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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 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
Smith Question by Smith on Nov 08, 2023Hindi
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I am invested in Axis Bluechip Fund, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, Canara Robeco Blue Chip Equity Fund & Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund since Jan 21, need I change over to any other MF for better return or stay in the aboves, if yes for either of the two cases, then for how long?

Ans: Your commitment to investing and seeking advice shows a strong desire to grow your wealth wisely. Let's review your current portfolio and determine the best course of action.

Current Portfolio Overview

You have invested in four mutual funds since January 2021:

Axis Bluechip Fund
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
Canara Robeco Blue Chip Equity Fund
Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund
These funds cover large-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid categories, providing a balanced approach to your investments.

Evaluating Existing Funds

Axis Bluechip Fund: This is a large-cap fund known for stability and steady returns. It's a good choice for conservative investors seeking lower volatility.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: This fund invests across market capitalisations and sectors, offering diversification. It's suitable for those seeking moderate to high growth with managed risk.

Canara Robeco Blue Chip Equity Fund: Another large-cap fund, providing similar benefits to Axis Bluechip. It adds stability to your portfolio.

Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund: This fund invests in both equity and debt, offering a balanced approach with reduced risk. It's ideal for those seeking consistent returns with some exposure to equity growth.

Performance Review and Assessment

Review the performance of each fund over the last three years. Compare them to their benchmarks and peer funds. Consider their consistency, risk-adjusted returns, and performance during market volatility.

Making Informed Decisions

Continuing with High Performers

If your funds have shown consistent performance and align with your risk tolerance, continue with them. Long-term investments benefit from compounding, especially if the funds are performing well.

Switching Underperformers

If any fund consistently underperforms its benchmark or peers, consider switching to better-performing funds. Ensure the new funds align with your investment goals and risk profile.

Adding Sectoral and Thematic Funds

Consider adding sectoral or thematic funds for additional growth. These funds can offer higher returns but come with increased risk. Allocate a smaller portion of your portfolio to them.

Regular Review and Rebalancing

Periodic Review

Regularly review your portfolio's performance. This ensures your investments stay aligned with your financial goals and market conditions. Regular reviews help optimise returns and manage risks.

Rebalancing

Rebalancing your portfolio ensures it stays diversified and aligned with your risk tolerance. Adjust your investments based on performance and changes in your financial situation.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Professional Management

Actively managed funds offer professional management, adapting to market changes. This flexibility can result in higher returns compared to passive index funds, which simply track the market.

Market Adaptability

These funds can adjust to economic shifts and opportunities, providing better performance during various market cycles.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Lack of Flexibility

Index funds merely track market indices and may not perform well during market downturns. They lack the adaptability of actively managed funds, limiting potential returns.

Lower Potential Returns

Since they only aim to match the index, they may miss out on opportunities for higher returns that actively managed funds can capture.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner

Tailored Advice

A Certified Financial Planner provides tailored advice and professional oversight. This ensures your portfolio aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Lack of Professional Guidance

Direct funds have lower expense ratios but lack professional guidance. Investing through a certified planner ensures informed decision-making and portfolio management.

Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan

Consider other financial aspects like emergency funds, insurance, and tax planning. A holistic financial plan ensures a secure and well-rounded approach to wealth creation.

Monitoring Market Trends

Stay informed about market trends and economic factors. This knowledge helps you make timely adjustments to your investments, maximising returns and mitigating risks.

Conclusion

Your disciplined investment strategy and diversified portfolio are commendable. With regular review and professional guidance, you can optimise your investments and achieve your financial goals.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

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I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 NIPPON INDIA POWER AND INFRA FUND- GROWTH PLAN-GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000
Ans: Your portfolio consists of multiple actively managed funds across different categories. While it has a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, there are areas where adjustments can improve diversification and risk management.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Your long-term investment horizon of 10 years allows for compounding and wealth creation.

You have exposure to different market caps, which provides a balance of stability and growth.

Actively managed funds can generate higher returns compared to passive funds.

Concerns in Your Portfolio
You are holding too many funds, leading to unnecessary duplication. More funds do not always mean better diversification.

Your portfolio has excessive allocation to sectoral funds, which increases concentration risk. If the sector underperforms, your returns will be affected.

Some funds have overlapping holdings, reducing the overall diversification benefit.

You have multiple funds from the same asset management company, limiting exposure to different investment styles.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
Retain a well-performing large & mid-cap fund instead of holding multiple funds in this category.

Maintain exposure to small-cap or mid-cap funds but avoid holding multiple funds with similar strategies.

A single focused fund is sufficient. Too many concentrated portfolios increase risk without adding significant benefits.

Reduce exposure to sector-specific funds. While sectoral funds can deliver high returns, they carry higher volatility and depend heavily on the sector’s performance. A more diversified approach is recommended.

Instead of multiple funds in the same category, consolidate into a few high-quality diversified equity funds that provide stable long-term growth.

Include a flexi-cap fund to enhance diversification and give fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.

Final Insights
Your investment approach is well-structured, but simplifying your portfolio will improve returns and make it easier to manage.

Reducing sectoral allocation and consolidating overlapping funds will improve efficiency and stability.

A diversified and well-balanced portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds will ensure long-term growth with controlled risk.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |31 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

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I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 NIPPON INDIA POWER AND INFRA FUND- GROWTH PLAN-GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000
Ans: Hi Sandeep,

You have mentioned a total of 8 MF schemes for your investment of 28000 per month.
As details regarding your goal and requirement is not available, it is difficult to judge the overall portfolio from that point of view.
The schemes mentioned though are different names but will have a lot of overlap especially when you consider large cap stocks in their portfolio - HDFC Large & Mid / HDFC Large / HFDC Focused 30 and even the 3 Infra funds.

I believe the idea was to diversify your portfolio thru multiple schemes and if so, that is not really achieved.

Assuming you want to invest for over 10 year period, I suggest you keep your portfolio relatively simple with 4-5 schemes - 1 large cap (6000 in HDFC Large is ok), 1 Mid cap (6000 in HDFC Mid-cap or Motilal Oswal Midcap), 1 Small Cap (6000 in Nippon Small cap is ok) and 1 Infra (as you have shown inclination to Infra, 4000 in ICICI Pru Infra is ok) and add 1 Flexicap (6000 in Parag Parikh Flexicap which also has some overseas exposure). This will provide good diversification and less overlap.

This will provide good diversification and asset allocation across market caps.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Listen
Money
I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FLEXIVAP FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 4000 CONTRA FUND =4000 PLEASE REVIEW
Ans: Your investment approach shows a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds. However, there are areas where adjustments can improve risk management and returns.

Review of Existing Portfolio
Large Cap Exposure (Rs 3,000/month)

Large-cap funds offer stability.

The allocation here is low compared to mid and small caps.

A slight increase may help balance volatility.

Large & Mid Cap Exposure (Rs 5,000/month)

This fund gives exposure to both stable and growth-oriented stocks.

Keeping this allocation is fine.

Mid Cap Exposure (Rs 3,000/month)

Mid-cap funds can give high returns but are volatile.

Exposure is reasonable but should not be increased further.

Small Cap Exposure (Rs 5,000/month)

Small caps have high growth potential but also high risk.

Reducing this allocation slightly may help manage risk.

Focused Fund (Rs 3,000/month)

These funds hold fewer stocks, increasing concentration risk.

If risk appetite is low, consider switching to a more diversified fund.

Infrastructure Fund (Rs 3,000/month)

Thematic funds like this are sector-specific.

These are cyclical and may not perform consistently.

If diversification is a priority, this can be switched to a multi-sector fund.

Flexi Cap Exposure (Rs 4,000/month)

Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility across market caps.

This is a good choice and can be continued.

Contra Fund (Rs 4,000/month)

Contra funds follow a contrarian strategy, buying undervalued stocks.

These are good for long-term investing.

Keeping this allocation is fine.

Suggested Adjustments
Reduce small-cap allocation to Rs 3,000/month.

Increase large-cap allocation to Rs 5,000/month.

Consider switching out of the infrastructure fund to a more diversified fund.

If risk appetite is moderate, shift from focused fund to a flexi-cap or large & mid-cap fund.

These changes will improve diversification, reduce risk, and maintain growth potential.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
Money
Sir, I wqnted your advise, regarding an investment. My building is going for re-development, there is a additional flat sale for about 1cr, which will be ready in about 3 years. Please can you advise is it worth to invest 1cr in additional flat, i have savings of about 1cr, or should i keep the 1cr as Fixed Deposit. I do not have knowledge about investment in mutual funds or SIP. Thanks to advise.
Ans: It's commendable that you're considering the best investment route for your Rs. 1 crore savings. Let's evaluate the options you've mentioned and explore a comprehensive approach to wealth creation.

Understanding Your Investment Options
1. Investing in the Additional Flat

Illiquidity Concerns: Real estate investments are typically illiquid. Selling a property can take time and may not fetch the expected price.

Maintenance and Other Costs: Owning an additional flat comes with recurring expenses like maintenance charges, property taxes, and potential renovation costs.

Market Volatility: Property prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and government policies.

Rental Income Uncertainty: If you're considering renting out the flat, rental yields in many Indian cities are relatively low compared to the property's value.

2. Keeping the Amount in Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Low Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, but these may not outpace inflation, leading to a decrease in real purchasing power over time.

Tax Implications: Interest earned from FDs is taxable as per your income slab, which can further reduce the net returns.

Lack of Flexibility: Premature withdrawal from FDs can attract penalties, limiting liquidity.

Exploring Mutual Funds as an Alternative
Given that you're new to mutual funds and SIPs, it's essential to understand their potential benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on thorough research.

Diversification: By investing in a mutual fund, your money is spread across various assets, reducing risk.

Liquidity: Most mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investment when needed.

Potential for Higher Returns: Historically, mutual funds, especially equity-oriented ones, have offered higher returns over the long term compared to traditional instruments like FDs.

Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds can be more tax-efficient, especially with the benefits available under certain sections of the Income Tax Act.

Recommended Approach
Considering your current situation and the pros and cons of each investment option:

Avoid Investing in the Additional Flat: Given the illiquidity, associated costs, and potential market volatility, investing in another property may not be the most efficient use of your funds.

Limit Exposure to FDs: While FDs offer safety, the returns may not be sufficient to meet long-term financial goals, especially after accounting for inflation and taxes.

Consider Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation:

Start with a Lump Sum Investment: Allocate a portion of your Rs. 1 crore savings into mutual funds, focusing on a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk appetite.

Initiate SIPs: Set up Systematic Investment Plans to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Given your unfamiliarity with mutual funds, seeking guidance from a certified professional can help tailor an investment strategy aligned with your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your initiative to seek advice before making a significant investment decision is commendable. By steering clear of additional real estate investments and limiting exposure to low-yield instruments like FDs, you can explore avenues like mutual funds that offer the potential for higher returns and greater flexibility. Engaging with a certified financial planner can further ensure that your investment strategy is well-aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

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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