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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2023Hindi
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Hi Kirtan, I already have SIP in PPFAS Flexicap, Axis Small Cap, CR Flexicap, Kotak Emerging, SBI Magnum Midcap. Now I have 3-4 lakhs which I plan to invest in an equity fund. Can I invest in Nippon India Multicap Fund via STP from a debt fund ? If yes, which debt fund will be good for STP over a period of 2-3 years. Is this new investment a good idea or I should invest in my exisiting MF's. Please advise.

Ans: Your portfolio already reflects a diversified mix of equity funds across different market segments, which is great. As for your new investment, Nippon India Multicap Fund is a reputable option, and using a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) from a debt fund can be a smart way to gradually move your funds into equities.

For the debt fund, consider options like Liquid Funds or Ultra Short Duration Funds, which offer stability and liquidity while generating modest returns. Popular choices include SBI Liquid Fund or HDFC Ultra Short Term Fund.

Before proceeding, evaluate if adding another equity fund aligns with your overall investment strategy and risk tolerance. Also, assess if you have any gaps in your existing portfolio that Nippon India Multicap Fund can fill.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. If you're comfortable with the strategy and it complements your existing portfolio, investing via STP into Nippon India Multicap Fund can be a prudent move. However, if you're uncertain, it's wise to consult with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2023

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Presently I am investing SIP of Rs. 1500/- p.m. in Nippon Mutual Fund, earlier it was Reliance. This SIP is in Growth Mutual fund. Is it ok to continue or I can invest same amount of SIP in another Mutual Fund. Please guide. PRASHANT KULKARNI, PUNE
Ans: Dear Prashant,

Thank you for reaching out with your query. I understand you're currently investing Rs. 1500 per month in a SIP with Nippon Mutual Fund (previously Reliance), and you're seeking guidance on whether to continue with the same or consider another mutual fund.

As a financial advisor, my advice to you would be to first assess your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk appetite. These factors will help you make a more informed decision about your investments. Since you've mentioned that the current investment is in a growth mutual fund, it's likely that this fund is focused on capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity stocks.

To determine whether you should continue with your current SIP, consider the following:

Fund performance: Analyze the past performance of the Nippon Mutual Fund you're invested in by comparing it to benchmark indices and peer funds in the same category. A consistent track record of outperforming its benchmark and peers could indicate that the fund is being managed well.
Fund manager's experience and strategy: Look into the fund manager's experience and investment strategy. A fund manager with a successful track record and a strategy that aligns with your investment goals can be a positive sign.
Diversification: It's always a good idea to diversify your investments across various sectors and fund houses. If the Nippon Mutual Fund is your only investment, you may want to consider adding another mutual fund from a different fund house to your portfolio. This will help in spreading the risk and potentially enhancing returns.
Costs: Evaluate the expense ratio of your current fund and compare it to other funds in the same category. A lower expense ratio can result in higher returns over time.
If, after considering these factors, you find that your current mutual fund aligns well with your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk appetite, you may continue with the SIP. However, if you feel that there's room for improvement, you may consider exploring other mutual funds that better suit your requirements.

Please remember that past performance is not a guarantee for future returns, and it's always important to review your investments periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your financial objectives.

I hope this helps, Prashant.

Best regards,

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 20, 2024

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Thank you very much Sir for your valuable suggestions. I am stepping up my SIPS in every 6 months. My mutual fund portfolio is combined with Quant Small cap/2k, Nippon India Small cap/2k, Motilal Oswal midcap fund/1.5k, Nippon India large cap fund/1.5k, Parag Parakh Flexi cap fund/2k, Nippon India IT index fund/1k. Sir please suggest if it is alright. You have told about Debt fund. Which Debt fund is best for investment right now. Should I exit IT index fund? I would love to hear from you Sir.Thank you.
Ans: You are stepping up your SIPs every six months, which is excellent. Here's a look at your current portfolio:

Quant Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2,000
Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2,000
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: Rs. 1,500
Nippon India Large Cap Fund: Rs. 1,500
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 2,000
Nippon India IT Index Fund: Rs. 1,000
Portfolio Assessment
1. Diversification:

Your portfolio is well-diversified across small, mid, and large-cap funds. This is good for risk management.

2. IT Index Fund:

IT sector-specific funds can be volatile. Consider exiting the IT index fund. Redirect this amount to a more diversified or balanced fund.

Adding Debt Funds
1. Stability:

Debt funds provide stability to your portfolio. They are less volatile compared to equity funds.

2. Recommended Debt Funds:

Choose debt funds with a good track record and lower expense ratio. Look for funds investing in high-quality debt securities.

Final Suggestions
1. Exit IT Index Fund:

Reallocate the Rs. 1,000 from the IT index fund to a debt fund.

2. Add a Debt Fund:

Invest Rs. 1,000 in a suitable debt fund to balance your portfolio.

3. Continue Stepping Up SIPs:

Your strategy of stepping up SIPs every six months is commendable. It will help you reach your financial goals faster.


