I am planning to Invest in NFO (HDFC Manufacturing Fund). And plan to invest for 2 years the same amount. And after that every year increase by 10% to 15%. How good is this Investment plan. Please advise.

Ans: Thanks Shakir, everything great with us. Hope the very same with you and your family.

All NFOs will offer you only a bulk subscription facility. Typically, NFOs close in a few days and then open within a week or so and then you can set-up a SIP the way you would for any fund in a normal manner.

If you do wish to subscribe to this particular NFO (HDFC Defence Fund) only through a SIP, let’s say of Rs 5000, then you have two options:-
1. Minimum subscription amount is Rs 5000. Invest Rs 5000 in the NFO. When you get the allotment, you would also get your folio number along with it. Set up your SIP in it for Rs 5000.

2. Do not do anything during the NFO. When the NFO closes and the fund opens for regular subscription (which will be within 5 business days of NFO closing, as per the scheme documents), set up the SIP as you desire.

Above notwithstanding, I will request everybody to not confuse between an IPO of a stock (share) and NFO of a mutual fund scheme. The two are intrinsically entirely different. A NFO has just no track record and you could be investing in a new born baby hoping that he will be Amitabh Bacchan when he grows up!

We advise our clients never to invest in any NFO.

Ans: Your commitment to investing regularly is commendable. Let's review your current investment portfolio and provide guidance on whether you should continue with the same funds.

Current Portfolio Overview

You are currently investing Rs 15,000 per month in three mutual funds:

HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund - Growth Regular: Rs 5,000
ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund Regular Plan: Rs 5,000
HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Regular: Rs 5,000
Evaluating Existing Funds

HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund:

This fund invests in both large-cap and mid-cap stocks, offering a balanced approach to growth. It provides diversification across market capitalizations.
Large and mid-cap funds can be volatile in the short term but have the potential to deliver strong returns over the long term.
Consider the fund's performance relative to its benchmark and peers to assess its suitability for your investment horizon.
ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund:

This fund aims to invest in dividend-paying stocks, focusing on companies with stable dividend yields.
Dividend yield funds can provide regular income, making them suitable for investors seeking income generation along with capital appreciation.
Evaluate the fund's performance and dividend payout history to ensure it aligns with your income requirements and investment goals.
HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund:

This fund follows a dynamic asset allocation strategy, adjusting equity and debt exposure based on market conditions.
Balanced advantage funds offer downside protection during market downturns while participating in equity market upside.
Review the fund's asset allocation approach and performance to determine its effectiveness in managing market volatility and delivering consistent returns.
Assessing Investment Timeframe

Given your investment timeframe of 3 years, it's crucial to consider the risk profile and potential volatility of the chosen funds. Equity-oriented funds like large and mid-cap funds and balanced advantage funds may be subject to market fluctuations, which could impact short-term returns.

Considerations for Continuing with the Same Funds

Risk Appetite:

Assess your risk tolerance and comfort level with market volatility. Equity funds, including large and mid-cap funds, carry higher risk but also offer the potential for higher returns over the long term.
Balanced advantage funds provide a more conservative approach by dynamically adjusting asset allocation, which may suit investors with a lower risk appetite.
Investment Goals:

Revisit your investment objectives and financial goals. Ensure that your chosen funds align with your goals, whether they are wealth accumulation, income generation, or capital preservation.
Performance Review:

Evaluate the historical performance of each fund, considering both short-term and long-term returns. Assess how the funds have performed during different market cycles and their ability to meet their investment objectives.
Guidance for the Future

Portfolio Review:

Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as necessary. Consider rebalancing your asset allocation if your risk profile or investment goals change.
Diversification:

Assess the diversification of your portfolio across asset classes, sectors, and investment styles. Diversification can help manage risk and enhance overall portfolio stability.
Professional Advice:

Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to ensure your investment decisions align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Conclusion

Your current investment strategy reflects a diversified approach across different fund categories. To determine whether to continue with the same funds, assess your risk tolerance, investment goals, and the performance of the chosen funds. Regular portfolio review and professional advice can help you make informed decisions and stay on track to achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Investing in sectoral funds like HDFC Defence Fund can indeed be riskier compared to diversified equity funds because they focus on specific sectors or industries. Sectoral funds tend to be more volatile and susceptible to fluctuations in the particular sector they are invested in. Therefore, it's essential to consider your risk tolerance and investment objectives carefully before investing in such funds. Additionally, ensure that the investment aligns with your overall investment strategy and portfolio diversification goals. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide valuable insights into whether this fund is suitable for your investment needs.

