Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

SBI Contra Fund: Regular Growth vs. Regular Dividend - Which Is Better?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 03, 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 - Feb 28, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money

Which is better in choosing SBI Contra Fund : Regular growth or regular dividend

Ans: SBI Contra Fund is a value-oriented fund that invests in undervalued stocks. It has the potential to generate long-term capital appreciation.

Now, let us compare the Regular Growth and Regular Dividend options.

1. Regular Growth Option
? Profits are reinvested – Your returns are compounded over time.

? Better for long-term wealth creation – Helps in accumulating a larger corpus.

? No dividend payout – You do not receive periodic cash but benefit from capital growth.

? More tax-efficient – You only pay tax when you redeem the units.

? Best for long-term investors – Suitable if you do not need regular income.

2. Regular Dividend Option
? Dividends are paid periodically – You receive payouts at irregular intervals.

? Not guaranteed – Dividends depend on the fund’s performance.

? Slower growth – Your investment does not compound as well as in the growth option.

? Less tax-efficient – Each dividend is taxed as per your income slab.

? Suitable for those needing periodic income – Better for retirees or those seeking cash flow.

Which One is Better?
If you want higher long-term returns, go for the Regular Growth option.
If you need periodic income, choose the Regular Dividend option.
However, the Growth option is better for most investors. It helps in wealth accumulation and tax efficiency.


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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 01, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Please advise about SBI EQUITY HYBRID FUND REGULAR GROWTH
Ans: SBI Equity Hybrid Fund - Regular Growth is a hybrid mutual fund offered by SBI Mutual Fund. As a hybrid fund, it invests in a mix of equity and debt instruments to provide investors with a balanced exposure to both asset classes. Here are some key points to consider:

Investment Objective: The fund aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities. It also aims to generate reasonable income through investments in debt and money market instruments.

Asset Allocation: The fund typically maintains a mix of equity (at least 65%) and debt instruments to achieve its investment objectives. The allocation between equity and debt may vary based on market conditions and the fund manager's outlook.

Risk Profile: As a hybrid fund, SBI Equity Hybrid Fund carries moderate to moderately high risk due to its exposure to equity markets. Investors should be prepared for fluctuations in NAV (Net Asset Value) based on market movements.

Performance: Evaluate the fund's historical performance relative to its benchmark and peer group to assess its consistency and ability to generate returns over the long term.

Expense Ratio: Consider the expense ratio of the fund, which represents the annual operating expenses deducted from the fund's assets. A lower expense ratio can contribute to higher returns for investors.

Fund Manager: Understand the expertise and track record of the fund manager managing SBI Equity Hybrid Fund. The fund manager's investment decisions play a crucial role in achieving the fund's objectives.

Before investing in SBI Equity Hybrid Fund, assess whether it aligns with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. It's advisable to consult with a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and objectives. Additionally, review the fund's scheme information document (SID) and other relevant disclosures for detailed information about its investment strategy, risk factors, and past performance.

Best regards,
Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

Listen
Money
Good morning sir. I am investing in SBI midcap, small cap and health care opportunities fund at the rate of Rs 10000 per month respectively and Rs 5000/- each in ICICI equity funds. Kindly suggest whether to contiue or to switch to other
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards investing. Let's assess your current mutual fund investments and explore whether any adjustments are needed.

Reviewing Current Investments
Diversification Strategy
Your investment strategy reflects a diversified approach by investing in midcap, small cap, healthcare, and equity funds.

Performance Analysis
Evaluate the performance of your current funds against relevant benchmarks to gauge their effectiveness in meeting your financial goals.

Considerations for Continuation or Switching
Fund Performance
Assess the historical performance of each fund to determine if they consistently outperform their benchmarks.

Risk Appetite
Consider your risk tolerance and ensure your investment choices align with your risk appetite and financial goals.

Potential Action Steps
Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner
Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to review your investment portfolio comprehensively and ensure it aligns with your financial objectives.

Periodic Portfolio Review
Regularly review your investment portfolio to stay informed about market trends and make necessary adjustments based on changing economic conditions.

Final Recommendation
Stay Informed
Stay updated on market developments and seek professional advice when considering changes to your investment strategy.

By regularly reviewing your mutual fund portfolio and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner, you can make informed decisions to optimize your investments and work towards your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2024

Money
Hai sir.. iam investing in sbi contra funds since 6 months.. and now iam switch to sbi psu funds.. but is it correct decision for future returns.. please give me a suggestion ????...
Ans: You have been investing in an SBI contra fund for the past six months. Now, you are considering switching to an SBI PSU fund. Let’s evaluate this decision based on your future return expectations, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Understanding the Nature of Contra Funds
Contra Funds:
Contra funds follow a contrarian investment strategy. This means they invest in stocks that are undervalued or overlooked by the market. Over time, these undervalued stocks can deliver significant returns as they gain market attention and their true value is realized.

