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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 26, 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
arvind Question by arvind on Oct 26, 2025Hindi
Money

I Have following mutual fund Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund Growth, Canara Robeco Large and Mid Cap Regular Growth, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund Regular Growth, Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund Growth, HDFC MNC Fund Regular Growth & Aditay Birla small cap fund Regular Growth. Rs 100000/- was invested in each of fund. should I sold this fund and reinvest is new fund or continue in same fund

Ans: You have built a good foundation with reputed fund houses. Investing Rs 1,00,000 each in these funds shows your interest in growing wealth through equities. You have already taken the right step by selecting diversified categories such as flexi cap, large and mid cap, large cap, small cap, and thematic MNC funds. Let us now assess them carefully and decide if any changes are needed.

» Portfolio Appreciation

Your mutual fund selection is strong in quality. You have chosen established fund houses with good track records. These funds are known for consistency and transparency. This shows your research and smart thinking. You already hold a balanced mix of different fund categories. That is an excellent start.

However, there is some overlap and scope for refinement. A few small adjustments will make your portfolio sharper and more effective for long-term growth.

» Fund Category Review

Your portfolio includes:
– One Flexi Cap Fund
– One Large & Mid Cap Fund
– One Large Cap Fund
– Two Small Cap Funds
– One MNC Fund (Thematic)

This structure gives exposure to all parts of the market, but also brings duplication in some areas. Two small cap funds may create overlap because they both invest in similar types of companies. Small caps are high-risk, high-return funds. Holding two small caps adds extra volatility without adding much diversification.

Having one small cap fund is enough to capture the growth potential of that category. You can continue the one that has shown stable long-term performance and disciplined risk management. The other can be redeemed and reallocated to strengthen core holdings.

Your flexi cap and large & mid cap funds already provide diversified coverage across market segments. These are strong as core holdings because fund managers here can shift between large, mid, and small caps based on market conditions. These two funds can be retained as part of your core equity portfolio.

Your large cap fund adds stability. It invests in top companies that bring steady growth. Keeping this is good for balancing risk.

Your MNC fund is a thematic one. It focuses on multinational companies which usually have strong balance sheets and governance. But thematic funds can underperform during certain cycles. It is fine to hold it in small proportion (around 10–15% of total equity).

» Overlap and Diversification

Too many funds often lead to portfolio overlap. For example, many large and mid cap funds hold similar stocks that also appear in flexi cap or large cap funds. This reduces the real benefit of diversification. Instead of managing six funds, having four well-chosen funds is more efficient. It simplifies monitoring and helps you stay consistent.

You can consider continuing with one flexi cap, one large & mid cap, one large cap, and one small cap fund. This structure gives you exposure to all market segments without duplication.

The MNC fund can be kept only if you wish to maintain a thematic exposure. Otherwise, you can exit it and add more to the existing diversified funds.

» Performance and Holding Period

Before taking any redemption decision, check your holding period. If these investments are less than one year old, redeeming now will attract short-term capital gains tax at 20%. If held for more than one year, the long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh in a year are taxed at 12.5%. So, plan redemptions carefully to minimise tax.

Also, mutual funds work best when held for long periods. Frequent switching does not help. If your funds have not completed at least 3 years, allow them more time. Good funds can underperform temporarily but perform strongly over longer cycles. Review after 3–4 years before making final decisions.

» Regular vs Direct Plans

If you are investing through regular plans linked with a Certified Financial Planner or mutual fund distributor, it is better to continue that way. Many investors think direct plans give higher returns because of lower cost, but they miss the professional guidance that comes with regular plans.

Regular plans give you ongoing support, portfolio monitoring, rebalancing advice, and behaviour management during volatile markets. These benefits lead to better long-term results than self-managed direct plans.

In direct plans, you must handle all reviews, changes, and documentation yourself. During market volatility, emotional reactions can lead to mistakes like panic selling or chasing returns. A Certified Financial Planner provides discipline, structure, and emotional stability. That value far exceeds the small cost difference.

