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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6885 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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
Iliyas Question by Iliyas on Jun 08, 2023Hindi
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Dear sir, this is Iliyas Khan from madhyapradesh, I'm a govt employee. currently I have 50 k salary in hand and I am investing in MF since last november.I don't have any other investments or don't have any term/life insurance. currently I have monthly Sip in these funds pls give the opinion about my AMC and fund ,risk and expected returns in 15 years.I am increasing my investments by 10% every year. 1. quant small cap fund 2000/- 2. Quant tax plan fund 500/- ,3.Quant absolute fund 1000/- 4,PGIM India mid cap fund 1000/- 5. Parag Parikh flexi cap fund 1000/- 6.Mirae asset emerging Blue chip fund 1000/- 7.ICICI PRUDENTIAL DIVIDEND YIELD EQUITY FUND 1000/- 8.icici prudential equity and debt fund 1000/- 9.icici prudential multi asset fund 1000/- 10.hdfc long duration debt fund 500/- Please guide me for my investments and other financial aspects may be required in future.thank you

Ans: Assessment of Mutual Fund Portfolio and Financial Planning:

Current Investment Portfolio:

Your disciplined approach towards investing since November, coupled with an annual increase of 10%, reflects a commendable commitment to wealth accumulation.
The selection of mutual funds spanning various categories indicates a diversified investment strategy aimed at achieving long-term financial goals.
However, it's crucial to review your portfolio periodically to ensure alignment with your evolving financial objectives and risk tolerance.
Analysis of Fund Selection and Risk:

Small-cap and mid-cap funds such as Quant Small Cap and PGIM India Mid Cap Fund offer growth potential but entail higher volatility.
Flexi-cap funds like Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Mirae Asset Emerging Blue Chip Fund provide a balanced approach by investing across market capitalizations, potentially reducing portfolio risk.
Equity income and dividend yield funds like ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund offer stable income but may exhibit lower capital appreciation compared to growth-oriented funds.
Multi-asset and hybrid funds like ICICI Prudential Equity and Debt Fund and ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund offer diversification across asset classes, providing stability during market fluctuations.
Long-Term Financial Planning:

Considering your investment horizon of 15 years, equity-oriented funds may offer higher growth potential compared to debt funds.
However, it's essential to maintain a balanced portfolio by allocating a portion of your investments to debt funds like HDFC Long Duration Debt Fund to mitigate volatility.
Regularly monitor your portfolio's performance and adjust asset allocation based on changing market conditions and financial goals.
As a government employee, you may have access to certain benefits like pension schemes, which can complement your investment portfolio and provide additional retirement income.
Risk Management and Insurance:

As you mentioned, you currently do not have any term or life insurance coverage. It's advisable to consider purchasing adequate insurance to safeguard your family's financial future in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
Term insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage at affordable premiums, providing financial security to your loved ones in your absence.
Conduct a thorough assessment of your insurance needs and consult with a Certified Financial Planner to determine the appropriate coverage amount based on your income, liabilities, and future financial obligations.
In conclusion, while your mutual fund portfolio showcases a diversified approach towards wealth creation, it's essential to incorporate risk management strategies and insurance coverage into your financial plan for comprehensive protection and long-term financial security.

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.
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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 16, 2023

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Dear sir, this is Iliyas Khan from madhyapradesh, I'm a govt employee. currently I have 50 k salary in hand and I am investing in MF since last november.currently I have monthly Sip in these funds pls give the opinion about my AMC and fund ,risk and expected returns in 15 years.I am increasing my investments by 10% every year. 1. quant small cap fund 2000/- 2. Quant tax plan fund 500/- ,3.Quant absolute fund 1000/- 4,PGIM India mid cap fund 1000/- 5. Parag Parikh flexi cap fund 1000/- 6.Mirae asset emerging Blue chip fund 1000/- 7.ICICI PRUDENTIAL DIVIDEND YIELD EQUITY FUND 1000/- 8.icici prudential equity and debt fund 1000/- 9.icici prudential multi asset fund 1000/- 10.hdfc long duration debt fund 500/-
Ans: According to my analysis of the portfolio, you have hugely over-diversified the amount in numerous funds of the same category. Ideally, we should have only 1 fund in each category. A brief view on funds held in your portfolio is as follows, but please note that selection and allocation of fund totally depends on your risk appetite, objective, investment horizon, and other peculiarities essential for making decision.

