Should I Stay Invested In Quant Mutual Funds Despite Poor Performance?

Ans: Evaluating your mutual fund portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Given your current investments and the duration since 2018, let's assess whether you should continue with these funds.

Portfolio Overview
Your mutual fund portfolio consists of:

Quant Active Fund: Rs 6,000
PGIM Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 5,000
Quant Small Cap Fund: Rs 9,000
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: Rs 5,000
Invesco Large and Mid Cap Fund: Rs 4,000
HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund: Rs 5,000
Diversification Analysis
Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds, like PGIM Flexi Cap Fund, invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They provide flexibility and balance risk with potential high returns. These funds adapt to market conditions, making them a stable choice for your portfolio.

Large and Mid Cap Funds
Invesco and HDFC Large and Mid Cap Funds focus on large and mid-cap stocks. These funds offer a mix of stability and growth potential. Large-cap stocks provide stability, while mid-caps offer growth opportunities.

Mid Cap Fund
The Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund targets mid-sized companies. Mid caps can offer significant growth but are riskier than large caps. This fund adds growth potential to your portfolio.

Small Cap Funds
Quant Small Cap Fund focuses on small-sized companies. Small caps can provide high returns but come with high volatility. Your allocation of Rs 9,000 here indicates a higher risk tolerance for potentially higher rewards.

Active Fund
Quant Active Fund invests actively in various stocks based on the fund manager's strategy. Active funds aim to outperform the market, providing opportunities for higher returns but also involve higher management costs.

Assessing Portfolio Performance
Historical Performance
Evaluate the historical performance of each fund. Compare their returns with benchmark indices and peer funds. Consistently performing funds are more likely to continue delivering good returns. However, past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Fund Manager Expertise
The experience and track record of fund managers are crucial. Funds managed by experienced managers with a proven track record are more likely to perform well. Check the consistency and strategy of your fund managers.

Expense Ratios
Expense ratios impact your returns. Lower expense ratios mean higher returns for investors. Compare the expense ratios of your funds with industry standards. High expense ratios can erode your returns over time.

Risk Assessment
Market Risk
Equity investments are subject to market risk. Your portfolio has a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds, which diversifies this risk. However, your high allocation in small caps increases exposure to market volatility.

Sector and Stock Concentration
Check if any funds have high exposure to specific sectors or stocks. Diversification across sectors reduces risk. Ensure no single sector or stock dominates your portfolio.

Liquidity Risk
Certain funds, especially small cap and mid cap funds, can have liquidity issues. Ensure a part of your portfolio remains in highly liquid funds to manage unforeseen needs.

Alignment with Financial Goals
Investment Horizon
You have been investing since 2018, indicating a medium-term horizon. Equities are suitable for long-term investments due to their potential for higher returns. Ensure your investment horizon aligns with your financial goals, such as retirement or children's education.

Risk Tolerance
Your portfolio indicates a higher risk tolerance, especially with significant allocation in small and mid-cap funds. Assess if this risk level matches your financial goals and comfort. If you prefer stability, consider increasing allocation in large-cap funds.

Strategic Adjustments
Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain desired asset allocation. Over time, some funds may outperform, skewing your allocation. Rebalancing ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and goals.

Adding New Funds
Consider adding new funds to enhance diversification. Explore funds in other categories like balanced funds, international funds, or sector-specific funds. This can capture opportunities in different market segments and reduce risk.

Reviewing Fund Performance
Regularly review the performance of your funds. If a fund consistently underperforms, consider replacing it with a better-performing fund. Stay updated with market trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Benefits
Equity investments enjoy favorable tax treatment. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity funds are taxed at a lower rate compared to other asset classes. Consider the tax implications of your investments.

Tax-saving Instruments
If you are investing in tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS), you get additional tax benefits under Section 80C. This reduces your taxable income and enhances post-tax returns. Consider these options if they align with your goals.

Seeking Professional Advice
Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Professional guidance ensures your investment strategy remains robust and aligned with your objectives.

Summary of Recommendations
Continue with diversified funds: Your portfolio has a good mix of flexi cap, large, mid, and small-cap funds, providing balanced risk and growth potential.
Rebalance periodically: Adjust your portfolio to maintain desired asset allocation and manage risk.
Add new funds: Enhance diversification with balanced, international, or sector-specific funds.
Review performance: Regularly monitor your funds and replace underperforming ones.
Consult a CFP: Get personalized advice for tailored investment strategies.
By maintaining a strategic approach, rebalancing your portfolio, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can achieve your financial goals and secure a prosperous future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hi Neeraj,

Mutual Funds are a good option for investment. The investment horizon/timeline is very important when you consider equity mutual funds, they need to be invested for the long period (7+ years).

You have only recently started in June 2024, so keeping patience with your investment is important. You can track the progress of your investment but don't get influenced by day to day fluctuation in its NAV. Decisions should be taken based on many factors but do consider 1-2 years duration to see if fund performance is steady, improving or below par compared to your expectation and its peers and the market.

