I am 48 years old new to SIP/MFs. I have some funds of Rs 5 lakh which I want to invest for long term. Please suggest some good MFs for long term investment along with how to split the amount. 

I can also invest 25k monthly in SIP for 5-6 years. Please suggest some good MFs with medium risk. How can I invest directly in MFs without any agent or other?

Ans: Investment in mutual funds is subject to market risk and each fund comes with a risk-o-meter. It is pertinent that you assess your risk profile and accordingly invest in mutual funds.

Equity funds are good for long term investments; however, they are high risk investments.

You may consider Axis ESG Equity Fund (Growth) and Motilal Oswal Focused 25 Fund (Growth).

 

Ans: You may consider

Ans: there is a nice option in case if you are a director in any company, where in whatever you will invest on per annum basis, same amount would be received back by you from 12 th year onwards till next 30 years.
Eg. If you invest 1 lac for say 10 years, so from 11th year end, you will start receiving 1 lac for next 30 years and at the end of 30 years, you will receive back your investment. You can add nominee in this process too.
Risk cover is 10 times of your yly investment.

the above option may best suit you looking at your profile.

If you are salaried person, and if you can spare 20 k, HDFC Micro Fund may be the nice option from available option in my opinion. As a thumb rule, please pull out your investment every 5 years and change the form, from MF to property or gold and keep continue to invest in MF as well.

Ans: Given your high-risk appetite, you can consider investing in aggressive Equity Mutual Funds (MFs) for your SIPs. These funds invest in a mix of small and mid-cap companies that have the potential for high growth but also carry higher risk. Here are some suggestions to get you started, but remember this is not financial advice:

• Axis Small Cap Fund
• SBI Small Cap Fund
• ICICI Prudential Small Cap Fund

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Here's why these Aggressive Funds might be suitable for you:

• High Growth Potential: Small and mid-cap companies can experience rapid growth, which can lead to high returns on your investment.
• Long-term Investment Horizon: These funds are best suited for investors who have a long-term investment horizon (ideally 10 years or more) as they can ride out market volatility.

Things to Consider Along With Aggressive Funds:

• Higher Risk: As these funds invest in smaller companies, they are more susceptible to market fluctuations and economic downturns. This means you could experience significant losses in the short term.
• Volatility: The price of these funds can fluctuate significantly, so you need to be comfortable with volatility if you choose to invest in them.
• Diversification: While aggressive funds can be a good part of a well-diversified portfolio, they shouldn't be the only ones. Consider balancing them out with some large-cap or debt funds to manage risk.

Your Current Portfolio:

It's good to see that you already have some investments in place. Here's a brief overview of what you currently hold:

• Quant Small Cap Fund: This aligns with your high-risk appetite and focuses on small companies with growth potential.
• Mirae Asset Bluechip Fund: This fund invests in large-cap companies, providing stability to your portfolio.
• Nippon Small Cap Fund: Similar to Quant Small Cap Fund, this focuses on small companies for growth.
• Paragh Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: This fund offers flexibility across market capitalization (mix of large, mid, and small cap).

Consultation with a Financial Advisor:

While I have provided some general information, it's always best to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. A financial advisor can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend a suitable investment strategy and specific Mutual Funds that align with your needs.

Remember, investing involves risk, so be sure to do your research and invest wisely.

Ans: Evaluating Your SIP Investment Plan
Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a great strategy to build wealth over time. Given your age and investment horizon, it’s essential to carefully consider your fund selection and risk management. Let’s assess your plan and provide guidance.

Understanding Small Cap and Mid Cap Funds
Small Cap Funds: These funds invest in companies with smaller market capitalizations. They have high growth potential but come with significant volatility and risk.

Mid Cap Funds: These funds invest in medium-sized companies, offering a balance between growth potential and risk. They are less volatile than small cap funds but can still experience significant price fluctuations.

Evaluating Risk and Return Expectations
At 61, your risk tolerance may be lower compared to younger investors. While small and mid cap funds can deliver high returns, they also carry higher risk. Aiming for a 15%+ return in the worst scenario is optimistic, especially over a 5-7 year horizon. Market conditions can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to manage expectations.

Suggested Approach for SIP Investments
Diversification
Diversification is crucial in managing risk. While small and mid cap funds can be part of your portfolio, consider adding more stable investments to balance the risk.

Recommended Allocation
Here’s a suggested allocation for your portfolio:

Large Cap Funds: 30-40% for stability and steady returns.

Mid Cap Funds: 30% for balanced growth potential.

Small Cap Funds: 20-30% for high growth potential but higher risk.

Debt Funds or Hybrid Funds: 10-20% for stability and risk reduction.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs help in averaging out the purchase cost over time, reducing the impact of market volatility. Stick to a disciplined approach by investing regularly, regardless of market conditions.

Specific Fund Considerations
While selecting specific funds, look for those with:

Consistent Performance: Funds that have performed well across different market cycles.

Experienced Fund Managers: Managers with a proven track record.

Low Expense Ratios: Funds with lower costs will leave you with more returns.

Fund House Reputation: Choose funds from reputable and stable fund houses.

Risk Management
To manage risk effectively:

Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your investments and their performance.

Rebalancing: Periodically review and adjust your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund in place to avoid liquidating investments in case of unforeseen expenses.

Alternative Options for Lower Risk
Considering your age and investment horizon, it might be prudent to include some lower-risk investment options:

Balanced Advantage Funds: These dynamically adjust the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Monthly Income Plans (MIPs): These are debt-oriented hybrid funds that provide regular income along with some growth.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner
Engage with a Certified Financial Planner to get personalized advice. They can help you create a tailored investment strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Conclusion
Your plan to invest through SIPs in small and mid cap funds is a good strategy for growth, but it's important to manage risks given your age and investment horizon. Diversify your portfolio to include more stable investments, regularly monitor and rebalance your investments, and seek professional advice to ensure you stay on track. A balanced and well-diversified portfolio will help you achieve your financial goals while mitigating risks.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in