Your diversified approach is good, but exiting the IT index fund for a debt fund will add stability. Keep stepping up your SIPs and monitor your portfolio regularly for the best results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 07, 2025Hindi
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Hello I am investing ?500/month in SBI PSU direct plan and nippon India multi cap fund. Should I continue with these investments? In addition to the above I am planning to invest ?2000 in few more SIPs. Pls suggest new SIPs My horizon is 5 years. Thanks TPG
Ans: You are currently investing Rs 500/month in SBI PSU Direct Plan and Nippon India Multi Cap Fund. Let us evaluate their suitability:

SBI PSU Direct Plan
This fund primarily invests in public sector undertakings (PSUs).
PSU sector funds are highly sector-specific, making them risky for a small, regular SIP.
Returns depend heavily on government policies and economic conditions.
Nippon India Multi Cap Fund
Multi-cap funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
They offer diversification and balanced risk compared to sector-specific funds.
This fund is suitable for your 5-year investment horizon.
Recommendation:
Continue investing in Nippon India Multi Cap Fund for diversification and growth potential.
Consider switching from SBI PSU Direct Plan to a more diversified and growth-oriented equity mutual fund.
Factors to Consider for New SIPs
Before selecting new SIPs, assess the following:

1. Investment Horizon
Your 5-year horizon is relatively short for pure equity investments.
Consider hybrid or balanced funds for lower risk and consistent returns.
2. Risk Tolerance
If you can tolerate moderate risk, opt for multi-cap or large-cap funds.
Avoid small-cap or sector-specific funds for short-term goals.
3. Return Expectations
Equity funds can provide higher returns over 5 years but may face market volatility.
Balanced advantage funds or hybrid funds offer stable returns with lower risk.
4. Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds are taxed at 12.5% LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh.
Balanced advantage funds are more tax-efficient than debt funds for 5 years.
Recommended SIP Categories
1. Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds
These funds invest across all market capitalisations.
They balance risk and returns, making them ideal for medium-term goals.
Include one such fund in your portfolio for diversification.
2. Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in well-established, stable companies.
They are less volatile and suitable for a 5-year horizon.
3. Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt.
They provide stability and consistent returns for medium-term goals.
4. Aggressive Hybrid Funds
These funds invest primarily in equity with a smaller allocation to debt.
They offer better returns than pure debt funds with moderate risk.
Suggested Allocation for New SIPs
Monthly SIP Amount: Rs 2,000
Multi-Cap Fund: Rs 1,000/month.
Balanced Advantage Fund: Rs 500/month.
Large-Cap Fund: Rs 500/month.
This allocation ensures a mix of growth and stability. It is also tax-efficient and aligned with your investment horizon.

Tax Considerations
Equity Mutual Funds
Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5% LTCG.
Avoid frequent withdrawals to minimise tax liability.
Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds are more tax-efficient than pure debt funds.
Their dynamic allocation reduces risk and improves post-tax returns.
Key Recommendations
Switch from SBI PSU Fund: PSU funds are sector-specific and not ideal for short-term goals.
Continue Nippon Multi-Cap Fund: This fund aligns with your horizon and provides diversification.
Add New SIPs: Invest in multi-cap, balanced advantage, and large-cap funds.
Review Regularly: Review your portfolio every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Avoid Sector-Specific Funds: These funds are too risky for a 5-year horizon.
Final Insights
Your disciplined SIP investments are a great start. By diversifying further with multi-cap and balanced advantage funds, you can optimise your portfolio for stability and growth. Ensure regular reviews and stick to your investment horizon for the best results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

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Dear Sir, Please advice, what is your suggestion to me as far as investment (SIP) in Mutual Fund is concerned, SIP in Multi Cap is good or Flexi Cap is good (for achieving goals like wealth accumulation, retirement etc.)? Regards, Ashish
Ans: When deciding between Multi-Cap and Flexi-Cap mutual funds for your SIP investments, it's important to evaluate your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Both types of funds have unique characteristics that can help in wealth accumulation and retirement planning.

Multi-Cap Funds: Key Characteristics
Diversified Portfolio: Multi-Cap funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This provides diversification, which can help manage risks.

Risk Level: The fund is usually less volatile compared to funds that focus only on small or mid-cap stocks. However, it does carry some risk due to exposure to smaller-cap stocks.

Long-Term Growth: These funds tend to perform well over long investment horizons. They aim to balance between growth and stability.

Suitable for Moderate to Conservative Investors: If you're looking for a mix of stability and growth, multi-cap funds might be suitable.

Flexi-Cap Funds: Key Characteristics
Flexibility in Allocation: Flexi-Cap funds have the flexibility to invest across all market capitalizations – large, mid, and small-cap stocks – based on market conditions. They can adjust their portfolio dynamically.

Higher Potential for Growth: Since these funds can tilt more towards mid-cap or small-cap stocks when the market is favorable, they can offer higher growth potential in bullish markets.

Risk-Return Trade-Off: While they can offer high returns in the long run, flexi-cap funds can also be more volatile than multi-cap funds.

Best for Long-Term Growth: If you are focused on wealth accumulation and are willing to take on a bit more risk for higher returns, flexi-cap funds are a good option.

