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What's the best equity fund to invest in with ₹5 lakhs?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 17, 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
Yoosuf Question by Yoosuf on Feb 14, 2025Hindi
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I have five lakhs for investment. Can you suggest an equity fund that will give me better return than the FDs?

Ans: Investing Rs 5 lakh in equity funds can provide better returns than fixed deposits over the long term. However, equity investments come with market risks. Below is a detailed approach to selecting the right fund.

Assessing Your Investment Goals
Define your investment horizon. Longer horizons reduce risk.

Identify your risk tolerance. Equity funds can fluctuate in the short term.

Decide whether you need liquidity or can stay invested for years.

Understanding Equity Fund Options
Large-cap funds offer stability with moderate returns.

Flexi-cap funds balance risk and growth.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth but come with more volatility.

Sectoral or thematic funds are risky and should be avoided for core investments.

Recommended Fund Category
A well-diversified flexi-cap or large-cap fund is suitable.

These funds provide stability and better risk-adjusted returns.

Mid-cap allocation can be considered for a portion of the investment.

Lump Sum vs. Systematic Investment
Investing Rs 5 lakh in one go carries market timing risk.

A systematic transfer plan (STP) can reduce this risk.

STP gradually moves funds from debt to equity over a period of time.

Avoiding Index Funds
Index funds do not offer active risk management.

Actively managed funds aim to outperform benchmarks.

Active funds provide better long-term wealth creation.

Tax Considerations
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

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

Plan withdrawals to optimise tax liability.

Final Insights
Choose a flexi-cap or large-cap fund for stability and growth.

Avoid sectoral funds and index funds for core investments.

Use STP to reduce market timing risk.

Invest with a long-term perspective for wealth creation.

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  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 2024

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Sir, I am 78 yrs. I have my present investments in FD about 60 lacs fetching around 8% p.m. I need atleast 10- 12 % return to match my budget. What or which mutual fund and scheme , I need to pursue . Pls advise me , I will be thankful.
Ans: At 78, ensuring your investments provide a stable income is crucial. While FDs offer safety, they might not always provide the returns you desire, especially considering inflation and the need for higher returns to match your budgetary needs.

Considering your age and need for higher returns, you might want to consider Debt Mutual Funds or Balanced Advantage Funds. Debt Mutual Funds predominantly invest in fixed-income securities and can offer better returns than FDs with a moderate risk profile. On the other hand, Balanced Advantage Funds dynamically manage equity-debt mix based on market conditions, aiming for consistent returns.

However, Mutual Funds, even debt funds, come with some risk. They are subject to market fluctuations, and while they aim to provide better returns than FDs, they might not always guarantee fixed returns.

Given your situation, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner would be highly beneficial. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial needs, and recommend a suitable investment strategy tailored to your requirements.

Remember, while aiming for higher returns, it's also essential to maintain a balance between risk and returns, ensuring your investments align with your financial goals and peace of mind in retirement.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir i have 1.5 lakh to invest mutual fund. Kindly advise which fund good return
Ans: You have Rs. 1.5 lakhs to invest in mutual funds. You seek guidance on choosing the right funds for good returns.

Investment Goals and Risk Tolerance
1. Define Your Goals:

Clarify your financial goals. Are you saving for retirement, a child's education, or another purpose?

2. Assess Risk Tolerance:

Understand your risk tolerance. Higher risk can bring higher returns, but also potential losses.

Investment Strategy
1. Diversified Portfolio:

Diversify your investments. Spread across different types of funds to reduce risk.

2. Actively Managed Funds:

Choose actively managed funds. They often outperform index funds due to professional management.

3. Long-Term Horizon:

Invest for the long term. This can help you ride out market volatility and maximise returns.

Recommended Fund Categories
1. Equity Funds:

Equity funds can offer high returns. They invest in stocks of various companies. Suitable for long-term growth.

