Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6995 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 07, 2024

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
D Question by D on Jun 02, 2024Hindi
Money

Dear Sir.. DPVN aged 43 investment in MF as follows 1. Kotak Multicap 5000pm since 2018 2. Canrobecco emerging equity 5000 pm since Jan 2022 3. DSP equity opportunity Rs 1000 pm since 2018 4. LIC large& Mid cap 2000 pm since 2018 5. LIC large cap Rs 2000 since 2018 6. SBI focussed equity 1000 pm 7. SBI blue chip 1000 pm 8 sbI magnum mid cap 1000 pm 9. SBI small & mid cap 1000 pm Last 4 years Should I review, continue? How would rate this folio. Please advice. DPVN 5

Ans: Dear DPVN,

Thank you for sharing the details of your mutual fund investments. I appreciate your commitment to securing your financial future. Let's carefully review your portfolio and explore opportunities for improvement. Your dedication to investing consistently is commendable and shows a strong commitment to your financial goals.

Reviewing Your Current Portfolio

Your portfolio includes a diverse mix of mutual funds. These funds span various categories, such as multicap, large cap, mid cap, and focused equity funds. This diversity helps spread risk across different market segments.

Here's a summary of your current investments:

Kotak Multicap Fund: Rs 5000 per month since 2018
Canara Robeco Emerging Equity Fund: Rs 5000 per month since January 2022
DSP Equity Opportunity Fund: Rs 1000 per month since 2018
LIC Large & Mid Cap Fund: Rs 2000 per month since 2018
LIC Large Cap Fund: Rs 2000 per month since 2018
SBI Focused Equity Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Small & Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1000 per month
Diversification and Overlap

Your portfolio demonstrates good diversification across different fund categories. However, it's essential to assess if there's any overlap in the underlying assets. Having too many funds within the same category can lead to redundancy, which may not provide additional diversification benefits.

For example, your investments in multiple large cap and mid cap funds could result in overlapping holdings. Evaluating each fund's portfolio can help determine if they're holding similar stocks. If significant overlap is found, consolidating these investments might simplify your portfolio without compromising diversification.

Performance Evaluation

Regularly reviewing the performance of your investments is crucial. Let's look at the historical performance of these funds since you started investing. Consistently underperforming funds should be reassessed.

Kotak Multicap Fund: Multicap funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. Reviewing its performance relative to its benchmark and peers will provide insights.
Canara Robeco Emerging Equity Fund: Emerging equity funds can be volatile but offer growth potential. Since you started in 2022, it's essential to monitor its performance closely.
DSP Equity Opportunity Fund: This fund's performance since 2018 should be reviewed. Equity opportunity funds aim for growth by investing in companies with potential.
LIC Large & Mid Cap Fund and LIC Large Cap Fund: Large and mid cap funds balance growth and stability. Reviewing their returns will indicate their performance.
SBI Focused Equity Fund: Focused funds hold a limited number of stocks, aiming for higher returns. Assess its performance for consistency.
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Blue chip funds invest in established companies. Evaluate its performance against other large cap funds.
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund and SBI Small & Mid Cap Fund: Mid and small cap funds can offer high growth but are riskier. Review their performance since inception.
Risk Assessment

Each fund category carries different levels of risk. Large cap funds tend to be more stable, while mid and small cap funds are more volatile but offer higher growth potential. Your portfolio's risk profile should align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Given your age (43), you likely have a mix of medium and long-term financial goals. Balancing risk and growth is key. Assess if your current mix aligns with your risk tolerance. If any funds seem too risky, consider reallocating to more stable options.

Expense Ratios and Fund Management

Expense ratios impact your returns. Lower expense ratios mean more of your money is working for you. Comparing the expense ratios of your funds with peers can identify cost-efficient options.

Actively managed funds, like those in your portfolio, involve fund managers making investment decisions. Evaluating the fund managers' track records can provide insights into their performance consistency.

Tax Efficiency

Tax efficiency is another important factor. Long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) applies to equity mutual funds held for over a year. Monitoring your portfolio's tax efficiency ensures you're optimizing returns while minimizing tax liabilities.

