Negative Returns on Quant Active Fund: Stay Invested or Switch?

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: Small cap funds invest in emerging companies with high growth potential.
These funds are volatile, with sharp short-term ups and downs.
They require patience as they perform well over long periods.
Evaluating the Current Situation

A four-month period is too short to judge a small cap fund's performance.
Small cap funds need at least 5–7 years to show consistent results.
Market cycles often affect small cap funds more than other categories.
Negative returns over a short term are normal for this category.
Market Volatility and Fund Performance

Recent market fluctuations may impact small cap returns temporarily.
Small cap funds perform better during market recovery or growth phases.
Historical data shows small caps can outperform over longer periods.
Why Staying Invested May Be the Best Option
Long-Term Potential

Small cap funds reward investors with long-term patience.
Early-stage companies in the portfolio need time to grow and deliver returns.
Recovery in Market Cycles

Small caps tend to recover strongly after market downturns.
A long holding period ensures you benefit from this recovery.
Professional Management

Actively managed funds, especially through MFDs with CFPs, allow expert handling.
Fund managers rebalance portfolios based on market trends.
Switching May Not Be Ideal Right Now
Short-Term Returns Are Misleading

Short-term performance doesn’t reflect the fund’s future potential.
Switching based on 4-month returns could lead to missed opportunities.
Exit Loads and Taxation

Switching now could attract exit loads and short-term capital gains tax.
This reduces the overall value of your investments unnecessarily.
Approximate Investment Horizon
Recommended Holding Period

Small cap funds need at least 7–10 years for optimal returns.
This allows companies in the fund to mature and capitalise on growth opportunities.
Mid-Term Reviews

Review fund performance annually, not monthly or quarterly.
Ensure the fund aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Key Considerations Before Staying or Switching
Reassess Your Risk Tolerance

Small cap funds are not for low-risk investors.
Ensure you are comfortable with high volatility and short-term losses.
Verify the Fund’s Quality

Check the fund’s historical performance over at least 3–5 years.
Assess the consistency of returns and the fund manager’s expertise.
Ensure Portfolio Diversification

Avoid overexposure to small caps. Balance your portfolio with large and mid-cap funds.
This reduces risk while ensuring steady returns.
Stay Patient and Focused on Goals

Small cap funds demand patience for wealth creation.
Stick to your financial plan without reacting to short-term market changes.
Final Insights
Your investment in small cap mutual funds requires patience and a long-term perspective. Negative returns in the short term are expected but not indicative of future performance. Exiting now could lead to unnecessary costs and missed opportunities for growth.

Continue investing for at least 7–10 years to maximise your returns. Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure it aligns with your goals. Focus on building a well-diversified portfolio to balance risks and rewards effectively.

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

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: Even good equity funds can show negative returns in the first 6–12 months, especially when invested as a lump sum. Quant funds are known for their high-conviction, high-volatility style, so short-term negatives are normal.

General advice (not scheme-specific):

Don’t exit in short-term negative — that usually converts a temporary loss into a permanent one.

Equity funds must be given 3–5 years to judge performance.

If your asset allocation is correct and your goal is long-term, you may remain invested.

If the fund is unsuitable for your risk profile or the allocation is incorrect, you may rebalance, but only after proper review.

For scheme-specific guidance, exact allocation, and whether you should hold or switch, please contact your MFD/CFP or myself for personalised advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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