Hence, continue through your Certified Financial Planner-linked channel. This ensures accountability and better overall performance.

» Market Volatility and Patience

Equity investing requires patience. Markets go through cycles. Sometimes, even good funds may look dull in short periods. Selling too early can harm long-term growth.

If your funds are fundamentally strong and belong to reputed fund houses with experienced managers, continue them. Avoid switching frequently based on short-term returns. Long-term compounding needs stability.

Remember, real wealth in mutual funds builds over time, not by jumping from one fund to another.

» Future Investments and Rebalancing

Going forward, you can channel your fresh investments or SIPs into fewer but stronger funds. Focus more on core categories like flexi cap and large & mid cap. Keep small cap allocation around 15–20% of total equity exposure.

Review the performance once every year. Remove consistent underperformers if they lag for over 3 years compared to their category average. Avoid frequent changes based on temporary movements.

If your goal horizon is less than 5 years, start gradually shifting that part of your corpus to debt funds. If your goals are long-term, continue with equity allocation.

Also, once every year, rebalance your portfolio if one category grows too much. For example, if small caps outperform, reduce slightly and shift gains to large caps or flexi caps. This keeps risk and return in balance.

» Tax Efficiency

Be aware of taxation while switching. The new rule states:
– Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh a year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

To minimise tax, you can stagger your redemptions over two financial years if gains are large. Also, reinvest redeemed money immediately into suitable funds to maintain compounding.

» Role of Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner not only suggests funds but also aligns them to your goals. This ensures each rupee invested works towards a clear purpose. A planner tracks your progress, reviews annually, and helps in rebalancing.

They also protect you from emotional investing mistakes. When markets rise or fall sharply, investors often make hasty decisions. Having a Certified Financial Planner ensures your portfolio stays disciplined and aligned.

Hence, rather than changing funds on your own, consult your Certified Financial Planner before switching. Their experience and data-driven analysis will help in deciding which funds to retain or exit.

» Practical Next Steps

– Keep 4–5 funds maximum. Too many reduce clarity.
– Retain one small cap, not both.
– Retain one flexi cap, one large & mid cap, one large cap.
– Keep MNC fund only if you want limited thematic exposure.
– Avoid frequent switches. Give funds at least 3–4 years.
– Use regular plans via Certified Financial Planner for guidance.
– Rebalance annually based on risk and goals.
– Plan redemptions considering tax rules.

This structure will give you a clean, manageable, and growth-oriented portfolio.

» Finally

Your fund selection already shows good thought and awareness. You are investing in quality funds across categories. The main improvement needed is simplification and proper proportioning.

Continue with core diversified funds, reduce duplication, and give them time to perform. Avoid chasing new funds or switching for short-term trends. With patience, consistency, and professional review, your portfolio can deliver strong long-term results.

Stay invested, stay disciplined, and let compounding do its work quietly.

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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Dear Sir, I have following mutual funds: Please comment whether I shall sell or retain. ABSL Equity fund growth HDFC Equity fund growth ICICI Pru Nifly Index Growth ICICI Pru Infrastructure Growth SBI Focused Equity Fund Growth    UTI Master Share UTI MNC Fund Magnum Taxgain Sundaram Infrastructure ABSLMidcap Growth Name of the Fund Name of the Fund RankMF Star Rating ABSL Equity fund growth Equity - Multi Cap Fund 4 HDFC Equity fund growth Equity - Multi Cap Fund 4 ICICI PruNifly Index Growth Index Funds - Nifty 4 ICICI Pru Infrastructure Growth Equity - Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure 2 SBI Focused Equity Fund Growth Equity - Focused Fund 4 UTI Master Share Equity - Large Cap Fund 5 UTI MNC Fund Equity - Thematic Fund - MNC 3 Magnum Taxgain Equity - ELSS 3 Sundaram Infrastructure Equity - Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure 2 ABSLMidcap Growth Equity - Mid Cap Fund 2
Ans: You may continue with funds with 4 and 5 star rated, sector funds to be avoided and good funds in Multicap , Focused and Mid cap should be invested in.

