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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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
Rajiva Question by Rajiva on Sep 05, 2023Hindi
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Myself Rajiva raman aged 58 years a retired banker. I have invested some amount in SIPs Rs. 8000/- per month all in Small Cap Equity Funds. I want to invest in some Hybrid funds as well as some large cap in order to diverify my portfolio. I want about 50 lacs in 8 years from now. What will be the investments per month and break-up of Small Cap, Large Cap, Hybrid Funds so as to gain also and safeguard my investments. My present investments are Nippon India Small Cap Regular Fund Rs. 2000/- pm, Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Rs. 1000/- pm, Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Rs. 1000/- pm, ICICI Prudential Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Rs. 1000/ pm, Quant Manufacturing Fund Direct Growth Rs. 1000/- pm, Canar Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Rs. 1000/- pm, Bandhan Nifty IT Index Fund Direct Growth Rs. 1000/- pm. Please advice.

Ans: Strategizing Your Portfolio for Growth and Diversification

Congratulations on taking proactive steps to diversify your investment portfolio and plan for your financial future. Let's analyze your current holdings and design a balanced investment strategy to achieve your goal of Rs. 50 lakhs in 8 years.

Assessing Your Current Investments

Your current SIPs are predominantly invested in Small Cap Equity Funds, reflecting a high-risk, high-return approach to investment. While small-cap funds offer growth potential, they also come with higher volatility and risk.

Designing a Balanced Portfolio

Given your objective of diversifying your portfolio and safeguarding your investments, it's prudent to allocate funds across different asset classes and fund categories. Here's a suggested allocation:

Large Cap Funds: Allocate a portion of your monthly investment towards large-cap funds to provide stability and mitigate risk. Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a track record of stable performance and market leadership.

Hybrid Funds: Invest in hybrid funds to gain exposure to both equity and debt instruments, offering a balanced risk-return profile. Hybrid funds combine the growth potential of equities with the stability of debt securities, making them suitable for risk-averse investors like yourself.

Small Cap Funds: While maintaining exposure to small-cap funds, consider rebalancing your allocation to align with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Small-cap funds can provide significant growth opportunities but may also experience higher volatility.

Determining Investment Amounts

To achieve your target of Rs. 50 lakhs in 8 years, you'll need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return and investment horizon. A Certified Financial Planner can help perform this calculation accurately based on your specific requirements and risk profile.

Strategic Allocation Breakdown

Large Cap Funds: Allocate a significant portion of your monthly investment towards large-cap funds to provide stability and reduce overall portfolio risk.

Hybrid Funds: Invest a moderate portion in hybrid funds to balance risk and return, benefiting from both equity and debt exposure.

Small Cap Funds: Maintain a smaller allocation to small-cap funds to capitalize on growth opportunities while managing risk effectively.

Seeking Professional Guidance

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend consulting with a qualified professional to tailor your investment strategy to your unique needs and circumstances. A personalized financial plan can provide clarity and direction, helping you achieve your financial goals effectively.

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 Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 18, 2024

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My current portfolio is approx 45 Lac in PF, 5 Lac in NPS another 35 Lac in different MF & direct stocks, I am currently investing: 1) PF - Rs 42000 (Including company contribution) 2) NPS - Rs 22000 3) Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Fund - Growth-Regular Plan - Rs 3000 4) Kotak Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan- Growth - Rs 7000 5) PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund - Direct Plan - Growth - 7000 6) Tata Digital India Fund Direct Plan Growth - Rs 10000 7) Nifty50 index fund - Rs 17500 8) Direct Stocks - Rs 10000 9) PGIM India Large cap Opportunities Fund - Direct Plan - Growth - Rs 4000 My goal is around 5 Cr in the next 9-10 years. Kindly advise, I can increase my monthly contribution if needed
Ans: To achieve 5 Cr in 9-10 years, your current investments need to be reviewed and possibly increased. Here's a brief analysis:

