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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on May 16, 2022

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Saran Question by Saran on May 16, 2022Hindi
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Currently, I have invested in below SIPs for three years with the amount of Rs.2500 per month. Can you please advise on these mutual funds?

Axis Small Cap Fund Regular - Growth
SBI Small Cap Fund Regular - Growth
HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund Regular Plan - Growth
SBI Blue Chip Fund

Ans: Please continue

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  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 16, 2023Hindi
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Hi Sir, Can you please provide your views on these mutual funds in terms of continuing the SIP ( Rs 3000 each), holding it or switching to alternate ones. I have a horizon of 7-10+ years and my age is 48. AXIS BLUECHIP FUND, PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND, HDFC FLEXICAP FUND, SUNDARAM LARGE AND MID CAP FUND, HDFC SMALL CAP FUND, HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND, EDELWEISS BANKING AND PSU DEBT FUND, HDFC TOP 100 FUND, UTI VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND, KOTAK SMALL CAP FUND, ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund - All MFs are with growth option
Ans: Evaluating Mutual Fund SIP Portfolio: Recommendations for Continued Investment
Your current mutual fund SIP portfolio demonstrates a well-diversified approach, catering to your long-term investment horizon. Let's assess each fund's performance and potential for the future, considering your age, investment horizon, and financial goals.

Axis Bluechip Fund

This fund focuses on large-cap companies, providing stability and growth potential.
Its consistent performance and adherence to quality stocks make it suitable for continued investment.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

Known for its diversified portfolio across market caps and sectors, offering flexibility.
Its strong track record and prudent management suggest it's worth holding for the long term.
HDFC FlexiCap Fund

A versatile fund with the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.
Its robust performance history and well-managed portfolio make it suitable for continued investment.
Sundaram Large and Mid Cap Fund

This fund aims to capitalize on opportunities across large and mid-cap segments.
While it has delivered decent returns, investors may consider monitoring its performance closely due to its relatively shorter track record.
HDFC Small Cap Fund

Investing in small-cap companies with high growth potential but increased volatility.
Given your horizon, consider holding for its growth prospects but monitor its performance regularly.
HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund

Focused on mid-cap companies with potential for significant growth over the long term.
Considering your horizon, it's advisable to continue with SIPs but monitor its performance diligently.
Edelweiss Banking and PSU Debt Fund

A debt fund offering stability and regular income, suitable for diversification.
Given your equity-heavy portfolio, holding this fund can provide stability and balance.
HDFC Top 100 Fund

Invests in top 100 companies, offering stability and growth potential.
Its consistent performance and adherence to quality stocks make it a suitable long-term investment option.
UTI Value Opportunities Fund

Invests in undervalued stocks with growth potential, suitable for long-term investors.
Its contrarian approach can add value to your portfolio over time, making it worth continuing SIPs.
Kotak Small Cap Fund

Focused on small-cap companies with high growth potential but increased risk.
Given your horizon, consider continuing SIPs but monitor its performance closely due to volatility.
ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund

Tracks the Nifty 50 index, offering diversification across top Indian companies.
While index funds provide stability, actively managed funds may offer potential for higher returns over the long term.
Active vs. Passive Management:
While you've included both actively managed mutual funds and index funds (ETFs) in your portfolio, it's important to understand the differences between the two. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through active stock selection and portfolio management, while index funds passively track a specific index's performance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds, especially during market inefficiencies or when skilled fund managers can identify lucrative investment opportunities. Additionally, active management allows for flexibility in portfolio construction and adjustments based on market conditions.

Potential Disadvantages of Index Funds:
While index funds offer low expense ratios and broad market exposure, they may lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. Additionally, they're subject to tracking error, which occurs when the fund's performance deviates from the index it's designed to replicate.

Conclusion:
Your current SIP portfolio exhibits a well-thought-out mix of equity and debt funds, aligning with your long-term financial objectives. While most funds are suitable for continued investment, it's essential to monitor their performance regularly and make adjustments if necessary. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2024

Money
I am 23 years old & currently investing 10,000 INR per month across five mutual funds: Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct Growth, HDFC Balance Advantage Fund Direct Plan, ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Direct Plan Growth, ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund Direct Growth, and Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth. I would continue my SIP for 27 years. Could you please review my choices and let me know if they are diversified and stable?
Ans: Reviewing Your Investment Portfolio
Commendable Investment Discipline
At 23, investing Rs 10,000 monthly shows excellent financial foresight. Starting early maximizes the power of compounding, crucial for long-term growth. Your portfolio includes various types of mutual funds, indicating a diversified approach.

