Hi sir hope alls well with you and your family. Sir i hav a simple question . Can we invest 10,000 sip per month in HDFC NFO which is based on defence theme

Ans: Sectoral funds, also known as sector-specific funds, are equity mutual funds that invest at least 80% of their net assets in companies operating within a specific industry or sector of the economy. Examples include banking, technology, healthcare, or infrastructure.

Lumpsum investment in NFO: Since NFO is New Fund Offer so you avail the initial NAV (Net Asset Value) of the fund, which could be beneficial if the NAV increases later. Being a new fund, it doesn't have a track record to assess its performance. The banking sector can be volatile, so you need to be prepared for potential fluctuations in the fund's value. It's important to monitor the fund's performance and periodically re-evaluate your investment based on its track record.

SIP of Rs. 2000/- per month: As Sectoral funds focus on a specific sector or industry, such as technology, commodity, banking & finance, healthcare, or energy and thereby contains the concentration risk and is very cyclical in nature and it is difficult to predict which sector will perform and how long.
Considering the risk to reward ratio, we suggest you to discontinue the investments in this fund.

Ans: Investing in sectoral funds like HDFC Defence Fund can indeed be riskier compared to diversified equity funds because they focus on specific sectors or industries. Sectoral funds tend to be more volatile and susceptible to fluctuations in the particular sector they are invested in. Therefore, it's essential to consider your risk tolerance and investment objectives carefully before investing in such funds. Additionally, ensure that the investment aligns with your overall investment strategy and portfolio diversification goals. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide valuable insights into whether this fund is suitable for your investment needs.

Ans: Your interest in investing in the HDFC Manufacturing Fund New Fund Offer (NFO) is commendable. It’s crucial to evaluate such investments carefully, especially when considering sectoral funds and NFOs. Let’s explore the potential downsides of NFOs and sectoral funds and understand why you might want to consider other options.

Firstly, your proactive approach to increasing your investment amount annually by 10% to 15% is excellent. This strategy reflects a commitment to growing your wealth systematically.

Understanding NFOs
Lack of Performance History
One of the primary disadvantages of investing in NFOs is the lack of a performance track record. Unlike established funds, NFOs do not have historical data to demonstrate how they perform across different market cycles. This makes it challenging to gauge their potential for future returns.

Marketing Hype
NFOs are often heavily marketed, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. However, this hype can overshadow the fund’s actual investment strategy and potential risks. Investors might get swayed by marketing campaigns without fully understanding the implications of their investment.

Initial Costs
NFOs sometimes come with initial costs, such as entry loads, which can eat into your returns. Established funds often have lower expense ratios and no entry loads, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

Disadvantages of Sectoral Funds
High Risk and Volatility
Sectoral funds, like the HDFC Manufacturing Fund, focus on a specific industry. This concentration can lead to high risk and volatility. If the manufacturing sector faces a downturn, your entire investment could be adversely affected. Diversification is limited, increasing the impact of sector-specific risks.

Lack of Diversification
Sectoral funds do not offer the broad diversification found in multi-cap or flexi-cap funds. Investing heavily in one sector means your portfolio is not protected against risks in that particular sector. Diversified funds spread investments across various sectors, reducing overall risk.

Economic Cycles Impact
Sectoral funds are highly sensitive to economic cycles. The manufacturing sector, for example, can be significantly affected by economic downturns, changes in government policies, and global market conditions. This sensitivity can lead to unpredictable returns.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Investment Horizon
Given your plan to invest for two years and then increase your investment annually, it’s essential to align your strategy with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Sectoral funds are generally more suitable for experienced investors with a higher risk appetite and a longer investment horizon.

Consider Diversified Funds
Instead of sectoral funds, consider investing in diversified equity funds. These funds spread your investment across various sectors and companies, providing better risk management and potentially more stable returns. Diversified funds can include large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering a balanced approach.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals. A CFP can provide personalized recommendations based on your risk profile and investment objectives.

Conclusion
Investing in NFOs and sectoral funds comes with significant risks due to the lack of performance history, high volatility, and limited diversification. Instead, consider diversified equity funds for a more balanced and stable investment approach. Your proactive strategy of increasing investment annually is commendable, and with the right guidance, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello, I prefer to take some exposure in thematic funds after a person has created enough capital in basic funds like mid cap , small cap , multi cap , etc as these funds are bottom up approach whereas thematic funds are top to bottom approach. Hence themes should only be 10-15% of your portfolio and should be reviewed or watched closely.
If you intend to do an sip of 10K , you should add 3k in mid cap , 3k in small cap , 2k in multi cap and 2k in defence fund.

Let me know your thoughts on the same
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