Midcap: Suitable option considering quality and value for money at present levels is DSP Midcap and Axis Midcap

Multicap: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are UTI Equity Fund, Axis Multicap, Motilal Oswal Multicap 35

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

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HI SIR I HAVE INVEST SOME OF MUTUAL FUND LAST 9 MONTHS AGO, AND I WANT YOUR OPINION WHAT CAN I DO, I CONTINUE WITH THEM OR SWITCH OR STOP. THERE ARE MY PROFILE (HDFC TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS FUND DIRECT GROWTH @ RS. 1000/- PM, TATA MULTICAP FUND DIRECT GROWTH @ RS. 500/- PM, TATA NIFTY INDIA DIGITAL ETF FOF DIRECT GROWTH @ RS. 500/- PM, BANDHAN FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND DIRECT GROWTH @ RS. 500/- PM, MIRAE ASSET MULTI ASSET ALLOCATION FUND DIRECT GROWTH @ RS. 500/- PM)
Ans: You have invested in various mutual funds for 9 months.

Your portfolio includes HDFC Transportation and Logistics Fund, Tata Multicap Fund, Tata Nifty India Digital ETF FOF, Bandhan Financial Services Fund, and Mirae Asset Multi Asset Allocation Fund.

Assessing Each Fund
HDFC Transportation and Logistics Fund

Sector-specific fund focused on transportation and logistics.
High risk due to sector concentration.
Suitable for aggressive investors.
Tata Multicap Fund

Invests across large, mid, and small-cap companies.
Diversified portfolio reduces risk.
Balanced growth potential.
Tata Nifty India Digital ETF FOF

Follows the digital sector index.
High risk due to sector focus.
Suitable for those with high risk tolerance.
Bandhan Financial Services Fund

Sector-specific fund focused on financial services.
High risk with potential high returns.
Suitable for aggressive investors.
Mirae Asset Multi Asset Allocation Fund

Invests in equity, debt, and other assets.
Balanced risk and return.
Good for moderate risk tolerance.
Recommendations
Diversification and Risk Management

Your current portfolio is diversified but has high sector concentration.

Reduce Sector-Specific Exposure: High concentration in specific sectors can be risky.
Increase Allocation in Diversified Funds: Multicap and multi-asset funds offer balanced growth and lower risk.
Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.

Higher Potential Returns: Managed by experts who adjust based on market conditions.
Better Risk Management: Professionals make strategic decisions to mitigate risk.
Benefits of Regular Funds over Direct Funds

Direct funds lack professional guidance.

Expert Advice: Regular funds come with professional management.
Personalised Support: Certified Financial Planners provide valuable insights and adjustments.
Portfolio Adjustment Strategy
Continue with Balanced Funds

Tata Multicap Fund: Offers diversification and balanced growth.
Mirae Asset Multi Asset Allocation Fund: Provides stability with a mix of assets.
Reevaluate Sector Funds

HDFC Transportation and Logistics Fund: High risk; consider reducing allocation if risk tolerance is low.
Bandhan Financial Services Fund: High risk; reassess based on market conditions and risk tolerance.
Consider Alternatives to Index Funds

Tata Nifty India Digital ETF FOF: Sector-focused and passive; consider actively managed diversifed funds for better risk adjusted returns.
Regular Monitoring and Review
Review your portfolio every six months.

Assess Performance: Check fund performance and market conditions.
Seek Professional Guidance: Certified Financial Planners can provide insights and adjustments.
Final Insights
Your current portfolio has a mix of sector-specific and diversified funds.

Consider reducing exposure to high-risk sector funds.

Increase allocation in diversified and balanced funds.