Now coming to the funds you have provided - Quant Large and Midcap and Quant Flexicap are good funds and I think you should be patient. Note - both are actively managed funds and you can expected to see fluctuations in the short term. Stay invested in these 2 funds as they are well diversified and long term prospects look good.
Quant Infrastructure fund is a Sectoral fund and the fluctuations will be high. If your risk profile is very high, then you can continue. There will be a period of time when the sector loses favor in the market and thus the returns will be impacted and during good times it will provide good returns.
Alternately if you decide to exit then include a fund from another fund house which is well diversified and aligns to your risk profile. Some good options to consider - an Index fund based on Nifty 500 (passive) or a multicap fund (active) - to get a a well diversified exposure to Large-Mid-Small cap.
Note- Redemption at this time may attract exit load apart from tax implications for short term.

Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

Ans: You are actively investing, which is an excellent habit. However, managing too many funds can dilute returns and complicate tracking. Here's a detailed evaluation of your portfolio and suggestions for improvement.

Observations About Your Current Investments
Quant Funds’ Performance: Quant mutual funds have been volatile recently. Market phases can impact returns in the short term. However, their active management style often delivers strong long-term results. Reviewing their performance regularly is key.

Over-Diversification: Your portfolio has too many mutual funds, leading to overlapping investments. This makes tracking performance challenging and reduces overall returns. Consolidation is advisable.

Direct Mutual Funds: While direct plans have lower expense ratios, they require regular monitoring. If you lack time for constant tracking, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be beneficial.

Stock Investments: Your stocks are spread across sectors. While some are strong companies, direct stock investments demand active monitoring and deep analysis. Diversifying further into mutual funds might be better aligned with your long-term goals.

Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS): You have three ELSS funds. This creates unnecessary duplication. A single, well-performing ELSS fund is sufficient for tax-saving needs.

Goal Alignment: Your goal is 10 years. For this horizon, equity-heavy investments are ideal, but they must be consolidated for better returns.

Key Recommendations
1. Consolidate Your Mutual Funds
Having too many funds spreads your investments thinly. Instead, focus on 5–7 funds across categories. This will provide diversification without duplication.

Suggested allocation categories:

Large-Cap: One fund to provide stability and steady returns.
Flexi-Cap: One or two funds for flexibility in market capitalization.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap: Two funds to capitalise on growth potential.
ELSS: One fund for tax-saving benefits.
Consolidation will reduce overlaps and improve overall efficiency.

2. Retain or Exit Quant Funds?
You can retain Quant Small Cap and Quant Flexi Cap if their long-term fundamentals are strong. Exit from others if performance consistency or fund overlap is an issue. Diversify with funds from other AMCs for better balance.

3. Reduce Stock Exposure
Direct stock investments can be risky without regular tracking. Consolidate your stocks and invest the proceeds into diversified mutual funds. This will reduce risk and improve your portfolio’s stability.

4. Monitor Fund Performance
Review mutual fund performance at least annually. Use metrics like returns, expense ratios, fund manager track record, and consistency in delivering returns.

5. Opt for Professional Guidance
Consider investing in regular funds through a CFP. They can provide personalised strategies, regular reviews, and rebalance your portfolio as needed.

Action Plan for Portfolio Restructuring
Step 1: Exit and Consolidate
Exit from underperforming or duplicate funds.
Retain well-performing funds across categories.
Choose funds with strong track records and low volatility.
Step 2: Suggested Fund Allocation
Allocate Rs 40,000 monthly across consolidated categories:

Large-Cap Fund: 25% allocation for stability.
Flexi-Cap Fund: 25% allocation for market cap flexibility.
Mid-Cap Fund: 20% allocation for growth potential.
Small-Cap Fund: 20% allocation for higher returns.
ELSS Fund: 10% allocation for tax-saving needs.
Step 3: Consolidate Stocks
Exit some stocks and reinvest the amount in mutual funds. Focus on reducing sector concentration.

Step 4: Regular Reviews
Review your portfolio semi-annually. Assess market conditions and align your portfolio with your goals.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Plans
Index Funds
No Active Management: Index funds lack the ability to outperform markets.
Market Dependent: They perform only as well as the index, with no defensive strategy during downturns.
Direct Plans
Higher Effort: Direct plans demand continuous monitoring.
Lack of Guidance: Regular plans via a CFP provide tailored advice, which direct plans do not.
Tax Implications
Keep in mind the new capital gains tax rules:

Equity Funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds: Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Consider tax-efficient withdrawals when restructuring your portfolio.

Final Insights
You are on the right track by actively investing for your goals. However, managing fewer, well-performing funds can simplify your journey. Consolidating your portfolio will improve returns, reduce redundancy, and make monitoring easier.

Focus on aligning your investments with your 10-year goal. Use this opportunity to balance risk and returns effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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