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Should I invest in Mutual Funds or Shares for a 10-Year Investment?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |6292 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 02, 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

Question by gopi on Sep 02, 2024Hindi

hi team, i can see that this page is doing a great job which bring me here to clear my query. I can save up to 2,50,000 monthly, however i am looking to invest for the next 10 yrs. Above money is post all my family needs and requirements. Need your help to understand which best suites me, i am curious about mutual funds and shares, how to decide between them. Note that i already have rental income apart from the above mentioned so i am not really into real-estate.

Ans: You have an impressive ability to save Rs. 2,50,000 monthly. This amount is above your family’s needs, which is an excellent position to be in. You also have a stable rental income, meaning your immediate financial needs are well taken care of. Your interest in mutual funds and shares suggests you’re keen on growing your wealth over the next 10 years. Let’s explore how you can best utilize these savings.

Assessing Your Investment Goals
Wealth Creation: You are looking to grow your wealth significantly over the next 10 years. This timeframe allows you to explore various investment avenues.

Risk Appetite: Your capacity to save such a substantial amount suggests a higher risk tolerance. However, it’s important to balance risk with stability, especially since you are planning long-term.

Diversification: You are not interested in real estate, which is wise, given your existing rental income. Therefore, diversification within financial instruments like mutual funds and shares is key.

Mutual Funds vs. Shares: An Analytical Comparison
Mutual Funds: Managed Growth with Professional Support
Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers. They make investment decisions based on research, which can be beneficial if you do not have the time or expertise to manage your investments.

Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a variety of assets, which spreads risk across different sectors and companies. This reduces the impact of poor performance from a single investment.

Flexibility: You can choose from different types of mutual funds based on your risk appetite. Equity funds offer high growth potential but come with higher risk. Debt funds are more stable but offer moderate returns.

Systematic Investment: Mutual funds allow for systematic investments (SIPs). This means you can invest a fixed amount regularly, which can reduce the impact of market volatility through rupee cost averaging.

Shares: Direct Ownership with Higher Returns and Risks
Direct Control: Investing in shares gives you direct ownership of companies. This can lead to higher returns if you pick the right stocks, but it also comes with higher risk.

Market Knowledge Required: Unlike mutual funds, investing in shares requires a good understanding of the stock market. You need to research and monitor your investments regularly.

Higher Volatility: Shares can be more volatile compared to mutual funds. Prices can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions, company performance, and other factors.

Potential for High Returns: If you are able to identify strong, growth-oriented companies, shares can offer returns that surpass those of mutual funds. However, this also requires a higher level of involvement and risk-taking.

Combining Mutual Funds and Shares: A Balanced Approach
Given your ability to save Rs. 2,50,000 monthly, a combination of mutual funds and direct equity investment might be the best approach.

Investing in Mutual Funds:
Equity Mutual Funds: Consider allocating a significant portion to equity mutual funds. These funds invest in stocks and have the potential to offer high returns over the long term. They are ideal for wealth creation, especially with your 10-year investment horizon.

Diversified Equity Funds: These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This offers a balance between stability and growth.

Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds offer flexibility in choosing stocks across market capitalizations. They provide a good balance of risk and return.

Regular Funds through an MFD: Opting for regular mutual funds through a trusted Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials is advisable. They can provide personalized advice, track your investments, and make necessary adjustments over time.

Investing in Shares:
Blue-Chip Stocks: Allocate a portion of your savings to blue-chip stocks. These are well-established companies with a history of stable earnings. They may not offer the highest returns but are generally safer bets in the stock market.

Growth Stocks: Consider investing in growth stocks. These companies are expected to grow at an above-average rate compared to other companies. However, they come with higher volatility.

Regular Monitoring: Unlike mutual funds, direct share investments require regular monitoring. Ensure that you have the time or the expertise to do so, or consider using a professional advisor.

Diversified Portfolio: Even within your share investments, ensure that you diversify across sectors and industries to mitigate risk.

Importance of Asset Allocation
Balanced Portfolio: Your portfolio should have a balanced mix of mutual funds and direct equity. This ensures that you’re not overly exposed to the risks of one particular asset class.

Regular Review: Periodically review your asset allocation. As you approach the end of your 10-year investment horizon, you may want to shift more towards stable investments to protect your wealth.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for Regular Income
As you approach your financial goals, you might want to consider setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your mutual fund investments. This allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly, providing you with a steady income stream.

Supplement Your Income: SWP can be an excellent way to supplement your rental income, especially as you near retirement.

Tax Efficiency: SWP can be more tax-efficient compared to other forms of regular income. It allows you to withdraw capital gains in a structured manner, potentially reducing your tax liability.

Final Insights
Mutual Funds and Shares: Given your ability to save Rs. 2,50,000 monthly, combining mutual funds and shares is the best approach. Mutual funds offer managed growth, while direct shares offer high returns.

Professional Guidance: Work with a Certified Financial Planner to craft a strategy that aligns with your financial goals. They can help you navigate market complexities and ensure that your investments are optimized for the best returns.

Focus on Diversification: Diversify your investments across different funds and shares. This will help in balancing risk and returns over your 10-year investment horizon.

Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on your investments. Regular reviews and adjustments will ensure that you stay on track to meet your 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.