Hi , 2 question 1) My mutual fund rm suggested me to switch the funds AXIS ELSS FUND & ABSL ELSS FUND which has free units and around 1.50 lacs to Axis small cap & ABSL flexi cap , can you guide if this is a smart move considering the current market situation , 2) my few other funds are Axis Large Cap Fund - Growth , ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund - Growth , ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund - Growth, LIC MF Multi Cap Fund - Growth, SBI Large Cap Fund - Growth, SBI Midcap Fund - Growth eventhough the XIRR has come down to 5 % am still holding it and will hold it. Kindly suggest if any changes to be done in the fund which i hold or should i continue as it is. Will appreciate any valuable guidance
Ans: You are taking a thoughtful approach by reviewing your portfolio before making switches. Many investors change funds without checking suitability. Your habit of evaluating before acting is a strong advantage for long-term wealth creation.
Let us address both your questions clearly.
» Switching ELSS funds into small cap and flexi cap categories
Your mutual fund relationship manager has suggested switching:
– tax-saving category funds (with completed lock-in period)
into
– one small cap category fund
– one flexi cap category fund
This suggestion is partly good, but it should be applied carefully.
Positive aspects of this switch:
– tax-saving category funds are mainly large cap oriented
– flexi cap category gives better flexibility across market caps
– small cap category improves long-term return potential
– lock-in already completed, so liquidity flexibility exists
However one important caution:
Switching entirely into small cap category is not always suitable in the current market phase if your portfolio already has midcap or small cap exposure.
Small caps:
– move very fast during rallies
– fall sharply during corrections
– need strong patience holding ability
So the smarter approach is:
– switching one ELSS fund into flexi cap category is a very good move
– switching the second ELSS fund fully into small cap category should depend on your existing small cap allocation
If you already hold midcap or small cap funds, then allocate only partly into small cap category.
Balanced allocation improves stability and long-term XIRR consistency.
» Whether continuing your existing funds with 5% XIRR is correct
Your current holdings include exposure across:
– multiple large cap category funds
– one multi asset category fund
– one multi cap category fund
– one midcap category fund
The fall in XIRR to around 5% is mainly because:
– last 12–18 months markets moved unevenly
– large caps remained relatively slow
– midcaps corrected after strong rally
So low recent XIRR does not mean fund quality is weak.
Your decision to continue holding is correct.
But there is one improvement opportunity.
Currently you hold multiple funds from the same category (large cap category). This creates duplication instead of diversification.
Better structure normally:
– keep one strong large cap category fund
– keep one flexi cap category fund
– keep one midcap category fund
– keep one multi cap category fund
– keep one hybrid or multi asset category fund
Holding many large cap category funds together does not improve returns meaningfully.
It only spreads investment across similar portfolios.
So instead of exiting immediately, a gradual consolidation strategy is better.
» Role of your multi asset category fund
This category is useful because it invests in:
– equity
– debt
– gold
It reduces volatility and improves stability during market corrections.
So continuing this fund is a good decision.
» Role of your midcap category fund
Midcap exposure supports long-term growth strongly.
Since your horizon appears long-term, continuing this allocation is appropriate.
No change required here.
» Suggested improvement strategy going forward
You are already doing the most important thing correctly — staying invested.
Now only refinement is needed.
Recommended actions:
– switch one matured ELSS fund into flexi cap category
– review whether small cap allocation is already sufficient before shifting second ELSS fund
– gradually reduce duplication across large cap category funds
– continue midcap allocation
– continue multi asset allocation
– avoid frequent switching based on short-term performance
These steps improve return potential without increasing risk sharply.
» Finally
Your discipline in continuing investments despite temporary fall in XIRR is the right behaviour of a successful long-term investor.
Switching part of matured ELSS allocation into flexi cap category is a smart move.
Small cap allocation should be added carefully, not aggressively.
Gradual consolidation of multiple large cap category funds will improve portfolio efficiency over time.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/