Ans: It's great to see your interest in exploring investment opportunities, but it's important to carefully evaluate your options, especially with thematic funds like HDFC Manufacturing NFO. Here's some advice to consider:

Thematic funds like HDFC Manufacturing NFO focus on specific sectors or themes, in this case, the manufacturing sector. While these funds can offer potential for high returns during favorable market conditions, they also come with higher risks and volatility due to their concentrated exposure. Here are some key points to consider:

Risk and Volatility: Thematic funds are inherently riskier than diversified equity funds because they invest in a specific sector or theme. Any adverse developments or changes in the sector's fundamentals can significantly impact the fund's performance.
Cyclical Nature: Sectoral funds are often cyclical, meaning their performance is closely tied to the economic cycles and business cycles of the specific sector they invest in. This can lead to periods of outperformance followed by periods of underperformance.
Lack of Diversification: Thematic funds lack diversification as they focus on a specific sector or theme. Diversification is crucial for reducing risk and minimizing the impact of adverse events in any particular sector.
Long-Term Considerations: While thematic funds can offer short-term gains during favorable market conditions, they may not be suitable for long-term wealth creation. Diversified equity funds, on the other hand, provide broader exposure to multiple sectors and companies, reducing concentration risk.
Considering these factors, it's important to assess whether the potential benefits of investing in HDFC Manufacturing NFO outweigh the risks, especially given your investment horizon of 5 years plus. Instead of concentrating your investments in a single thematic fund, you may consider diversifying your portfolio by investing in a mix of diversified equity funds across different market segments. This approach can help spread risk and potentially offer more stable returns over the long term.

As for investing an additional 3 lakhs in HDFC Manufacturing NFO, it's advisable to first evaluate your overall asset allocation, risk tolerance, and investment goals before making any further commitments. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial objectives and help you make informed investment decisions.

Ans: Investment Strategy Assessment
Your decision to diversify your investments is commendable.

Investing Rs. 25,000 in Quant Small Cap Fund and Rs. 25,000 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund can provide a balanced approach.

Fund Analysis
Quant Small Cap Fund:

Small-cap funds can provide high growth potential.
They come with higher risk due to market volatility.
Reducing your SIP in this fund can help balance risk.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund:

Flexi cap funds invest across market capitalizations.
This provides flexibility and reduces risk.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is known for its strong management.
Balanced Approach
Your strategy of splitting investments between small-cap and flexi-cap funds can offer:

Growth Potential: From small-cap investments.
Stability: Through the diversified nature of the flexi-cap fund.
Lump Sum Investment
Investing Rs. 5 lakhs in HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund over five months is a good approach.

HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund:

Balances between equity and debt, reducing risk.
Provides a cushion against market volatility.
Suitable for investors seeking moderate risk and decent returns.
Investing in Tranches
Investing Rs. 1 lakh monthly over five months has benefits:

Reduces Risk: Through rupee cost averaging.
Smoothens Volatility: By spreading out investments.
Your Decision
Your choices show a balanced approach towards growth and stability.

Benefits of Professional Advice
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has advantages:

Expertise: Tailored financial planning.
Guidance: On fund selection and portfolio management.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem cost-effective but have drawbacks:

Lack of Guidance: No expert advice on fund selection.
Time-Consuming: Requires more research and monitoring.
Benefits of Regular Funds through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through Mutual Fund Distributors (MFD) with CFP credential offers:

Professional Advice: Expert guidance on fund choices.
Comprehensive Planning: Integrated financial strategies.
Holistic Investment Planning
For a 360-degree investment solution, consider:

Diversification: Across asset classes and market segments.
Regular Review: Of your portfolio to align with goals.
Risk Management: Balancing between growth and stability.
Final Insights
Your investment decisions show a strategic approach.

Diversifying between small-cap and flexi-cap funds can offer balanced growth.
Investing in HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund can provide stability.
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures tailored advice and better portfolio management.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in