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My portfolio of stocks and mutual funds: Should I hold or exit?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 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
RAJEEV Question by RAJEEV on Feb 19, 2025Hindi
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Please advise on below stocks and Mutual funds..To hold or Exit? RAIL VIKAS NIGAM RITES BEL NMDC IRCTC HAL RAILTEL IRCON RECL BATA TEXMACO RAIL IRFC GAIL FEDERAL BANK UGAR SUGAR SHRIRAM FINANCE RIL INFOSYS MUTUAL FUNDS KOTAK NIFTY50 INDEX FUND NIPPON INDIA NIFTY SMALL CAP 250 INDE FUND ICICI PRUDENTIAL NIFTY MID CAP 50 INDEX FUND HDFC NIFTY SMALL CAP 250 INDEX FUND SBI PSU FUND MOTILAL OSWAL MID CAP FUND HDFC SMALL CAP FUND HDFC MID CAP OPP FUND KOTAK MULTICAP FUND ADITYA BIRLS SUN LIFE TRANSP AND LOG FUND KOTAK TRANSP AND LOG FUND ICICI PRUDENTIAL RURAL OPP FUND

Ans: Your portfolio consists of multiple stocks and mutual funds. Let’s evaluate them carefully.

Direct Stocks – High Risk, Uncertain Returns
Direct stocks need constant tracking and deep research.

Some stocks in your portfolio are from cyclical and PSU sectors.

PSU stocks depend on government policies and market cycles.

Individual stock risk is high without proper diversification.

Holding too many stocks makes monitoring difficult.

Issues with Individual Stocks
Rail Vikas Nigam, RITES, IRCTC, RailTel, Ircon, Texmaco Rail, IRFC – Rail sector depends on government policies. Profits can be inconsistent.

BEL, HAL, NMDC, GAIL, RECL – PSU stocks can give good dividends but face operational challenges.

Federal Bank, Shriram Finance – Financial stocks depend on interest rates and economic conditions.

Ugar Sugar – Sugar stocks are highly cyclical and influenced by government pricing policies.

Bata – Consumption stocks are stable but need consistent revenue growth.

Reliance, Infosys – Strong large-cap companies with long-term potential.

Recommendation on Stocks
Reduce exposure to PSU stocks as they depend on government decisions.

Keep strong private-sector companies with long-term growth potential.

Banking and finance stocks require close monitoring of interest rate trends.

Selling weaker or cyclical stocks and moving to mutual funds is better.

Mutual Fund Portfolio – Better Diversification, Lower Risk
Mutual funds are professionally managed and diversified.

They reduce risk compared to holding individual stocks.

Actively managed funds have potential to outperform.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner helps in fund selection.

Issues with Your Mutual Fund Selection
Index funds – Nifty and small-cap index funds lack active fund management. They mirror market performance but cannot beat it.

Sectoral Funds (PSU, Transport & Logistics, Rural) – High-risk category as they depend on one sector's performance. Not suitable for all investors.

Mid and Small-Cap Funds – These have growth potential but also higher volatility.

Multi-Cap Funds – Offer diversification across market capitalizations.

Recommendation on Mutual Funds
Avoid index funds as they cannot outperform actively managed funds.

Reduce exposure to sectoral funds unless you understand sector risks.

Focus on actively managed diversified funds for stable growth.

Increase allocation to flexi-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap funds.

SIPs in mutual funds ensure disciplined long-term wealth creation.

Final Insights
Reduce direct stock exposure and shift to well-managed mutual funds.

Avoid index funds, as active funds have higher return potential.

Stay diversified and avoid sector-specific concentration.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for a structured plan.

