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Should I Invest in Mid-Cap Stocks Now?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8291 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 20, 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
Nagendra Question by Nagendra on Aug 14, 2024Hindi
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Is it right time to invest in mid cap because their net asset value is low in few years they can go high?

Ans: When considering investing in mid-cap funds, timing is important. However, understanding the nature of these funds is even more critical. Let’s assess if now is the right time to invest in mid-cap funds.

Understanding Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies. These companies are not as large as those in large-cap funds but have the potential for significant growth. They can offer high returns, but they also come with higher risks compared to large-cap funds.

Evaluating Market Conditions
The performance of mid-cap funds is closely linked to market cycles. In bull markets, mid-cap stocks often outperform large-cap stocks. In bear markets, they can be more volatile. Currently, if the net asset value (NAV) of mid-cap funds is low, it could indicate a market downturn or a correction phase.

Long-Term Investment Potential
Mid-cap funds have the potential to grow significantly over time. When their NAV is low, it may present a buying opportunity. However, it’s essential to approach this with caution. Just because the NAV is low now doesn’t guarantee it will rise in the short term.

The Importance of Staying Invested
Timing the market is difficult, even for seasoned investors. Rather than focusing on whether it’s the right time, it’s more important to stay invested over the long term. Mid-cap funds typically perform well over a longer period, such as 5 to 10 years or more.

Diversification as a Strategy
Investing in mid-cap funds should be part of a diversified portfolio. Don’t put all your investments into mid-cap funds alone. Balance your portfolio with large-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds as well. This helps manage risk while still allowing you to capture the growth potential of mid-cap stocks.

Why Not Focus Solely on NAV?
While a low NAV might seem attractive, it’s not the only factor to consider. NAV reflects the current market value of the fund's assets. It does not indicate the future potential of the fund. Instead of focusing solely on NAV, consider the fund’s past performance, the management team, and the overall market conditions.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you make informed decisions about investing in mid-cap funds. They can provide personalized advice based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Investing through a CFP also gives you access to regular monitoring and adjustments to your portfolio as market conditions change.

Final Insights
Investing in mid-cap funds can be a good strategy, especially when the NAV is low. However, this should not be the only factor guiding your investment decisions. A well-diversified portfolio, a long-term perspective, and the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner are essential for successful investing.

Stay committed to your financial goals, and remember that investing is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right approach, mid-cap funds can be a valuable part of your investment strategy.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8291 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

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is it good time to invest 10 laksh lumpsum amount in large and midcaps or should i park them in liquid funds until correction or even split in both at this time jul 2024 (im 30 yr old willing to invest for 5-8yrs )
Ans: Assessment of Current Market Situation

The stock market is at all-time highs in July 2024.
Large and mid-cap stocks have seen good growth recently.
This growth may continue or we might see a correction soon.

Lump Sum vs SIP Approach

Investing Rs 10 lakhs at once is risky in a high market.
Splitting between equity and debt can reduce this risk.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a good alternative to lump sum.

Recommended Investment Approach

Invest 50% (Rs 5 lakhs) in large and mid-cap equity funds now.
Park the other 50% in liquid funds for now.
Start a monthly SIP from the liquid fund to equity funds.
This approach balances growth potential with risk management.

Benefits of This Strategy

You get some exposure to the current bull market.
You're protected if there's a market correction soon.
SIP helps you benefit from rupee cost averaging.
This suits your 5-8 year investment horizon well.

Importance of Professional Guidance

Markets can be complex and unpredictable.
A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice.
They can help you choose the right funds for your goals.
Regular review and rebalancing is key for long-term success.

Risk Management

Diversify across different sectors and company sizes.
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.
Keep some money in debt funds for stability.
Increase equity allocation if markets correct significantly.

Tax Considerations

Equity funds are more tax-efficient for long-term investing.
Hold equity investments for over 1 year for better tax treatment.
Consult a tax professional for detailed advice.

Final Insights

Your young age allows for higher equity exposure.
Stay invested for 5-8 years to ride out market ups and downs.
Regular funds via a CFP offer professional management benefits.
Keep learning about personal finance to make informed decisions.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8291 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 25, 2025

Money
Sir, my current in hand salary is about 1.4L, my monthly SIP is of Approx Rs. 30,000. Now am planning to buy a flat in appartment which costs around 60L. Am having liquid cash of 12L where rest of the amount i have to go for Home loan. Should i purchase flat or should i invest in Mutual funds or gold which one is better.
Ans: You are earning Rs 1.4 lakh per month.

You are already doing Rs 30,000 SIP monthly. Very good.

You are now thinking of buying a flat worth Rs 60 lakh.

You have Rs 12 lakh in cash.

Balance Rs 48 lakh will need a home loan.

You also want to know if mutual funds or gold are better.

Let’s now look at your case from 360-degree view.

Every point below will guide you clearly.

Step-by-Step Assessment of Your Current Stage
Your salary is good. It gives strong monthly surplus.

SIP of Rs 30,000 shows you have a good saving habit.

Rs 12 lakh liquid is also a strong backup.

You are ready to make a major financial decision.

But one step at a time is very important.

Let’s evaluate all options together.

Buying a Flat – Things to Consider
You are planning to buy a flat of Rs 60 lakh.

Rs 12 lakh is ready with you.

You will need Rs 48 lakh loan.

That is a high loan amount.

