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My investment in mutual funds: Is there a better option?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8270 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 07, 2025

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
Ashwin Question by Ashwin on Feb 06, 2025Hindi
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Meri mutual fund me investment hai hdfc flexicap fund hai bandhan small cap hai Icici large and mid hai franklin ka multi cap hai motilal oswal ka mid cap hai sbi ka quant hai kya better fund hai kya

Ans: You have chosen funds from different categories. This diversification helps in risk management. However, assessing overlap, risk levels, and performance is important.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
You have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and quant funds.

This ensures a balance of stability, growth potential, and high-risk high-reward investments.

Actively managed funds help in wealth creation over the long term.

Your portfolio includes funds with different investment styles. This adds flexibility.

Areas of Improvement
Too many funds from similar categories can lead to redundancy.

Some funds may have overlapping stocks. This reduces the benefit of diversification.

Small-cap and mid-cap funds carry higher risk. They can be volatile in market downturns.

Quant funds follow a rule-based approach. These may underperform during unpredictable market conditions.

Evaluating Each Fund Category
Flexi-Cap Fund
These funds invest across market capitalizations.

They provide a mix of stability from large-cap and growth potential from mid- and small-cap stocks.

Fund manager decisions impact performance.

Small-Cap Fund
Higher risk and potential for high returns.

These funds perform well in bullish markets but fall sharply in downturns.

Ideal for long-term holding but needs monitoring.

Large and Mid-Cap Fund
Balanced approach with exposure to both large-cap stability and mid-cap growth.

Less volatile than pure mid-cap or small-cap funds.

Suitable for investors who want moderate risk and returns.

Multi-Cap Fund
Invests across large, mid, and small-cap stocks with minimum allocation rules.

Provides diversification across all segments.

Performance depends on market conditions and fund manager strategy.

Mid-Cap Fund
Mid-cap stocks offer higher growth potential than large caps.

More volatile than large-cap funds but less risky than small-cap funds.

Suitable for investors with a long-term horizon.

Quant Fund
Uses mathematical models and algorithms for stock selection.

Performance depends on market trends aligning with the algorithm’s strategy.

May not always outperform actively managed funds.

Suggestions for Optimizing Your Portfolio
Reduce redundancy by limiting funds with similar stock holdings.

Review the performance of each fund against its category benchmark and peers.

Ensure that your portfolio aligns with your risk appetite and financial goals.

Mid and small-cap funds should not exceed 40-50% of your equity allocation.

Check expense ratios and exit loads before making changes.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-diversified but can be optimized further. Reducing overlapping funds will improve efficiency. Tracking fund performance and staying invested for the long term is key.

If needed, consult a Certified Financial Planner for detailed portfolio restructuring.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |8270 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 22, 2025

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Sir, I am 45 years old and want to invest in equity mutual funds. I have time horizon of 10 years . Can you suggest me some good funds in large cap category, IT sector theme fund, 1 or 2 small/midcap funds or any other fund you think would be good for long term. I want to start SIP of Rs 40000/- across 4 mutual funds.
Ans: Your intent to invest Rs 40,000 per month in equity mutual funds for 10 years is a strong move.

Your fund choices across large-cap, IT sector, and mid/small-cap categories are sensible.

Let’s look at how to structure this investment efficiently.

Investment Objective Assessment

You have a long-term vision.

Ten years is a healthy horizon for equity.

SIP is the right approach.

Rs 40,000 monthly is a good contribution.

Your Ideal Asset Allocation Strategy

Diversify across categories.

Blend large-cap, sectoral, and mid/small-cap funds.

Avoid putting too much in one theme.

This lowers risk and boosts consistency.

Large-Cap Mutual Fund (Rs 14,000/month)

These funds invest in stable, top companies.

Ideal for long-term wealth growth.

Less volatile than mid/small-cap funds.

Good for capital preservation with growth.

IT Sector Fund (Rs 6,000/month)

IT sector can give high returns.

But it’s highly cyclical and sector-dependent.

Limit allocation to protect from volatility.

Use as a return booster, not a core.

Mid and Small-Cap Funds (Rs 14,000/month)

These funds carry high growth potential.

But they are more volatile and risky.

Suitable for your long-term horizon.

Split the allocation between mid and small caps.

Keep an eye on market trends regularly.

Flexi Cap or Multi Cap Fund (Rs 6,000/month)

This gives you market-wide exposure.

Fund manager picks across market segments.

Offers balance and flexibility in returns.

Helps when market cycles shift.

Avoid Direct Mutual Funds for Long-Term SIPs

Direct funds miss advisor insights.

You might make emotional, untimely exits.

They lack personalisation and professional guidance.

Regular plans via a CFP-MFD give strategy support.

Expert monitoring helps long-term discipline.

Stay Away from Index Funds

Index funds don’t beat the market.

They lack fund manager expertise.

No downside protection in falling markets.

Actively managed funds aim to outperform indices.

They adapt during market changes.

Review Your Plan Regularly

Review performance every year.

Rebalance based on life changes.

Switch underperforming funds if needed.

A Certified Financial Planner will guide you.

Monitoring is as important as starting.

Taxation Aspects You Must Know

Equity mutual funds have two tax rules.

Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh: taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains: taxed at 20%.

Holding for 10 years is tax efficient.

Stay invested to maximise post-tax returns.

Emergency Fund Planning Before SIPs

Keep at least 6 months of expenses saved.

Don’t invest this in mutual funds.

Use liquid funds or bank deposits.

This protects your SIPs during emergencies.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan Later

After 10 years, use SWP for income.

It gives tax-efficient regular withdrawals.

Avoid lump sum exits.

Plan withdrawal strategy 1-2 years before maturity.

Should You Include Sectoral Funds Beyond IT?

Sectoral funds are risky.

Don’t add too many of them.

You already plan IT sector exposure.

Focus more on diversified equity.

This improves overall stability.

Insurance and Health Coverage Are Essential

Review your term plan now.

Make sure it covers all your liabilities.

Have health cover for your family.

Don’t rely only on employer policy.

Your SIP Distribution Suggestion (Rs 40,000)

Large Cap Fund: Rs 14,000

IT Sector Fund: Rs 6,000

Mid Cap Fund: Rs 7,000

Small Cap Fund: Rs 7,000

Flexi or Multi Cap Fund: Rs 6,000

Strategy to Add More SIPs Yearly

Increase SIP by 10% annually.

This boosts compounding significantly.

You’ll reach bigger goals faster.

Link SIP increase to your salary hike.

Final Insights

Your investment plan is smart and timely.

Your SIP amount and time horizon are ideal.

Diversify smartly across fund types.

Avoid direct plans; take regular funds via CFP.

Stay away from index funds and too many sector bets.

Review your plan yearly with your Certified Financial Planner.

Tax efficiency and goal focus are key to success.

Your long-term wealth is built step by step.

A clear path and steady discipline will help you achieve it.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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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