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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8815 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Dear sir, I have following sip Hdfc defence 5000 Hdfc multicap 10000 Hdfc small cap 10000nippon small cap 15000 Sbi large and mid cap 5000 Hdfc balanced advantage fund lump sum 25000 Hdfc focused 30 fund lump sum 25000 Hdfc manufacturing fund lump sum 50000 Sbi conta fund lumpsum 1200000 Sbi psu fund lump sum 500000 Sbi energy opportunity fund lump sum 200000 Please advice

Ans: It's clear you've taken a proactive approach to investing, and you've built a diverse portfolio across various mutual funds. Let's assess your current holdings and provide some guidance.

Your SIPs in HDFC Defence, HDFC Multicap, HDFC Small Cap, Nippon Small Cap, and SBI Large and Mid Cap demonstrate a blend of large, mid, and small-cap exposure, which is commendable for diversification.

However, having multiple funds within the same fund house, such as HDFC, may lead to overlapping holdings and concentration risk. Consider diversifying across different fund houses to spread risk more effectively.

Your lump sum investments in HDFC Balanced Advantage, HDFC Focused 30, HDFC Manufacturing, SBI Contra, SBI PSU, and SBI Energy Opportunity Funds provide additional diversification across different investment themes and strategies.

While lump sum investments can be beneficial, especially during market downturns, it's essential to review your investment rationale for each fund and ensure they align with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Given the size of your lump sum investments, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to assess if your portfolio is appropriately diversified and if any adjustments are needed to optimize returns while managing risk.

Additionally, periodically review your portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments to stay aligned with your financial objectives and market conditions.

In conclusion, while your current investments showcase a diverse portfolio, consider diversifying across fund houses and regularly reviewing your holdings to ensure they remain aligned with your long-term financial goals.

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  |8815 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

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Hii i am investing in SIP since 1 year in ICICI prudential commodities Fund direct growth Rs200 monthly, Tata digital India und direct growth Rs150 Monthly, HDFC Technology Fund direct growth Rs100 monthly, ICICI prudential Technology direct plan growth Rs100 monthly, Nippon India Pharma fund direct growth Rs300 monthly, Nippon India small cap fund direct growth Rs300 monthly, axis nifty IT index fund direct growth Rs1000 monthly, ICICI prudential bluechip fund direct growth Rs250 monthly, Aditya Birla Sun Life digital India fund direct growth Rs100 monthly, ICICI prudential NASDAQ 100index fund direct growth Rs300 monthly, HDFC transportation and logistics fund direct growth Rs200 monthly so I invested in above SIPs Total monthly i invest Rs3000 so please give me some suggestions or modifications if required
Ans: Your Current SIP Portfolio
You have been investing ?3,000 monthly across various SIPs for a year. Your chosen funds focus on technology, healthcare, commodities, and other sectors. This shows a good start towards disciplined investing.

Concentration in Technology Sector
A significant portion of your investments is in technology-focused funds. Technology funds can offer high returns but also come with high volatility.

Sector-Specific Funds
You also have investments in healthcare, commodities, and logistics funds. Sector-specific funds can be very volatile as they depend on the performance of their respective sectors.

Diversification
Your portfolio lacks diversification. Investing too much in a single sector increases risk. Diversification helps in balancing risk and returns.

Importance of Broad Market Exposure
Diversifying across different market segments reduces risk. Balanced exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds is crucial. This strategy ensures you are not overly dependent on one sector's performance.

Adding Stability with Debt Funds
Including debt funds can provide stability. Debt funds offer regular returns and reduce the overall risk in your portfolio. This balance is vital for long-term growth.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds due to professional management. Fund managers actively select stocks to maximize returns. This can be advantageous, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds mirror the market index and do not aim to outperform it. They lack flexibility in changing market conditions. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, adapt to market changes, providing better growth potential.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios but require thorough research and monitoring. Regular funds, through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), offer professional guidance and management. This can be valuable for optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Suggested Modifications
Reduce Sector-Specific Overweight

Reduce the number of technology and sector-specific funds. This will help in balancing the portfolio and reducing sector-specific risks.

Increase Broad Market Exposure

Allocate more funds to diversified equity funds. Large-cap and multi-cap funds provide stable returns and reduce overall risk.

Include Debt Funds for Stability

Add debt or hybrid funds to your portfolio. This will provide regular returns and reduce the volatility of your overall investment.

Suggested Allocation
Technology Funds: Choose one or two funds to maintain some exposure but reduce concentration.
Broad Market Funds: Increase investment in large-cap and multi-cap funds for stable growth.
Debt Funds: Allocate a portion to debt funds for stability.
Regular Monitoring and Review
Monitor your investments regularly. Review fund performance annually and adjust your portfolio based on your financial goals and market conditions.