Analyzing Your Mutual Fund Choices
Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct Growth
This fund focuses on public sector undertakings (PSUs). Investing in PSUs can be beneficial, as they often provide stable returns. However, sector-specific funds can carry concentration risk.

HDFC Balance Advantage Fund Direct Plan
Balanced advantage funds invest in both equity and debt. They provide a mix of growth and stability, adjusting allocations based on market conditions. This fund type suits investors seeking moderate risk.

ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Direct Plan Growth
Index funds track market indices, offering broad market exposure. They match market returns, which might limit upside potential. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, potentially providing higher returns.

ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund Direct Growth
Equity and debt funds balance growth and stability. They diversify investments across stocks and fixed-income securities. This mix reduces volatility while providing growth opportunities.

Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth
Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. They offer substantial returns but come with higher risk. Long-term investments help mitigate the volatility associated with small-cap funds.

Assessing Diversification and Stability
Equity and Debt Mix
Your portfolio includes equity-focused and balanced funds. The mix of equity and debt provides a balanced risk-return profile. This diversification helps in achieving stable growth over the long term.

Sector and Market Capitalization
You have exposure to various sectors and market capitalizations. PSU, balanced, index, and small-cap funds cover different market segments. This diversification reduces the risk of poor performance in any single sector.

Recommendations for Improvement
Reducing Concentration Risk
Consider reducing reliance on sector-specific funds like PSU equity funds. Sector concentration can increase risk if the sector underperforms. Diversifying across more sectors can enhance stability.

Emphasizing Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform indices, leveraging expert insights. They adjust portfolios based on market conditions, potentially providing higher returns. Index funds, while stable, only match market performance.

Including Large and Mid-Cap Funds
Consider adding large and mid-cap funds to your portfolio. Large-cap funds offer stability through investments in established companies. Mid-cap funds provide growth potential with moderate risk.

Enhancing Debt Allocation
Adding more debt funds can increase stability in your portfolio. Debt funds offer consistent returns with lower risk. This helps balance the high volatility of equity funds.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides professional guidance. CFPs tailor investment strategies to your goals and risk tolerance. This expertise ensures a well-balanced and effective portfolio.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds lack professional oversight, making informed decisions challenging. Regular funds offer the benefit of expert advice, optimizing investment outcomes. Professional guidance helps in navigating market complexities.

Periodic Portfolio Review
Regular Monitoring
Regularly reviewing your portfolio ensures it remains aligned with your goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time. Periodic reviews help in making necessary adjustments.

Rebalancing Investments
Rebalancing maintains your desired asset allocation. It involves adjusting your portfolio to restore balance, optimizing performance. Regular rebalancing ensures your investments are on track.

Building an Emergency Fund
Financial Security
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund before increasing investments. This fund should cover at least six months of living expenses. It provides a financial cushion, preventing the need to liquidate investments prematurely.

Understanding Tax Implications
Tax Efficiency
Understanding tax implications helps in maximizing returns. Some mutual funds offer tax benefits, enhancing post-tax returns. Consulting a tax expert or a Certified Financial Planner can optimize your investment strategy.

Conclusion
Your investment strategy is commendable, reflecting a mix of growth and stability. Diversifying further and leveraging professional guidance can enhance your portfolio. Regular reviews will ensure your investments remain aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 18, 2024Hindi
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Sir my son in 2009 invested in Mutual fund rs.5000/- and again rs.5000/- another in 2011 total rs.10,000/- with Reliance mutuval funds later this company changed in the name of Nippon India private limite. My son at the of investments he had Old PAN no. Later on job purpose gone abroad and settled. He came in 2019 and submitted redeem his units say 2250 units currenly valued rs. 50,000 above . His application was rejected at first Old PAN Card not surrendered so he surrendered same with original attached with NRE status PAN and submitted agiain who they says You have to link his Aadhar card. He is not in a position to obtain this because he may get citizenship. I referred to SEBI and RBI to intervene but no response from them Please guide me how to redeem and get my son’s investments which I require for my ailing age of 78. Thanks in advance If you require his PAN no surrendered and obtained new NRE status PAN no.
Ans: Since your son cannot link his Aadhaar due to his NRI status, the best approach would be to reach out directly to Nippon India Mutual Fund and explain the situation. You can request the redemption process based on his NRI PAN and KYC status without Aadhaar linking.

