and dividend yield funds provides you with exposure to different investment styles and strategies. However, it's essential to review these funds periodically to ensure they continue to align with your financial goals.

• Consider assessing the performance of each fund against its benchmark and peers to gauge whether they are meeting your expectations. Look for consistency in returns and fund management expertise.

• As you progress in your investment journey and your financial situation evolves, you may consider increasing your SIP amount gradually. This will accelerate the growth of your portfolio over time.

• Additionally, stay updated with market trends and changes in economic conditions to make informed decisions about your investments. Keeping yourself informed will help you navigate any market volatility effectively.

• If you're unsure about whether your chosen funds are the right fit for you, don't hesitate to seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

In conclusion, you're off to a great start with your SIP investments. Stay disciplined, continue to educate yourself about investing, and periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives. With patience and perseverance, you're on track to build a strong financial foundation for the future. Keep up the excellent work!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 25 year old and have started investing in SIPs for the first time since last hear. I do 1. HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50 -5,500 2. MIRAE Asset Midcap fund - 3500 3. Axis small cap - 2500 4. JM Flexicap - (one time investment) - 20,000 5. Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU equity - (one time) - 6000 6. Quant Mid cap - 3,500 7. Quant Infrastructure- 1,000 8. ICICI Prudential retirement - 1000 9. QUANT ELSS - 1,000 10. Parag Pareikh - 1000 11. Nippon India - 1000 12. SBI PSU - 1000 Overall my monthly SIP goes around 25,000-30,000 and my plan is to retire at the age of 50 with 5 Crore. XIRR - 27.33% Please suggest if i need to make any changes
Ans: It's impressive to see a 25-year-old like you investing diligently in SIPs. Your commitment to securing your financial future early is commendable. Let's evaluate your portfolio and see if any changes are necessary to help you achieve your goal of Rs 5 crore by the age of 50.

Diversification and Allocation
You have a diverse portfolio with investments across different categories:

Large-cap Index Fund

Mid-cap Funds

Small-cap Fund

Flexi-cap Fund

Sector Funds (PSU, Infrastructure)

Retirement Fund

ELSS Fund

This diversification helps spread risk and capture growth from various market segments.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, like your HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50, track the market and offer average returns. They cannot outperform the market. Actively managed funds, managed by experts, aim to beat the market, offering potential for higher returns. Given your long investment horizon, actively managed funds could be more beneficial.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional managers who make strategic decisions to outperform the market. These funds can provide better returns, especially in volatile markets. With the right selection, actively managed funds can significantly enhance your portfolio's performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower costs but lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential ensures you receive expert advice. This professional support helps in making informed decisions and aligning investments with your financial goals.

Assessing Your Sector Funds
Your investments in sector funds like Quant Infrastructure and SBI PSU can offer high returns but also come with high risk. Sector funds are dependent on the performance of specific sectors. Diversifying too much into sector funds can increase risk. Consider limiting exposure to sector funds to balance your portfolio.

Importance of Reviewing Portfolio
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time. A periodic review helps in rebalancing your portfolio and maintaining the desired risk-return profile.

Evaluating Long-Term Goals
Your goal of Rs 5 crore by the age of 50 is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined approach. Considering the power of compounding and historical market returns, maintaining a consistent investment strategy will be key to reaching your target.

Projecting Future Returns
While exact future returns are unpredictable, a diversified portfolio with a mix of actively managed funds and strategic investments can provide good growth. Historically, equity mutual funds have delivered around 12-15% annual returns. Adjusting your portfolio to optimize for this growth can help achieve your long-term goal.

Suggestions for Improvement
Increase Allocation to Actively Managed Funds: Shift some investments from index funds to actively managed funds to potentially achieve higher returns.

Reduce Sector Fund Exposure: Limit investments in sector-specific funds to manage risk better.

