Hello Sir, I am 31 years old and just started my investments 3 months back (SIP) and in the beginning I invested the following amounts in the below mutual funds and the total investments as of now are:

1) Quant Multi Asset Fund - 4000
2) Quant Absolute Fund - 4000
3) Edelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund - 4000
4) ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund - 4000
5) ICICI Prudential Medium Term Bond Fund - 4000
6) Aditya Birla Sun Life Digital India Fund - 3500
7) Tata Digital India Fund - 3500
8) ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - 3500
9) Axis Strategic Bond Fund - 3000

After reevaluating my above investments I realised that this is not the correct mix and as a result I am going to modify my portfolio with the following changes. My investments are for a long time as I need to accumulate wealth.

ELSS --> Quant Tax Plan Direct Growth - 10000
Flexi Cap --> Quant Flexi Cap Direct Growth - 5000
Mid Cap -- PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Direct Growth - 5000
ETMoney Genius -- > 5000

Apart from above I am also investing in US stocks with an amount of 2000 per month

Please let me know if my above investments are appropriate or not and if there is any rebalancing or changes that needs to be made. Also I am planning to buy a house in the next 2-3 years so considering that I would need to make a down payment (20 - 25 Lakh) what all will be the changes required?

Ans: Please continue

Ans: Hello Madan Rao. Looking at your portfolio. I would advice reconsider your schemes of AXIS Bluechip Fund, HDFC Top 100 Fund & Kotak Flexi cap Fund to better alternative peer schemes.

 

Ans: Your current investment portfolio appears to be diversified across different market segments, which is a good strategy for long-term growth. However, it's essential to consider the risk associated with each segment and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Reviewing your portfolio regularly and making adjustments as needed can help maintain a balanced approach and optimize returns over time. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and objectives.

Ans: Hello Ravi & thanks for writing to me.

I see too many funds in your portfolio, which I believe can dilute your returns.

Given your age & objective, you may want to reconsider your investments in the Balanced Advantage Funds & Multi Asset Funds & instead start allocating to a multi cap fund.

I also notice investments in a PSU Equity Fund. While the PSU funds have given good returns recently, as thematic funds, you must not have a large chunk of your portfolio in them. Investing in thematic funds can generate alpha but thematic funds can also underperform.

If you can provide a percentage breakup of the investments, I may make other recommendations.

Ans: I appreciate your effort in building a structured investment portfolio. You have a good mix of asset classes. However, some refinements can improve returns and risk management.

Key Observations
You have a strong SIP commitment of Rs 1 lakh per month.

Your investment horizon is 7 years, which is medium-term.

Your risk appetite is moderate, but some holdings may not align.

Index funds and ETFs may limit your portfolio’s growth potential.

Issues in Your Current Portfolio
1. Over-Reliance on Index Funds
Index funds provide average market returns.

Actively managed funds can outperform in a 7-year horizon.

Index funds limit downside protection in volatile markets.

2. High Exposure to International Markets
Investing in global ETFs increases currency risk.

Your portfolio already has enough diversification within India.

Removing international exposure can simplify taxation.

3. Overlap in Large-Cap Allocation
Large-cap index funds and flexi-cap funds create redundancy.

A better option is an actively managed large-cap fund.

4. Conservative Hybrid Fund Allocation
Hybrid funds are good for capital preservation, but not for growth.

Your investment horizon is long enough for a pure equity approach.

Reducing this allocation can improve overall returns.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
1. Replace Index Funds with Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have historically outperformed index funds.

A well-managed large-cap and large & mid-cap fund will be better.

2. Reduce International Exposure
Exit from the international ETF.

Keep investments in strong Indian equity funds.

3. Optimise Large-Cap and Flexi-Cap Allocation
Replace index-based large-cap funds with top-performing active funds.

Continue flexi-cap investment but monitor fund performance.

4. Increase Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Allocation
Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth potential.

Increase allocation based on risk comfort.

5. Exit Hybrid Funds for Higher Growth
Shift hybrid fund allocation to mid-cap or flexi-cap funds.

This will ensure better long-term returns.

Suggested New SIP Allocation
Large-Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 (actively managed)

Large & Mid-Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 (actively managed)

Flexi-Cap Fund: Rs 25,000

Mid-Cap Fund: Rs 20,000

Small-Cap Fund: Rs 15,000

Gold ETF: Rs 5,000 (optional for diversification)

PPF and NPS: Continue existing contributions

This new allocation ensures higher growth while managing risk.

Final Insights
Replace index funds with actively managed funds.

Reduce international exposure to avoid currency risks.

Shift hybrid allocation to growth-focused funds.

Increase mid-cap and small-cap exposure for better returns.

Continue PPF and NPS as stable long-term investments.

This approach will improve returns while keeping risk moderate.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment