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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
SREEKANTH Question by SREEKANTH on May 16, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

how to analyse and choose a best mutual fund scheme in equity segment like large, mid, small, flexi cap etc

Ans: Analysing and Choosing the Best Mutual Fund Scheme
Understanding Your Investment Goals
To choose the best mutual fund, start by understanding your financial goals. Consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives.

Types of Equity Mutual Funds
Large-Cap Funds:

Invest in large, well-established companies with stable returns.
Suitable for conservative investors seeking steady growth.
Mid-Cap Funds:

Invest in mid-sized companies with potential for high growth.
Suitable for investors willing to take moderate risk for higher returns.
Small-Cap Funds:

Invest in small companies with high growth potential.
Suitable for aggressive investors willing to take high risks.
Flexi-Cap Funds:

Invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies.
Suitable for investors seeking diversification and flexibility.
Criteria for Selecting Mutual Funds
Performance History:

Look for consistent performance over 5-10 years.
Compare with benchmark indices and peers.
Expense Ratio:

Lower expense ratios can increase your returns over time.
Compare the expense ratios of similar funds.
Fund Manager's Track Record:

Assess the experience and performance of the fund manager.
Consistent fund manager performance is a positive indicator.
Portfolio Composition:

Review the fund's holdings and sector allocation.
Ensure diversification and alignment with your risk tolerance.
Fund Size:

Larger funds may offer stability but can be less flexible.
Smaller funds can be more nimble but may carry higher risk.
Risk and Return Analysis
Standard Deviation:

Measures the fund's volatility. Lower standard deviation indicates less risk.
Sharpe Ratio:

Measures risk-adjusted returns. Higher Sharpe ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance.
Alpha:

Measures the fund's excess return relative to the benchmark. Positive alpha indicates better performance.
Beta:

Measures the fund's sensitivity to market movements. Lower beta indicates less risk.
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Choosing the best mutual fund requires thorough analysis and understanding. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide professional insights tailored to your needs.

Personalized Advice:

A CFP can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals.
Expert Analysis:

Benefit from their expertise in analyzing fund performance, risk factors, and market trends.
Regular Reviews:

A CFP will regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and market conditions.
Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD
Professional Guidance:

MFDs offer expert advice and personalized service, helping you make informed decisions.
Convenience:

MFDs handle all administrative tasks, making the investment process smoother.
Tailored Recommendations:

MFDs provide tailored investment recommendations based on your risk profile and financial goals.
Conclusion
Choosing the best mutual fund in the equity segment requires careful consideration of various factors. By understanding your investment goals and analyzing fund performance, you can make informed decisions.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner and investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor can provide professional guidance and tailored recommendations, ensuring your investments align with your financial objectives.

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

Moneywize

Moneywize   | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 03, 2024

Listen
Money
Which are the top-performing mutual funds in the current market? How do I know which mutual fund scheme suits my risk profile?
Ans: Determining the best mutual funds to invest in depends on various factors including your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and market conditions. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer as what might be the best for one person may not suit another.

Also, past market performance should not be the sole criteria for investing in market funds because such investments are subject to market risk.

But here’s a checkpoint to identify funds which match your risk profile:

• Understand Your Risk Tolerance: Assess how comfortable you are with the possibility of losing money in the short term. If you're comfortable with fluctuations for potentially higher returns, you might have a higher risk tolerance.
• Consider Investment Goals: Are you investing for retirement, short-term gains, or long-term wealth accumulation? Your goals will influence the type of funds you choose.
• Analyse Fund Characteristics: Look at factors like the fund's historical performance, expense ratio, asset allocation, and investment strategy. Funds that have performed consistently well might be worth considering.
• Diversification: Spread your investments across various asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, gold, silver, etc.) to mitigate risk.
• Consult a Financial Advisor: If you're unsure about your risk tolerance or which funds align with your goals, seek advice from a financial advisor.

Commonly, mutual funds are categorised based on risk profiles:

• Equity Funds: These are generally riskier but offer higher growth potential. They invest in stocks and are suitable for investors with a higher risk tolerance and a longer investment horizon.
• Debt Funds: These are less risky as they invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They're suitable for investors with lower risk tolerance and those seeking steady income.
• Balanced/Hybrid Funds: These maintain a mix of stocks and bonds, offering a balance between growth and income. They can suit moderate risk tolerance.
• Index Funds: These replicate a market index (like the S&P 500), providing diversified exposure at lower costs. They tend to have moderate risk.

Each fund has its own risk level within these categories, so it's important to review the fund's prospectus and historical performance to align it with your risk tolerance.

Lastly, keep in mind that while historical performance can indicate a fund's potential, it's not a guarantee of future returns. Regularly reviewing your investments and adjusting them as your financial situation or goals change is essential.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1618 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1618 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

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