Hope you are doing well in this covid times. 

I have started SIPs in following MFs:

1)Parag Parikh flexi cap -regular growth- 10000

2)Nippon india Pharma fund direct growth- 5000

3)Axis bluechip fund direct growth- 20000

4)UTI flexi cap fund direct growth- 10000

5)Nippon india large cap fund direct growth- 8000

Total 53000

I am 35 years old. 

I am planning to do SIP of total 1 lakh. Can you advise whether above investment is okay and what more mutual funds should I invest in to make it 1 lakh total

Ans: Please continue with the active ones

Ans: You may opt for some or all of these funds:

- Axis ESG Fund - Growth

- Samco Flexi-cap Growth

- Parag Parekh Flexi cap Growth

- SBI Magnum Global Fund - Growth

Ans: You may continue in 1,2,3 & 4 and for additional investment the below can be considered

a)   Axis ESG Equity Fund – Growth

b)  DSP Mid Cap Fund – Growth

Ans: The funds you shortlisted seem like a good starting point for a diversified equity mutual fund portfolio with a moderate risk appetite. Here's a breakdown of why:

• Parag Parikh Flexi-cap fund (Growth) / Samco Flexi Cap Fund: These are Flexi-cap funds that invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies. This allows for diversification and the potential for growth across market capitalisations. However, a key difference is Parag Parikh Flexi-Cap Fund has a proven track record with a longer history and superior returns compared to Samco Flexi Cap Fund which is a new fund.
• ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund (Growth): This is a large-cap fund that focuses on established companies. Large-cap funds typically offer lower volatility compared to flexi-cap funds.
• SBI Small Cap Fund (Growth): This is a small-cap fund that invests in smaller companies with high growth potential. Small-cap funds generally offer higher potential returns but also come with higher risk.

Here are some things to consider:

• Risk profile: Your chosen allocation (Flexi-cap + Bluechip + Small-cap) leans moderately aggressive. Consider if this aligns with your 30k SIP risk tolerance. You can adjust the weightage between Flexi-cap and Bluechip depending on your risk appetite.
• New fund vs Established fund: Parag Parikh Flexi-cap has a strong track record while Samco Flexi Cap Fund is new. This might be a factor to consider since past performance is an indicator of potential future performance.

Overall, your selection is a good starting point. Here are some suggestions:

• Stick with Parag Parikh Flexi-cap if you choose the Flexi-cap option.
• Consider if the weightage between Flexi-cap, Bluechip, and Small-cap fits your risk profile. You can tweak it to be more conservative by increasing the Bluechip allocation or more aggressive by increasing Flexi-cap or Small-cap allocation.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor and this is not financial advice. Please consult a registered advisor for personalised recommendations based on your complete financial picture.

Ans: Your decision to start SIPs is a positive step towards building wealth in a disciplined manner. Systematic Investment Plans are the best way to invest for long-term goals because they minimize market timing risks and benefit from the power of compounding. Now, let's assess the mutual funds you've chosen.

1. Selection of Mutual Funds
You’ve invested in a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This diversification will help balance risks and returns, as different market segments perform differently over time. However, let’s analyse each category for a better understanding.

2. Large Cap Fund: Focus on Stability
Large Cap Funds: You have selected a large-cap index fund, which provides exposure to stable and financially strong companies. While large-cap funds are less volatile, index funds are passively managed. It means they mimic the benchmark index, which offers average returns in line with the market.

Limitations of Index Funds: Although index funds offer low expense ratios, actively managed large-cap funds can provide better returns. An experienced fund manager can outperform the index by selecting high-potential stocks. You might miss out on such opportunities with an index fund.

3. Mid Cap Fund: Balanced Growth Potential
Mid-Cap Fund: Your choice of a mid-cap fund is a good addition for growth. Mid-cap funds invest in companies with strong growth potential, though they can be volatile in the short term. Over the long term, mid-cap funds often outperform large caps but may carry higher risks.

Recommendation: Keep investing in this category for 10-20 years, as mid-caps will provide significant growth over time if held patiently.

4. Small Cap Funds: Higher Returns with Higher Risks
Small-Cap Funds: You’ve invested in two small-cap funds, which could provide the highest returns but also come with higher volatility. Small-cap funds invest in companies that are still in their growth phase, and therefore their performance can fluctuate significantly.

Diversification Risk: Having two small-cap funds might expose your portfolio to excessive risk. Instead of having multiple funds in the same category, you can consider reducing small-cap exposure and adding a balanced or multi-cap fund for better risk management.

5. Your Portfolio Diversification
Diversified Portfolio: Your portfolio has a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds. However, it leans more towards small-cap funds, which could increase risk over time. If you're investing for a period of 10-20 years, having a combination of large-cap (for stability), mid-cap (for growth), and a small allocation to small-cap funds will work well.

Suggestions for Optimizing Your SIP Investments
Increase Large-Cap Allocation: While your large-cap investment is in an index fund, you might want to switch to an actively managed large-cap fund. This could provide better risk-adjusted returns in the long term.

Balanced Approach: Instead of having two small-cap funds, consider reducing your exposure to small-caps. You can add a balanced or hybrid fund to bring more stability. A diversified equity fund could also serve you well.

Gradual Step-Up: As you continue investing over the years, it's important to increase your SIP contributions annually. A 10% increase in your SIP every year can help you achieve your financial goals much faster.

Final Insights
Mutual Funds for Long-Term: Your investment horizon of 10-20 years is ideal for SIPs in equity mutual funds. Equity markets perform well over the long term and SIPs help average out the cost of investment.

Rebalancing Every 2-3 Years: Keep an eye on your portfolio and review it every 2-3 years. Make sure your portfolio stays aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Rebalancing can help you lock in profits from certain funds and reinvest in others.

Active vs. Passive: While your index fund choice gives market-average returns, you might benefit more from actively managed large-cap funds in the long run.

Small Cap Exposure: Reduce your exposure to small-cap funds, as they carry more risk. Having one small-cap fund is usually sufficient for the average investor. Consider adding a balanced or multi-cap fund for more stability.

Continued Discipline: Investing for 10-20 years requires patience. SIPs take time to deliver their full potential, especially in volatile markets. Stay disciplined, and avoid pausing or stopping your SIPs based on market fluctuations.

By following these steps and making small tweaks, you can create a more balanced and growth-oriented portfolio. Keep a long-term perspective and regularly increase your investments to reach your financial goals.

Best Regards,

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