Regularly review and adjust your investments with professional guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Naveenn Kummar  |234 Answers  |Ask -

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Dear Naveen Sir, I am 55 Years old and have five more years in superannuation. My monthly take home is approx. 6 Lacs PM . I have accumulated 2 Cr. in MF , 1.5 Cr in PF , 1 Cr FD and NPS and LIC put all together will be approx 50 Lacs and payout will start from 2028 onwards. I have just booked one 4 BHK and take home loan which is construction linked plan . Possession will be in 2029. My Daughter and Son are on Marriage age but both are also earning handsomely as they are in 30% bracket of IT . Have parental property approx 1.5 Cr which i will get in due course of the time. Monthly expenses are approx 1 Lacs only . Please suggest the way forward for next 5 Years .....how and where i start investing ....
Ans: Dear Sir
For a comprehensive QPFP level financial planning and retirement assessment we request the following details. These inputs will allow financial planner to prepare an accurate inflation-adjusted roadmap covering risk protection, income stability, investment strategy and long-term financial security.
________________________________________
1. Personal and Family Details
Your age and planned retirement year.
Spouse’s age, working status and future income expectations.
Number of dependents and their financial reliance on you.
Any major medical conditions in the family.
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2. Parents’ Health and Financial Dependence
Current health condition of parents.
Do they have their own medical insurance cover.
Sum insured and type of policy.
Any critical illness or pre-existing conditions.
Monthly financial support you provide to them if any.
Expected future medical or caretaker expenses.
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3. Income and Cash Flow
Monthly take home income.
Expected increments or bonuses for the next five years.
Monthly household expense structure.
Existing EMIs and financial commitments.
Monthly surplus available for investments.
Any expenses expected to rise due to inflation or lifestyle changes.
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4. Home Loan and Liabilities
Sanctioned home loan amount, interest rate and tenure.
Current disbursement status under construction linked plan.
Your plan for EMI servicing and part-prepayment.
Any other loans or financial liabilities.
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5. Real Estate Profile
Is this 4 BHK your first home or do you own other properties.
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Purpose of the new 4 BHK after retirement for self, parents or children.
Your plan for the parental house. Retain, sell or rent.
Where you plan to settle post retirement.
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Current mutual fund corpus and category-wise split.
SIP amounts and investment horizon.
PF, EPF, PPF and other retirement scheme balances.
Fixed deposit amounts, maturity periods and ownership structure for DICGC protection.
NPS allocations Tier 1 and Tier 2.
LIC policies with surrender value and maturity year.
Any bonds, NCDs, PMS, private equity or invoice discounting exposure.
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7. Emergency Preparedness
Current emergency fund value.
Loan facility available against MF or FD.
Any credit line for medical or sudden expenses.
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Term insurance coverage and policy details.
Health insurance sum assured and insurer.
Top-up or super top-up cover details.
Critical illness and accident cover status.
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Are you contributing financially to your children's planning.
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Children’s own investment and insurance setup.
Any future goals involving them.
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Annuity or pension products
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NPS annuity
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Plans to monetise or downsize real estate if needed.
Any travel, medical or lifestyle goals post retirement.
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The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

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Im aged 40 years and my husband is aged 48 years. We have one son aged 8 years and daughter aged 12 years. We both are in business. What should be the ideal corpus to meet their education at the age of 18 years for both children? Present business income we can save Rs.50000 pm
Ans: You are thinking early. That itself is a smart step. Many parents postpone planning and later struggle with loans. You are not in that situation. So appreciate your approach.

You asked about ideal corpus for higher education. Education cost is rising fast. So planning early avoids financial pressure later.

You have two kids. Your daughter is 12. Your son is 8. You have around six years for your daughter and around ten years for your son. With this time frame, you need a proper structured plan.

» Understanding Future Education Cost

Education inflation in India is high. It is increasing year after year. Even professional courses are becoming costly. College fees, hostel fees, books, digital tools and transportation also add cost.

You need to consider this inflation. Higher education cost will not remain at today’s value. It will grow.

So if today a standard undergraduate program costs around a few lakhs, in six to ten years the cost may go much higher. That is why estimating corpus should consider this future cost.

You don’t need exact numbers today. You need a target range to plan. A comfortable range gives clarity.

» Typical Cost Structure for Higher Education

Higher education cost depends on:

– Private or government institution
– Course type
– City or abroad option
– Duration

For engineering, medical, management or technology courses, cost goes higher. For government colleges the cost is lower but seats are limited. Private colleges are more accessible but expensive.