Key Advantages:

Potential for high returns when the market corrects itself.
Investment in undervalued stocks that others may ignore.
Often perform well in market downturns, as they are less likely to be overvalued.
Key Risks:

Requires a longer time horizon for returns to materialize.
Market may continue to overlook these stocks, leading to extended periods of underperformance.
Performance is highly dependent on the accuracy of the fund manager’s stock selection.
Given these factors, contra funds are generally suited for investors with a higher risk tolerance and a longer investment horizon. If you fit this profile, continuing with a contra fund could be beneficial.

Understanding the Nature of PSU Funds
PSU Funds:
PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) funds invest primarily in stocks of government-owned companies. These funds are focused on sectors like banking, energy, and infrastructure. PSU funds are often considered more stable due to government backing, but they come with their own set of challenges.

Key Advantages:

Exposure to companies with strong government backing.
Potential for steady, if not spectacular, returns over time.
Often provide good dividend yields, which can add to overall returns.
Key Risks:

Limited growth potential, as many PSUs are in mature industries.
Performance is closely tied to government policies and economic conditions.
Sector concentration risk, as PSU funds are heavily focused on specific sectors like energy and banking.
If you prefer a more stable investment with government backing and are willing to accept lower growth potential, PSU funds may align with your goals. However, this switch would likely reduce the potential for higher returns that contra funds offer.

Assessing Your Decision to Switch
Switching from a contra fund to a PSU fund is a significant change in your investment strategy. It’s important to consider the following factors before making this decision:

Investment Horizon:

Short-Term: If you have a short-term investment horizon, PSU funds may provide more stability. However, they may not offer the high returns that contra funds could deliver over time.

Long-Term: If you are investing for the long term, contra funds may be a better option. They have the potential to outperform over time as undervalued stocks correct and appreciate in value.

Risk Tolerance:

Higher Risk Tolerance: If you are comfortable with higher risk and can tolerate short-term volatility, staying with the contra fund could be beneficial. Contra funds require patience, but they can deliver significant returns in the long run.

Lower Risk Tolerance: If you prefer a more conservative approach and are looking for steady, reliable returns, switching to a PSU fund could be appropriate. However, be prepared for potentially lower overall returns compared to a contra fund.

Market Conditions:

Current Market Outlook: Contra funds perform well in market corrections, where undervalued stocks gain value. If you believe that the market is due for a correction, staying in a contra fund could be advantageous.

Economic and Government Policies: PSU funds are influenced by government policies. If you expect favorable policies towards PSUs, investing in a PSU fund could be beneficial.

The Case Against Index Funds
You mentioned switching between specific funds, but it's important to note that many investors consider index funds as an alternative. However, index funds have certain drawbacks:

Lack of Flexibility:

Index funds are passive investments, which means they simply track the market index. They do not have the flexibility to outperform the market or adjust based on market conditions.
Lower Return Potential:

Because index funds only match market performance, they do not offer the opportunity to outperform the market. Actively managed funds, like contra or PSU funds, can provide higher returns if managed well.
Risk During Market Downturns:

Index funds mirror market movements. If the market declines, your investment will follow. Actively managed funds can adjust their holdings to mitigate losses, which is not possible with index funds.
Given these factors, actively managed funds, whether contra or PSU, may offer better opportunities for growth and risk management.

The Benefits of Regular Funds Through a Certified Financial Planner
You might also consider the difference between direct and regular funds. Direct funds allow you to invest directly without any intermediary. However, this option has its disadvantages:

Lack of Professional Guidance:

Direct funds do not offer the benefit of professional advice. This can lead to suboptimal investment decisions, especially in a complex market.
Complexity in Management:

Managing your investments without professional help can be time-consuming and challenging. Regular funds, managed by a Certified Financial Planner, ensure that your investments are aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
Access to Expertise:

A Certified Financial Planner provides valuable insights and strategies that can optimize your investment portfolio. This can lead to better returns and more effective risk management.
Recommendation:
Investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner can provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions. This approach helps you navigate market complexities and achieve your financial goals more effectively.

Portfolio Diversification and Rebalancing
Whether you choose to stay with the contra fund or switch to the PSU fund, diversification and regular portfolio rebalancing are essential.

Diversification:

Spread your investments across different sectors and asset classes. This reduces risk and enhances the potential for returns. For example, while you may have a preference for PSU or contra funds, consider also investing in other sectors or hybrid funds.
Rebalancing:

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. This ensures that your investments stay aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. If one fund performs significantly better or worse, rebalancing helps maintain your desired asset allocation.
Recommendation:
Work with a Certified Financial Planner to diversify and rebalance your portfolio regularly. This approach ensures that your investments remain aligned with your goals and can adapt to changing market conditions.

Final Insights
Your decision to switch from an SBI contra fund to an SBI PSU fund should be based on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Here’s a summary of the considerations:

Contra Funds: Suitable for long-term growth with higher risk tolerance. Requires patience but can deliver significant returns.

PSU Funds: Offers stability with government backing but may have lower growth potential. Suitable for conservative investors.