PF & NPS: These are good long-term savings. Ensure you're invested in equity-oriented options within NPS for better returns.
MFs & Direct Stocks: Diversified portfolio, but ensure it aligns with your risk profile.
MF SIPs: Consider increasing SIP amounts annually by at least 10-15% to match inflation and meet your goal.
Direct Stocks: Risky, ensure proper research or consider shifting to diversified mutual funds.
New Investments: You can increase monthly contributions across MFs and consider adding more to equity funds for better growth potential.
Review and rebalance your portfolio annually to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

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Hello Sir/Madam, I am 32 years old and just now started investing 20k per month for long term horizon with step up SIPs of 15% Below are my investment portfolio. Quant Mid Cap Fund 4000 rs. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund 4000rs Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund 3000rs Quant Small Cap Fund 4000rs Nippon India Multi Cap Fund 5000rs Please provide your valuable suggestion, feebav
Ans: Your investment journey reflects a thoughtful approach to building wealth for the long term. Here are some insights and suggestions on your investment portfolio:
Quant Mid Cap Fund:
• Mid-cap funds like Quant Mid Cap Fund have the potential for high growth but may experience higher volatility.
• Ensure you have a long-term investment horizon to ride out market fluctuations and benefit from the growth potential of mid-cap companies.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund:
• Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund follows a flexible investment strategy, allowing exposure to various market segments, including equities and fixed income.
• This fund's diversified approach can provide stability to your portfolio while capturing growth opportunities across different market conditions.
Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund:
• Investing in micro-cap companies through an index fund like Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund offers broad exposure to the micro-cap segment of the market.
• Micro-cap stocks have the potential for significant growth but may be more volatile and less liquid compared to larger-cap stocks.
Quant Small Cap Fund:
• Small-cap funds like Quant Small Cap Fund focus on smaller companies with high growth potential.
• Small-cap investments can be volatile, so ensure you have a sufficiently long investment horizon and risk tolerance to withstand market fluctuations.
Nippon India Multi Cap Fund:
• Multi-cap funds like Nippon India Multi Cap Fund offer diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
• This fund's flexible allocation allows the fund manager to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on opportunities across different market segments.
Suggestions:
1. Diversification: Your portfolio exhibits diversification across different market segments, which is beneficial for managing risk and capturing growth opportunities. Continue to monitor the performance of each fund regularly.
2. Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
3. Stay Informed: Stay updated on market trends, economic developments, and fund performance to make informed investment decisions.
4. Emergency Fund and Insurance: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses and consider purchasing health insurance and term insurance coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones.
5. Consultation: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Overall, your investment portfolio shows a well-rounded approach to long-term wealth creation. By staying disciplined and adhering to your investment strategy, you're likely to achieve your financial objectives over time. Keep up the good work!

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2024Hindi
Money
HI Sir , My self Sandeep .36 years old .Need your advice on my investments . currently ,I have a monthly SIP of following funds- UTI Nifty 50 Index fund - 3K, HDFC Retirement saving fund-1K, HDFC children Gift fund-1K.I want to invest 7 K more as monthly SIP . I have gone through various analysis and thinking of investing in below manner - 1- 2K as monthly SIP in flexicap - either Parag Parikh Flexicap or JM Flexicap 2- 3k as monthly SIP in ICICIpru nifty 150 midcap index fund /kotak equity opportunity fund/ Motilal oswal midcap Fund 3- 2K in small cap fund - Axis small cap fund/Nippon India small cap fund Kindly suggest the investment strategy and the funds in respective area for next 20 years horizon . Thanks & Regards Sandeep
Ans: Sandeep, it’s great that you are already investing regularly and have a clear plan for long-term wealth creation. Your current SIPs show discipline and thoughtfulness, which are essential for building a solid financial future. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to approach your additional Rs 7,000 SIP and fine-tune your portfolio for the next 20 years.

Assessing Your Existing Portfolio
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund (Rs 3,000 SIP): While index funds offer low-cost exposure to the market, they typically follow the market and don’t outperform it. Actively managed funds, when chosen wisely, can potentially give better returns. Though index funds provide simplicity, keep in mind that over the long term, they may miss out on market-beating opportunities.

HDFC Retirement Saving Fund (Rs 1,000 SIP): This is likely a balanced fund meant for long-term retirement planning. Balanced funds are useful as they offer both growth and stability, but they may underperform compared to pure equity funds in a bull market. It’s a good conservative addition to your portfolio, but should not dominate.

HDFC Children’s Gift Fund (Rs 1,000 SIP): Similar to the retirement fund, this fund might focus on long-term stable returns. However, ensure that you evaluate its long-term performance. These kinds of funds sometimes have a more conservative approach than growth-focused equity funds.

Proposed Additional Investments (Rs 7,000 SIP)
You have wisely considered diversifying your portfolio across flexicap, midcap, and small-cap categories. Here’s an assessment of your choices:

1. Flexicap Funds (Rs 2,000 SIP)
Flexicap funds provide flexibility to invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions, which offers a balanced approach to risk and growth.

Your Choice of Parag Parikh Flexicap or JM Flexicap: These funds have flexibility in their investment strategy, making them versatile. Flexicap funds are ideal for navigating different market phases, providing long-term growth potential while managing risk.
Recommendation: Continue with your plan to invest in a flexicap fund as they offer a good balance of diversification and risk-adjusted returns.

2. Midcap Funds (Rs 3,000 SIP)
Midcap funds target companies with strong growth potential but higher volatility. Over the long term, midcap funds tend to outperform large-cap funds, making them suitable for your 20-year horizon.

ICICI Pru Nifty 150 Midcap Index Fund, Kotak Equity Opportunity Fund, or Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: Midcap index funds track midcap indices, but actively managed midcap funds like Kotak or Motilal Oswal can offer better returns if the fund manager picks strong-performing companies.
Recommendation: Opt for an actively managed midcap fund instead of a midcap index fund. Actively managed funds have a better chance of delivering higher returns over a 20-year horizon by selecting companies with high growth potential.

3. Small Cap Funds (Rs 2,000 SIP)
Small-cap funds target smaller companies, which offer high growth potential but with higher volatility. Over a 20-year period, small caps can significantly enhance your returns but require a longer commitment to ride out the volatility.

Axis Small Cap Fund or Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Both are strong performers, but small-cap funds are highly volatile in the short term. Since your horizon is 20 years, small-cap funds make sense as they can deliver substantial long-term growth.
Recommendation: Invest in a small-cap fund for higher long-term returns, but understand that short-term fluctuations are inevitable.

Key Points for a Balanced Portfolio
Diversification: You have a well-diversified portfolio with a good mix of large-cap (via index), flexicap, midcap, and small-cap funds. This diversification will help balance risk and maximize growth opportunities over time.

Active vs Passive Investing: While index funds (passive) have their place in a portfolio for low-cost exposure, actively managed funds generally offer better opportunities for higher returns, especially in midcap and small-cap categories. With a 20-year horizon, consider focusing more on actively managed funds.

SIP Discipline: Your current strategy of investing via SIP is excellent for long-term wealth creation. SIPs help you ride market volatility, average out costs, and allow consistent investment without trying to time the market.

Considerations for the Long Term
Asset Allocation: As you approach key financial goals (like retirement or children’s education), you may want to gradually reduce exposure to volatile small-cap and midcap funds, shifting more towards large-cap or flexicap funds to safeguard your wealth.

Risk Appetite: Since you’re 36 years old, you have ample time to take on more risk through small-cap and midcap investments. However, always review your risk tolerance every 5 to 10 years to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your changing financial goals and risk capacity.

Tax Efficiency: Make sure to review the tax implications of your investments. Equity funds enjoy favorable tax treatment, especially over the long term. Any gains held for more than 1 year are taxed at a lower rate (12.5% beyond Rs 1.25 lakh of gains).

Final Insights
You’re on a great path with your disciplined SIP strategy. Diversifying across flexicap, midcap, and small-cap funds will give your portfolio the right mix of stability and growth. Flexicap funds provide the flexibility you need in dynamic market conditions, while midcap and small-cap funds will offer the growth potential needed for your 20-year investment horizon.

