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Should I stay invested in losing NASDAQ stocks or switch to Indian Mutual Funds?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 01, 2025

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 - Apr 01, 2025Hindi
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Is it good to stay invested or exit with a loss and invest in Indian Mutual Funds? I have stocks acquired through RSUs and ESPP from my company, which is listed on NASDAQ. The current market value is around 50 lakh, with a loss of approximately 10 lakh from the vested/purchase price, currently the stock is 50% down from 52weeks peak. It is a top US-based semiconductor company. I am worried about the current global situation. I have long term investment plan. Please suggest

Ans: You have built a significant investment in your company’s stock through RSUs and ESPP, now valued at Rs 50 lakh, but currently at a 10 lakh unrealized loss due to a 50% drop from its 52-week peak. Given the global market uncertainty, it’s natural to question whether you should hold or exit and reinvest in Indian mutual funds. Let’s analyze your situation from multiple angles.

Key Factors to Consider Before Exiting
1. Industry Outlook: Semiconductor Sector
The semiconductor industry is cyclical but has long-term growth potential due to AI, cloud computing, and 5G expansion.

If your company is fundamentally strong, the stock may recover once global conditions stabilize.

However, semiconductor stocks can be volatile, and a recovery could take time.

2. Risk of Holding Too Much in a Single Stock
Your entire Rs 50 lakh exposure is concentrated in one stock.

If your company underperforms or faces industry-specific challenges, your portfolio could suffer more losses.

Diversification is critical, and shifting to mutual funds reduces company-specific risk.

3. US Market vs. Indian Market
Global Uncertainty: The US market faces recession risks, geopolitical tensions, and interest rate fluctuations.

Growth Potential: Indian markets are currently more stable with a strong domestic growth story.

Currency Risk: If the rupee appreciates against the dollar, your US holdings may lose additional value in INR terms.

4. Tax Implications on Selling US Stocks
US Taxation: If you sell RSUs, you may owe capital gains tax in the US. ESPP shares may also have tax implications.

Indian Taxation: If you sell US stocks, gains will be taxed in India as per foreign stock capital gains rules.

Tax Planning Required: You should check the tax efficiency before selling everything at once.

Should You Exit or Stay Invested?
Since you have a long-term investment plan, an immediate full exit may not be the best approach. Here’s a better strategy:

1. Partial Exit Strategy for Risk Reduction
Instead of exiting at a loss completely, sell a portion of your holdings (e.g., 30-50%) to reduce concentration risk.

Redeploy funds into Indian equity mutual funds for better diversification and stability.

Keep some exposure to the stock for potential recovery, but avoid having 100% dependency on a single US company.

2. Redeploying into Indian Mutual Funds
If you decide to shift funds from US stocks to Indian investments, consider:

Flexi-cap Mutual Funds → Diversification across large, mid, and small caps.

Mid-cap & Small-cap Funds → Higher growth potential, but with volatility.

Balanced Advantage Funds → Adjust automatically between equity and debt for stability.

Since you have a long-term investment horizon, mutual funds offer better diversification and risk-adjusted returns than holding a single US stock.

Final Insights
Your company’s stock has long-term potential, but the current risk is high due to market uncertainty.

Don’t panic-sell everything at a loss. Instead, reduce exposure gradually to avoid further downside risk.

Indian equity mutual funds provide better diversification and align well with your long-term goals.

Tax implications should be carefully planned before exiting your US investments.

A step-by-step shift into Indian mutual funds while keeping a portion in US stocks may be the best-balanced approach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

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My Mutual Fund Aditya Birla and SBI PSU is going decline, losing the invested value. should i exit. Please advise.
Ans: Your mutual fund investments are currently losing value.

Understanding whether to exit or hold is crucial.

Let us assess the situation comprehensively.

Factors to Evaluate Before Exiting
Investment Time Horizon
Review your financial goals and investment duration.

Equity funds need at least 5–7 years to deliver results.

Fund Performance
Compare the performance of your funds to their benchmark index.

Check the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year returns.

Poor short-term performance is not always a concern.

Market Conditions
Mutual fund performance depends on market cycles.

Temporary declines may reverse with market recovery.

Fund Category and Risk
PSU funds are sector-specific and carry higher risk.

Evaluate if the sector aligns with your goals.

Diversified equity funds are less volatile.

Reasons for Current Decline
Sector-Specific Risks
PSU and sector funds are impacted by policy changes or economic shifts.

These funds may recover when the sector performs well.

Broader Market Trends
Market corrections affect all equity mutual funds.

Short-term dips are common in volatile markets.

Fund-Specific Issues
Poor fund management can impact returns.

Check the fund manager’s track record and strategy.

Alternatives to Exiting
Hold and Reassess
Staying invested during market dips often helps in the long term.

Exit only if the fund consistently underperforms for 3–5 years.

Portfolio Diversification
Avoid overexposure to sector-specific funds.

Add diversified funds to reduce risk.

Switching Funds
Consider switching to better-performing funds.

Choose funds with consistent returns over time.

Tax Implications of Exiting
Equity Mutual Funds
Long-term gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Exit Load
Exiting before the minimum holding period attracts exit loads.

Check your fund’s terms before redeeming.

Action Plan for Your Situation
Retain the Funds
Hold if the funds match your risk appetite and goals.

Monitor performance quarterly for any significant changes.

Reallocate Gradually
Shift a portion of funds to diversified equity funds.

Opt for actively managed funds for better risk management.

Regular Portfolio Review
Assess your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner.

Review fund categories, performance, and alignment with goals.

Finally
Mutual funds require patience to yield returns.

Exit only after detailed evaluation of performance and goals.

Monitor your portfolio regularly and consult a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

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I am investiing in below mutual funds, Axis small cap fund regular growth - 1k Franklin Build india fund regular growth -4k Hdfc small cap fund regular growth - 4k icici blue chip fund regular growth - 2k Icici value discovery fund regular growth - 4k Nippon India small cap fund regular growth - 4k Mirae assest large cap fund regular growth - 2k sbi bluehip fund regular growth - 1k sbi small cap fund regular growth - 3k please advice shall I continue in the current market situation or withdraw? Regards Radhakrishna
Ans: Your commitment to investing is commendable. Let's evaluate your current mutual fund portfolio and provide guidance tailored to the current market conditions.

Current Market Overview

As of February 2025, the Indian equity market has experienced notable volatility. Benchmark indices like the Nifty 50 and S&P BSE Sensex have declined by approximately 10-11% from their peaks in September 2024. Mid-cap and small-cap segments have faced even sharper corrections, with the BSE Small Cap Index and BSE Mid Cap Index falling by 18.3% and 17.9%, respectively.
PERSONALFN.COM

Analysis of Your Portfolio Composition

Your portfolio includes investments in various mutual funds across different categories. Here's a breakdown:

Small-Cap Funds: A significant portion of your investments is allocated to small-cap funds. While these funds offer high growth potential, they also come with increased volatility, especially during market downturns.

Large-Cap Funds: You have exposure to large-cap funds, which are generally more stable and resilient during market fluctuations.

Thematic and Sectoral Funds: Your investment in thematic funds focuses on specific sectors, which can be cyclical and may experience periods of underperformance.

Recommendations

Review and Rebalance Your Portfolio

Assess Overlap: Evaluate the degree of overlap between your funds to ensure diversification. Tools like the mutual fund portfolio overlap tool can help identify common holdings.
PRIMEINVESTOR.IN

Adjust Allocations: Consider reducing exposure to small-cap funds if they constitute a large portion of your portfolio. Reallocating to large-cap or diversified equity funds can provide more stability.

Stay Invested with a Long-Term Perspective

Market Corrections Are Normal: Short-term volatility is inherent in equity markets. Historically, markets have rebounded over time, rewarding patient investors.

Avoid Panic Selling: Withdrawing investments during downturns can lock in losses. Maintaining your investments allows you to benefit from potential market recoveries.

Continue Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Rupee Cost Averaging: Continuing SIPs during market lows allows you to purchase more units at lower prices, potentially enhancing long-term returns.

Discipline Over Timing: Regular investments mitigate the need to time the market, fostering a disciplined approach.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner

Personalized Advice: A Certified Financial Planner can provide guidance tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Tax Efficiency: Professional advice can help optimize your portfolio for tax efficiency, especially with recent changes in capital gains taxation.

Final Insights

In the current market scenario, it's advisable to stay invested and avoid making hasty decisions based on short-term volatility. Rebalancing your portfolio to align with your risk tolerance and financial goals, while continuing with disciplined investment strategies like SIPs, can position you well for long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
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Sir, I wqnted your advise, regarding an investment. My building is going for re-development, there is a additional flat sale for about 1cr, which will be ready in about 3 years. Please can you advise is it worth to invest 1cr in additional flat, i have savings of about 1cr, or should i keep the 1cr as Fixed Deposit. I do not have knowledge about investment in mutual funds or SIP. Thanks to advise.
Ans: It's commendable that you're considering the best investment route for your Rs. 1 crore savings. Let's evaluate the options you've mentioned and explore a comprehensive approach to wealth creation.

Understanding Your Investment Options
1. Investing in the Additional Flat

Illiquidity Concerns: Real estate investments are typically illiquid. Selling a property can take time and may not fetch the expected price.

Maintenance and Other Costs: Owning an additional flat comes with recurring expenses like maintenance charges, property taxes, and potential renovation costs.

Market Volatility: Property prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and government policies.

Rental Income Uncertainty: If you're considering renting out the flat, rental yields in many Indian cities are relatively low compared to the property's value.

2. Keeping the Amount in Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Low Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, but these may not outpace inflation, leading to a decrease in real purchasing power over time.

Tax Implications: Interest earned from FDs is taxable as per your income slab, which can further reduce the net returns.

Lack of Flexibility: Premature withdrawal from FDs can attract penalties, limiting liquidity.

Exploring Mutual Funds as an Alternative
Given that you're new to mutual funds and SIPs, it's essential to understand their potential benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on thorough research.

Diversification: By investing in a mutual fund, your money is spread across various assets, reducing risk.

Liquidity: Most mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investment when needed.

Potential for Higher Returns: Historically, mutual funds, especially equity-oriented ones, have offered higher returns over the long term compared to traditional instruments like FDs.

Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds can be more tax-efficient, especially with the benefits available under certain sections of the Income Tax Act.

Recommended Approach
Considering your current situation and the pros and cons of each investment option:

Avoid Investing in the Additional Flat: Given the illiquidity, associated costs, and potential market volatility, investing in another property may not be the most efficient use of your funds.

Limit Exposure to FDs: While FDs offer safety, the returns may not be sufficient to meet long-term financial goals, especially after accounting for inflation and taxes.

Consider Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation:

Start with a Lump Sum Investment: Allocate a portion of your Rs. 1 crore savings into mutual funds, focusing on a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk appetite.

Initiate SIPs: Set up Systematic Investment Plans to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Given your unfamiliarity with mutual funds, seeking guidance from a certified professional can help tailor an investment strategy aligned with your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your initiative to seek advice before making a significant investment decision is commendable. By steering clear of additional real estate investments and limiting exposure to low-yield instruments like FDs, you can explore avenues like mutual funds that offer the potential for higher returns and greater flexibility. Engaging with a certified financial planner can further ensure that your investment strategy is well-aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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