Hi Sir, i have invested Rs 2 lacs in HDFC Manufacturing NFO. I am looking at a horizon of 5 years plus. Is it a good decision? If 5 years is a good timeline for appreciation, do you suggest i invest a little more , around 3 lacs so total 5 lacs? Kindly suggest.

Ans: It's great to see your interest in exploring investment opportunities, but it's important to carefully evaluate your options, especially with thematic funds like HDFC Manufacturing NFO. Here's some advice to consider:

Thematic funds like HDFC Manufacturing NFO focus on specific sectors or themes, in this case, the manufacturing sector. While these funds can offer potential for high returns during favorable market conditions, they also come with higher risks and volatility due to their concentrated exposure. Here are some key points to consider:

Risk and Volatility: Thematic funds are inherently riskier than diversified equity funds because they invest in a specific sector or theme. Any adverse developments or changes in the sector's fundamentals can significantly impact the fund's performance.
Cyclical Nature: Sectoral funds are often cyclical, meaning their performance is closely tied to the economic cycles and business cycles of the specific sector they invest in. This can lead to periods of outperformance followed by periods of underperformance.
Lack of Diversification: Thematic funds lack diversification as they focus on a specific sector or theme. Diversification is crucial for reducing risk and minimizing the impact of adverse events in any particular sector.
Long-Term Considerations: While thematic funds can offer short-term gains during favorable market conditions, they may not be suitable for long-term wealth creation. Diversified equity funds, on the other hand, provide broader exposure to multiple sectors and companies, reducing concentration risk.
Considering these factors, it's important to assess whether the potential benefits of investing in HDFC Manufacturing NFO outweigh the risks, especially given your investment horizon of 5 years plus. Instead of concentrating your investments in a single thematic fund, you may consider diversifying your portfolio by investing in a mix of diversified equity funds across different market segments. This approach can help spread risk and potentially offer more stable returns over the long term.

As for investing an additional 3 lakhs in HDFC Manufacturing NFO, it's advisable to first evaluate your overall asset allocation, risk tolerance, and investment goals before making any further commitments. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial objectives and help you make informed investment decisions.