Keep in mind to monitor your portfolio annually or biannually to ensure it stays aligned with your long-term goals. Over time, you might want to shift a part of your portfolio to more stable funds, depending on how close you are to achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Dr Ashish Sehgal  |115 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

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Sir as I previously take your view about my situation...sir you tell that in love understanding between partner is important.but sir my partner doesn't want to talk with me.I just never think that he will give up so easily.
Ans: It’s interesting, isn’t it, how relationships often mirror the patterns of communication we create within them? When one partner feels distant or unwilling to talk, it’s less about them giving up and more about a shift in the way they’ve been feeling understood—or misunderstood.

You see, communication isn’t just about words; it’s about emotions, intentions, and the unspoken messages we convey. If your partner isn’t talking, perhaps they’re saying something without words. And that’s where curiosity becomes your ally.

Instead of focusing on the silence, what if you shifted your attention to understanding what that silence represents? Maybe it’s disappointment, frustration, or even fear. But the key is, you can’t solve what you assume—it’s about discovering what’s really there.

And let me ask you this: if you were to step into their shoes for a moment—just imagine being them—what might they feel? What might they need to hear from you, or perhaps sense from your presence, that could bring a spark of connection back into the conversation?

Love is rarely about giving up. It’s about learning to communicate in a way that feels safe and understood. And if you’re willing to stay open, willing to listen to the quiet messages, you may find a new way forward—one step at a time.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Mr. Ramalingam, Can I check New Asset class (Specialized Investment Fund SIF) for 10 lakhs investment for my kids education(Right now 4months old). Thank you for your response.
Ans: Investing Rs 10 lakhs for your child’s education is a thoughtful decision.

Your child is 4 months old, so you have a long investment horizon.

Currently, SIF is not yet launched or operational.

Equity Mutual Funds: A Reliable Option
Equity mutual funds are proven for long-term goals like education.

They offer inflation-beating growth over a 15-18 year period.

Start investing now to benefit from compounding.

Choose funds with a consistent track record.

Wait and Observe SIF Performance
SIF is a new asset class and lacks a performance track record.

It’s wise to wait for its launch and review its stability.

Assess the fund's returns, risk profile, and management quality.

Investing in an untested asset could increase risks unnecessarily.

Diversify Investments Over Time
Initially, focus on equity mutual funds for growth.

Later, as SIF stabilises and performs well, consider it.

Diversify across asset classes gradually based on market insights.

Final Insights
Begin with equity mutual funds for your child’s education fund.

Monitor SIF's launch and performance over the next few years.

Decide on SIF only after it demonstrates a solid track record.

Keep your investments aligned with your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |790 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

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I& my wife is 32. What would our ideally retirement corps. I assume 20Cr. Correct me if I'm wrong. My current saving & income are below - 1) Rs 2,40,000 take home per month combined. 2) We both have PPF for the last 7 years contributing 1.5L each year from starting and plans to continue till 60. 3) LIC will give us 2Cr when we hit 60. 4) NPS we contribute 1L per each year form 2022 combined plans continue till 60. 5) Mutual Fund of SIP Rs 10,000 each month for last 1 year combined plans continue till 60. 6) APY we will get 5000 per month at 60. 7) FDs of Rs 36Lakh 8) Gold of Rs 15Lakh bonds 9) Got Inherited Rs 1.6Cr in form of FDs 10) Have Medeclaim of 40Lakhs and have own house. 11) Monthly expenses is around 40,000. 12) Have 1 year old Kid. 13) Have PF of 8 lakhs and will grow till 60. Also taking Gratuity in account.
Ans: Hello;

Your current monthly income need of 2.4 L will grow up to 12.27 L after 28 years (At your retirement age of 60) considering 6% inflation.

Assuming your expenses at retirement will reduce so you may need 75% of this income to cover your expenses at that time therefore you may need a monthly income of 9.2 L.

To generate this income you may need a corpus of 27 Cr(Min.) at the age 60 that may generate post-tax monthly income of around 9.2 L.