EMI will be around Rs 40,000 to 45,000 per month.

This will reduce your monthly savings.

It may impact your SIP capacity also.

Bank will give loan, but you have to repay for 15–20 years.

Total interest paid will be very high.

Flat will also have maintenance charges.

Also property tax, society fee, repair cost etc.

Selling flat in future is not easy.

It is not liquid.

You are tying up your money in one asset.

This reduces flexibility.

Gold – Good or Not
Gold is emotionally strong in India.

But return is very low in long term.

Gold gives average return of 6% to 7% per year.

It does not beat inflation fully.

Gold is also not giving any monthly income.

Also, physical gold has risk of theft.

You cannot use gold to fund long-term goals.

It is only a small part of portfolio.

At best, 5% to 10% of total money can be in gold.

So, gold should not be your main plan.

Mutual Funds – Are They Better?
Mutual funds offer much better returns.

You are already doing SIP of Rs 30,000. Good job.

Mutual funds are flexible and transparent.

You can increase or reduce SIP anytime.

They beat inflation better than gold or FD.

Also better than home loan savings.

You can invest through regular plan.

With help of Certified Financial Planner.

Actively managed mutual funds are more dynamic.

Fund manager adjusts based on market.

Avoid index funds.

They don’t change with market trends.

Active funds have better long-term growth.

You can also invest via STP.

Or do lump sum in short term and transfer.

Direct Plans vs Regular Plans
Do not invest through direct funds.

No help or advice is available.

Regular funds with CFP support is much better.

You get review, rebalancing, and guidance.

CFPs can help you avoid wrong timing.

And also help plan withdrawal and tax saving.

Renting vs Buying – A Fair Analysis
Buying looks attractive because of asset ownership.

But there are hidden costs.

If you rent a flat, you save big on EMIs.

Also no maintenance, repair burden.

That saving can be invested in mutual funds.

That grows more than property value.

Renting gives you freedom to shift.

Also, easy if job or life changes.

Buying gives peace, but adds big loan pressure.

If you buy now, your SIP may reduce or stop.

That will affect long-term wealth.

What You Can Do Now – Ideal Strategy
Do not rush into property buying.

Think with numbers, not emotion.

Keep Rs 6 lakh as emergency fund.

Keep Rs 6 lakh as medium-term safe fund.

Continue SIP of Rs 30,000.

You can increase it slowly every year.

You can increase SIP by Rs 5,000 every year.

Use step-up SIP method.

After 5–7 years, you can buy a flat fully.

That too without big loan pressure.

Till then your mutual funds will grow.

Your income and savings will also rise.

In future, you may buy with just Rs 20–25 lakh loan.

That is easier to manage.

Till then, you can stay on rent.

Use rent+SIP strategy for 7–10 years.

Risk Management is Key
Don’t use your Rs 12 lakh to pay flat down-payment now.

You will lose liquidity and flexibility.

Loan pressure will also increase mental stress.

Continue investing in mutual funds.

Use mix of large cap, flexi cap, balanced funds.

Avoid ULIPs, annuities, or insurance-linked investments.

Always separate insurance and investment.

Taxation Side – What You Should Know
Home loan gives tax benefits.

But it is not always best reason to buy.

If you invest in mutual funds,

Long-term capital gains over Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gain taxed at 20%.

If you hold long-term, tax is very low.

Tax-efficient and flexible.

Property has stamp duty, registration, GST.

Mutual funds have no such cost.

Lifestyle and Freedom
Home loan is like a 20-year commitment.

That limits life decisions.

Mutual fund investments give you life freedom.

You can take a break. Change job. Travel.

You stay financially independent always.

Final Insights
You are at a strong earning stage.

You have good habits of saving and SIP.

Buying a flat now will reduce your investment power.

Mutual funds will give more growth and flexibility.

Postpone flat buying by 5–7 years.

Build strong portfolio by then.

Use help of Certified Financial Planner for right fund choices.

Rent and invest now. Buy smartly later.

Your wealth and peace of mind will grow together.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4460 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 25, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, My elder daughter is studying in 10th CBSE. She is not a very bright student and is not inclined towards doing Engineering or Medical; and we being old school parents, are not aware of any other careers. She has been talking about getting into the commerce stream, but I am not sure of the career options that she can follow. I did some searching and found that B.Com, MBA is the option that she could take. CA might be tough option for her. Kindly guide in terms of what could be a good option for my daughter.
Ans: To begin with, it’s highly recommended that your daughter takes a Psychometric Career Assessment. This will help identify her interests, strengths, and personality traits, leading to the most suitable career options for her.

If she is inclined towards the Commerce stream, she should start preparing early — ideally from Grade 11 — for the CUET (Common University Entrance Test). Before starting, make sure to thoroughly research the CUET exam pattern, list of participating Central and State Universities, the courses they offer, placement records, and which programs are currently in demand.

In addition to CUET, it’s also wise to shortlist 8–10 reputed private universities known for their quality education and placement support. These could be in your state, neighboring states, or metro cities. Check if these colleges conduct their own entrance exams or participate in CUET-based counselling.

Early preparation is crucial, as competition is high for top programs in reputed institutions.

Lastly, help her explore undergraduate programs that are in high demand today, as this will give her clarity and direction in choosing a career path that is both relevant and rewarding. All the best for your Daughter's admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

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Janak

Janak Patel  |31 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 25, 2025

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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