So planning based only on government college assumption may create funding gaps. Planning based on private college range gives safer margin.

» Suggested Corpus for Both Children

For your daughter, considering next six years gap and inflation, a target range should be higher. For your son, you have more time. So his corpus can grow better because compounding works more with time.

For a comfortable education corpus that covers most course possibilities, many families plan for a higher number. It gives flexibility to choose better college without stress.

So you can aim for a larger goal for both children like this:

– Daughter: Target a strong education fund for next six years
– Son: Target a similar or slightly higher fund for the next ten years because future costs may be higher

You may not need the whole amount if your child chooses a less expensive route. But having extra cushion gives peace.

» Your Savings Ability

You mentioned you can save Rs.50000 monthly. That is a strong saving capacity. But this saving should not go entirely to a single goal. You will also need future retirement planning, emergency fund and other life goals.

Still, a reasonable portion of this amount can be allocated towards education planning. Some families divide savings based on urgency and time horizon. Since daughter’s goal is near, she may need a more stable allocation.

Your son’s goal is long term. So his part can stay in growth asset for longer.

» Choosing the Right Investment Style

A long term goal like your son’s education needs equity exposure. Equity gives better potential for long term growth. It beats inflation better than fixed deposits.

But for your daughter, pure equity can create risk because goal is nearer. Market fluctuations may affect final corpus. So she needs a balanced asset mix.

So investment approach must be different for both.

» Asset Allocation Strategy

For your daughter with six year horizon:

– Higher allocation to a balanced type category
– Some allocation to equity through diversified categories
– Step down equity allocation in final three years

This structure protects capital in later years.

For your son with ten year horizon:

– Higher equity allocation at start
– Continue systematic investing
– Reduce risk allocation gradually closer to goal period

This helps growth and protection.

» Avoiding Wrong Investment Products

Parents often buy traditional insurance plans or children policies for education. These policies give low returns. They lock money and reduce wealth creation potential.

So avoid purely insurance based products for education goals. Insurance is separate. Investment is separate. This separation creates clarity and better growth.

If you already hold any ULIP or investment insurance product, it may not be efficient. Only if you have such policies then you may review and consider if surrender is needed and reinvest in mutual funds. If you don’t have such policies, no need to worry.

» Role of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

For long term goals, actively managed mutual funds offer better flexibility and expert management. They are designed to outperform inflation. A regular plan through a mutual fund distributor with CFP support helps with guidance. They also track your goal and give advice in volatile phases.

Direct funds look cheaper on expense ratio. But they lack advisory support. Long term investors often make emotional mistakes in direct investing. They stop SIPs or switch wrong schemes. So advisory backed investing avoids costly behaviour mistakes.

Index funds look simple and low cost. But they only follow the market. They don’t protect during corrections. There is no strategy or research. Actively managed funds adjust holdings based on market research and valuation. For life goals like education, smoother growth and strategy are needed.

So regular plan with advisory support helps you avoid unnecessary emotional decisions.

» Importance of Systematic Investing

A fixed monthly SIP gives discipline. It also benefits from market volatility. When markets fall, SIP buys more units. In rise phase, the value grows.

A structured SIP helps both goals. For daughter, SIP should shift towards low volatility funds slowly. For son, SIP can run longer in growth-oriented funds before reducing risk.

Your contribution amount may change based on future business income. But start now with whatever comfortable.

» Protecting the Goal With Insurance

Since you both are running business, income stability may fluctuate. So ensuring life security is important. Term insurance is the right option. It is low cost and high coverage.

This ensures child’s education is protected even if income stops.

Medical insurance also matters. A medical emergency should not break education savings.

» Reviewing the Plan Periodically

A fixed plan is good. But markets and life conditions change. So review once every twelve months.

Points to review:

– Are SIPs running on time?
– Is allocation suitable for goal year?
– Any need to shift from equity to safer category?
– Any tax planning advantage needed?

