Below is the portfolio for all my goals. I am 46 years old, moderate risk taker and new to mutual funds. Kindly review and conclude, if the below portfolio is fine to proceed and suggest me if any modifications is required.
Portfolio - Daughter's Marriage and Son's Education, Time Horizon: 7 years
45% Nippon India Nifty 50 index Fund
15% Kotak Nifty next 50 index fund
15% Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund
25% Axis Corporate Bond fund
Portfolio - Retirement, Time Horizon: 10 years, planning to introduce debt at the start of 6th year, thus by reducing equity every year.
55% Nippon India Nifty 50 index Fund
15% Kotak Nifty next 50 index fund
15% Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150 Index fund
15% Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund
Portfolio - Buying car/Wealth Creation, Time Horizon: 7 years
50% Nippon India Nifty 50 index Fund
30% Mirae asset aggressive hybrid fund
20% ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond fund Direct plan Growth
Ans: You have created a goal-based portfolio with clear time horizons and objectives. Your focus on mutual funds is a good step, but a few changes can improve efficiency and alignment with your goals. Below is a detailed assessment of your portfolios along with recommendations.
General Observations
Your allocation demonstrates clarity and a structured approach.
The presence of equity, debt, and hybrid funds ensures a balanced risk-return ratio.
However, index funds dominate the portfolio. Actively managed funds could enhance returns for long-term goals.
Introduction of direct plans indicates cost-consciousness, but regular plans with MFD guidance may offer personalised benefits.
Portfolio: Daughter's Marriage and Son's Education
Time Horizon: 7 years
Current Allocation:
45% in a Nifty 50 index fund.
15% in a Nifty Next 50 index fund.
15% in a flexi-cap fund.
25% in a corporate bond fund.
Observations:
A 60% allocation to index funds reduces potential for excess returns.
Index funds lack active management and struggle in volatile markets.
A flexi-cap fund adds diversification but needs a higher allocation.
The corporate bond fund ensures stability but may need a dynamic bond fund for better yields.
Recommendations:
Reduce index fund allocation to 30%.
Allocate 30% to flexi-cap funds for higher long-term growth.
Keep 25% in corporate bond funds. Consider dynamic bond funds for better returns.
Add 15% in a balanced advantage or hybrid fund for stability.
Portfolio: Retirement
Time Horizon: 10 years (Shifting to debt from 6th year)
Current Allocation:
55% in a Nifty 50 index fund.
15% in a Nifty Next 50 index fund.
15% in a mid-cap index fund.
15% in a flexi-cap fund.
Observations:
Index funds dominate 70% of the portfolio, limiting active opportunities.
Mid-cap exposure enhances growth but carries higher risk.
Transitioning to debt from the 6th year is a sound strategy.
Recommendations:
Reduce index funds to 40%. Allocate this to a mix of large-cap and flexi-cap funds.
Increase flexi-cap funds from 15% to 30% for better returns.
Keep 15% in mid-cap funds for growth potential.
From the 6th year, add short-duration debt funds and balanced advantage funds.
Ensure regular reviews to rebalance equity and debt exposure.
Portfolio: Buying Car/Wealth Creation
Time Horizon: 7 years
Current Allocation:
50% in a Nifty 50 index fund.
30% in an aggressive hybrid fund.
20% in a corporate bond fund.
Observations:
The 50% allocation to index funds could limit wealth creation potential.
Aggressive hybrid funds balance risk and growth but may require diversification.
Corporate bond funds are stable but could be supplemented with higher-yielding instruments.
Recommendations:
Reduce index fund allocation to 30%.
Increase allocation to aggressive hybrid funds to 40%.
Replace 20% corporate bond allocation with dynamic or medium-duration debt funds.
Add 10% in a multi-asset fund for further diversification.
Analytical Perspective: Index Funds vs Actively Managed Funds
Index Funds: Passive funds with lower costs but limited returns in volatile or bearish markets.
Actively Managed Funds: Outperform during economic cycles with professional fund manager expertise.
Actively managed funds can help maximise returns in your portfolios.
Investing via MFD ensures periodic reviews and customised advice.
Disadvantages of Direct Plans
Direct plans may reduce costs, but lack personalised guidance.
MFDs with CFP credentials align funds with your goals and monitor performance.
Regular plans save time and effort while offering expert insights.
Taxation Impact
Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG on equity funds is taxed at 20%.
Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.
A Certified Financial Planner can help manage tax implications efficiently.
Key Suggestions Across All Portfolios
Diversify across active equity and hybrid funds to optimise returns.
Reduce heavy reliance on index funds for long-term goals.
Use dynamic and medium-term debt funds for stability in debt allocation.
Review portfolios yearly and rebalance as required.
Final Insights
Your portfolios have a strong foundation for achieving your goals. A few adjustments can further optimise performance. Balancing active and passive funds, diversifying instruments, and considering expert guidance will help you achieve financial success.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment