Should I Stay Invested in Quant Small Cap MF or Switch?

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

Ans: Hi Neeraj,

Mutual Funds are a good option for investment. The investment horizon/timeline is very important when you consider equity mutual funds, they need to be invested for the long period (7+ years).

You have only recently started in June 2024, so keeping patience with your investment is important. You can track the progress of your investment but don't get influenced by day to day fluctuation in its NAV. Decisions should be taken based on many factors but do consider 1-2 years duration to see if fund performance is steady, improving or below par compared to your expectation and its peers and the market.

Now coming to the funds you have provided - Quant Large and Midcap and Quant Flexicap are good funds and I think you should be patient. Note - both are actively managed funds and you can expected to see fluctuations in the short term. Stay invested in these 2 funds as they are well diversified and long term prospects look good.
Quant Infrastructure fund is a Sectoral fund and the fluctuations will be high. If your risk profile is very high, then you can continue. There will be a period of time when the sector loses favor in the market and thus the returns will be impacted and during good times it will provide good returns.
Alternately if you decide to exit then include a fund from another fund house which is well diversified and aligns to your risk profile. Some good options to consider - an Index fund based on Nifty 500 (passive) or a multicap fund (active) - to get a a well diversified exposure to Large-Mid-Small cap.
Note- Redemption at this time may attract exit load apart from tax implications for short term.

Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

Ans: Investing in Quant Flexi Cap based on past performance is a common approach. However, focusing solely on historical returns has limitations. Let’s evaluate and address the situation comprehensively.

Key Observations
Negative Returns of 8%
Temporary negative returns can happen due to market fluctuations. It is not uncommon for equity funds.

Past Performance Consideration
While high past returns may seem attractive, they don’t guarantee future performance.

Flexi-Cap Strategy
Flexi-cap funds can invest across market capitalisations. This adds diversification but may also increase volatility.

Insights on Staying Invested
Short-Term Volatility
The 8% negative return is likely short-term volatility. Equity funds perform well over the long term.

Fund Philosophy and Management
Analyse the fund manager's strategy and consistency. A robust strategy can recover performance.

Assess Your Investment Horizon
Equity funds like flexi-cap need at least 5-7 years for optimal results.

Recommendations for Moving Forward
Avoid Hastened Decisions
Don’t exit the fund solely due to recent underperformance. Analyse market conditions and the fund’s fundamentals.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Reduce risk by investing in multiple funds across categories like large-cap, mid-cap, or hybrid funds.

Monitor Fund Performance
Evaluate the fund's performance over different market cycles. Compare it with other funds in the category.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can provide a personalised strategy based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Lessons from the Situation
Avoid Sole Reliance on Past Returns
The highest returns in the past may not indicate future performance. A consistent fund is better.

Focus on Consistency and Risk Management
Consistency in returns and lower risk is more sustainable over the long term.

Importance of Asset Allocation
Don’t concentrate too much in one fund. A balanced portfolio helps reduce overall risk.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Align Investments with Goals
Ensure this fund aligns with your long-term financial goals like retirement or wealth creation.

Patience Pays in Equity
Equity investments require patience. Avoid judging performance too quickly.

Periodic Reviews
Conduct periodic reviews of your portfolio. Rebalance if needed to maintain diversification.

Final Insights
Quant Flexi Cap’s current underperformance does not warrant immediate exit. Focus on a long-term approach and diversification. Monitor the fund while ensuring your portfolio aligns with your financial goals. A well-thought-out strategy will deliver better results over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello;

If you have invested for the long term(7+ years) then you should not get bogged down by such short term market volatility and drawdowns causing negative returns.

However some allegations of unfair practices against Quant AMC have surfaced.

In the backdrop of these events you may move your investment to another fund in the same category.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest