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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on May 25, 2021

Mutual Fund Expert... more
shailesh Question by shailesh on May 25, 2021Hindi
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I have recently started SIP in

1. Axis 25 focus fund growth

2. Axis Blue Chip

Kindly advice are both good? Also i want to invest Rs.5000/- lump sum if some good fund, can you advice? 

Ans: Please continue; both are great quality funds. Rs. 5000 can be invested in Parag Parikh Flex-Cap Fund - Growth

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  |6268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I want to invest between 10-15 k per month in sip for 15 years. Can you please suggest me what funds will be best for me. I selected quant small mid and flexi adity birla sun life PSU , Nippon large cap , Nippon India night small cap 250 index fund Nippon India nifty midcap 150 index .. please suggest
Ans: It's great to hear that you're interested in investing through SIPs for the next 15 years. Here are some recommendations for mutual funds based on your investment preferences:

1. Small & Mid Cap Funds: These funds offer exposure to both small and mid-cap stocks, potentially providing higher returns over the long term. Look for funds that have a consistent track record and are managed by experienced fund managers.
2. Large Cap Funds: Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a track record of stable performance. They offer stability and are suitable for conservative investors seeking steady returns over time.
3. PSU Funds: PSU funds focus on investing in Public Sector Undertaking companies. These companies are backed by the government and can offer stability and growth potential. Look for funds with a strong portfolio of PSU stocks.
4. Index Funds: Consider investing in index funds that track specific indices like Nifty Smallcap 250 Index or Nifty Midcap 150 Index. These funds offer diversification and typically have lower expense ratios compared to actively managed funds.
When selecting mutual funds for your SIP investment, it's important to consider factors such as fund performance, expense ratio, fund manager experience, and investment strategy. Conduct thorough research or consult with a financial advisor to make informed decisions based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2024Hindi
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I am 43 years old and Started SIP in 2018. Kindly suggest about the funds. Following are my current mutual fund investments: AXIS Blue Chip fund Monthly SIP of Rs 3500 Mirae Large and Mid Cap fund Monthly SIP of Rs 2000/- Invesco India contra fund Monthly SIP of Rs 6000/- Axis Small Cap Fund Monthly SIP of Rs 5000/- Kotek flexicap fund Monthly SIP of RS 4000/- Sbi Banking & Financial Services fund Monthly SIP Rs.3500 Franklin India Prima fund monthly SIP Rs.1000.
Ans: Your current mutual fund portfolio reflects a thoughtful approach to wealth accumulation through systematic investment plans (SIPs). Let's delve into each aspect of your portfolio and assess its performance and potential.

Diversification Analysis
Your portfolio comprises a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds, offering diversification across market segments. This diversification mitigates risk and enhances the potential for returns.

Performance Assessment
Each fund has its unique investment strategy and objectives. Analyzing their historical performance against benchmarks and peers provides insights into their efficacy in delivering returns.

Fund Selection Rationale
Your selection of funds appears to be well-researched, considering factors such as fund manager expertise, consistency in performance, and alignment with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Active vs. Passive Management
Your focus on actively managed funds suggests a preference for capitalizing on the expertise of fund managers to navigate market fluctuations and exploit growth opportunities. This approach contrasts with passive strategies like index funds, which lack the agility and discretion of active management.

SIP vs. Lump Sum Investment
SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging, enabling you to buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. This disciplined approach to investing smoothens market volatility and fosters long-term wealth creation.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
By investing through a Certified Financial Planner, you benefit from professional guidance and portfolio monitoring. Regular funds, though they may have slightly higher expense ratios compared to direct funds, offer value through expert advice, ensuring optimal fund selection and allocation.

Future Considerations
Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and aligning it with evolving financial goals is crucial. Periodic rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Conclusion
Your mutual fund portfolio reflects a prudent approach to wealth management, characterized by diversification, active management, and systematic investment. As a Certified Financial Planner, I commend your diligence and commitment to long-term financial well-being.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

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Dear Sir, wanted to start an SIP , never before have invested. Have Rs. 5,000.00 to invest .Age is 52 , kindly advice which fund .Investment is not for long term sir
Ans: It’s wonderful that you’re considering starting an SIP investment. At 52, planning your investments is crucial, even if it's not for the long term. Let’s explore the best options for your Rs 5,000 monthly SIP to ensure you achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Importance of Short-Term Investments
Given your age and the preference for a short-term investment, it's essential to focus on funds that provide stability and moderate growth. Your investment should aim to balance between safety and returns, considering the shorter investment horizon.

