Hi Nikunj I am 34 years old earning aroung 70k/m 16 k savings /month Could you please review my MF portfolio ET money high growth 5k/m started this year DSP Tax saver- started May 2017 3k/m CanRob Tax saver Jan 2021 2k/m PPFFAS Flexi Started Jan 2021- 2k/m DSP small - lumpsum 160000 DSP quant - lumpsum 105000 UTI Flexi - July2021 1k/m Quant small cap 1k/m Motilal Oswal Nasdag 100 FOF 500/m SBI Bluechip 1k/m UTI Mid - July2021 1k/m Stopped DSP Mid - July 2021 1k/m Stopped PPF 500/m

Ans: Please continue

Ans: Assessment of Your Mutual Fund Portfolio:

Your Current Holdings:

You've shown commendable discipline in your investment journey with a monthly surplus of Rs. 16,000.
Your portfolio demonstrates a diversified mix of mutual funds across various categories, indicating a thoughtful approach towards wealth accumulation.
It's evident that you've been investing systematically, which is a prudent strategy for long-term wealth creation.
Your allocation to tax-saving funds is strategically aligned with your financial goals, ensuring tax efficiency while building wealth.
Areas of Consideration:

While your portfolio appears well-structured, it's crucial to periodically review and rebalance to align with your evolving financial objectives and market conditions.
The decision to halt investments in certain funds in July 2021 indicates a proactive stance towards optimizing your portfolio.
Lumpsum investments in specific funds indicate confidence in their potential, but it's essential to monitor their performance regularly.
The absence of index funds in your portfolio raises the question of whether you've explored their benefits adequately.
Recommendations:

Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing it in line with your financial goals is imperative.
Consider diversifying into index funds to harness the benefits of low-cost, passive investing, especially in segments where actively managed funds may underperform.
Direct funds offer lower expense ratios, but investing through a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and ongoing support, enhancing the overall value of your investments.
In conclusion, your portfolio reflects a disciplined and diversified approach towards wealth creation. However, exploring the benefits of index funds and leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner could further optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

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

Ans: As per the data provided by you, I feel that:-

1. You have over diversified your portfolio by investing in so many funds. There seems to be a lot of overlapping in your portfolio. Ultimately equity funds invest in stocks and if your funds are investing in similar stocks, you are not achieving any diversification which you may think you are doing.

2. You also hold multiple ELSS fund which are used for tax benefit purpose and come with lock in for 3 years. If you are solely investing under this for the tax saving then we suggest you to have only one good fund.

Regarding your funds:-

1. DSP Tax Saver Fund, Canara Robeco Tax Saver Fund and Quant Tax plan: These funds have a decent track record in their category. Having one tax saver fund is enough.

2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: The scheme is not bound by any market capitalisation. It also has the freedom to invest in stocks listed overseas. Therefore, I would suggest you to continue with this fund.

4. DSP Small Cap & Quant Small Cap : The lump sum investment in this fund indicates a concentrated bet on small-cap stocks. Small-cap funds can be volatile, but they also offer growth potential. Monitor its performance closely and be prepared for potential fluctuations in returns. We recommend you to hold one fund in this category to get the exposure of small cap which is risky in nature as compared to large & mid cap category.

5. DSP Quant Fund: Similar to DSP Small Cap, this fund focuses on quant-based strategies based on macro and micro factors. Evaluate its performance and consider your risk tolerance before making any decisions.

7. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF: The fund invests in international companies and sectors that helps in eliminating the concentration risk. Continue with this fund.

8. Motilal Oswal Midcap, UTI Mid Cap fund, DSP Mid Cap Fund and PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund: I recommend you to hold just one fund in this category to get the exposure of mid cap which is risky in nature as compared to large cap category.

9. SBI Bluechip Fund: This lump sum investment in a large-cap fund can provide stability to your portfolio. Continue with it and continue monitoring its performance relative to its benchmark.

10. UTI Flexi Cap Fund: Similar to DSP Mid, assess its performance and alignment with your investment goals, especially since you've stopped investing in it. I recommend you to redeem from this fund once the exit load period is over.

