Confused About SIP in Quant Small & Midcap: Should I Continue or Stop?

Ans: These are good funds; please continue

Ans: I recommend continuing with the "Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund" & "Parag Parikh Flexicap Fund" as these funds have good track record of performance and has generated returns that are above the benchmark index over a long period of time.

However, I recommend you to discontinue your investments in the following funds:

1. Axis Long Term Equity Fund- This fund has shown inconsistency in returns over a period of time and shows inconsistency in returns and its performance in comparison to its peers.

2. Nippon India Pharma Fund and Tata Digital India Fund- These are sectoral funds, which means that they invest in companies belonging to a single sector, pharma and technology respectively. Sectoral funds are exposed to higher risk than diversified funds, as their performance depends on the performance of a single sector. Additionally, sectoral funds are unlikely to generate returns that are significantly higher than the benchmark index, as they are passively managed and track a sector index.

Ans: Hello and thanks for writing to me.

Small cap funds are good choices if your time horizon is long & you are fine with bearing the risks of investing in small cap funds.

Both Kotak Small Cap Fund & Quant Small Cap Fund are finely managed funds with different fund management styles. You can consider evaluating the portfolios with other relevant documents of each scheme to understand which scheme suits you best.

Ans: what is your vision behind investing and how long are you going to invest?

Ans: First of all, commendations on your dedication to investing and planning for your financial future. Your efforts in consistently investing through SIPs are commendable. I understand your concern regarding the recent SEBI news about Quant Mutual Funds. Let’s address your queries and develop a comprehensive approach to your investment strategy.

Current SIP Investments
Your commitment to Rs 60,000 in SIPs over the last year is a strong start. SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging and can help in building a substantial corpus over time.

Evaluating Recent Investments
Given your recent start with Quant Mid Cap and Quant Large & Mid Cap funds, and the news about SEBI’s stance on Quant MF, your concerns are valid. Here’s a detailed analysis:

Market and Regulatory Sentiments: Regulatory actions can sometimes create uncertainty. However, it’s important to understand the specifics of SEBI's concerns and how they might impact the fund's performance and management.

Fund Performance: Before making any decisions, evaluate the historical performance of these funds. Look at their consistency, returns, and how they have managed risks.

Fund Management: Assess the expertise and track record of the fund managers. Effective management can often navigate through regulatory and market challenges.

Deciding on Continuation or Stopping SIPs
Continue Monitoring
Your decision to continue with the two existing funds while monitoring the situation is prudent. Here’s why:

Long-Term Perspective: Equity investments, especially in mutual funds, are meant for the long term. Short-term fluctuations or news should not drastically impact long-term strategies.

Performance Review: Regularly review the performance of these funds over the next 6-12 months. Evaluate them against their benchmarks and peer funds.

Adjust if Needed: If you notice consistent underperformance or if regulatory issues significantly impact the fund, consider reallocating to more stable funds.

New SIP in Quant ELSS
Considering the SEBI news, it’s understandable to be cautious about starting a new SIP in Quant ELSS. Here’s an alternative approach:

Diversification: Instead of putting all your SIPs in Quant funds, consider diversifying across different fund houses. This spreads your risk and can provide stability.

Evaluate Other ELSS Funds: Look for other ELSS funds with strong track records, good management, and consistent performance. ELSS not only offers tax benefits but also has the potential for good long-term returns.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are beneficial for several reasons:

Expertise: Fund managers actively make decisions to maximize returns and minimize risks.

Flexibility: These funds can adapt to changing market conditions, unlike index funds which replicate market performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
While direct funds have lower expense ratios, there are notable disadvantages:

Lack of Professional Guidance: Without a Certified Financial Planner, managing direct funds can be challenging.

Time-Consuming: Monitoring and adjusting investments require significant time and expertise.

Recommended Strategy for Your SIPs
Diversified Portfolio
A well-diversified portfolio across different fund categories can enhance returns and reduce risks. Consider these steps:

Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies with a stable growth trajectory.

Mid Cap Funds: They invest in medium-sized companies with potential for high growth.

Small Cap Funds: Suitable for aggressive investors, these funds can offer high returns but come with higher risks.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds: These funds offer a mix of equity and debt, providing stability and growth.

Regular Reviews
Schedule regular reviews with your Certified Financial Planner to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals and market conditions. Adjustments may be necessary based on performance and market changes.

Building a Robust Investment Plan
Your goal should be to build a robust investment plan that can withstand market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Here’s how:

Emergency Fund
Maintain your emergency fund of Rs 15 lakhs. This provides a safety net for unexpected expenses and ensures you don’t have to dip into your investments prematurely.

Goal-Based Investments
Children’s Education: Continue investing through SIPs in diversified equity funds for long-term growth. This will help accumulate the required corpus for their education.

Retirement Planning: Invest in aggressive growth funds for your retirement goal. Starting early and maintaining consistency will leverage the power of compounding.

Importance of Staying Informed
Stay informed about market trends and regulatory changes. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and adapt to changes effectively.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner can provide invaluable guidance. They can:

Customise Portfolio: Tailor your investments based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor your portfolio and make necessary adjustments.

Risk Management: Help you navigate market and regulatory risks effectively.

Final Insights
Your proactive approach to investing is commendable. Continuously monitoring and reviewing your investments is crucial. While the SEBI news about Quant MF is concerning, maintaining a long-term perspective is important. Diversify your portfolio to mitigate risks and ensure you are investing in well-managed funds.

Stay informed, regularly review your portfolio, and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner. This comprehensive approach will help you achieve your financial goals and secure your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in