Evaluating Fund Options
For short-term investments, certain types of mutual funds are more suitable. These include debt funds, balanced funds, and conservative hybrid funds. These funds are designed to provide stable returns with lower risk compared to equity funds, which are more volatile and suited for long-term investments.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds, and other debt instruments. These funds offer more stability and predictable returns, making them ideal for short-term goals.

Advantages:

Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Steady and predictable returns.
Suitable for short-term financial goals.
Disadvantages:

Lower returns compared to equity funds.
Sensitive to interest rate changes.
Balanced Funds
Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. This balance aims to provide moderate returns with controlled risk.

Advantages:

Diversification across asset classes.
Moderate risk with potential for decent returns.
Suitable for investors with a medium-term horizon.
Disadvantages:

More volatile than pure debt funds.
Returns are not guaranteed.
Conservative Hybrid Funds
Conservative hybrid funds predominantly invest in debt instruments with a small portion in equities. They aim to provide stable returns with minimal risk.

Advantages:

Higher safety with a small equity exposure for better returns.
Suitable for conservative investors.
Better returns than pure debt funds in some cases.
Disadvantages:

Slightly more risk than pure debt funds.
Limited upside potential compared to balanced funds.
Recommended Investment Strategy
Considering your age and short-term investment goal, a conservative approach with a focus on stability and moderate returns is advisable. Here’s a suggested strategy:

Conservative Hybrid Fund: Allocate Rs 3,000 per month. These funds provide a good mix of safety and moderate growth.

Debt Fund: Allocate Rs 2,000 per month. This ensures stability and predictable returns.

Monitoring Your Investment
Regular Review: It's important to review your investment portfolio regularly, even if the investment horizon is short. This helps in making adjustments as per market conditions and personal financial goals.

Rebalancing: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. This ensures your investments are aligned with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, where fund managers make strategic investment decisions, can provide higher returns compared to passively managed index funds. These funds aim to outperform the market through skilled management and timely adjustments.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential ensures you receive expert advice tailored to your financial situation.

Conclusion
Starting an SIP with a conservative approach is a wise decision, given your short-term investment goal and age. By focusing on conservative hybrid funds and debt funds, you can achieve a balance between stability and moderate returns. Regular reviews and rebalancing are key to maintaining an optimal investment portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Money
i am 76+ and starting two sip since last three yearsie Axis blue chip fund direct plan growth and sbi small cap fund growth growth.Give advise above funds.
Ans: Firstly, commendations on taking proactive steps towards financial growth even at 76 years of age. It’s impressive that you are engaged in managing your finances with mutual funds. This shows a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to ensuring financial stability and growth.

Evaluating Your Current Funds
You have invested in Axis Bluechip Fund Direct Plan Growth and SBI Small Cap Fund Growth. Both funds cater to different segments of the market, providing a balanced approach to your portfolio.

Axis Bluechip Fund Direct Plan Growth
Type: Large-cap fund
Focus: Invests in large, established companies with a stable track record.
Risk Level: Moderate
Returns: Historically, large-cap funds provide steady and reliable returns over the long term.
Advantages
Stability: Large-cap companies are generally more stable and less volatile.
Steady Growth: These funds offer steady growth with less risk compared to small-cap funds.
Liquidity: Large-cap stocks are highly liquid, making it easier to buy and sell shares.
Recommendations
Continue with Axis Bluechip Fund for its stability and steady growth potential. It aligns well with a conservative approach, which is crucial at your age.

SBI Small Cap Fund Growth
Type: Small-cap fund
Focus: Invests in smaller companies with high growth potential.
Risk Level: High
Returns: Small-cap funds can offer high returns, but they come with increased volatility and risk.
Advantages
High Growth Potential: Small-cap funds can deliver significant returns due to the high growth potential of smaller companies.
Diversification: Adds diversification to your portfolio by including smaller, high-potential companies.
Recommendations
While the potential for high returns is attractive, small-cap funds come with higher risk. Given your age, it might be prudent to review the allocation in this fund and consider balancing it with more stable investments.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification is essential to managing risk and ensuring steady returns. Your current investments in large-cap and small-cap funds provide a good mix. However, further diversification can enhance stability.

