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Advait

Advait Arora  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on May 05, 2023

Advait Arora has over 20 years of experience in direct investing in stock markets in India and overseas.
He holds a masters in IT management from the University Of Wollongong, Australia, and an MBA in marketing from Charles Strut University, NewCastle, Australia.
Advait is a firm believer in the power of compounding to help his clients grow their wealth.... more
vishal Question by vishal on Mar 02, 2023Hindi
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Sir what’s your view on IT Midcaps stocks.Can buy like Bsoft, intellect des, Coforge ,fsl

Ans: a log of stocks from the mid cap IT sector has been beaten down. Some value is emerging.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi sir currently i am investing in DSP midcap MF and i am thinking of switching to other midcap MF, what is your opinion?
Ans: Investing in midcap mutual funds has its own charm and challenges. Your decision to switch from one midcap mutual fund to another needs careful consideration. Let's evaluate the various aspects before you take any step.

Three key aspects need to be analysed before switching your fund:

Performance Evaluation

Before switching, it’s essential to review the performance of your current midcap mutual fund over the last 3, 5, and 10 years. Midcap funds, by nature, are volatile and may have fluctuations in short-term performance. However, focus on the long-term performance and consistency.

Look at the fund's performance against its benchmark and peer group. If your current fund has outperformed its peers in the long run, there may not be a need to switch. A short-term dip doesn't necessarily mean the fund is underperforming.

Fund Manager's Expertise

Fund managers play a crucial role in determining the success of actively managed funds. Check the experience and track record of the fund manager who is managing your current midcap fund. If the fund manager has a consistent and reliable track record, it could be better to stick with the fund.

If the current fund has undergone a change in its fund management team, and you feel the new manager lacks the experience or expertise, this could be a valid reason to consider switching.

Expense Ratio and Costs

The expense ratio of the fund is a critical factor. A high expense ratio can erode your returns, especially in the long term. Compare the expense ratios of your current midcap fund and the new fund you are considering. If the new fund offers a lower expense ratio with similar or better performance, it might be a better option for you.

Besides the expense ratio, switching funds may involve exit loads and tax implications. If your fund is under three years of holding, you'll have to pay short-term capital gains tax, which is taxed as per your income tax slab. Ensure the cost of switching does not outweigh the potential benefits.

Actively Managed Funds Vs Index Funds

Since you haven’t mentioned index funds, let me clarify why you should avoid them when looking for midcap investments. Index funds track the market passively and don't have the advantage of a skilled fund manager who can spot opportunities and make necessary changes. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can offer better returns by responding to market changes. They can outperform index funds during volatility.

Additionally, index funds often don't offer the flexibility needed in midcap investments. Midcaps are volatile, and a skilled fund manager is needed to navigate through market cycles.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

It’s important to highlight why investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and choosing regular funds over direct funds can be more beneficial. Direct funds often appear attractive due to their lower expense ratio, but they lack professional advice.

A CFP provides ongoing monitoring, advice, and tailored solutions based on your financial goals. By investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials, you ensure that your investment decisions are backed by expertise, regular reviews, and alignment with your financial plan.

Direct funds can save some costs, but if not monitored properly, you might miss out on critical opportunities to adjust your portfolio during market changes.

Tax Implications of Switching

Switching funds can trigger capital gains tax. When selling equity mutual funds like midcap funds, the new tax regime applies:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Keep these taxes in mind before making the switch. Ensure the potential tax outgo does not reduce your overall returns.

Risk Profile and Financial Goals

Midcap funds are volatile and suitable for investors with a high-risk appetite. Review your risk tolerance and financial goals before making a switch. If your financial goals have changed, it might be wise to reconsider the category of funds you're investing in. However, if you still have a long-term horizon and can handle short-term fluctuations, sticking to midcap funds makes sense.

But don’t switch just because of short-term underperformance. Midcaps perform well in the long run if you give them time to grow. Ensure your goals align with the midcap category.

Diversification of Portfolio

Before switching to another midcap fund, ensure that your overall portfolio is well-diversified. Investing too much in midcap funds may expose you to high risk. Ensure that you have adequate exposure to other categories like large-cap and multi-cap funds.

A balanced portfolio with diversified assets is crucial for long-term growth and stability.

Exit Strategy and Reinvestment

If you are still convinced about switching, plan a systematic exit strategy. Instead of redeeming your entire investment in one go, you can consider systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) to reduce the tax burden and market impact.

When reinvesting in a new fund, avoid a lump-sum approach. Instead, opt for a systematic transfer plan (STP), which allows you to invest in a new fund in smaller instalments. This can reduce the impact of market volatility and give you better returns over time.

Review Alternative Options

Before you switch, review the alternatives available in the midcap category. Compare different funds based on their risk-adjusted returns, volatility, and consistency. Stick to funds with a good track record and experienced fund managers.

But don’t jump to conclusions by focusing only on short-term gains. Midcap funds require a long-term horizon to bear fruit.

Final Insights

Switching from one midcap fund to another can seem like a wise move when performance dips. However, a more detailed analysis is crucial before making the decision. Here’s what you should remember:

Evaluate the long-term performance of your current fund.
Consider the role of the fund manager and management team stability.
Check the expense ratio, exit load, and taxes involved in switching.
Don't underestimate the benefits of professional guidance through a Certified Financial Planner.
Ensure that your investment aligns with your long-term goals and risk tolerance.
Diversify your portfolio before making any switches.
Taking a well-rounded and informed approach is key to ensuring that your midcap investments continue to grow. Avoid hasty decisions based on short-term fluctuations, and always plan for the long-term benefits.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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