11. PPF: Contributing to PPF is a good long-term savings option due to its tax benefits and guaranteed returns. It's wise to continue investing in it unless you have specific financial goals or liquidity needs but if you have a goal of your retirement then we would suggest you to invest in NPS (National Pension Scheme) instead of this.

Regarding your plan to add SBI Contra and Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF, it's important to evaluate these funds based on their historical performance, expense ratios, and risk factors. Make sure they align with your investment strategy and risk tolerance before adding them to your portfolio.

I do not recommend you to add more funds in your portfolio as you already have too many funds which you need to cut down on.

Disclaimer:
• I have just no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile, other investments and whether you would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if stock markets go temporarily down.
• Hence, please note that I am answering your question in absolute isolation to other parameters which should definitely be considered when answering a question of this type.
• I recommend you to also consult a good financial advisor who would look at your complete profile in totality before you act on this advice given by me.

Ans: It's excellent to see your commitment towards investing for both short-term goals like buying a house and long-term goals like retirement. Let's review your portfolio and suggest any adjustments:
1. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 Fund Direct Growth: This fund provides exposure to the top 100 companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, offering diversification and growth potential in the global tech sector. It can be a suitable addition for long-term wealth accumulation.
2. UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund: Investing in an index fund like UTI Nifty 50 offers exposure to the top 50 companies in the Indian equity market. It provides stability and diversification, complementing your other equity investments.
3. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth: Bluechip funds focus on large-cap stocks with strong fundamentals, making them relatively less volatile. It's a prudent choice for stability and capital preservation.
4. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth: This fund dynamically manages its equity exposure based on market conditions, offering a blend of growth and downside protection. It can be suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach.
5. HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct Plan Growth and AXIS Small Cap Fund Direct Growth: These funds provide exposure to mid-cap and small-cap segments, respectively, offering growth potential but with higher volatility. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with these segments.
6. JM Value Fund Direct Growth and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct: Both these funds follow value investing principles and focus on investing in fundamentally sound companies at reasonable valuations. They can be suitable for long-term wealth creation.
7. Nippon India Corporate Bond Fund Direct Growth: Investing in a corporate bond fund provides stability and income generation through fixed-income securities. It's a prudent choice for diversification and managing risk.
8. P2P Investment: Peer-to-peer lending can offer attractive returns but comes with higher risk compared to traditional investments. Ensure you've assessed the risk-reward profile and have a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.
Index Funds:
• Index funds offer broad market exposure by tracking a specific index, such as the Nifty 50 or the Nasdaq 100. They provide diversification and low-cost access to the market, making them suitable for long-term investors.
• However, index funds are passively managed, meaning they aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index rather than outperforming it. While this reduces management fees and turnover costs, it also limits the potential for alpha generation.
• As a result, index funds may not capture opportunities for outperformance during market upswings or provide downside protection during downturns. Investors seeking higher returns may prefer actively managed funds that aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection and portfolio management.
Direct Funds:
• Direct funds allow investors to purchase mutual fund units directly from the asset management company, bypassing intermediaries like distributors or brokers. This can result in lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, as there are no distributor commissions involved.
• However, direct fund investors are responsible for conducting their own research, selecting suitable funds, and monitoring their investments. This requires a certain level of financial literacy and investment expertise to make informed decisions.
• On the other hand, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who holds the necessary credentials and expertise can provide valuable guidance and support. A CFP can help investors navigate the complexities of the financial markets, select appropriate investment strategies, and optimize their portfolio allocations based on individual goals and risk tolerance.
Considering your investment portfolio, it's essential to evaluate the role of both index funds and direct funds in achieving your financial objectives. While index funds offer cost-effective market exposure, direct funds provide the potential for active management and outperformance.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I recommend a balanced approach that incorporates both index funds and direct funds based on your risk profile and investment goals. Periodic reviews of your portfolio and ongoing guidance from a CFP can help ensure that your investment strategy remains aligned with your evolving needs and objectives.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay informed, stay disciplined, and seek professional guidance when needed. With the right approach and support, you can navigate the financial markets with confidence and work towards achieving your long-term financial goals.