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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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 - May 10, 2024Hindi
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I am looking to invest a lumpsum or STP in a fixed income mutual fund. Can you please suggest me a good fund which can yield me a reasonable returns going long term.( for a min span of 2 years or above)

Ans: Exploring investment opportunities in fixed income mutual funds is a prudent step towards building a diversified portfolio with stable returns. Let's delve into the characteristics of these funds and identify a suitable option for your long-term investment horizon.

Understanding Fixed Income Mutual Funds:
Fixed income mutual funds primarily invest in debt instruments such as government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. These funds aim to generate stable returns while preserving capital, making them suitable for investors seeking steady income and capital preservation.

Evaluating Investment Criteria:
Before selecting a fixed income mutual fund, consider the following criteria:

Investment Horizon: Given your minimum investment horizon of 2 years or above, opt for funds with a track record of consistent performance over the long term.

Risk Appetite: Assess your risk tolerance and opt for funds that align with your comfort level. Fixed income funds typically carry lower risk compared to equity funds, offering stability and income generation.

Identifying Suitable Funds:
Based on your investment criteria, consider the following types of fixed income mutual funds:

Short-Term Debt Funds: These funds invest in debt securities with shorter maturities, offering relatively stable returns over a short to medium-term horizon. They are ideal for investors seeking liquidity and lower interest rate risk.

Corporate Bond Funds: Corporate bond funds primarily invest in bonds issued by corporate entities, offering higher yields compared to government securities. These funds may carry slightly higher risk but can potentially deliver attractive returns over the long term.

Dynamic Bond Funds: Dynamic bond funds have the flexibility to adjust their portfolio duration and allocation based on interest rate movements and market conditions. They offer the potential for higher returns but may be subject to higher volatility.

Selecting the Right Fund:
After evaluating different types of fixed income mutual funds, choose a fund that aligns with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Consider factors such as fund manager expertise, expense ratio, and historical performance while making your decision.

Commitment to Financial Growth:
As you embark on your investment journey, rest assured that I'm committed to providing ongoing guidance and support. Your proactive approach to wealth creation sets the stage for long-term financial success and security.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Investment Decision
In conclusion, investing in a fixed income mutual fund can provide stability and steady returns over the long term, making it a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. By selecting a fund that matches your investment criteria and risk profile, you pave the way for financial growth and security in the years to come.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 31, 2024Hindi
Money
I have 2 lakh and wanted to invest in lumpsum mutual fund for 10+ years. I am ready to take 100% risk. Please suggest me some funds
Ans: Long-Term Investment Strategies for High-Risk Appetite
Congratulations on your decision to invest Rs 2 lakh in mutual funds for the long term! Your readiness to take 100% risk suggests you are looking for high-growth opportunities. Let's explore various mutual fund options that align with your risk appetite and investment horizon.

Understanding High-Risk Investments
High-risk investments are typically equity-based. They offer the potential for high returns but come with significant volatility. For a 10+ year horizon, equity mutual funds are ideal. Let's dive into different types of equity funds that can suit your profile.

Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds invest primarily in stocks. They are categorized based on the market capitalization of the companies they invest in, the sectors they focus on, and their investment strategies.

Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with large market capitalizations. These companies have a track record of stability and consistent growth.

Benefits:

Stability: Less volatile compared to mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Reliable Growth: Offer steady returns over the long term.

Assessment:

Large-cap funds are suitable for investors seeking moderate risk with reliable growth. They are less risky than mid-cap and small-cap funds but offer lower potential returns.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies. These companies have the potential for higher growth compared to large-cap companies but are also more volatile.

Benefits:

Growth Potential: Higher potential for capital appreciation than large-cap funds.

Balanced Risk: Moderate risk, balancing stability and growth.

Assessment:

Mid-cap funds are ideal for investors willing to take on moderate risk for higher returns. They offer a good balance between stability and growth potential.

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. These funds are the most volatile but can offer the highest returns over the long term.

Benefits:

High Returns: Potential for significant capital appreciation.

Growth Opportunities: Invest in emerging companies with high growth prospects.

Assessment:

Small-cap funds are best suited for aggressive investors ready to embrace high volatility for substantial returns. They require patience and a long-term outlook.

Multi-Cap Funds
Multi-cap funds invest in companies across various market capitalizations. They provide diversification by investing in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies.

Benefits:

Diversification: Spread risk across different market capitalizations.

Flexibility: Fund managers can shift investments based on market conditions.

Assessment:

Multi-cap funds are ideal for investors seeking diversification and flexibility. They balance risk and reward by investing across the market spectrum.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds
Sectoral and thematic funds focus on specific sectors or investment themes. These funds can offer high returns if the chosen sector or theme performs well.