I would recommend reducing the number of funds to 4-6 in your current portfolio and increasing your SIPs by 10% or more if feasible based on income increment every year. Choose a fund totally based on your requirement and time frame. This will help you to grow your wealth substantially over time.
1. Quant Small Cap Fund – The fund invests in small-cap companies, which are riskier than large-cap companies. However, small caps have the potential to generate higher returns in the long term only (7-10 years).

2. Quant Tax Plan Fund – The fund provides tax savings up to Rs. 1,50,000 U/s 80C (Only if you choose the old tax regime) with a lock-in period of 3 years, and the fund's performance has been strong in the previous 5 years.

3. Quant Absolute Fund - The Fund is recommendable for investors who are looking for a moderate-risk investment with the potential for above-average returns. The fund's quantitative investment approach has helped it to generate consistent returns over the long term.

4. PGIM India Mid-cap Fund - The fund aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity-related instruments of mid-cap companies. It is suitable for investors who are looking for long-term growth (5-7 years) and are willing to accept some risk.

5. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund – The fund is doing well in the current market and has the potential to produce significant returns in the coming market but with discipline. It is advised to invest in this fund or to raise your SIPs in this fund since it diversifies your investment across domestic and international markets.

6. Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund - This fund invests in large and mid-cap companies that are expected to grow persistently. The fund has performed well, and you are advised to continue.

7. ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund - This fund invests in companies that are known to declare high dividends. Dividend fund generally defeats the main aspect of growth and affects compounding in the long run. Thus, it is suggested to cease the SIP.

8. ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund - This fund is a hybrid fund that invests in a mix of equity and debt. It is a good option for investors who want to reduce risk via proportionate 20-25% investment in debt-oriented fund.

9. ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund - This fund is a multi-asset fund that invests in a variety of assets, including stocks, bonds, gold, and commodities. It is a good investment option giving a taste of various asset classes in a single recipe.

10. HDFC Long Duration Debt Fund – This fund has durations of more than 7 years. Adding such a high duration in a portfolio is totally dependent on the interest rate cycle. It is not suggested to continue the SIP.
Disclaimer:
• I have just no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile, other investments and whether you would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if stock markets go temporarily down.
• Hence, please note that I am answering your question in absolute isolation to other parameters which should definitely be considered when answering a question of this type.
• I recommend you to also consult a good financial advisor who would look at your complete profile in totality before you act on this advice given by me.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6885 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Money
Hi, My name is Madhur and i am working in Private Job. I am regularly investing through SIP in below Mututal Fund from last 2 years and want to continue for 10-12 years. Please suggest if my choice of MF is correct or now. I am ready to take risk : Axis Bluechip Fund - GR 5000 Axis Long Term Equity Fund - GR 5000 Axis Mid Cap - GR 3000 DSP Midcap Fund - Reg GR 3000 ICICI Prudential Technology - GR 5000 Invesco India Midcap Fund - GR 3000 Kotak Emerging Equity Fund - GR - 3000 Kotak Flexicap Fund - GR 2500 Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund - GR 2500 Nippon India Pharma Fund - GR 5000 SBI Flexicap Fund - GR - 5000 Tata Digital India Fund - GR 5000
Ans: Hi Madhur,

It's commendable that you have been diligently investing through SIPs in mutual funds. Your dedication to growing your wealth over the next 10-12 years is inspiring. Let’s take a detailed look at your mutual fund portfolio and evaluate its alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.

Assessing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
You have a diverse range of mutual funds, each with its unique investment strategy and focus. Here’s a breakdown of your current investments:

Bluechip Funds
Bluechip funds invest in large-cap companies known for their reliability and stable performance. These companies typically have strong financials and a proven track record. Bluechip funds are less volatile compared to mid-cap or small-cap funds, making them a relatively safer option within equity investments.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential. These funds can provide substantial returns, but they also come with higher risk and volatility. They are suitable for investors with a longer investment horizon and a higher risk appetite.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds have the flexibility to invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This flexibility allows fund managers to adapt to market conditions, potentially optimizing returns. These funds offer a balanced approach to risk and reward.

Sectoral Funds
Sectoral funds focus on specific sectors such as technology or pharmaceuticals. While these funds can offer high returns, they are also subject to sector-specific risks. They should be a smaller part of a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk.