Benefits of Active Management

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection. While they come with higher fees compared to index funds, they offer potential for higher returns. Active fund managers can navigate market volatility, making informed decisions based on research and analysis.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds track a market index and aim to match its performance. While they have lower fees, they also limit the potential for outperformance. They can't adapt to market changes or economic shifts. For investors seeking higher returns, actively managed funds offer better opportunities, despite higher costs.

Assessing Direct vs. Regular Funds

Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios as they don't involve intermediaries. However, regular funds, invested through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), provide professional guidance. This advice can help in selecting the right funds and managing your portfolio effectively.

Direct funds may seem cost-effective, but the expertise of a CFP can lead to better-informed decisions. Regular funds ensure your investments are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. The additional cost of regular funds is justified by the personalized advice and management.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Periodic rebalancing aligns your portfolio with your investment strategy. Over time, some funds may perform better than others, skewing your allocation. Rebalancing ensures you're not overly exposed to any particular asset class.

Review your investments annually or semi-annually. This helps in making necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your financial goals. Selling overperforming assets and reinvesting in underperforming ones can help maintain your desired risk level.

Investment Strategy Moving Forward

To optimize your portfolio, consider the following steps:

Performance Review: Regularly review the performance of each fund. Replace consistently underperforming funds with better alternatives.

Reduce Overlap: Consolidate funds with significant overlap. This simplifies management and ensures better diversification.

Risk Alignment: Ensure your portfolio's risk profile aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Adjust allocations if necessary.

Expense Ratios: Compare expense ratios and opt for cost-efficient funds. Lower expenses contribute to higher net returns.

Professional Guidance: Leverage the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner for informed decisions and strategic planning.


It's understandable to feel overwhelmed with managing multiple investments. Your diligence in saving and investing is praiseworthy. A structured approach will simplify management and enhance returns. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio ensures you're on track to achieve your financial goals.

Final Insights

Your commitment to investing regularly in mutual funds is commendable. A strategic review and rebalancing of your portfolio will enhance its performance. Consolidating overlapping funds and ensuring alignment with your risk tolerance are key steps.

Regularly monitor your investments and seek professional guidance when needed. Your financial journey is unique, and tailored advice will help you navigate it effectively. With careful planning and periodic reviews, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6995 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
hello sir arun i am investing in SIP Rs 3000 for Nippon India small cap Fund DG and Rs 2000 HDFC N=Midcap Oppurtunity fund DG and Rs 2000 HDFC Small Cap Fund DG and Rs 1500 HDFC top 100 fund please check this folio is ok or chnage the MF if any please guide
Ans: Assessment of Current Mutual Fund Portfolio

Analyzing Investment Strategy:

Investing Rs. 3000 in Nippon India Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth), Rs. 2000 in HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund (Direct Growth), Rs. 2000 in HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth), and Rs. 1500 in HDFC Top 100 Fund (Direct Growth) reflects a diversified approach across small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap segments of the market.

Reviewing Fund Selection:

Nippon India Small Cap Fund:

Investing in a small-cap fund offers potential for high growth but comes with increased volatility. It's suitable for investors with a high-risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon.
HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund:

Mid-cap funds invest in companies with moderate market capitalization, offering a balance between growth potential and risk. They are suitable for investors seeking capital appreciation over the long term.
HDFC Small Cap Fund:

Similar to the Nippon India Small Cap Fund, HDFC Small Cap Fund focuses on investing in small-cap companies. It provides exposure to high-growth potential stocks but carries higher volatility.
HDFC Top 100 Fund:

Investing in a large-cap fund like HDFC Top 100 Fund provides stability and capital preservation. Large-cap stocks are less volatile and offer relatively stable returns compared to mid and small-cap stocks.
Suggested Changes or Adjustments:

Diversification Across Fund Houses:

Consider diversifying across different fund houses to mitigate concentration risk. Investing solely in HDFC funds may expose your portfolio to specific company or sector-related risks associated with HDFC's portfolio.
Evaluate Expense Ratios:

Compare the expense ratios of your current funds with similar funds from other fund houses. Lower expense ratios can lead to higher net returns over the long term.
Review Performance Consistency:

Evaluate the consistency of fund performance over different market cycles. Look for funds with a track record of delivering consistent returns relative to their benchmark indices.
Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD with CFP Credential:

Professional Guidance:

Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures access to professional guidance and expertise in creating a tailored investment plan aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Portfolio Customization:

A CFP can help customize your investment portfolio based on your unique financial situation, investment objectives, and time horizon.
Continuous Monitoring:

With regular funds investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), your portfolio is continuously monitored, and adjustments are made as needed to keep it aligned with your goals.
Conclusion:

Your current mutual fund portfolio showcases a diversified approach across different market segments. However, considering factors such as diversification across fund houses, expense ratios, and performance consistency, it may be beneficial to review and potentially adjust your portfolio under the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6995 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 22, 2024

Money
Seeking MF advice I'm planning to invest 15k per month for 10 yrs to secure buying a flat Here's the folio •Parag Parikh Flexi Cap 8k •HDFC Midcap Opp 2k •SBI Contra 2k •HDFC BAF 2.5k •Nippon Small Cap 0.5k Please review my folio and give suggestion
Ans: Your investment strategy for securing a flat within 10 years is well thought out. You have diversified across different types of mutual funds. This is important because it helps manage risks and increases the potential for returns over the long term. The mix of Flexi-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, balanced advantage, and contra funds shows an awareness of the need for diversification.

However, there are some areas that may need fine-tuning to ensure your portfolio is balanced and optimized for your goal of buying a flat. Let’s break down the various elements of your portfolio and offer some suggestions.

Portfolio Composition Analysis
Flexi-cap Allocation:
You are allocating Rs. 8,000 per month to a Flexi-cap fund. This type of fund is a good choice because it offers flexibility. The fund manager can move investments between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies depending on market conditions. This reduces risk and can potentially offer better returns over time.

However, it’s important to not over-allocate to any one fund. While Rs. 8,000 in a Flexi-cap is fine, you might consider balancing this allocation more evenly across different types of funds to further diversify your risk.

Mid-cap Allocation:
Your Rs. 2,000 monthly contribution to a mid-cap fund is a smart move. Mid-cap funds can offer higher returns than large-cap funds, especially over the long term. These funds invest in companies that are not yet industry giants but have significant growth potential.

Keep in mind that mid-cap funds can be volatile. They may see higher short-term fluctuations compared to large-cap funds, but over a 10-year horizon, they can offer strong returns. It’s a good choice for wealth creation over the long run.

Small-cap Allocation:
You are investing Rs. 500 per month in a small-cap fund. Small-cap funds tend to be highly volatile but can offer exceptional returns over the long term. Small-cap companies are smaller in market size but have significant growth potential. However, they are also more risky because they are vulnerable to market downturns.

Given that your goal is to secure funds for buying a flat, this small allocation is fine, but you might want to monitor it closely. Small-cap funds can experience severe market fluctuations, which may not align with your goal of securing funds within a 10-year timeframe.

Balanced Advantage Allocation:
The Rs. 2,500 you are allocating to a balanced advantage fund is a great way to reduce risk. These funds are designed to shift between equity and debt, depending on market conditions. This makes them less volatile than pure equity funds and a good option for conservative growth.

Since your goal is to secure a flat, having some allocation in a balanced advantage fund provides safety while still giving you exposure to equity.

Contra Fund Allocation:
Rs. 2,000 in a contra fund is an interesting choice. Contra funds invest in undervalued stocks and follow a contrarian investment style. These funds perform well in certain market conditions, but they may also see periods of underperformance.

Since this is a specialized strategy, you should make sure that you are comfortable with the higher risk that comes with contra funds. They may outperform in the long run, but they can also experience short-term dips.

Key Insights on Your Portfolio Choices
Diversification:
Your portfolio is well-diversified across different categories like Flexi-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, balanced advantage, and contra funds. This is crucial in managing risk. Each fund type will perform differently under various market conditions, which helps smooth out your overall returns.

Equity Exposure:
You have significant exposure to equity, which is essential for long-term wealth creation. Since you have a 10-year time frame, equity funds are a good option. However, be prepared for market volatility, especially during downturns.

Risk Management:
The balanced advantage fund brings some stability to your portfolio. You may want to increase the allocation to this type of fund as you get closer to your goal. This will reduce the impact of equity market volatility and help preserve the gains you've made.

Goal Alignment:
Your goal is to buy a flat in 10 years. While your current portfolio has potential for wealth creation, you should ensure that the risk level aligns with your goal. Higher-risk funds like small-cap and contra funds can offer high returns but may not be suitable for all investors aiming for a fixed goal like buying property.

Suggestions for Improving Your Portfolio
Consider Adjusting the Flexi-cap Allocation:
While Flexi-cap funds are great for flexibility, allocating more than 50% of your portfolio to one type of fund may expose you to concentration risk. You might consider reducing this allocation slightly and reallocating it to other fund types like large-cap or balanced advantage funds to bring more stability.

Increase Allocation to Balanced Advantage Funds:
As you approach your goal of buying a flat, preserving capital becomes more important. You might consider increasing your Rs. 2,500 monthly allocation to balanced advantage funds. These funds offer protection against downside risk and provide a balance between equity and debt.

Review Contra Fund Exposure:
Contra funds follow a contrarian strategy, which might not always align with short-term goals. While they can provide good long-term returns, they may also underperform during certain market conditions. Consider whether this Rs. 2,000 allocation is in line with your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Monitor Small-cap Fund Performance:
Small-cap funds can offer excellent returns, but they are also highly volatile. If you’re comfortable with this risk, continue your Rs. 500 investment. However, if you prefer a more stable return, you could consider reallocating this amount to a less volatile fund like a large-cap or a balanced fund.

Rebalance Regularly:
Since your goal is 10 years away, it’s important to review and rebalance your portfolio every year. As you get closer to your goal, gradually shift from high-risk funds to safer investments like debt funds or balanced advantage funds to protect your capital.

Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Active management plays a crucial role in your portfolio. While index funds merely track the market, actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. This is especially important when investing in specialized strategies like Flexi-cap, mid-cap, and contra funds. The expertise of a Certified Financial Planner can help you navigate market conditions and make informed decisions based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
If you’re investing through direct funds, you might want to reconsider and opt for regular funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Direct funds have lower costs, but they require more involvement from the investor. Regular funds, though slightly more expensive, come with professional advice and monitoring. This can be invaluable, especially when managing a diversified portfolio for a specific goal like buying a flat.

A Certified Financial Planner can help guide your investment strategy and provide timely advice on when to make changes to your portfolio. This ensures that your investments are aligned with your life goals and changing market conditions.

Finally
Your current portfolio is well-diversified and has the potential for strong growth. However, some adjustments might help align it more closely with your goal of buying a flat in 10 years. Consider reducing exposure to higher-risk funds like contra and small-cap funds and reallocating more towards balanced advantage or large-cap funds as you near your goal.

It’s important to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio, especially as you approach your financial goal. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide the expertise and advice needed to make sure your investments are on track to meet your objective.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_investment_planners/

..Read more

Latest Questions
Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |19 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 08, 2024

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |19 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 08, 2024

Listen
Career
I am engineer with 16 years of IT experience and now a break of 11 yrs. But in 11 yrs I had been taking Quantitative aptitude lectures as a visiting faculty in various engineering and MBA colleges and also done Mutual fund certification. I haven't been siting but doing many things professionally in last 11 yrs(In my subject of interest as Maths, Teaching, Finance, Accounting, Wealth Management). I was thinking of doing ESG certification. What kind of role I would get if i am CFA ESG certified.I am looking for Professionally and intellectually engaging role where I can contribute to Society. Not a very NGO type( I have tried working with few NGO's)
Ans: I won't recommend you to go for ESG certification unless you are having a background of Env. Engg and Environmental Impact Assessment. The certificate course of ESG is costly also. I would request you to open your own academy ( if off line not possible then online) and go for only one subject. Let me know your age.Focus only on one subject. You have explored many areas and now you are perplexed. Here the questions are assigned to me through rediffmail. So second time whether your question will come to me or not is not known to anyone of us. Due to the policy I can’t share my email ID and Phone Number. But I would request you to follow me in LINKEDIN and send request so that I can accept you, then through LINKEDIN I can counsel you in the future multiple times. Through LINKEDIN I will be readily and easily accessible. I have counselled and changed thousands of lives. As long as I am there I won’t allow you to be defeated. Mind that always I am there with you like an invisible shadow to show you the right career path.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x