Benefits:

Focused Investment: Target high-growth sectors or themes.

High Returns: Potential for significant returns if the sector/theme performs well.

Assessment:

Sectoral/thematic funds are suitable for investors with strong convictions about specific sectors or themes. They carry higher risk due to concentrated exposure.

Active vs. Passive Funds
Active Funds:

Managed by Experts: Fund managers actively select stocks to outperform the market.

Higher Fees: Management fees are higher due to active management.

Passive Funds:

Track Index: Mimic the performance of a market index.

Lower Fees: Management fees are lower due to passive management.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Limited Growth: Passive funds can’t outperform the market.

Missed Opportunities: May miss out on high-growth stocks not in the index.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Higher Effort Required:

Self-Management: Investors need to manage and monitor investments themselves.
Less Guidance:

No Professional Advice: Lack of professional advice can lead to poor investment choices.
Benefits of Regular Funds:

Expert Management: Professional fund managers make informed decisions.

Convenience: Easier to manage with guidance from a certified financial planner (CFP).

Recommended Investment Approach
Given your high-risk appetite and long-term horizon, an aggressive investment approach is suitable. Here's a detailed plan:

Step 1: Allocate Funds Across Different Categories
Diversification: Spread your investment across different types of equity funds to balance risk and return.

Example Allocation:

Large-Cap Funds: 30% for stability and reliable growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: 30% for balanced risk and higher returns.

Small-Cap Funds: 20% for high growth potential.

Multi-Cap Funds: 20% for diversification and flexibility.

Step 2: Research and Select Funds
Performance Analysis: Choose funds with a strong track record of performance over at least five years.

Consistency: Look for consistency in returns and management expertise.

Fund Manager: Evaluate the experience and strategy of the fund manager.

Step 3: Monitor and Review Regularly
Regular Monitoring: Track the performance of your investments periodically.

Rebalance Portfolio: Adjust your portfolio based on performance and changing market conditions.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of market trends and economic changes.

The Importance of Long-Term Investment
Compounding Returns: Long-term investments benefit from compounding, leading to significant growth.

Market Cycles: Staying invested through market cycles helps in averaging returns.

Patience Pays: Long-term investments mitigate short-term volatility and provide higher returns.

Tax Implications
Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are taxed at 10% if gains exceed Rs 1 lakh in a financial year.

Tax Planning: Consider tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) for additional benefits.

Conclusion
Investing Rs 2 lakh in lumpsum mutual funds for a 10+ year horizon with a high-risk appetite is a prudent decision. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap funds to balance risk and maximize returns. Regularly monitor your portfolio and stay informed about market trends.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized guidance and ensure your investments align with your financial goals. With patience and disciplined investing, you can achieve significant growth over the long term.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 09, 2024

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I want invest lumpsum 5lakhs in long term 20yrs mutual fund..can anyone pls advice n suggest good mutual funds for long term.. Quant small cap fund is in my mind
Ans: Investing a lump sum of Rs. 5 lakhs with a long-term horizon of 20 years can be a powerful strategy to build wealth. However, selecting the right mutual fund is crucial to achieving your financial goals. While the Quant Small Cap Fund might seem appealing due to its potential for high returns, it's important to evaluate your investment choice carefully, considering the risks and rewards.

Considerations for Long-Term Investment
Risk Tolerance: Small-cap funds are high-risk, high-reward investments. They have the potential for significant returns but also come with higher volatility. Over 20 years, this could lead to substantial growth, but you must be comfortable with potential fluctuations.

Diversification: Instead of putting all your money into a small-cap fund, consider diversifying across different types of equity funds. This reduces risk and ensures a more balanced portfolio.

Fund Performance: Look at the historical performance of the fund over different market cycles. While past performance doesn't guarantee future returns, it gives an idea of how the fund has managed different market conditions.

Fund Manager’s Expertise: The expertise of the fund manager plays a significant role in the fund’s performance. Consider the track record of the fund manager in managing small-cap funds or other equity funds.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios help in maximizing your returns over the long term. Ensure that the fund you choose has a competitive expense ratio.

Suggested Mutual Funds for Long-Term Investment
Given your 20-year horizon, it's wise to consider a mix of funds that can offer growth potential while managing risk. Here are a few categories and examples of funds you might consider:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in companies with a large market capitalization, offering stability and steady growth.

Recommended Fund Type: Large-cap equity funds.
Benefit: Lower risk compared to small-cap funds with consistent returns.
Multi-Cap/Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering a diversified approach.

Recommended Fund Type: Multi-cap or Flexi-cap funds.
Benefit: Balanced risk with exposure to various segments of the market.
Small-Cap Funds: If you are comfortable with high risk and volatility, small-cap funds can be considered for a portion of your investment.

