I am investing Rs 6000 Monthly through SIPs from last 2 years, and planning to invest more. Sir below is my portfolio. It would be great help to me if you suggest some good fund by reshuffling the below portfolio, as fund 3 of the below portfolio, is underperforming from last three years.

1. Aditya Birla Sunlife Multi Cap Fund-regular growth -- Rs 1000

Ans: Please allow 5-7 years for a fund to show performance. In the last 2 years, the market is range-bound. So expecting above-average returns in this period is not correct.

Also avoid, investing in thematic funds as they have a concentrated portfolio of 1 or 2 sectors.

Ans: You're already on the right track with your disciplined approach to investing in SIPs. Let's review your portfolio and explore potential adjustments for long-term growth.

Investing in ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund and Nippon India Growth Fund reflects a balanced mix of large-cap and diversified equity exposure, which is suitable for long-term wealth accumulation.

However, to further diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns, consider adding funds from different categories like mid-cap or flexi-cap funds. These categories offer exposure to companies with different market capitalizations and investment styles, thus spreading your risk more effectively.

Mid-cap funds invest in companies with medium-sized market capitalizations, which often have higher growth potential than large-caps but come with increased volatility. Flexi-cap funds provide the flexibility to invest across market caps, allowing fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities across the spectrum.

Adding a mid-cap or flexi-cap fund to your portfolio can complement your existing investments and provide additional avenues for growth. Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance, experienced fund managers, and a robust investment process.

Remember to review your portfolio periodically and rebalance if necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Keep up the good work with your investments, and don't hesitate to reach out to a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It's great to see that you've started investing in mutual funds through SIPs. Here are some suggestions regarding your current mutual fund investments:

• Diversification: You have a good mix of funds across various categories, which is essential for diversification. It's important to spread your investments across different sectors and market capitalizations to reduce risk.

• Review Performance: Periodically review the performance of your funds to ensure they are meeting your expectations and performing in line with their peers and benchmarks.

• Consider Your Goals: Reflect on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon to determine if your current funds align with your objectives. If you have specific goals such as retirement planning or wealth accumulation, consider adjusting your portfolio accordingly.

• Evaluate Fund Managers: Assess the track record and expertise of the fund managers managing your investments. Look for consistency in performance and a clear investment strategy aligned with your goals.

• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with market trends, economic developments, and changes in regulations that may impact your investments. Stay connected with your financial advisor or conduct your research to make informed decisions.

• Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a qualified financial advisor to get personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your needs.

Overall, while your current mutual fund portfolio appears well-diversified, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investments based on changes in your financial situation and market conditions. By staying disciplined and informed, you can work towards achieving your financial goals effectively.

Ans: It’s great to see that you’re committed to securing funds for your child’s education, marriage, and retirement. These are critical milestones, and with the right approach, your investments can help you achieve them effectively.

Investment Goals and Approach

You have clear long-term objectives, which is ideal. Planning with specific goals like education, marriage, and retirement brings purpose to your investment journey. Given the 15-year investment horizon, you can take advantage of compounding benefits, especially with equity mutual funds. However, let’s ensure your portfolio is optimized for growth, risk, and tax efficiency.

Evaluating Your Mutual Fund Choices

Let’s look at your current investments across various categories:

1. Large Cap Funds
Large-cap funds provide stability, as they invest in established companies with relatively lower volatility. However, there can be limited scope for very high growth in large caps compared to mid or small caps.

You’re invested in two large-cap funds. It’s often advisable to focus on one high-performing large-cap fund to avoid overlap and unnecessary diversification.

Consider retaining a large-cap fund that has a consistent track record, active fund management, and strong research backing.

2. Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility by investing across market caps. This allows the fund manager to capture growth opportunities in any segment of the market.

Holding two flexi-cap funds is fine, as it balances large and mid-cap stocks, offering both stability and growth. However, evaluate each fund’s performance and select one if you feel any duplication in returns.

3. Mid Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds offer growth potential but come with higher risk. Given your long-term horizon, they can be beneficial.

You currently have three mid-cap funds. It might be better to consolidate into one or two top-performing funds in this category to reduce excessive overlap and diversify across sectors rather than just fund names.

4. Small Cap Fund
Small-cap funds are suitable for aggressive growth but can be highly volatile. It’s wise to limit exposure to small caps, as they tend to fluctuate significantly, especially over shorter timeframes.

Given your portfolio composition, your allocation to small caps is moderate, which seems appropriate. However, ensure you are comfortable with the high-risk nature of small caps, especially if the market faces downturns.

Analysis of Direct vs. Regular Funds

Opting for direct funds might appear attractive due to lower expense ratios, but it’s crucial to weigh the potential downsides:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds lack the guidance a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can offer. Expert support ensures your portfolio is regularly rebalanced and aligned with market changes, personal goals, and tax updates.

Regular Tracking: With a CFP’s help, your investments are reviewed frequently, making timely adjustments in case of underperformance. This hands-on approach is particularly helpful in achieving your long-term goals.

Tax Considerations: Regular funds through a CFP can help you optimize tax efficiency by offering proactive advice on capital gains, loss harvesting, and adjusting investments according to the new capital gains tax rules.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds

While index funds may seem attractive for their lower costs, actively managed funds bring added advantages, especially for long-term investors like you:

Potential for Higher Returns: Skilled fund managers actively seek growth opportunities that can outperform benchmarks over time. This could be a significant advantage given your long-term goals.

Flexibility in Market Movements: Active funds allow managers to make informed changes, adapting to market conditions and potentially protecting your investments during volatile phases.

Diverse Exposure: With active management, your funds are better diversified across sectors and stocks, reducing concentration risk and enhancing the potential for stable returns.

Investment Strategy Recommendations

Considering your goals and time horizon, here’s a comprehensive approach to optimize your portfolio:

Consolidate Fund Choices: Consider reducing similar funds within each category. This will provide clarity and focus, making it easier to track progress and reduce management complexity.

Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio performance, preferably with a CFP, to ensure each fund aligns with your risk tolerance and goals. Aim for annual rebalancing to stay on track.

Allocate Based on Goals: Assign specific funds for each goal. For example:

Child’s Education and Marriage: Given the moderate-to-high timeframe, allocate funds with a mix of stability (large-cap and flexi-cap funds) and growth (mid-cap).
Retirement: Invest in a diversified mix of flexi-cap and large-cap funds, along with a smaller allocation to mid-caps, as retirement is a long-term goal with a potentially higher investment horizon.
Avoid Overlapping: Limit overlap between funds by choosing those with unique holdings or management strategies. Too many funds can dilute returns, especially if they invest in similar stocks.

Tax Considerations

With recent changes in capital gains tax rules, be mindful of the following when planning exits or rebalancing:

Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are now taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG for debt funds are taxed according to your income tax slab.

Tax Efficiency: To minimize tax outgo, hold investments for the long term and consult a CFP for tax-optimized rebalancing.

Investment Horizon: Sticking to your 15-year investment plan can help mitigate tax impacts and optimize returns.

Insurance Evaluation

If you hold any LIC, ULIP, or investment-linked insurance policies, review their performance and fees. These products often come with high costs, which can limit returns. Consider surrendering such policies if they don’t align with your goals and reinvest in well-performing mutual funds instead.

Finally

Your commitment to a 15-year SIP plan shows your dedication to securing your family’s future. A structured, diversified approach with periodic reviews can enhance your portfolio’s performance, aligning it with your goals of education, marriage, and retirement.

A Certified Financial Planner can be a valuable partner in this journey, providing expert advice to help you make the most of your investments and adjust them as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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