Evaluating the Diversification
Your portfolio includes a mix of bluechip, mid-cap, flexi-cap, and sectoral funds. This diversification helps in spreading risk across different market segments. However, a few adjustments can further optimize your portfolio:

Concentration in Mid-Cap Funds
You have significant investments in mid-cap funds. While these funds can provide high returns, they also come with higher volatility. Ensure that the proportion of mid-cap funds aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Exposure to Sectoral Funds
Investments in technology and pharmaceutical funds indicate a high sector-specific exposure. These sectors can be volatile and cyclical. Consider limiting sectoral exposure to avoid excessive risk.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds offer the benefit of dynamic allocation across market caps. These funds can adapt to changing market conditions, making them a valuable part of your portfolio. Ensure that your investment in flexi-cap funds is balanced with other fund types.

Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization
Review Sectoral Fund Allocation
While sectoral funds can offer high returns, they also carry sector-specific risks. Ensure that your exposure to these funds does not exceed a comfortable level. Diversify further if needed to mitigate risk.

Consider Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds. Skilled fund managers can make strategic decisions to maximize returns. Despite higher fees, actively managed funds often provide better returns due to their flexibility and professional management.

Increase SIP Contributions
Regularly increasing your SIP contributions can significantly enhance your portfolio’s growth. As your income rises, consider increasing the amounts you invest in each SIP. This approach leverages the power of compounding over time.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds passively track a market index and aim to replicate its performance. While they have lower fees, they also have limitations:

Lack of Flexibility: Index funds cannot adapt to changing market conditions or make strategic adjustments.

Potential for Lower Returns: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds due to active stock selection and market analysis.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
While direct funds have lower expense ratios, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides several advantages:

Expert Guidance: CFPs offer personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Holistic Financial Planning: A CFP provides comprehensive financial planning, including tax planning, retirement planning, and risk management.

Ease of Management: Investing through a CFP ensures regular monitoring and rebalancing of your portfolio, keeping it aligned with your objectives.

Conclusion
Your commitment to long-term investing through SIPs is commendable. By reviewing your sectoral fund allocation, considering actively managed funds, and regularly increasing your SIP contributions, you can further optimize your portfolio. Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner will provide you with expert guidance and ensure your investments remain aligned with your financial goals. Keep up the excellent work in securing your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 06, 2024

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Hello Sir,My name is Girish aged 38 years and I have been going through your suggestions on the MF.I have started SIP in the following mutual funds.1. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund (G) - investing since a month - 5,000 per month 2. SBI Blue Chip Fund (G) - investing since a month - 5,000 per month 3. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund - Direct Plan (IDCW) - investing since 14 months - 2,000 per month4. Nippon India Large Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) - investing since 2 months - 2,000 per month 5. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan (G) - investing since 2 years - 2,000 per month 6. UTI MNC Fund - Direct Plan (G) - investing since 14 months - 2,000 per month I would like to know if my portfolio is good. I will be planning to invest for the next 10-15 years. What would be the corpus at the end of 15 years?Do you foresee any changes to be made in my portfolio? Please suggest.
Ans: It's great that you're investing your monthly surplus in SIPs to build your wealth.

You have a well-diversified portfolio and the funds in your portfolio are performing well in the current market scenario. In the finance planning of any portfolio, we consider many factors, including client age, risk profile, current asset allocation, etc.

All mentioned funds are performing good and have good potential in long-term. However, UTI MNC Fund - Sectoral funds focus on a specific sector or industry and it is difficult to predict which sector will perform and how long. Hence, we recommend to go for diversified funds to avoid the concentration risk
.
If you continue the monthly investment of Rs 18,000 for the next 15 years the accumulated corpus will be 89.92 lakhs approx. at the average growth rate of 12% for 15 years.
Note - the amount may get differ at that time as the actual return can be vary.

..Read more

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Mar 28, 2024

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Dr Shakeeb Ahmed

Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan  |120 Answers  |Ask -

Physiotherapist - Answered on Nov 01, 2024

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My daughter right now age is 24 . From her childhood days she has problem in understanding basic facts ...she was not good in studies and perhaps she realized that she was not going well in studies cornered herself , as a result no friendship was developed with anybody. IQ test was done in Nair hospital in Mumbai and found a touch of autistic but not severe and doctors said she has to build up social skill to improve herself . with help of writers she passed out ssc from JK School thane followed by HSC & bca As she not fit for higher studies and lacks interest for higher studies , we did not force her to do higher studies . Recent improvement is noticed in communication skill but lacks maturity in terms of her age ( vis a vis today's G age group) She perhaps sings more a less well and we admitted her in Suresh wadkar's Ajivadsn musical academy for sastriya sangeet programe in thane branch and perhaps with songs her language is developed a bit . Communication in eng , Hindi & Bengali as such ok but lacks speaking skills .. But , we think , if she is joined in a group where skill development takes place , where she can find girls of her category in which she may find a different skill suits her interest ( which we are not aware ) . We noticed her understanding skill & expression of thoughts are better but at 24 there is some obstacles Since , she is our only daughter , we are concerned and seek advise to meet right person / organisations for proper guidance for welfare of daughter as ,we think, if enrolled in a particular course / put into activities for skill development programmes ( of her interest) her self esteem factors can increase and better mould is possible Kindly understand n guide Thanks
Ans: It sounds like you’ve made thoughtful and supportive choices for your daughter’s growth, especially through music, which is helping her communication skills blossom. To further nurture her social skills, self-esteem, and interests, several steps might be particularly beneficial. Connecting with nearby NGOs and parent support associations could be a valuable starting point, as many offer structured programs that focus on building social skills, independent living skills, and even employment readiness for young adults with autism. These organizations can provide both community support and access to programs specifically tailored for people with similar abilities, allowing her to meet others and gain confidence in a comfortable setting.

Skill development centers in Mumbai and Thane, such as the **Ummeed Child Development Center** and **ADAPT** (Able Disabled All People Together), offer training in social integration and vocational skills for adults with mild autism. **Forum for Autism** also provides a network of resources, connecting parents to organizations that support developmental growth through group activities and workshops. In addition to these centers, social skills workshops are often very helpful for young adults, focusing on conversation skills, self-expression, and managing social interactions in a supportive group setting. These structured interactions can be key to building maturity and self-confidence.

If she has specific interests, vocational training programs that offer hands-on experience or internships can be valuable in exploring new strengths and areas of interest. If you’d like additional details on specific organizations or need help finding associations nearby, I’d be glad to assist further.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6885 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 31, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I’m a beginner to mutual fund and stock market investment. I’m 39 year old and recently started SIP by own. Now my portfolio has 9 different direct mutual funds. I know I should diversify and rebalance my portfolio.. 1) Now I have some quantitative money to invest as lump-sum (3.5 lakhs). So howmany funds I should choose? 2) Is this right time (market downtime as on 31st Oct 2024) invest as lump-sum? 3) Could you please help me with some mutual fund names with good returns over a period of 5 to 10 years? I chose below funds... - Quant Smallcap - ?Motilal Oswal Midcap - ?SBI Contra Fund - ?Motilal Oswal Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - ?Nippon India Multicap fund - ?Motilal Oswal Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund - ?Parag Parikh Flexicap fund Please advise. Thank you
Ans: You’ve taken an excellent step by beginning your journey into mutual funds and stock markets. Diversifying and rebalancing your portfolio is indeed important, and your current enthusiasm for learning and improving your financial health is admirable. I’ll help you answer your questions and outline an optimal approach to maximise returns while managing risk.

Assessing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your existing portfolio of nine direct mutual funds reflects your willingness to diversify. However, managing too many funds can lead to overlap and complexities in tracking performance. Here’s a more streamlined approach that ensures you achieve effective diversification without unnecessary fund overlap.

Limit to Essential Fund Categories: Aim to retain only 4-5 core categories. These include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, along with a smaller allocation to contra or sectoral funds for tactical growth.

Avoid Index Funds in This Case: Index funds replicate the market and lack active management, which may limit gains, especially during volatile market phases. Actively managed funds allow skilled fund managers to optimise performance based on market trends.

Reconsider Direct Funds: Investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps you benefit from professional guidance. While direct funds save on distributor fees, they require significant knowledge and time to monitor effectively. An MFD with CFP credentials will help you align your investments with both market trends and personal goals.

Investment Strategy for Your Lump-Sum Amount
With Rs 3.5 lakhs to invest as a lump sum, your next steps are crucial for maximising returns.

1. Choosing the Right Number of Funds
Limit Fund Selection: For the Rs 3.5 lakh investment, focus on a manageable selection of 4-5 funds. Over-diversification may dilute returns without proportionate risk reduction.