Regularly review your portfolio and rebalance when needed.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

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Hello Sir, I have the following Mutual Funds Investments, request you to let me know if these can be continued with or need to discontinue any of them, also please let me know new good performing funds to invest in. One time investment: (1) ICICI/ India Opportunities Fund - Growth - Rs.2,50,000, (2) ICICI/ Value Discovery Fund - Growth - Rs.2,50,000, (3) ICICI / Transporation & Logistics Fund - Growth - Rs.2,00,000. SIP Monthly: (4) Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Rs.5,000, (5) Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan - Rs.5,000, (6) Aditya Birla SL Focused Equity Fund(G) - Rs.15,000, (7) HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund(G) - Rs.5,000, (8) ICICI Pru Bluechip Fund(G) - Rs.5,000, (9) Axis Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Rs.5,000, (10) ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - Growth - Rs.5,000, (11) L&T Midcap Fund - HSBC Midcap Fund - Rs.5,000, (12) ICIPRU Multi-Asset Fund - Growth - Rs.5,000, (13) ICIPRU Value Discovery Fund - Growth - Rs.5,000. Thank You.
Ans: Your current mutual fund portfolio reflects a thoughtful mix of investments. Here's a detailed evaluation to help you decide whether to continue with them or make adjustments.

One-Time Investments
ICICI India Opportunities Fund - Growth

This fund focuses on capturing opportunities in various sectors. It is suitable for investors with a high-risk tolerance and long-term horizon. If you fall into this category, continue holding this fund.

ICICI Value Discovery Fund - Growth

This fund aims to discover undervalued stocks. It has a good track record but requires patience. If you can handle short-term volatility, it’s a good hold for long-term gains.

ICICI Transportation & Logistics Fund - Growth

This sectoral fund targets the transportation and logistics sector. Such funds can be volatile and are suitable only if you have high sectoral conviction. If not, consider reallocating to more diversified funds.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Monthly
Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan

A flexi cap fund offers diversification across various market caps. This fund is known for its stable performance. Continue your SIP in this fund for balanced exposure.

Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan

This fund focuses on emerging companies with growth potential. It’s a good choice for aggressive investors. If your risk appetite supports it, continue this investment.

Aditya Birla SL Focused Equity Fund(G)

Focused funds invest in a limited number of stocks, offering high growth potential but also higher risk. If you can withstand market fluctuations, this fund can be a valuable part of your portfolio.

HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund(G)

Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential. This fund is well-regarded for its consistent performance. Continue your SIP for long-term wealth creation.

ICICI Pru Bluechip Fund(G)

Bluechip funds invest in large, well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate returns. This fund is a good choice for conservative investors seeking steady growth. Continue your investment.

Axis Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan

Small cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential but also higher risk. If you have a high risk tolerance and a long-term horizon, continue this SIP.

ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - Growth

Technology funds can be volatile but offer high growth potential. If you believe in the long-term growth of the tech sector, continue this investment.

HSBC Midcap Fund

Midcap funds are suitable for investors looking for higher returns and willing to accept moderate risk. This fund has a good track record. Continue your SIP for potential high returns.

ICICI Pru Multi-Asset Fund - Growth

This fund invests across various asset classes, providing diversification and reducing risk. It’s a balanced choice for moderate-risk investors. Continue your investment for diversified growth.

ICICI Pru Value Discovery Fund - Growth

As mentioned earlier, this fund focuses on undervalued stocks. If you have patience and a long-term horizon, it remains a good choice.

Recommendations for New Investments
Based on the current market trends and performance, consider these high-performing funds for new investments:

Large Cap Fund

Investing in large-cap funds provides stability and consistent returns. These funds are less volatile and are a good option for conservative investors.

Mid Cap Fund

Mid-cap funds offer a balance between risk and return. They are suitable for investors looking for higher growth without the high volatility of small caps.

Balanced Advantage Fund

These funds dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt, based on market conditions. They offer stability and moderate growth, suitable for conservative to moderate investors.

International Equity Fund

Investing in international equity funds can provide geographical diversification and hedge against domestic market volatility.