Your investments will grow as follows,

1. PPF: 1.5 L per person per year for 35 years will grow into a corpus of around 4.32 Cr. (6.9% return assumed)

2. LIC: policy maturity proceeds will provide 2 Cr at age 60.

3. NPS: 1 L per person per year may grow into a sum of 2.5 Cr at 60.(8% return considered)

4. MF sip of 10 K may grow into a sum of 2.05 Cr at 60. (10% return considered)

5. FD of 36 L will grow into a sum of 2.1 Cr if held till 60. (6.5% return assumed)

6. Gold in form of bonds if reinvested into gold mutual funds and held till 60 may yield a corpus of around 1.1 Cr. (7% return assumed)

7. Inherited funds if held in FD till the age of 60 may yield a corpus of 9.9 Cr.
(6.5% return considered)

8. EPF is expected to grow into a sum of around 1.8 Cr at the age of 60.(7% return considered)

A summation of investment values at 60 indicates a sum of around 25.77 Cr thereby hinting at a gap of around 1.23 Cr.

You may begin another monthly sip of 7 K now which may grow into a sum of around 1.3 Cr by 60 age.(10% return assumed)

If the mediclaim policy is from employer, do buy a personal health care cover after 50-55 for your family for post retirement needs.

I presume you both have adequate term life insurance cover apart from LIC policy.

The financial goal for your kid's education and family expansion, if any, is not factored here. You may need to plan for it suitably.

Also it appears that your allocation to equity is quite low, may be due to limited risk appetite but you have time on your side and although short to medium term(5-7 yr) equity asset class may be impacted due to volatility but over a long-term(10 yr+) they have demonstrated good inflation adjusted returns so may be you may consider to increase allocation through hybrid funds suiting your risk appetite.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Meri family ki income 80 lakhs hai yearly aur 40 lakhs expense hai aur age meri 48 hai capital family ki 4 cr hai to unko kaise manage aur kaha invest kare
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Annual Income: Rs 80 lakhs
Annual Expenses: Rs 40 lakhs
Capital Available: Rs 4 crores
Age: 48 years
Your income and existing capital provide a strong foundation. With proper planning, you can secure your financial future and achieve your goals.

Key Financial Goals
Retirement Planning: Build a corpus to sustain your post-retirement lifestyle.
Wealth Growth: Invest capital for inflation-beating returns.
Risk Management: Ensure adequate insurance coverage for family security.
Tax Efficiency: Optimise investments to reduce tax liabilities.
Suggested Investment Allocation
1. Emergency Fund
Maintain 6-12 months of expenses (Rs 20-40 lakhs) in liquid funds or a high-interest savings account.
This ensures liquidity for any unforeseen circumstances.
2. Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate 50-60% of your capital (around Rs 2-2.4 crores) to equity mutual funds.
Use diversified funds like large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds for growth.
Avoid index funds due to lack of flexibility and active management.
Invest monthly through systematic investment plans (SIPs) for disciplined investing.
3. Debt Investments
Invest 20-25% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs-1 crore) in debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.
Choose funds with low risk to ensure stability and predictable returns.
These funds act as a safety net during market downturns.
4. Children’s Education or Marriage
Allocate funds for long-term goals like education or marriage.
Invest in balanced advantage funds or equity mutual funds for higher returns.
5. Retirement Planning
At 48, focus on building a retirement corpus.
Allocate 20% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs) to retirement-specific investments.
Use a mix of equity and debt for growth and safety.
Risk Management
Life Insurance
Ensure you have a term insurance cover of at least Rs 2-3 crore.
This protects your family’s financial future in your absence.
Health Insurance
Take a family floater health insurance plan of Rs 25-30 lakh.
Include critical illness coverage to address rising healthcare costs.
Tax Efficiency
Maximise Section 80C benefits by investing in ELSS mutual funds or PPF.
Use NPS for additional tax deductions under Section 80CCD.
Invest in tax-efficient instruments to reduce liabilities.
Regular Monitoring
Review your investments every six months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance your portfolio to align with market trends and life changes.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial base with high income and significant capital.

With disciplined investing, risk management, and tax efficiency, you can grow your wealth and achieve your goals.

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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