Sir Ji - Namaste. Which is advantageous? Investing in MFs directly from the Company or through Distributors ( broking companies )?

Ans: Hello Parry and thanks for writing to me. If you are investing in equity as an asset class whether it is thru Portfolio Management Services or Equity Mutual Funds, you will face volatility. Equity is a long term investment and with your retirement horizon in 15 years, you can reap the benefits of compounding.

The minimum investment ticket size in a PMS is Rs.50 Lakh. If you choose to go with a PMS, you will have invest your entire corpus of Rs.50 lakh with only one portfolio management company. While many PMS companies have given outstanding returns, you will have to be able to select the right PMS for you.

If you choose to go with mutual funds, you can plan to invest in tranches and have flexibility to invest across different schemes and asset types to create a diversified portfolio that can be rebalanced over time to ensure you are on track to achieve your retirement goal.

You should consider taking advise from a certified financial advisor who can help you select the right PMS or mutual funds.

Ans: Given your investment horizon of 1-3 years and considering your age and risk profile, it's essential to prioritize capital preservation while aiming for modest returns. Here are some mutual fund options that may suit your investment needs:

Short-Term Debt Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities with relatively shorter maturities, providing stability and liquidity. They are suitable for investors looking to preserve capital while generating better returns than traditional savings accounts or fixed deposits. Consider investing in reputable short-term debt funds with a track record of delivering consistent returns and maintaining low volatility.
Liquid Funds: Liquid funds invest in short-term money market instruments with very high liquidity and minimal interest rate risk. They offer stability of capital and can be an excellent option for parking funds temporarily or meeting short-term financial goals. Liquid funds typically have a low expense ratio and can provide relatively higher returns compared to savings accounts or fixed deposits.
Ultra Short Duration Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities with short to ultra-short maturities, offering a balance between stability and yield. They can be suitable for investors with a slightly longer investment horizon of 1-3 years who are willing to take on slightly higher risk for potentially higher returns than traditional fixed deposits or savings accounts.
Arbitrage Funds: Arbitrage funds aim to generate returns by exploiting price differentials between cash and derivative markets. They offer relatively low volatility and tax-efficient returns, making them suitable for short-term investments. However, it's essential to note that arbitrage funds are subject to market risks and may not guarantee fixed returns.
Before making any investment decisions, it's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner or investment advisor who can assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you select mutual funds that align with your investment objectives and provide personalized guidance based on your unique financial situation. Additionally, carefully review the fund's investment objectives, past performance, expense ratio, and risk factors before investing.

Ans: The benefits of investing through a Distributor are you get advice and handholding, you can leverage the experience of the distributor and their research which could also result in higher performance for a good distributor. The negatives of investing through a distributor are higher costs and potential conflict of interest where the distributor could choose a higher remunerative product for him.
You also have the option of using direct funds and appointing a Registered Investment Advisor which would take out conflict of interest.
You may find that a good distributor/advisor could add value beyond the lower cost that direct funds offer.

Ans: Investing Rs. 60,000 per month for 5 years can significantly boost your retirement corpus. Here’s a recommended approach:

Large-Cap Funds (30% allocation): These funds invest in well-established companies, offering stability and steady returns.
Mid-Cap Funds (25% allocation): Invest in growing companies, offering a balance of risk and reward.
Small-Cap Funds (15% allocation): High potential for growth but with higher volatility. A smaller allocation here can boost overall returns.
Flexi-Cap Funds (30% allocation): These funds adapt to market conditions, providing diversification and balanced risk.
Choose regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner for expert guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in