Conclusion
Your dedication to investing through SIPs is commendable. With a few adjustments, you can achieve a balanced and diversified portfolio. This will help you meet your long-term financial goals with reduced risk.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8815 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I have been doing SIP under following MF's : Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5,000.00 Bandhan Core Equity Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 3,000.00 DSP Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 HSBC Value Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund 2,500.00 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,000.00 Quant Active Fund 5,000.00 SBI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 SBI Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan 10,000.00 UTI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5,000.00 HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan 3,000.00 Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 5,000.00 HDFC Focused 30 Fund - Regular Plan 2,000.00 Also i have lump-sum investment in following MF schemes - HDFC Top 100 RP (G) 51,998.45 HDFC Gold RP (G) 1,43,997.00 ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund 3,79,511.11 ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund - Regular 99,800.95 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 1,14,995.00 In addition to above, i am investing regularly in PPF & have an Share portfolio of about Rs. 6 Lacs & few Life Insurance policies (LIC). I am in need of about Rs. 25 Lacs. Kindly advise which funds to exit and if any other rebalancing of MF is required. Thanks
Ans: You've built a diverse portfolio with a mix of systematic investment plans (SIPs), lump-sum investments, and other financial instruments, showcasing your commitment to long-term wealth creation. Let's review your current holdings and make strategic adjustments to align with your financial goals:
1. SIP Review:
• Evaluate the performance and suitability of each SIP based on your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
• Consider consolidating or exiting SIPs with underperforming funds or overlapping strategies to streamline your portfolio.
2. Lump-Sum Investments:
• Assess the performance and outlook of your lump-sum investments to ensure they complement your overall investment strategy.
• Consider rebalancing or exiting investments that no longer align with your investment goals or risk profile.
3. Portfolio Rebalancing:
• Rebalance your portfolio to maintain an optimal asset allocation and manage risk effectively.
• Consider reallocating funds from underperforming or overweight sectors/funds to sectors/funds with better growth potential.
4. Exit Strategy:
• Identify funds or investments that are not performing as expected or do not align with your investment strategy.
• Develop an exit strategy to liquidate such investments gradually while minimizing any potential impact on your overall portfolio returns.
5. Alternative Investments:
• Explore alternative investment options such as debt instruments, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or international funds to diversify your portfolio further.
• Consider adding exposure to sectors or asset classes that offer growth potential while mitigating downside risks.
6. Risk Management:
• Review your risk management strategy to ensure adequate protection against market volatility and unforeseen events.
• Consider enhancing your insurance coverage, particularly health and life insurance, to safeguard your financial well-being and protect your loved ones.
7. Financial Planning:
• Continuously monitor your financial plan and make necessary adjustments based on changes in your life circumstances, financial goals, and market conditions.
• Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and objectives.
Remember, investing is a dynamic process, and periodic review and adjustment are essential to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals. By taking a proactive approach and making informed decisions, you can optimize your investment portfolio and work towards building long-term wealth and financial security.

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025
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Hii..my daughter has got a seat in VIT under CAT 3 in vellore in Mechanical branch..wanted to know so we wait for MHCET results and make a decision or should I just go ahead with VIT vellore
Ans: You have not mentioned the expected score of your daughter. VIT Vellore’s Mechanical Engineering (Category 3) reports a 50% placement rate (2025) with an average package of ?7.59 LPA and access to 300+ recruiters like TCS and Maruti Suzuki, supported by its NAAC A++ accreditation and QS World Ranking recognition. While core roles constitute 20–30% of offers, VIT’s project-based curriculum and 1,458+ annual recruiters ensure broader IT/consulting opportunities. In contrast, MHCET-based colleges like COEP Pune (2024 Mechanical cutoff: 99.16 percentile) and VJTI Mumbai (cutoff: 99.63 percentile) offer 85–90% placement rates in core sectors through PSUs and automotive giants like Tata Motors, but admission is contingent on achieving ranks ≤10,000 (General category). For mid-tier MHCET colleges (e.g., PICT Pune, D.Y. Patil), placement rates drop to 60–70%, with limited industry linkages compared to VIT. Recommendation: Secure VIT Vellore Mechanical if MHCET rank exceeds 15,000, as top government colleges remain unattainable. If MHCET rank is ≤10,000, prioritize COEP Pune or VJTI Mumbai for cost-effectiveness and core-sector stability. For backups, retain VIT admission while awaiting MHCET results, leveraging its assured infrastructure and global collaborations. All the BEST for your Daughter's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Namaskaram Sir, We got Discretionary-Quota seat in Integrated B.Tech (6 years after 10th) in CSE (AI & DS) in MIT-WPU Pune, its costing total approx. 32 Lakhs (from 2025 - 2031 batch) is it a good choice to consider sir? Does MIT-WPU Pune has good good placements sir? Thanks in advance Sir ; we also applied for SVKM's NMIMS MPSTME, Mumbai 6 years Integrated B.Tech, which one is better sir? Our son is research oriented/deepdive knowledge/ attitude so I didn't want to put pressure in competetive-studies/IIT/JEE/CETs; he wants to join IT/software field, kindly provide your valuable guidance sir, Many Thanks in advance.
Ans: MIT-WPU Pune’s Integrated B.Tech CSE (AI & DS) offers an 80% placement rate (2023–2025) with access to 500+ recruiters, including Infosys, IBM, and TCS, and emphasizes research-driven tracks like Computational Intelligence and Medical Image Processing. Its curriculum integrates hands-on labs for AI/ML and blockchain, supported by partnerships with Atos and Qualcomm, though median placements lag behind NMIMS. The 6-year program (?32 lakh total) includes internships and projects, catering to students seeking niche specializations without competitive exam pressure. Conversely, NMIMS MPSTME Mumbai’s 6-year Integrated B.Tech (Data Science) reports 90%+ placement rates (2023–2024) with 141+ recruiters like Amazon, Deloitte, and ZS Associates, offering global pathways to BS/MS degrees from Virginia Tech (USA) and a stronger focus on industry-aligned analytics training. NMIMS’s NIRF #151–200 engineering ranking and QS World University collaborations provide broader academic credibility, though its curriculum is less research-intensive than MIT-WPU’s. While MIT-WPU suits research-oriented learners with AI/DS labs and interdisciplinary projects, NMIMS ensures higher placement consistency (median ?10.22 LPA) and global exposure. Recommendation: Opt for NMIMS MPSTME Mumbai to leverage institutional reputation, global academic pathways, and assured tech placements, reserving MIT-WPU Pune if prioritizing AI research infrastructure and lower competitive pressure. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |1040 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 04, 2025

