Sir, request your kind advice and guidance on this please. My age is 46 years and I am expecting corpus of Rs 1 Cr in 10 years.

I have read your unbiased views on various queries from MF investment enthusiasts. Your feedback has been very impressive and really helps people like us. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the same.

Sir, I have following mutual fund SIPs and I would seek your guidance on whether these are OK, or any course correction required.

LUMP SUMP INVESTMENTS split as below.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Equity Fund - Gr in March 2022 value Rs 62434. Current value is Rs 59218

Axis Growth Opportunities Fund - Gr in March 2022 value Rs 62122. Current value is Rs 57015

Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund - Gr in April 2021 value Rs 45567. Current value is Rs 47660

L&T Arbitrage Opportunities Fund - Gr in July 2021 value Rs 65730. Current value is Rs 69077

Nippon India Arbitrage Fund - Gr in July 2021 value Rs 49595. Current value is Rs 51859

SIP: Total monthly SIP of Rs 25000, split as below:

Axis Bluechip Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2500

Axis Focused 25 Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund - Regular Gr, monthly investment Rs 5000

Invesco India Contra Fund - Gr monthly investment Rs 2000

Kotak Emerging Equity Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Kotak Flexicap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2500

L&T Midcap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 5000

SBI Flexicap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Total portfolio amount as on date is Rs 14 lakh.

Ans: Nice, please continue

Ans: You may continue with 4 & 5-Star rated ones and rest can be relooked. Avoid Equity - Sectoral Funds 

Midcaps: Suitable options considering quality and value for money are:

• Motilal Oswal Midcap 30
• DSP Midcap
• Kotak Emerging Equity Fund

Ans: It's great to see your disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds. Your portfolio appears to be diversified across different categories, which is a good practice for managing risk. However, here are a few considerations and suggestions:

Diversification: Your portfolio seems heavily focused on equity funds, especially mid-cap and small-cap funds. While these funds can offer higher growth potential, they also come with higher risk. Consider diversifying into other categories like large-cap or flexi-cap funds to spread out risk.

Performance Review: Evaluate the performance of each fund in your portfolio relative to its benchmark index and peers. If any fund consistently underperforms or does not align with your investment objectives, consider replacing it with a better-performing alternative.

Risk Assessment: Given your goal of achieving Rs 2 Crore by June 2025, assess whether your current asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Adjust your portfolio composition accordingly to balance risk and return potential.

Continued Monitoring: Keep a close watch on market developments, economic indicators, and fund performance. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and make adjustments as necessary.

Consultation: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your financial situation, goals, and risk profile. They can help you optimize your portfolio and make informed investment decisions.

Remember that achieving your financial goals requires patience, discipline, and periodic review of your investment strategy. By staying informed and making prudent investment decisions, you can work towards building wealth and achieving your objectives.

Ans: Your current portfolio shows a solid mix of funds across various categories. You have SIPs in Flexi Cap, Large & Mid Cap, Emerging Equity, Small Cap, and Active funds. Additionally, you have lump sum investments in Large Cap, Index, Short Term, and Mid Cap funds. This diversification strategy is commendable as it balances risk across different market segments.

However, there are a few areas that could be optimized for better returns and lower risk, especially considering your 10-year retirement goal.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
You've invested a lump sum in an Index Fund. Index Funds track a specific benchmark, usually the Nifty 50 or Sensex. While they have lower expense ratios, they also lack the flexibility to adapt to market changes.

Active funds, on the other hand, allow fund managers to pick stocks that can outperform the market. In the long term, this can result in higher returns. Therefore, considering your retirement goal, shifting from the Index Fund to an actively managed fund might be more beneficial.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
You haven’t specified whether your investments are in regular or direct funds. If you are considering direct funds, it’s important to know their limitations. Direct funds have lower expense ratios, but they don’t come with professional advice.

Certified Financial Planners (CFP) provide guidance, periodic reviews, and help in rebalancing your portfolio based on market conditions and your financial goals. Investing through a CFP ensures your portfolio is always aligned with your objectives.

Evaluation of Your SIPs
Flexi Cap Fund: This is a good choice, providing flexibility to invest across market caps. However, it might be wise to ensure your exposure isn't overly concentrated in any single market cap.

Large & Mid Cap Fund: This fund offers a balance between stability (large caps) and growth potential (mid caps). Continue this SIP as it aligns with your retirement goals.

Emerging Equity Fund: Mid and small caps tend to be more volatile. Consider reviewing this SIP annually to ensure it meets your risk tolerance.

Active Fund: Active funds can outperform benchmarks if managed well. Continue this SIP, but keep track of the fund’s performance.

Small Cap Fund: Small caps can offer high growth but with higher risk. Given your retirement goal, ensure this SIP doesn’t exceed 20% of your total SIPs, as it could add unnecessary volatility to your portfolio.

Assessment of Lump Sum Investments
Large Cap Fund: Large Cap funds are relatively stable, providing consistent returns. This should be a cornerstone of your portfolio.

Index Fund: As discussed, consider switching this to an actively managed fund for better returns.

Short Term Fund: This is a conservative choice, good for parking funds temporarily. However, for long-term growth, these funds may not be ideal.

Flexi Cap Fund: Diversification is key here, and the fund’s flexibility is advantageous. Continue to monitor its performance.

Mid Cap Fund: This fund offers growth potential but with some risk. Ensure this investment complements your overall portfolio strategy without overexposing you to mid-cap volatility.

Increasing Your SIP
Increasing your SIP by Rs 10,000 is a wise decision. Here’s how you might allocate it:

Allocate Rs 5,000 to a Balanced Advantage Fund: This will add stability to your portfolio by balancing equity and debt exposure. It’s a conservative choice that can offer better risk-adjusted returns.

Allocate Rs 5,000 to a Focused Equity Fund: This can potentially offer higher returns as the fund manager focuses on a limited number of high-conviction stocks.

Portfolio Rebalancing and Monitoring
Rebalancing your portfolio regularly is crucial. Markets can be unpredictable, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Review your portfolio every six months to ensure it’s aligned with your risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-diversified, but there are opportunities to optimize it further. By shifting from index funds to actively managed funds, and considering the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner, you can potentially achieve better returns. Increasing your SIP is a positive step towards securing your retirement, but make sure to allocate it wisely across different fund categories.

In summary:

Consider shifting from Index Fund to an actively managed fund.

Evaluate your exposure to small caps and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.

Invest the additional SIP amount in balanced and focused equity funds.

Regularly rebalance your portfolio and seek guidance from a CFP.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in