Consider Mid-Cap and Hybrid Funds
Mid-Cap Funds: Offer a balance between the stability of large-cap funds and the growth potential of small-cap funds.
Hybrid Funds: Combine equities and debt, providing a balanced approach with moderate risk and returns.
Strategic Financial Planning
Let’s outline a strategic plan to ensure your investments align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Step 1: Risk Assessment
Given your age, it's crucial to minimize risk. Large-cap and hybrid funds are more suitable for maintaining stability and ensuring steady income.

Step 2: Portfolio Rebalancing
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Ensure that your investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider shifting a portion of small-cap investments to more stable funds.

Step 3: Focus on Income-Generating Investments
Investments that provide regular income are essential at this stage. Consider debt funds or dividend-yielding mutual funds for consistent returns.

Power of Compounding
The power of compounding is a key advantage of mutual fund investments. Even at 76, your investments can benefit from compounding if you stay invested for the long term.

Benefits of Compounding
Growth Over Time: Reinvested earnings generate their own earnings, leading to exponential growth over time.
Long-Term Benefits: The longer you stay invested, the more significant the benefits of compounding.
Tax Efficiency
Optimizing your investments for tax efficiency is crucial. Mutual funds offer various tax benefits that can enhance your returns.

Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): Provides tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): LTCG on equity mutual funds is tax-free up to Rs 1 lakh per year.
Reviewing Direct Plans
You have chosen direct plans for your mutual fund investments. Direct plans have lower expense ratios compared to regular plans, leading to higher returns.

Disadvantages of Direct Plans
Lack of Professional Guidance: Direct plans require you to manage your investments without professional advice.
Higher Risk: Without expert guidance, there's a higher risk of making suboptimal investment decisions.
Benefits of Regular Plans
Professional Management: Regular plans offer the benefit of expert advice and management.
Optimal Asset Allocation: Financial planners can help you achieve the best asset allocation based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, offering potentially higher returns than index funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Growth: Index funds mimic the market and cannot outperform it.
No Active Management: They lack the benefit of professional fund managers who can make strategic investment decisions.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Returns: Aim to beat the market through active stock selection.
Expert Management: Managed by experienced fund managers who can adapt to market changes.
Importance of Regular Review
Regularly reviewing your investment portfolio is essential to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals.

Portfolio Review
Quarterly Reviews: Conduct quarterly reviews to assess the performance of your investments.
Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments to rebalance your portfolio and optimize returns.
Planning for Long-Term Care
As you age, planning for long-term care and medical expenses becomes increasingly important.

Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage to manage medical expenses. Consider plans that offer comprehensive coverage and benefits suited to your needs.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and kept in a liquid investment or savings account.

Final Insights
You have taken significant steps to secure your financial future through systematic investments in mutual funds. Continue to focus on maintaining a balanced portfolio, optimizing for tax efficiency, and regularly reviewing your investments.

Your dedication to managing your finances at this stage of life is truly commendable. By staying informed and making strategic decisions, you can ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  |5 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Guru - Answered on Sep 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 10, 2024Hindi
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I have 10 lakh rupees which I want invest in MF. Please suggest some fund for lump sum amount to invest for 1 and half years.
Ans: Dear Friend,
Thank you for your query. 1.5 Years is a very short time for getting high returns. Investing Rs 10 lakhs in mutual funds for a short-term horizon of 1.5 years requires a cautious approach. For such small period, you should look for low to moderate-risk funds that offer stability with reasonable returns, as investing in high-risk equity funds might be too volatile for a short time frame. Since your investment horizon is just 1.5 years, avoid high-risk equity mutual funds as they can be volatile in the short term. Check for exit loads and tax implications before investing. Most short-term capital gains (if you withdraw before 3 years) from debt funds are taxed according to your income tax slab.
You have to evaluate your risk Appetite , Short-Term Debt Funds are invested in government securities, corporate bonds, and other debt instruments with short maturities, offering stability and moderate returns. For a 1.5-year investment, these are ideal as they are less volatile. you can expect 5-7% per annum Returns. You can think of
• ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund
• HDFC Short Term Debt Fund
• Axis Short Term Fund
• ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund
• HDFC Corporate Bond Fund
• Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2024

Money
Hello Sir, I am Naveen Raja from Chennai. I am investing from Sep 2021 in ELSS SIP. Now I have been stopped due to monthly expenses. Question 1: I want to start again on a daily sip basis to achieve 5 cr in next 10 years suggest me a fund which will give this target amount over 10 years on an average of 20% interest Y-o-Y compunding to the investment amount? Question 2: Also, which I stopped in ELSS SIP - Axis Long term - Growth should I need to continue for a longer period or should take that money and invest in any different hybrid funds ?
Ans: Naveen, thank you for reaching out. Investing in ELSS funds is a good choice, especially considering tax-saving benefits. Stopping your SIPs due to monthly expenses is understandable, but restarting is crucial to achieving your financial goals.