Conclusion
Your current portfolio is well-diversified and has a mix of sectors and market caps. Most of your investments are performing well and align with long-term growth strategies. By adding a few new high-performing funds, you can enhance your portfolio’s performance and diversification.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

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Dear Sir, I am 47 years old IT professional. My current salary is 1.5 lakhs per month. I have a daughter who just completed her 10th board exam. My corpus is around 1.6Cr FD&PPF; 30 lakhs in MF & stocks; 50 lakhs in EPF. I have no debt and living in my own house. Please suggest if I can plan for retirement
Ans: Your financial position is strong, and planning for retirement at 47 is a smart decision. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to assess whether you can retire comfortably and how to ensure financial security.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income: Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

Corpus:

Rs 1.6 crore in Fixed Deposits (FD) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Rs 30 lakh in mutual funds and stocks.

Rs 50 lakh in Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

Liabilities: No debts.

Assets: Own house, ensuring no rent or EMI burden.

Family Responsibility:

Daughter has just completed the 10th board exam.

Higher education expenses need to be planned.

Key Considerations Before Retirement
Expected Retirement Age

If you plan to retire early (before 55), corpus sustainability needs careful assessment.

If you work till 60, it will provide a larger financial cushion.

Post-Retirement Expenses

Living expenses, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle costs must be considered.

Inflation will increase future expenses.

Daughter’s Education

Higher education costs are significant.

Corpus should cover both education and retirement without compromise.

Medical Expenses

Health costs increase with age.

A high health insurance cover is essential.

Wealth Growth vs. Safety

A mix of equity and debt investments ensures growth while preserving capital.

Excessive reliance on FDs and PPF may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Assessing If You Can Retire Comfortably
Current Corpus Size

Rs 2.4 crore (excluding house) is a strong starting point.

But, inflation will reduce its real value over time.

Expected Corpus Growth

Investments in mutual funds and stocks should continue to grow.

PPF and EPF offer stable but lower returns.

Withdrawals Post-Retirement

Sustainable withdrawals should not deplete the corpus too soon.

A balanced investment strategy is required.

Gaps in Planning

Heavy reliance on FDs and PPF may not be ideal.

More equity exposure can ensure inflation-beating returns.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Optimising Investment Strategy
Continue investing in mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Reduce dependence on FDs for long-term needs.

Equity mutual funds help counter inflation and grow wealth.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns without active management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer expert monitoring.

Diversify investments between equity, debt, and fixed-income products.

2. Planning for Daughter’s Education
Higher education costs can be Rs 30-50 lakh in the next 5-7 years.

Separate this goal from your retirement plan.

Increase equity investment to build an education corpus.

Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.

3. Building a Healthcare Safety Net
Health insurance should cover at least Rs 30-50 lakh.

Consider super top-up plans for additional coverage.

Maintain an emergency medical fund to cover non-insured expenses.

Review insurance policies periodically.

4. Creating a Sustainable Withdrawal Plan
Avoid withdrawing a large portion of the corpus in early retirement years.

Keep at least 5 years of expenses in liquid assets.

Equity exposure should reduce gradually as retirement progresses.

Use dividends and interest income before selling assets.

Final Insights
Retirement is possible, but adjustments are needed for long-term security.

Continue investing aggressively for the next few years.

Ensure daughter's education is planned separately.

Review investments and insurance regularly.

Keep flexibility in withdrawal strategy post-retirement.

A structured plan will ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
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My employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions, but I don't fully understand how it works. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining such a scheme, and how does it affect my take-home pay and long-term financial planning?
Ans: A salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions allows you to give up a portion of your salary in exchange for increased employer contributions to your pension. It has tax and National Insurance (NI) advantages but also some potential drawbacks.

How Salary Sacrifice for Pension Works
You agree to reduce your gross salary by a chosen amount.

Your employer contributes this amount directly to your pension.

Since your taxable salary is lower, you pay less income tax and NI.

Your employer also saves on NI and may pass on some or all of this saving to your pension.

Advantages
1. Tax and NI Savings
You don’t pay income tax or NI on the sacrificed amount.

Your employer saves on NI (currently 13.8%) and may increase your pension with these savings.

2. Higher Pension Contributions
Since more money goes into your pension, your retirement corpus grows faster.

Compounding over time enhances long-term wealth.