2. Debt Funds:

Debt funds are less risky. They invest in fixed-income securities. Provide stability and regular returns.

3. Balanced Funds:

Balanced funds mix equity and debt. They offer growth potential and stability. Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.

Suggested Allocation
1. Equity Fund Allocation:

Invest Rs. 75,000 in equity funds. Choose funds with a strong track record. These can provide high growth potential.

2. Debt Fund Allocation:

Invest Rs. 50,000 in debt funds. This ensures stability in your portfolio. These funds are less volatile.

3. Balanced Fund Allocation:

Invest Rs. 25,000 in balanced funds. This provides a mix of growth and stability. Suitable for moderate risk.

Why Avoid Index Funds
1. Lower Returns:

Index funds often have lower returns. Actively managed funds can outperform them.

2. Less Flexibility:

Index funds track a specific index. They lack the flexibility to adjust to market changes.

Why Choose Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
1. Professional Guidance:

Regular funds come with professional guidance. Certified Financial Planners can help you make informed decisions.

2. Better Management:

Regular funds are managed by experts. They adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Monitoring and Review
1. Regular Monitoring:

Monitor your investments regularly. Check performance and make necessary adjustments.

2. Annual Review:

Review your investment strategy annually. Assess if you are on track to meet your goals. Adjust your portfolio as needed.

Final Insights
Start by defining your goals and assessing your risk tolerance. Diversify your portfolio with equity, debt, and balanced funds. Avoid index funds due to lower returns. Choose regular funds for professional guidance and better management. Monitor your investments regularly and review them annually. This approach will help you achieve your financial goals and secure your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Janak

Janak Patel  |26 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 09, 2025

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One fincart advisor contacted me for giving me advise regarding mutual funds and investment of sector is fincart a good company or not to invest
Ans: Hi Sammer,

An adviser/company to be categories as good or not is a bit subjective. I say this because you may find people who have had a good experience with them and those who did not have a good one.

But let me try to help you with some pointers that can help you decide
1. Before asking what they can offer you, ask them - "What do you gain by becoming my advisor?" Their response will give you insight into their objectives. If its not clearly stated, then consider it a RED flag.
2. Are they going to advise based on your preferences or they have a selected list that you need to choose from. I have heard of adviser pushing different products without considering your preferences e.g. You prefer MF and they push ULIP, Regular MF vs Direct MF etc. This can include cross selling other products that they are servicing like insurance and pension products.
3. Inquire about their process of engagement before advising you. Will they consider your requirements and evaluate them and present options to choose or start by putting the options on table and recommending MFs without understanding your goals/requirements. Simple ask, so which is the best MF scheme to invest today. If they start listing them - RED flag.
4. How will they construct a portfolio for you, structure and number of schemes in it, will it have a strategy and objective to it. Or will they keep building it over time by adding new schemes as and when. A person once came to me with a portfolio of approx. 30 lakhs with over 30 MF schemes in it - RED flag. Going beyond 5-6 schemes needs to be reviewed thoroughly.
5. What are their processes for reviewing the performance of the portfolio/schemes and how do they provide recommendation for changes in the portfolio. Will they take into account tax impacts when recommending exits.
6. Will they aim to educate you in this whole process about various aspects so as to establish and enhance their engagement, trust and your own confidence in them.
7. Most important - Will it be a fee based engagement or a commission based. Typically fee based engagements should encourage customer's preferences e.g Direct MF, using client's Demat account etc and provide recommendations for customers requirement with alternatives and options. Even when you change a recommendation, they should educate you on its impact and recommend alternative to mitigate the impact. Commission based engagements are based on their earnings from your investment. Some times their approach is to add schemes based on commissions. But there are good advisors who will stay the course of a well constructed portfolio even in this model, having the customers interest at heart.

So do your own assessment of any advisor you engage with based on the above. You can add more points of evaluation based on your own experience and knowledge.
Remember Simple strategies are more often successful.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...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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