Regular Reviews and Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is strong and diversified, setting a solid foundation for future growth. With some adjustments to focus more on actively managed funds and regular portfolio reviews, you can enhance your chances of achieving your Rs 5 crore goal by the age of 50. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice to optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 05, 2024

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Sir, I have started a SIP of 1000 Rs. per month in the below Mutual Funds since August 2024. I have planned to invest in it for a period of 10-20 years. Am I going the right way and whether my mutual fund selection for SIP is good or not? I need your guidance and instructions on it please. 1) UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund (Large Cap) 2) Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme (Mid Cap) 3) Nippon India Small Cap Fund 4) SBI small Cap Fund Request for your reply sir Thanks
Ans: Your decision to start SIPs is a positive step towards building wealth in a disciplined manner. Systematic Investment Plans are the best way to invest for long-term goals because they minimize market timing risks and benefit from the power of compounding. Now, let's assess the mutual funds you've chosen.

1. Selection of Mutual Funds
You’ve invested in a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This diversification will help balance risks and returns, as different market segments perform differently over time. However, let’s analyse each category for a better understanding.

2. Large Cap Fund: Focus on Stability
Large Cap Funds: You have selected a large-cap index fund, which provides exposure to stable and financially strong companies. While large-cap funds are less volatile, index funds are passively managed. It means they mimic the benchmark index, which offers average returns in line with the market.

Limitations of Index Funds: Although index funds offer low expense ratios, actively managed large-cap funds can provide better returns. An experienced fund manager can outperform the index by selecting high-potential stocks. You might miss out on such opportunities with an index fund.

3. Mid Cap Fund: Balanced Growth Potential
Mid-Cap Fund: Your choice of a mid-cap fund is a good addition for growth. Mid-cap funds invest in companies with strong growth potential, though they can be volatile in the short term. Over the long term, mid-cap funds often outperform large caps but may carry higher risks.

Recommendation: Keep investing in this category for 10-20 years, as mid-caps will provide significant growth over time if held patiently.

4. Small Cap Funds: Higher Returns with Higher Risks
Small-Cap Funds: You’ve invested in two small-cap funds, which could provide the highest returns but also come with higher volatility. Small-cap funds invest in companies that are still in their growth phase, and therefore their performance can fluctuate significantly.

Diversification Risk: Having two small-cap funds might expose your portfolio to excessive risk. Instead of having multiple funds in the same category, you can consider reducing small-cap exposure and adding a balanced or multi-cap fund for better risk management.

5. Your Portfolio Diversification
Diversified Portfolio: Your portfolio has a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds. However, it leans more towards small-cap funds, which could increase risk over time. If you're investing for a period of 10-20 years, having a combination of large-cap (for stability), mid-cap (for growth), and a small allocation to small-cap funds will work well.

Suggestions for Optimizing Your SIP Investments
Increase Large-Cap Allocation: While your large-cap investment is in an index fund, you might want to switch to an actively managed large-cap fund. This could provide better risk-adjusted returns in the long term.

Balanced Approach: Instead of having two small-cap funds, consider reducing your exposure to small-caps. You can add a balanced or hybrid fund to bring more stability. A diversified equity fund could also serve you well.

Gradual Step-Up: As you continue investing over the years, it's important to increase your SIP contributions annually. A 10% increase in your SIP every year can help you achieve your financial goals much faster.

Final Insights
Mutual Funds for Long-Term: Your investment horizon of 10-20 years is ideal for SIPs in equity mutual funds. Equity markets perform well over the long term and SIPs help average out the cost of investment.

Rebalancing Every 2-3 Years: Keep an eye on your portfolio and review it every 2-3 years. Make sure your portfolio stays aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Rebalancing can help you lock in profits from certain funds and reinvest in others.

Active vs. Passive: While your index fund choice gives market-average returns, you might benefit more from actively managed large-cap funds in the long run.

Small Cap Exposure: Reduce your exposure to small-cap funds, as they carry more risk. Having one small-cap fund is usually sufficient for the average investor. Consider adding a balanced or multi-cap fund for more stability.

Continued Discipline: Investing for 10-20 years requires patience. SIPs take time to deliver their full potential, especially in volatile markets. Stay disciplined, and avoid pausing or stopping your SIPs based on market fluctuations.