Here's what you can do:

Contact Nippon India: Explain that your son is an NRI and cannot obtain an Aadhaar card. Request guidance for an NRI-specific redemption process.

Submit an NRI KYC Update: Ensure that your son's new PAN and NRI status are updated in the KYC records with the fund house. This can be done via the KYC Registration Agency (KRA) or CAMS for mutual funds.

Alternative Contact: If there is no response from the fund house, consider contacting AMFI or SEBI again, providing all necessary documents.

These steps should help you resolve the issue and redeem the units without requiring Aadhaar linkage.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Money
Hello sir, With your earlier suggestion to achieve 5Cr for retirement and my 3yr old son's education, I'm planning the following monthly investment ( apart from current Parag, Nippon and Mirae investment of 10L+ 10L in PPF): Son's Parag: 8 My Parag:10 Mirae nifty ev & new age:30 Quant Infra:15 Nifty500 Manufacturing:10 Small cap:10 Mid cap:10 NPS vatsalaya:5(giving 25L) Term plan of 3Cr:8K Monthly in-hand savings:15k Plz suggest if I'm over diversifying & suggestion for small and mid cap fund
Ans: You have a good balance between long-term goals, such as retirement and your son's education, with monthly investments across multiple funds.

Investing Rs 15,000 of monthly savings alongside current investments and having Rs 10 lakh each in Parag and PPF is commendable. This shows discipline in securing your financial future.

Portfolio Overview
Let’s assess the diversification of your portfolio:

Son's Parag: Rs 8,000/month
This could be a good long-term investment for your child's future.

Your Parag: Rs 10,000/month
This adds value to your retirement goal.

Mirae Nifty EV & New Age: Rs 30,000/month
Investing Rs 30,000 in a thematic fund is a bold move. However, ensure this is for the long-term, as sector-specific funds can be volatile.

Quant Infra: Rs 15,000/month
Infrastructure is a good bet for growth in India. However, similar to thematic funds, it can be cyclical.

Nifty500 Manufacturing: Rs 10,000/month
Manufacturing is an essential part of India’s growth story. Still, its performance can depend on broader economic factors.

Small Cap: Rs 10,000/month
Small caps provide high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Keep a horizon of at least 7-10 years.

Mid Cap: Rs 10,000/month
Mid-cap investments are good for growth, but they too require a longer horizon.

NPS Vatsalaya: Rs 5,000/month
A good addition for retirement, as it provides long-term benefits and pension security.

Term Plan of Rs 3 crore: Rs 8,000 premium
This is a necessary expense to ensure your family’s financial security in your absence.

Assessing Over-Diversification
While diversification reduces risk, too much of it can dilute returns. Your portfolio seems slightly over-diversified.

Consider reducing thematic exposure (Mirae Nifty EV & Quant Infra) as they make up a large portion of your investments.

It might be more beneficial to concentrate on core funds like small caps, mid caps, large caps, and a flexi-cap fund for diversification across market caps without the risks of being overly thematic.

Small Cap and Mid Cap Suggestions
For small cap funds, consider selecting ones with a consistent performance history and a good track record in handling market volatility.

For mid cap funds, those that have shown steady growth across different market conditions will be a safer bet for building long-term wealth.

Instead of focusing on individual scheme names, select funds with a solid investment team, strong processes, and consistent performance.

Direct vs Regular Funds
Switching to Direct Funds might seem like a good idea due to the lower expense ratio. However, this shift means losing the valuable guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can help you optimize your investments over time.

By sticking with Regular Funds through a professional MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor), you get personalized advice, monitoring of your investments, and support with tax-saving strategies. Regular funds also provide better handholding, which is crucial in volatile times.

Disadvantages of DIY Platforms
Platforms like MF Central or Zerodha may look attractive for their lower fees, but they have their drawbacks:

Complexity: Managing your portfolio without professional help can be complicated, especially when it comes to tracking performance, rebalancing, or adjusting investments based on changing goals.