Recommended Fund Type: Small-cap equity funds.
Benefit: High growth potential, suitable for a small portion of your portfolio.
Mid-Cap Funds: These funds invest in medium-sized companies that have the potential for significant growth, offering a balance between risk and return.

Recommended Fund Type: Mid-cap equity funds.
Benefit: Higher growth potential than large-caps, with less volatility than small-caps.
Why Consider Diversification?
While the Quant Small Cap Fund might offer high returns, it also comes with higher risk. Diversifying your investment across different fund categories can help balance this risk. For example:

Large-Cap Fund: Invest Rs. 2 lakhs.
Flexi-Cap Fund: Invest Rs. 2 lakhs.
Small-Cap Fund: Invest Rs. 1 lakh.
This strategy ensures that your portfolio can withstand market fluctuations while still participating in the growth potential of small-cap stocks.

Final Thoughts
Investing for 20 years provides you with the opportunity to benefit from compounding, but it’s essential to make well-informed decisions. Diversification, understanding your risk tolerance, and selecting funds with a proven track record are key to achieving your long-term financial goals. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) could also help in personalizing your investment strategy to align with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4121 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Feb 19, 2025

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My son scored 83% in JEE first session he is interested in AI & ML , can he get seat in NIT or IIT under ST category and now he preparing for CBSE 12th Board exams and then he attend JEE 2nd session in APRIL 2025, kindly suggest
Ans: Regarding IIT, it is contingent upon his performance in the JEE-Advanced and whether he is assigned a rank. Regarding his JEE-Main 83rd percentile, I recommend verifying the following to see which NITs and branches he may qualify for admission. To determine which National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and branches she might be eligible for, consider the following steps: Identify Preferred Branches: Discuss with your daughter to understand his interests and preferred engineering disciplines. Check JoSAA Opening and Closing Ranks of 2024: The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) provides detailed information on the opening and closing ranks for NITS and branches. To access this information: Visit the official JoSAA website. Navigate to the "eServices" section and select "Opening and Closing Ranks 2024". Input the desired parameters such as counseling round (preferably the last round for comprehensive data), institute type (e.g., NIT), specific institute names, academic programs (branches), and your daughter's category. Review the displayed data to identify institutes and branches that align with his percentile and preferences. For a broader perspective, consider exploring opening and closing ranks from previous years, which can provide insights into trends and help set realistic expectations. While his current score is commendable, it's prudent to have alternative options. Encourage his to appear for additional entrance examinations to keep multiple pathways open. All the Best for your Son's Prosperous Future.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4121 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Feb 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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My son is 12th appearing for his board exams right now. He has scored 96.5 percentile in JEE January attempt. He is planning to give second attempt in April and also JEE advanced. Actually his percentile went low due to Maths in which he scored 70. Physics and Chemistry he scored above 98 He really likes studying Physics. What branch can he opt for in future??
Ans: Congratulations to your son for achieving a 96.5 percentile in his JEE-Main examination. (Based on his score of 96.5, his rank may be approximately between 4200 and 4700 (as you have indicated in single decimal). Here are some highly effective strategies and recommendations for your son: He should concentrate on weak topics and questions answered incorrectly in his mock and practice tests from his coaching center. It is essential to keep revising and practicing those chapters and topics. He should continue to revise Physics and Chemistry as well. He can begin practicing questions from the JEE-Advanced exams of the last 20-30 years. As nearly all the chapters of PCM are addressed in his Coaching Centre, he is able to effectively and strategically manage the preparations for both his Board exams and the JEE-Main-April Session as well as JEE Advanced. To determine which National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and branches she might be eligible for, consider the following steps: Identify Preferred Branches: Discuss with your daughter to understand his interests and preferred engineering disciplines. Check JoSAA Opening and Closing Ranks of 2024: The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) provides detailed information on the opening and closing ranks for NITS and branches. To access this information: Visit the official JoSAA website. Navigate to the "eServices" section and select "Opening and Closing Ranks 2024". Input the desired parameters such as counseling round (preferably the last round for comprehensive data), institute type (e.g., NIT), specific institute names, academic programs (branches), and your daughter's category. Review the displayed data to identify institutes and branches that align with his percentile and preferences. For a broader perspective, consider exploring opening and closing ranks from previous years, which can provide insights into trends and help set realistic expectations. While his current score is commendable, it's prudent to have alternative options. Encourage his to appear for additional entrance examinations to keep multiple pathways open. All the Best for your Son's Prosperous Future.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4121 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Feb 19, 2025