By following these steps and making small tweaks, you can create a more balanced and growth-oriented portfolio. Keep a long-term perspective and regularly increase your investments to reach your financial goals.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

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Sir, I am 27 yr and have started a SIP of total 1000 Rs. per month for the below Mutual Funds since November 2023. I have now (Jan.25) increase them 1000 Rs. per month and will step up 10%. I am looking forward to invest in it for a period of 10-20 years. Am I going the right way and whether my mutual fund selection for SIP is good or not? I need your guidance and instructions on it please. 1) HDFC index Fund-Nifty 50 plan. 2) ICICI prudential Nifty 50 index fund- growth. 3) Nippon India Small Cap Fund 4) Axis Bluechip fund- Large Cap Fund. Request for your reply sir Thanks
Ans: Your initiative to start SIPs at the age of 27 is impressive. Investing early ensures you benefit from the power of compounding. Here's a detailed evaluation and guidance for your current SIP portfolio.

1. Analysis of Current Fund Selection
1.1 HDFC Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan and ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund

These are passively managed funds that replicate the Nifty 50 index.
They have low expense ratios, which reduces costs.
However, index funds may not deliver superior returns in all market conditions.
Actively managed funds often outperform in India’s inefficient markets.
Having two index funds in the same category leads to duplication.
Recommendation:

Retain one index fund if you prefer low-cost, predictable returns.
Replace the second with an actively managed large-cap or flexi-cap fund.
1.2 Nippon India Small Cap Fund

Small-cap funds carry high risk but also offer high growth potential.
Suitable for long-term goals if you can handle market volatility.
Ensure you diversify across other fund categories to reduce risk.
Recommendation:

Continue investing but cap exposure to small caps at 15%-20% of your portfolio.
Review performance periodically to ensure alignment with goals.
1.3 Axis Bluechip Fund - Large Cap Fund

Large-cap funds are relatively stable and less volatile than mid or small-cap funds.
This fund is a good addition for steady long-term returns.
However, performance should consistently beat the benchmark over time.
Recommendation:

Retain this fund as part of your portfolio.
Consider diversifying into multi-cap or flexi-cap funds for balanced growth.
2. Improvements to Your Portfolio
2.1 Avoid Duplication in Index Funds

Holding two Nifty 50 index funds leads to unnecessary overlap.
Consolidate investments into one index fund and use the savings for other categories.
2.2 Add a Mid-Cap or Flexi-Cap Fund

Flexi-cap funds offer a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Mid-cap funds strike a balance between risk and growth.
This addition diversifies your portfolio and improves growth potential.
2.3 Include a Debt Fund

Equity funds dominate your portfolio, exposing it to market risks.
Debt funds reduce volatility and provide stability during market downturns.
Consider short-duration or corporate bond funds for this purpose.
2.4 Plan Asset Allocation

Align your investments to a strategic equity-debt ratio based on your risk appetite.
For a 10-20 year horizon, consider 80% equity and 20% debt initially.
3. Investment Strategy and Insights
3.1 Step-Up SIP Approach

Increasing your SIP amount by 10% annually is a smart move.
It ensures your investments grow with inflation and income.
3.2 Periodic Portfolio Review

Review your portfolio’s performance every six months or annually.
Monitor fund performance against benchmarks and peer funds.
3.3 Maintain Discipline During Volatility

Stick to your SIPs even during market corrections.
Avoid timing the market, as SIPs work best in all market cycles.
3.4 Leverage Tax Benefits

Invest in ELSS funds to claim tax deductions under Section 80C.
This adds a tax-saving layer to your wealth-building plan.
4. Avoid Index Funds Duplication
4.1 Limitations of Index Funds

Index funds cannot outperform the market due to passive management.
They follow benchmarks, so returns are limited to market growth.
Actively managed funds can deliver higher returns in India’s developing market.
4.2 Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Skilled fund managers aim to outperform benchmarks.
They adjust portfolios based on market opportunities.
This approach benefits long-term investors in a growing economy.
5. Final Insights
Your commitment to long-term investing is commendable.
Avoid duplication and focus on diversification for better results.
Combine active funds with index funds for optimal growth and stability.
Include a debt component to reduce risk and balance your portfolio.
Regularly review your investments and step up contributions as planned. This ensures your financial goals stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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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