But avoid checking portfolio every week. Frequent checking creates stress.

» Education Goal Withdrawal Plan

As the daughter’s goal comes close:

– Stop SIP in high risk category
– Start shifting profit to debt type fund over systematic transfers
– Keep final year money in safe option like liquid category

Same formula should be applied for your son when his goal approaches.

This protects against last minute market crash.

» Emotional Side of Planning

Education is an emotional goal. Parents feel pressure to provide the best. But planning removes fear.

Saving consistently gives confidence. Having a plan helps avoid panic decisions. It also brings clarity of future expense.

This planning sets financial discipline for your children as well.

» Taxation Factors

When redeeming funds for education, tax rules will apply. For equity fund withdrawals, long term capital gains above exemption are taxed at 12.5% as per current rules. For short term within one year, tax is higher.

For debt investments, gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

So plan the withdrawal timing to reduce tax.

Tax planning near goal year is very important.

» What You Can Do Next

– Start separate investments for each child
– Use SIP for disciplined investing
– Choose growth-oriented asset for son
– Choose balanced and phased investment approach for daughter
– Review allocation yearly
– Protect the goal with insurance cover

Following these steps helps achieve the target corpus smoothly.

» Finally

You are already thinking in the right direction. You have time for both goals. You also have a good saving frequency. So you can build a strong education fund without stress.

Your children’s future will be secure if you continue with a structured and disciplined plan.

Stay consistent with your savings. Make investment choices carefully. Review and adjust calmly over time.

This journey will help you reach your ideal corpus for both children.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 09, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Regarding recent turmoils in global economic situation and trends, Trump's tariffs, relentless FII selling, should I be worried about midcap, large&midcap funds that I have in my mutual fund portfolio? I have been investing from last 4 years and want to invest for next 10 years only. And then plan to retire and move to SWP. I'm targeting a 10%-11% return eventually. And I don't want to make lower returns than FD's. Is now the time to switch from midcap, laege&midcap to conservative, large, flexi funds? Please suggest.
Ans: You have asked the right question at the right time. Many investors panic only after damage happens. You are thinking ahead. That is a strong habit.

You also have clarity about your goal, time horizon and expected returns. This mindset will help you handle market noise better.

» Current Market Sentiment and Global Events
The global economy is seeing stress. There are trade decisions, tariff announcements, and geopolitical issues. Foreign institutional investors are selling. News flow looks negative.
These events can cause short term volatility. Midcaps and small caps usually react faster during these phases. Even large caps show some stress.
But markets have seen many crises in the past. Elections, governments, conflicts, pandemics, financial crashes and tariff wars are not new events. Markets always recover over time.
Short term movements are unpredictable. Long term wealth creation depends more on patience and asset allocation.

» Your Time Horizon Matters More Than Market Noise
You have been investing for 4 years. You plan to invest for the next 10 years. That means your remaining maturity is long term.
For a 10 year goal, equity is suitable. Midcap and large and midcap funds are designed for long term investors. They are not meant for short periods.
If your time horizon is short, it is valid to worry about downside risk. But with 10 more years ahead, temporary volatility is normal and expected.
Short term fear should not drive long term decisions.

» Should You Switch to Conservative or Large Cap Now?
Switching based on panic or temporary news is not ideal. When you switch now, you lock the current lower value permanently. You also miss the recovery phase.
Large cap and flexi cap funds offer stability. But they also deliver lower growth potential during bull runs compared to midcaps.
Midcaps usually fall deeper when markets drop. But they also recover faster and often outperform in the next cycle.
Switching now may protect emotions but may reduce long term wealth creation.

» Target Return of 10% to 11% is Reasonable
Aiming for 10%-11% return with a 10 year investment horizon is realistic.
Fixed deposits now offer around 6.5% to 7.5%. After tax, the return becomes lower.
Equity funds have potential to generate better returns compared to FD over a long tenure. Midcap allocation contributes to this return potential.
So moving fully to conservative funds may reduce your ability to beat inflation comfortably.