Lack of Tax Optimization: Without professional guidance, you may not optimize for taxes, potentially losing out on gains.

No Personalized Advice: Unlike a Certified Financial Planner, DIY platforms will not provide you with tailored advice for your financial goals, leaving you to manage everything yourself.

Long-Term Return Expectations
Your current mutual funds are performing well, but you must be prepared for market volatility. While returns can be 20% in short-term spurts, a more realistic long-term average would be around 12-15%. This will help in planning more effectively for your goals like your son’s education and your retirement corpus of Rs 5 crore.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach and allocation to mutual funds and NPS are excellent for long-term wealth building. However, fine-tuning your portfolio for better efficiency and consolidation will enhance your returns.

Review the Thematic Funds: Consider reducing your exposure to thematic funds like EV, infrastructure, and manufacturing. These sectors can be volatile and may require active monitoring.

Stick with Regular Funds through an MFD: While direct funds may seem appealing, sticking with regular funds and leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner ensures you won’t miss out on personalized advice and tax optimization.

Focus on Core Funds: Keep a balanced allocation towards small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds to ensure you cover different market cycles and benefit from market growth.

Adjusting for Volatility: Remember that 20% returns might not be sustainable over the long term. It's safe to plan for 12-15% average returns for your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

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I have ~40L in my portfolio and all my MF`s are Regular funds since I have been investing thru ICICIDirect. Now I want to start investing into Direct funds since I realize that Direct funds have lower Expense ratio. So I want to invest thru MFcentral or Zeroda. Now, my quesiton is: Is it a good idea to cancel my existing MF`s (not redeeming) in ICICIDirect and start new direct SIP`s ? Will I be loosing compounding effect of my existing regular MF`s? I dont want to redeem the SIP`s since it will incurr large LTCG taxes
Ans: It may seem tempting to switch to Direct Funds for the lower expense ratio, but there are key factors to consider before making the switch.

Here are a few points in favor of continuing with Regular Funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a professional Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

Value of Professional Advice
A professional MFD or CFP adds value by offering timely advice, portfolio reviews, and strategic changes based on market conditions and your financial goals. They help you stay focused on long-term plans and avoid emotional decisions.

Platforms like MF Central or Zerodha do not offer personalized advice. You’re left managing the complexities of your portfolio alone, which can be overwhelming and risky, especially during volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Direct Platforms
MF Central and Zerodha are DIY (Do-It-Yourself) platforms. While the lower expense ratio seems appealing, managing the portfolio on your own requires time, expertise, and market insight. Any wrong move could cost you more than you save in expense ratio.

MF Central is not user-friendly and does not offer real-time support for managing SIPs, rebalancing, or tracking your overall portfolio’s health.

Zerodha is a trading platform, but it doesn’t come with personalized advice. It lacks the long-term relationship benefits that an MFD or CFP provides, including goal-based planning and tax-efficient strategies.

Compounding Effect & Tax Implications
Cancelling your existing SIPs and switching to direct funds will not directly affect the compounding of your current investments. However, starting new SIPs in Direct Plans could lead to a disjointed investment strategy. You may also lose out on expert guidance that helps optimize the compounding effect through proper fund selection and market timing.

Switching to direct funds might seem cost-effective in the short run but could result in higher LTCG (Long Term Capital Gains) taxes if you later decide to rebalance your portfolio on your own without professional help.

Avoid Disruption
Switching platforms might disrupt your current portfolio management process like consolidated reports and capital gains tracking, which helps during tax filings. On DIY platforms, you will have to manage all of this yourself.

If you are not satisfied with ICICIDirect's services, you can always switch to another professional MFD or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A good MFD will still provide the benefits of seamless portfolio management, including consolidated reports, capital gains tracking, and regular reviews, which are critical during tax filings and for keeping your investments aligned with your goals.

Final Thought
Instead of switching to direct plans, continue with Regular Plans through a professional MFD or CFP. The personalized advice you receive will often outweigh the slight difference in expense ratio. Regular reviews, goal setting, and rebalancing help ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your long-term objectives.

Making hasty decisions based on expense ratio alone can lead to missed opportunities and higher risks in the long run.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

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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