Strategic Allocation: Allocate funds in a way that balances growth with stability. For example, allocate portions to large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, with a smaller allocation to a contra fund if you’re open to moderate risk.

Prioritise Active Funds over Passive Index Options: Actively managed funds allow professional adjustments in line with changing market conditions, aiming for higher returns over time.

2. Timing of Lump-Sum Investment
Market Timing vs. Systematic Approach: As markets can fluctuate unpredictably, consider a phased approach, such as a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). This way, you can gradually move the lump sum from a low-risk fund to equity funds over a few months, reducing the risk of investing all at once during a downturn.

Assessing Current Market Levels: The market downtime you mentioned may appear tempting, but markets may take time to stabilise. By investing in phases, you mitigate risk while capitalising on potential market rebounds.

Suggested Mutual Fund Categories for Long-Term Growth
Since you’re aiming for a 5 to 10-year period, a well-structured portfolio with actively managed funds is crucial. I’ll avoid suggesting specific schemes and instead outline fund categories that align with your goals.

1. Large-Cap Funds for Stability
Why Large-Cap Funds? These funds invest in established companies, offering stability and consistent growth. Over time, they help anchor the portfolio, especially during market volatility.

Ideal Allocation: Allocate about 30-40% of your lump-sum investment to large-cap funds to ensure stability in your portfolio.

2. Mid-Cap Funds for Growth Potential
Mid-Cap Funds’ Role: Mid-cap funds balance stability with higher growth prospects. While they’re slightly more volatile than large-cap funds, they offer strong potential returns.

Ideal Allocation: Consider allocating 20-25% of your lump-sum investment to mid-cap funds to capture this growth.

3. Flexi-Cap Funds for Market Flexibility
Flexi-Cap Benefits: These funds provide flexibility by investing across large, mid, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. This helps maximise growth potential while managing risk.

Ideal Allocation: Allocate around 25% of your lump-sum investment here. Flexi-cap funds give fund managers room to adapt the fund based on market trends.

4. Contra or Value Funds for Tactical Growth
Tactical Role of Contra Funds: Contra or value funds invest in undervalued stocks, aiming to capitalise when these stocks eventually rise. They add a contrarian growth element to the portfolio.

Ideal Allocation: Allocate a smaller portion, around 10-15%, to a contra fund to enhance returns while maintaining manageable risk.

Tax Implications to Keep in Mind
Understanding tax implications helps optimise net returns. Here’s a snapshot of the applicable taxes:

Equity Mutual Funds: Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh per annum are taxed at 12.5% for long-term capital gains (LTCG). Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds: Both LTCG and short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed as per your income tax slab. If you include debt funds for a part of your portfolio, consider this in your tax planning.

Additional Recommendations to Strengthen Your Financial Position
1. Build an Emergency Fund
Maintain a separate emergency fund covering at least six months’ expenses. This fund acts as a safety net, ensuring you don’t need to dip into your investments for unforeseen expenses.
2. Term Insurance for Financial Security
Ensure adequate term insurance coverage, providing financial stability to your dependents in your absence. This policy type offers high coverage at low costs, making it an ideal safety net.
3. Health Insurance for Your Family
Having comprehensive health insurance prevents your investment corpus from being impacted by medical expenses. Check for policies that cover critical illnesses for robust coverage.
4. Review Portfolio Regularly with a CFP
A Certified Financial Planner can help assess and adjust your portfolio as needed. Regular reviews allow you to stay aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.
5. Consider Goal-Based SIPs for Future Objectives
While your lump-sum investment supports wealth creation, consider setting up goal-based SIPs to address specific future goals, such as a child’s education or retirement.
Final Insights
Your commitment to long-term investment is commendable. With a structured approach and regular reviews, your portfolio can be geared for strong growth over the next 5-10 years. By focusing on actively managed funds, phased investments, and strategic fund selection, you’re well-positioned to achieve both security and growth.

For any further queries or detailed discussions, please feel free to reach out.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6885 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 31, 2024Hindi
Money
I’m a beginner to mutual fund and stock market investment. I’m 39 year old and recently started SIP by own. Now my portfolio has 9 different direct mutual funds. I know I should diversify and rebalance my portfolio.. 1) Now I have some quantitative money to invest as lump-sum (3.5 lakhs). So howmany funds I should choose? 2) Is this right time (market downtime as on 31st Oct 2024) invest as lump-sum? 3) Could you please help me with some mutual fund names with good returns over a period of 5 to 10 years? I chose below funds... - Quant Smallcap - ?Motilal Oswal Midcap - ?SBI Contra Fund - ?Motilal Oswal Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - ?Nippon India Multicap fund - ?Motilal Oswal Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund - ?Parag Parikh Flexicap fund Please advise. Thank you
Ans: It’s great to see your interest in diversifying and balancing your portfolio. At 39, your long-term financial planning approach shows strong commitment. Here’s a detailed breakdown to guide your investment decisions and optimise your portfolio.