Let’s address your two concerns one by one.

Question 1: Achieving Rs. 5 Crores in 10 Years
You aim to accumulate Rs. 5 crores in the next 10 years, with an expected 20% annual growth. While this is a high target, it’s not impossible. But I must highlight that 20% returns over 10 years are aggressive, and the market may not guarantee such consistent growth. Equity mutual funds, however, can potentially give you strong returns if you stay disciplined.

Steps to Achieve Rs. 5 Crores in 10 Years
Daily SIP Approach:
Daily SIP is a good way to spread out your investments. It allows for better averaging as the market fluctuates daily.

Focus on Equity Mutual Funds:
For such high returns, equity mutual funds are ideal. These funds have a strong track record of delivering long-term growth. However, keep in mind that they come with market risk.

Avoid Setting Unrealistic Return Expectations:
A 20% return every year is optimistic. A more realistic return from equity funds would be around 12% to 15%. Anything beyond that would require consistent high-performing market conditions.

Recommended Strategy
Diversified Equity Funds:
Instead of chasing returns with a single fund, diversify your investments across various equity funds. This reduces risk and ensures balanced growth.

Mid and Small Cap Funds:
These funds offer higher returns but come with more volatility. You can allocate a portion of your investments to these funds for higher growth potential.

Large Cap Funds:
They offer stability. Having some exposure to large-cap funds can help you maintain balance in your portfolio.

Avoid Index Funds:
Index funds might not meet your target as they only track the market. Actively managed funds can provide better returns through stock selection.

Calculating SIP Contribution
Achieving 5 Crores in 10 Years:
If you want to achieve Rs. 5 crores in 10 years, based on a more realistic 12% to 15% annual return, you would need to invest a significant amount every month. A Certified Financial Planner can help you calculate the exact monthly SIP amount based on your goal and risk tolerance.
Question 2: Should You Continue ELSS SIP or Shift to Hybrid Funds?
Your current ELSS investment in Axis Long Term Equity Fund is a tax-saving fund with a 3-year lock-in period. Since you’ve already completed the minimum holding period, you may wonder if it’s wise to continue or switch to a different type of fund.

Assessing ELSS Funds
Tax Benefit:
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C. This is a significant advantage if you still need to save tax. Continuing with your ELSS investment can help you keep your tax-saving advantage.

Equity Exposure:
ELSS funds are equity-oriented, which means they have good long-term growth potential. If your goal is to build wealth over time, equity exposure is necessary.

Disadvantages of Switching to Hybrid Funds
Lower Returns:
Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, which may offer lower returns compared to pure equity funds. While they are less volatile, their growth potential may not meet your goal of Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

Not Ideal for High Growth:
If you want aggressive wealth creation, hybrid funds may not be the best fit. Their balanced approach is better suited for those with low to moderate risk tolerance.

What You Should Do
Continue with ELSS:
Since you’ve already started with Axis Long Term Equity Fund, consider continuing for a longer period. ELSS funds provide both tax benefits and growth. You’ve already endured the initial market volatility, and over time, equity funds tend to deliver better returns.

Avoid Hybrid Funds for Now:
If your goal is aggressive wealth creation, hybrid funds might not align with this. Instead, stick to equity funds with a high growth potential.

Final Insights
Set Realistic Expectations:
While you aim for 20% annual returns, the market is unpredictable. A more realistic expectation of 12% to 15% will help you stay grounded and focused.

Daily SIPs Can Be Helpful:
A daily SIP strategy can help you achieve better averaging. However, for high returns, focus on equity funds with a long-term horizon.

Continue Your ELSS Investments:
Since you’ve already invested in Axis Long Term Equity Fund, consider continuing with it. It offers both tax benefits and long-term growth.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner:
To determine the exact amount you should invest monthly, it’s essential to work with a professional. They can help you build a diversified portfolio aligned with your goals.

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

...Read more

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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