Career
My daughter got in kiit and symbiosis Bangalore for bba which one is good to pursue. How is the faculty of kiit.
Ans: Both KIIT School of Management (KSOM) and Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Bangalore offer strong BBA programs. To make the best decision, consider the following:
KIIT School of Management (KSOM):
Ranking: KSOM is a top-ranked B-school in India, according to Shiksha and Times B School Ranking 2024.
Faculty: KIIT boasts a faculty with industry experience and a high percentage of Ph.D. holders.
Placement: KSOM has good placement records.
Campus Life: KIIT is known for its large campus and various academic programs.
Cost: KIIT's BBA program fees are around ?10.5L, according to Shiksha.
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (Bangalore):
Ranking: Symbiosis is a well-regarded institution, known for its strong academic programs.
Faculty: SIBM-B offers well-qualified faculty and a structured curriculum.
Placement: SIBM-B has good placement records.
Campus Life: Symbiosis campuses are known for their strong alumni network and networking opportunities.
Cost: SIBM-B offers a 4-year Undergraduate Program and a Dual Degree program in collaboration with Deakin University.
Making the Decision:
Location:
Consider whether your daughter prefers the campus environment and lifestyle of KIIT in Bhubaneswar or the urban atmosphere of Bangalore.
Course Specialization:
Explore the specific BBA program offerings and specializations at each institution to see which aligns best with her interests.
Financial Considerations:
Compare the overall costs, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
Personal Preferences:
Consider your daughter's personality, learning style, and career goals when making the final decision.
In summary, both KIIT and Symbiosis Bangalore offer excellent BBA programs with strong faculty, placement opportunities, and a positive learning environment. Weighing the location, course specializations, and financial aspects will help you determine the best fit for your daughter..

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 04, 2025

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Sir, my daughter is getting VIT AP CSE branch in category 2, should I proceed, please tell pros and cons.
Ans: Yes, pursuing CSE at VIT-AP in Category 2 is a viable option, with several pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
Strong CSE Program:
VIT-AP offers a good Computer Science program with good curriculum and faculty.
Placement Opportunities:
VIT-AP has a good track record of placements, with many top companies recruiting from the campus.
Infrastructure:
The campus has modern facilities, including well-equipped labs and libraries.
Reputable Name:
VIT is a well-known institution, and this can help with placement opportunities.
Variety of Specializations:
CSE at VIT-AP offers various specializations like AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.
Cons:
Higher Fees: Category 2 seats come with higher fees compared to Category 1.
Not as Well-Established as Main Campus: VIT-AP, while affiliated with VIT Vellore, is a newer campus and might not be as well-established as the main campus.
Centralized Placements: Placements are centralized, meaning not all companies may visit the VIT-AP campus, but those that do are reputed.
Decision:
Consider your daughter's passion for CSE:
If she is truly passionate about computer science, the strong program and placement opportunities at VIT-AP can be a good fit.
Evaluate the return on investment:
Balance the higher fees of Category 2 with the potential for good placements and career opportunities.
Compare with other options:
Consider other engineering colleges and their CSE programs, particularly if your daughter has options in Category 1 or 2.
Talk to current students or alumni:
Gain firsthand insights into the campus culture, academic environment, and placement prospects.
Recommendation:
If your daughter is comfortable with the Category 2 fee structure and is truly interested in pursuing CSE at VIT-AP, it can be a good choice. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider other options as well.

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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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