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My daughter scored 99.26 percentile in 2025 mains first session. What are the chances for her in top NITs
Ans: Amit Sir, Congratulations to your daughter on achieving a remarkable 99.26 percentile in her JEE Main examination! This accomplishment opens up numerous opportunities for her in esteemed institutions. To determine which National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and branches she might be eligible for, consider the following steps:
Identify Preferred Branches: Discuss with your daughter to understand her interests and preferred engineering disciplines. Check JoSAA Opening and Closing Ranks of 2024: The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) provides detailed information on the opening and closing ranks for various institutes and branches. To access this information: Visit the official JoSAA website. Navigate to the "eServices" section and select "Opening and Closing Ranks 2024". Input the desired parameters such as counseling round (preferably the last round for comprehensive data), institute type (e.g., NIT), specific institute names, academic programs (branches), and your daughter's category. Review the displayed data to identify institutes and branches that align with her percentile and preferences. For a broader perspective, consider exploring opening and closing ranks from previous years, which can provide insights into trends and help set realistic expectations. While her current score is commendable, it's prudent to have alternative options. Encourage her to appear for additional entrance examinations to keep multiple pathways open. All the Best for your Daughter's Prosperous Future.

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Feb 19, 2025

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How many marks is required in neet to get admission in iisc bangalore
Ans: IISc is a premier institute. When planning to join a prestigious institution, it's important not to focus solely on the eligibility criteria. Generally, the minimum eligibility for admission varies between 50-60%. This means that if you have at least 60% marks in the required subjects, you still may not guarantee admission, as many aspirants intend to pursue their studies at the same institute. Consequently, competition can be intense, and some applicants might not secure a place.

Please note that the admission selection process typically involves an entrance exam conducted either by the institute itself or by a testing agency. According to your query, the basic eligibility to pursue an undergraduate program at IISc is 60%, and candidates are also required to appear for the entrance exam.

For your reference, I have extracted this information from the IISc website. If you need any further details, kindly feel free to POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be Indian nationals, OCI/PIO/Foreign Nationals to apply for IAT 2025.

The candidates must have passed the Class XII (or equivalent) examination with science stream from any board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India. Foreign Nationals need to upload an equivalence certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities unless they have passed the Class XII or equivalent level examination from any board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India. The equivalence certificate must be uploaded while submitting the IAT 2025 Application Form under "Please upload copy of document supporting your claim of Foreign National (You'll need to produce original when necessary)".

Candidates should have been born on or after October 01, 2000. Five years of age relaxation is given to SC, ST, and PwD candidates, i.e, these candidates should have been born on or after October 01, 1995. Note that, there is no restriction based on the completion year of Class XII.

Candidates must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during their Class XII (or equivalent) examination.

Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD are required to score a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class XII (or equivalent) examination. Candidates belonging to other categories are required to score a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class XII (or equivalent) examination.

NOTE:
Candidates belonging to Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-Migrants) may apply for the IAT 2025 as Kashmiri Migrants subject to the fullfillment of other eligibility criteria. These candidates must upload a valid domicile certificate at the time of application under "Kashmiri Migrant Certificate".

Admission to IISERs
Admission to IISERs is exclusively through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), which is a computer-based test scheduled on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM, at various centres across the country.

Performance Criteria in Class XII (or equivalent examination)
Candidates whose Class XII (or equivalent) examination results have not yet been declared can apply for IAT 2025. However, their admission will be subject to fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria given above.
For candidates who have appeared in the Class XII (or equivalent) examination multiple times (for whatever reasons), the best of the performances in terms of aggregate in a given year will be considered.
If a board gives aggregate marks considering both Class XI and Class XII, then only Class XII (or equivalent) examination marks will be considered. If a board gives aggregate marks considering the results of all three years of a 3-year diploma or courses of equivalent duration, then only the marks scored in the final year will be considered. Similarly, the marks scored in the final two semesters will be considered for boards that follow a semester system.
If a board awards only letter grades without providing an equivalent percentage of marks on the grade-sheet, the candidate should obtain a certificate from the board specifying the equivalent marks and submit it before the deadline of the mark-sheet submission. In case the board does not provide such a certificate, the percentage marks will be assessed as follows:

percentage marks = (CGPA or CPI obtained × 100) / PS,
where PS is the maximum value of the point scale used by the respective board.
Reservation Policy
Reservation policies as mandated by the Govt. of India will apply
Scheduled Caste (SC) - 15% of seats
Scheduled Tribe (ST) - 7.5% of seats
Other Backward Classes belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) - 27% of seats
Persons with Disability (PwD) with at least 40% impairment - 5% of seats (horizontal, within the same category)
Kashmiri Migrants - 3 seats per IISER (supernumerary)
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) - up to 10% (as per Government of India rules)
Note that the EWS/OBC-NCL certificate should be issued on or after April 01, 2025

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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