I am investing in following Mutual Funds for the long term. Kindly advice on the same. I am not getting a reasonable return in Axis Bluechip fund and UTI flexi fund. I am 50 years of age.

Also I want to invest 15000 (monthly) more through SIP. Which schemes should I invest in?

• Invesco India Contra Fund - GR -- 5000 -- 20.73%
• BNP Paribas Midcap FundGR -- 2000 -- 24.26%
• Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme - GR -- 2000 -- 27.83%
• L&T Midcap Fund - Growth – 2000 -- 14.50%
• Nippon India Growth Fund - GR -- 2000 -- 23.08%
• HDFC Small Cap Fund - GR -- 2000 -- 25.91%
• Nippon India Small Cap Fund - GR -- 2000 -- 34.17%
• SBI Blue Chip Fund - GR -- 4000 -- 36.75%
• Kotak Flexicap Fund - Growth Option -- 3000 -- 30.41%
• Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund - Growth -- 4000 -- 48.26%
• Axis Bluechip Fund - Growth -- 5000 -- 4.26%
• UTI Flexifund - Growth -- 3000 -- 3.86%

 Total: 34000

Ans:

You may continue with funds with 4 and 5 star rated, sector funds to be avoided and good funds in Multicap , Focused and Mid cap should be invested in.

Midcap: Suitable option considering quality and value for money at present levels is DSP Midcap and Axis Midcap

Multicap: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are UTI Equity Fund, Axis Multicap, Motilal Oswal Multicap 35

Focused: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are Axis Focused 25 and Motilal Oswal Focused 25

Ans: It's great to see your disciplined approach towards investments. Let's assess your portfolio and potential additions:

Your current SIP portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, which is beneficial for long-term growth.
Given your investment horizon of 8 to 10 years, these funds offer a mix of growth potential and stability.
Considering adding another 10K to your SIP, you may want to focus on funds that complement your existing portfolio.
Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance and a strong investment thesis aligned with your financial goals.
Consider funds that provide exposure to sectors or themes with potential for future growth.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to evaluate your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment strategy before making any changes.
Remember, investing is a long-term journey, and staying disciplined and diversified is key to achieving your financial objectives.
By carefully selecting additional funds and staying focused on your long-term goals, you can continue to build a robust investment portfolio that serves your needs effectively.

Ans: Dear Shankar,

Firstly, congratulations on taking a significant step towards your financial goals by starting your investments. It is heartening to see individuals like you take proactive steps towards securing their future.

You mentioned investing Rs 5,000 per month in the Motilal Oswal Midcap 30 Fund and another Rs 5,000 in the SBI Contra Fund. Both funds have their merits, but let's delve deeper to assess if they align with your long-term goals.

Evaluating Your Current Funds
Motilal Oswal Midcap 30 Fund

This fund focuses on mid-sized companies with potential for growth. Mid-cap funds can be quite rewarding, especially in a growing economy like India. However, they also carry higher risk compared to large-cap funds. It's commendable that you are willing to take on some risk for potentially higher returns.

SBI Contra Fund

This fund follows a contrarian strategy, investing in undervalued stocks. This approach can be beneficial during market corrections and downturns, as these stocks may bounce back strongly. It provides a good balance to your portfolio by diversifying your investment style.

Long-Term Viability
For a ten-year investment horizon, these funds could be suitable, provided you are prepared for the market's ups and downs. Long-term investments in equity mutual funds generally yield better returns, as they smooth out short-term volatility. Staying invested for ten years can help you benefit from compounding and market growth.

Expected Returns
Estimating returns can be tricky as they depend on various factors, including market conditions, economic growth, and fund management. Historically, mid-cap funds have delivered 12-15% annual returns over the long term. Contrarian funds, while less predictable, can also yield substantial returns if their strategy pays off.

However, it is crucial to remember that past performance does not guarantee future results. Keeping realistic expectations and staying invested through market cycles is key.

Adding a New Mid-Cap Fund
Your interest in starting another Rs 5,000 monthly SIP in a mid-cap fund is a wise decision, given your long-term horizon. Mid-cap funds can be an excellent addition to your portfolio, offering potential for higher growth.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Since you are considering mid-cap funds, it is essential to highlight the benefits of actively managed funds over index funds. Actively managed funds can adapt to market conditions and invest in promising companies, whereas index funds simply replicate a market index. This flexibility can lead to better performance, especially in the mid-cap segment where stock selection is crucial.

Recommendations for Mid-Cap Funds
Selecting the right fund requires thorough research. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a mid-cap fund:

Fund Performance: Look at the fund’s performance over different market cycles.
Fund Manager’s Track Record: An experienced and skilled fund manager can make a significant difference.
Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can improve net returns.
Fund House Reputation: Choose funds from well-established and reputable fund houses.
Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can also provide personalized advice based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

General Investment Tips
Diversification
Diversification is crucial to manage risk. Your current investments in mid-cap and contrarian funds provide a good mix. However, you might want to consider adding large-cap or multi-cap funds in the future for better balance.

Regular Review
Periodic review of your investments is essential. Market conditions and personal financial goals can change, requiring adjustments to your investment strategy.

Staying Informed
Keep yourself informed about market trends and economic indicators. This knowledge can help you make better investment decisions.

Emotional Discipline
It’s easy to get swayed by market volatility. Maintaining emotional discipline and staying invested during market downturns is vital for long-term success.

Potential Pitfalls of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem attractive due to lower expense ratios, but they have some disadvantages. Direct funds require continuous monitoring and management, which can be time-consuming and challenging. Investing through a CFP can provide professional management, regular reviews, and tailored advice, ensuring your investments align with your goals.

Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is promising, with a good mix of mid-cap and contrarian funds. These funds have the potential to deliver substantial returns over a ten-year period, provided you stay invested and maintain discipline.

Starting another mid-cap fund is a prudent decision, given your long-term horizon. Carefully selecting an actively managed mid-cap fund can further enhance your portfolio's growth potential.

Remember to diversify, review your investments regularly, and consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. Your commitment to investing Rs 10,000 monthly through SIPs is commendable, and with the right strategy, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello;

You may reallocate your sip portfolio(request to increase it to 50 K monthly sip)as follows:

1. PPFAS flexicap fund: 15 K
2. Kotak Emerging Opportunities Fund: 15 K
3. Nippon India Small cap fund: 10 K
4. Sundaram Mid Cap fund: 10 K

All growth options.

For a 10 year horizon this is a good mix. Your allocation to PPF and NPS(non equity portion) are debt allocations in your overall asset allocation so no need for BAF & commodities here.

You may invest your FD corpus of 60 L in a equity savings type mutual fund (low to moderate risk) but better than FD returns.

It is recommended that you invest lumpsum of 3 L in Kotak Gold FOF/ETF.

After end of 10 years you may have combined corpus of 5.4 Cr. which may yield you a monthly income of 1.89 L (post-tax) if you buy an immediate annuity for your corpus. 6% annuity rate considered.

(Returns assumed as given: PPF-6.9%, NPS-9%, 3 yr SIP-10%, 10 year sip-13%, Gold-7%, Equity Savings Fund -9%)

Happy Investing;

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.