3. Increased Take-Home Pay
Although you sacrifice part of your salary, the NI savings may offset some of the reduction.

Depending on employer policies, your net pay may not drop significantly.

4. Potential Employer Matching
Some employers pass their NI savings into your pension, increasing your total contributions.

Disadvantages
1. Reduced Gross Salary
A lower salary means reduced future pay rises if they are percentage-based.

Life cover, sick pay, and redundancy pay linked to salary may be affected.

2. Lower Borrowing Capacity
Mortgage applications consider salary; a lower reported income might reduce borrowing potential.

3. Impact on State Benefits
If salary drops below certain thresholds, statutory benefits like maternity pay and state pension could be affected.

4. Restricted Access to Pension
The extra pension savings cannot be accessed before retirement (except under specific conditions).

Effect on Take-Home Pay
Your net pay will be slightly lower, but less than the actual amount sacrificed.

The tax and NI savings cushion the impact.

If your employer adds their NI savings, your total retirement savings increase.

Effect on Long-Term Financial Planning
Your pension fund grows faster, improving retirement security.

Short-term disposable income is slightly reduced, so budget planning is important.

Consider how the reduced salary affects other financial goals like buying a house or saving for education.

Should You Opt for It?
If employer NI savings are passed to your pension, it’s highly beneficial.

If you are close to lower tax bands or state benefit thresholds, assess the impact.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage, check how it affects your eligibility.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help assess your personal situation before making a decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
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Hi Sir , Greetings of the day!! hope you are doing well !! I want to do a savings of 50 lacs in as much less time span as possible because I want to buy a property in Gurgaon. My monthly salary is 1 lac 11k and I am currently investing 10k in mutual fund monthly and 50k in nps yearly. Can you please guide me how can I save 50 lacs and in how much time ?
Ans: Your goal of saving Rs 50 lakh for a property in Gurgaon is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Below is a structured approach to help you reach your target in the shortest possible time.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs 1.11 lakh.

You invest Rs 10,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your annual NPS contribution is Rs 50,000.

You haven't mentioned any liabilities or existing savings. If you have any ongoing EMIs or debts, they should be factored in.

Key Considerations for Achieving Rs 50 Lakh Target
The speed of reaching Rs 50 lakh depends on savings rate and returns.

High savings rate is the most reliable way to accumulate wealth.

Investment returns are uncertain and depend on market conditions.

A balanced approach is necessary to ensure stability and growth.

Increasing Your Savings Rate
Currently, you are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

If you can increase it to Rs 50,000 per month, you will reach Rs 50 lakh faster.

Cutting discretionary expenses will free up more money for investments.

Consider reducing unnecessary spending on dining out, luxury items, and vacations.

Redirect bonuses, incentives, or salary hikes towards savings.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments
Mutual Funds for Growth
Actively managed equity mutual funds can generate better returns than fixed deposits.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher growth potential but also higher volatility.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns and lack active risk management.

Debt Investments for Stability
Fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and PPF provide stability.

These should be used for short-term parking rather than long-term growth.

Debt mutual funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Avoid locking too much money in low-return instruments.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing entirely in equity mutual funds can generate high returns but comes with volatility.

A mix of 80% equity and 20% debt can provide stability.

As your target nears, shift more funds towards safer instruments.

Avoid speculation and high-risk investments like cryptocurrency.

Role of NPS in Your Goal
NPS is good for retirement but not ideal for short-term goals.

Partial withdrawal is allowed only under specific conditions.

Do not rely on NPS for your property purchase.

Managing Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Investing in tax-efficient instruments will maximize returns.

Estimating the Timeframe
If you invest Rs 50,000 per month, you can accumulate Rs 50 lakh in about 7-8 years with moderate returns.

If you invest Rs 75,000 per month, you can reach Rs 50 lakh in about 5 years.

The faster you increase your savings, the sooner you will achieve your goal.

Final Insights
Increase your monthly investment to at least Rs 50,000.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds.

Keep a small portion in debt for stability.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and invest salary increments.

Do not depend on NPS for this goal.

Monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Stay disciplined and patient to achieve your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

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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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