» Impact of FII Selling
FII selling creates pressure on the market. But domestic investors including SIP flows are strong today. India is seeing strong structural growth.
Retail investors, mutual funds and systematic flows act as stabilizers.
FII selling is temporary and cyclical. It is not a permanent trend.

» Economic Slowdowns Create Opportunities
Corrections make valuations reasonable. This can benefit long term SIP investors.
During downturns, your SIP buys more units. During recovery, these units grow.
This mechanism works best in volatile categories like midcaps.
Stopping SIP or switching during dips blocks this benefit.

» Midcap Cycles Are Natural
Midcap funds move in cycles. They have phases of strong growth followed by correction. The correction phase is painful but temporary.
Every cycle contributes to future upside. Staying invested during all phases is important.
Many investors exit during downturns and enter again after markets rise. This behaviour produces lower returns than the mutual fund performance.

» Role of Portfolio Balance
Instead of exiting fully, review your asset allocation. You can hold a mix of:
– Large cap
– Flexi cap
– Midcap
– Large and midcap
This gives stability and growth potential.
Midcap should not be more than a suitable percentage for your age and risk tolerance. Since you are 36, some meaningful midcap exposure is fine.
If midcap exposure is very high, you can reduce slightly and move that portion to flexi cap or large cap funds slowly through a systematic transfer. Do not do a lump sum shift during panic.

» Behavioural Discipline Matters More Than Fund Selection
Market cycles test investor patience. Consistency in SIP and holding through declines builds wealth.
Most investors do not fail due to bad funds. They fail due to fear-based decisions.
Your approach should be systematic, not emotional.

» Do Not Compare with FD Frequently
FD gives predictable return. Equity gives volatile but higher potential return.
Comparing FD returns every time the market falls leads to wrong decisions.
FD is for safety. Equity is for growth. They serve different purposes.
Your retirement plan and SWP plan depends on growth. Only equity can provide that growth.

» Should You Change Strategy Because Retirement is 10 Years Away?
Now is not the time to exit growth segments. You are still in accumulation phase.
When you reach the last 3 years before retirement, then reducing equity exposure step by step is required.
At that stage, a glide path helps preserve gains. That time has not yet come.
So continue building wealth now.

» Market Timings and Shifts Rarely Work
Many investors try to predict markets. Most of them fail.
Switching based on news looks logical. But news and market timing rarely align.
Staying consistent with your asset allocation gives better results than frequent changes.

» Portfolio Review Approach
You can follow these steps:
– Continue SIPs in all categories
– Avoid stopping based on short term fears
– If midcap allocation is above comfort level, shift only small portion gradually
– Review allocation once in a year, not every month
This structured approach prevents emotional decisions.

» Tax Rules Matter When Switching
Switching between equity funds involves tax impact.
Short term capital gains tax is higher.
Long term capital gains above the exemption limit are taxed at 12.5%.
Switching without purpose can create avoidable tax leakage.
This reduces your compounding.

» When to Worry?
You need to reconsider only if:
– Your goal horizon becomes short
– Your risk appetite changes
– Your allocation becomes unbalanced
Not because of headlines or temporary corrections.

» Your Retirement SWP Plan
Once your accumulation phase is completed, you can shift to:
– Conservative hybrid
– Flexi cap
– Balanced allocation
This will support a smoother SWP.
But this transition should happen only closer to the retirement start date. Not now.

» SIP is Designed for Turbulent Years
SIP works best when markets are volatile. The hardest years for emotions are the most powerful for compounding.
Your long term discipline is your strategy.
Do not interrupt it.

» What You Should Do Now
– Stay invested
– Continue SIP
– Avoid panic selling
– Review allocation once a year
– Use a steady plan, not reactions
This will help you reach your target return range.

» Finally
You are on the right path. The current volatility is temporary. Your 10 year horizon gives enough time for recovery and growth.
Switching right now based on fear may reduce your future returns. Staying invested and continuing SIPs is the sensible approach.
Your goal of better return than FD is realistic. Equity can deliver that with patience.
Stay calm and systematic.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6740 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

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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