Comparison and Evaluation for Your Financial Goals
Wealth Accumulation: Both multi-cap and flexi-cap funds can help you accumulate wealth over the long term. However, flexi-cap funds generally have the edge in terms of potential returns due to their dynamic asset allocation strategy. The flexibility allows them to outperform during market rallies.

Retirement Planning: If your goal is to build a solid retirement corpus with moderate risk, multi-cap funds provide a balanced approach. These funds tend to be less volatile while providing a decent return in the long run.

Risk Consideration: Since flexi-cap funds invest more actively, they are prone to higher market fluctuations. If you are comfortable with market ups and downs, flexi-cap funds might suit you better. On the other hand, if you want lower volatility with steady growth, multi-cap funds are a safer option.

Actively Managed Funds vs Direct Plans
Why Regular Funds (via MFD) are Beneficial: When investing in mutual funds, you can invest either in direct plans or regular plans. While direct plans offer lower expense ratios, they require substantial knowledge and time to manage investments.

Professional Management: By investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), you benefit from professional fund management. Your advisor can help tailor your SIP strategy to your goals and regularly assess fund performance, ensuring your investment remains aligned with market conditions and your risk profile.

Avoid Direct Plans if Not Knowledgeable: Direct plans may seem attractive due to lower fees, but they are suitable for those with in-depth market knowledge. Regular funds via an MFD provide you with an extra layer of support and expertise, which can be especially useful for managing volatile market conditions and long-term goals.

Final Insights
When choosing between Multi-Cap and Flexi-Cap funds, the best approach depends on your risk tolerance and financial goals. Multi-Cap funds offer diversification and stability, making them suitable for moderate risk-takers and long-term wealth accumulation. Flexi-Cap funds offer more growth potential but with higher volatility, making them ideal for those who are comfortable with higher risks for potentially higher returns.

For retirement planning, consider a mix of both types of funds, depending on your age, financial situation, and risk appetite. It's essential to periodically review your investment strategy and consult a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your SIP is on track for your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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Bsc computer science Delhi University or VIT bhopal CSE cloud computing.....which is better
Ans: Poonam, Delhi University’s three-year B.Sc. (Hons Computer Science follows a Choice Based Credit System with 14 core papers—including Programming in C++, Java, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Database Management Systems, Theory of Computation, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics—supplemented by discipline-specific electives, generic electives and skill-enhancement courses totaling 140 credits under CBCS. The program enjoys AICTE approval, UGC recognition, NAAC ‘A+’ accreditation, a Central Placement Cell that achieved an 88.42% placement ratio in 2022-23 with 252 offers from 78 companies (highest-to-median packages undisclosed) and median UG packages of ?5.5 LPA (three-year) and ?8.5 LPA (four-year) as per NIRF 2024. DU benefits from a highly experienced, research-active faculty, extensive university clubs and industry tie-ups for internships, but admits only via DU-CET with limited seat flexibility and minimal specializations beyond core CS.

In contrast, VIT Bhopal’s four-year B.Tech CSE (Cloud Computing and Automation) is a 160-credit program featuring 55 credits of core CS (Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Networks), 12 credits of cloud architecture and services, 15 elective credits (AI, ML, IoT, Cybersecurity, DevOps, Containerization, Blockchain), plus university and soft-skill courses under a Fully Flexible Credit System. Accredited by UGC, NAAC A++ (2021), NBA and ABET-aligned FFCS, it boasts 100% doctoral faculty, a 1:70–1:100 faculty-student ratio, dedicated cloud-computing labs, PARAM HPC access and a centralized VIT Career Development Centre recording over 90% placement for CSE branches with average packages near ?11 LPA and marquee recruiters across IT and core sectors. VIT offers semester-wise elective choice, lateral exit options and interdisciplinary projects, but commands higher fees (~?7.92 L) and admits via VIT-EEE or JEE Main rank.

While DU’s B.Sc. CS delivers rigorous theoretical grounding, diverse electives and cost-effective public-university benefits with strong placement support for core CS roles, VIT Bhopal’s CSE (Cloud Computing) provides specialized industry-aligned cloud curriculum, superior lab infrastructure, flexible credit system, higher placement percentages, and stronger corporate partnerships—albeit at greater cost and commitment.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9419 Answers  |Ask -

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Dear Sir, My son has secured admission to Information Science Engineering (ISE) at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore. He wanted to study at colleges like RVCE or PES, but based on his KCET/JEE rank, it is difficult to get admission to these colleges. Hence, I am exploring the option of a CSE management seat in these colleges. How are the future prospects of ISE at NMIT? Is it worth spending for a management seat? Your advice will greatly help us make a well-informed decision. Let me know if you need any further edits or have additional content to check!
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RVS College’s strong AICTE/NAAC credentials, industry-aligned curriculum, specialized labs and consistent 60–87% placement rates make it a solid choice for core engineering streams. Prospective students should engage proactively in its corporate workshops and alumni network to maximize internships and research-project opportunities. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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