Reviewing Your Current Portfolio
You’ve chosen a mix of small-cap, mid-cap, contra, multicap, flexicap, and index funds. With nine funds, the portfolio seems diversified but might need some streamlining. This will avoid overlap and ensure that each fund plays a unique role in your portfolio.

Direct mutual funds do have a lower expense ratio, but direct plans require active monitoring and strategy. Opting for regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps ensure expert guidance and active oversight. Working with an MFD with CFP credentials offers personalised advice, rebalancing, and regular monitoring. This support can improve your portfolio’s performance and reduce the impact of market volatility.

Suggested Portfolio Size and Rebalancing
For a portfolio with Rs 3.5 lakh in lump sum investments, focus on quality over quantity:

Limit to 5-6 Core Funds: Too many funds can dilute returns. A well-chosen selection of 5-6 funds will ensure effective diversification.

Strategic Allocation by Fund Type:

Keep a core fund in each category, such as a flexicap, a mid-cap, and a small-cap.
Add a contra or multicap fund for added diversification.
Avoiding index funds in your portfolio is prudent for a few reasons. Index funds track the market but lack active management. During volatile or bearish market phases, index funds mirror market downturns. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have fund managers who can make strategic decisions. They aim to deliver higher returns and better manage risk, especially in uncertain times.

Deciding the Right Time for Lump-Sum Investment
Currently, the market is experiencing a downtime. This can be an advantageous period for lump-sum investments, but cautious approach is advised:

Staggered Lump-Sum Investment: Instead of investing all Rs 3.5 lakhs at once, consider a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). You can allocate the sum in a debt fund and transfer it in smaller amounts into equity funds over 6-12 months. This approach reduces market timing risk.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) for Remaining Investments: If you prefer regular SIPs, continue investing monthly. SIPs lower the risk by buying at different market levels over time, which reduces the impact of volatility.

Selecting Funds with Strong Long-Term Potential
Instead of naming specific funds, focus on categories with consistent, high-performing track records:

Flexicap Funds:

These funds adapt across market caps, balancing growth with stability.
Flexicap funds help manage risk by diversifying across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Funds:

Small-cap and mid-cap funds bring higher returns potential.
However, small-caps are volatile, so balance their allocation with large or flexicap funds.
Contra Funds:

Contra funds invest against the popular market trend. This strategy can provide higher returns when market cycles turn.
Include a contra fund for diversification and possible gains during market recovery.
Multi-Cap or Large & Mid-Cap Funds:

These funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks but focus more on larger stocks.
Multi-cap funds balance growth potential with stability, a prudent choice for medium-risk investors.
Streamlining Fund Choices and Reducing Overlap
Some of the funds in your current selection, like index-based funds, might have overlapping investments in large-cap or sector stocks. Overlap in holdings can dilute returns. Consider focusing on a unique fund for each category.

Avoid Excessive Small-Cap Exposure: While small-cap funds provide high returns, they also carry higher risk. A single, carefully selected small-cap fund is usually sufficient.

Opt for Active Management Over Index Funds: Actively managed funds can better navigate volatile markets. They aim to maximise returns by carefully selecting stocks, unlike index funds that passively track market indices.

Taxation of Mutual Fund Gains
Understanding mutual fund taxation is essential for maximising your returns:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: Gains are taxed as per your income tax slab rate, so it’s wise to keep investments for the long term to maximise post-tax returns.

Setting Up a Monitoring and Review Process
Quarterly or Bi-Annual Review: Revisit your portfolio every few months. A CFP can guide you on this, helping make adjustments based on market and economic changes.

Avoid Frequent Switching: Stick to your selected funds to let them grow. Switching too often can incur exit loads and affect returns.

Final Insights
Your journey into mutual funds and stocks is exciting and full of potential. With a well-planned, diversified approach, you can steadily grow your investments and secure financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

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.

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