Active Management: Actively managed funds can outperform the market, offering better returns and risk management compared to index funds.

Professional Guidance: Regular funds managed through a Certified Financial Planner provide valuable expertise, helping you make informed investment decisions.

Diversification and Rebalancing: Essential for managing risk and ensuring your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

In conclusion, consider your personal financial situation and consult with a Certified Financial Planner before making any changes. This will help you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |314 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir, Saranya from chennai. Doing final year B pharm. Heard about gpat from my friends How to do this entrance exam for joining pg course Please tell me if any other entrance exam is there for pg
Ans: Hi Saranya,

As you mentioned, many pharmacy graduates are considering the GPAT after completing their undergraduate studies in pharmacy. However, there are several more options available for pursuing a postgraduate degree in pharmacy today.

Here are the options for pursuing a PG in pharmacy:

1. GPAT: You can appear for the GPAT exam, and if you qualify, you will be eligible for a scholarship.

2. NIPER: You can also take the entrance exam for NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) campuses, which include Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Hajipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Raebareli, and Mohali. Qualifying here also makes you eligible for a scholarship.

3. PG-CUET: A new option is the PG-CUET (Common University Entrance Test), which is being conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) under the Department of Higher Education.

4. Government Institutions: State governments will announce admission through advertisements. Admission will be based on marks or an entrance exam.

5. Deemed Universities: Some deemed universities offer admission through their own entrance exams.

Historically, GPAT and NIPER were the primary options for national-level aspirants. Starting from the academic year 2025-26, the NTA will also conduct the PG-CUET for national-level admissions.

I have included more details about the PG-CUET below.
PGCUET (CODE - SCQP23)
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a National level Test conducted for admission into PG programmes in Central, State, and Participating Universities/ Institutions. The Common University Entrance Test CUET (PG) will provide a common platform and equal opportunity to candidates across the country, especially those from rural and other remote areas, and help establish better connections with the Universities. A single application form will enable the Candidates to cover a wide outreach and be part of the admission process to various Central and participating Universities. NTA has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

Under Participating universities/instituttions are: Central and State Universities, Deemed and Private universities and Government institutuions.

Candidate must only select the test paper code. As the list of universities is dynamic and keeps on changing during the registration period.

A candidate can apply for two (02) Test Papers by paying the application fee (details mentioned at point 18).

A candidate can further apply for (02) additional Test Papers by paying additional application fees as applicable and maximum of four (04) test paper codes can be selected.

Mode of exam is CBT (Computer Based Test).
All Question Papers will be MCQ type. • Candidates can choose a maximum of four question paper codes. • The comprehension section in the General Paper will be available in either English or Hindi, based on the candidate's preference indicated during registration. • The duration of the Exam would be 90 Minutes. • The Question paper will have 75 Questions. • Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and one mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• Language papers will be in the concerned language only.
• M.Tech/Higher Sciences will be in English only.
•Acharya papers will be in Sanskrit except for Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System, and Baudha Darshan.
• Humanities, Sciences, and Common papers would be bilingual (English and Hindi).
• The examination would be conducted in 2-3 shifts.
• The English version of the questions in all the question papers except languages and Acharya will be taken as final.

Syllabus: The Examination Syllabus will be uploaded on the Exam.

For the current year the examination dates (13.03.2025 to 31.03.2025) got over. iI THINK YOU HAVE MISSED IT. DONT WORRY. NEXT YEAR YOU CAN TRY OR YOU CAN ASSIST YOUR JUNIORS.

ADMISSION: Admissions will be handled at the level of each of the participating Universities for their respective programmes. After the declaration of the CUET(PG) 2025 results, the respective Universities will declare the counselling/admission schedule and merit list based on the CUET (PG) - 2025 score and any other criteria of participating universities. Please see the website of the concerned university for details regarding admission. There may be admission counselling by the universities with additional fees.

Applicants as per eligibility can apply for multiple test paper codes in one registration form. Candidates should not apply through duplicate or multiple forms, which may lead to the cancellation of all his/her Application Forms

CODE FOR PHARMACY: SCQP-23
SYLLABUS [POC, PIC, MATHS, OC - II, MICRO, APH (I&II), PHARM ENGINEERING, DCH PHARMACY, PHARM ANALYSIS (I -IV ), COGNOSY, CEUTICS-II, BIOCHEM, JURIS, COSMETICS, PHARM TECH, MED CHEM I-III, PHARMACOLOGY I-IV, BIOTECH, DRUG DESIGN, MARKETING, FOOD SCIENCE, QA, MANAGEMENT] HAS SHARED IN NTA WEBSITE.

THIS YEAR 57 INSTITUTIONS PARTICIPATED FOR THE SAID PURPOSE. NEXT YEAR THIS MAY INCREASE.

THE ADVANTAGES ARE NOT ONLY CAN PURSUE PHARMACY, APART FROM PHARMACY, YOU CAN PURSUE - DATA SCIENCE & AI, PUBLIC HEALTH, BIOINFORMATICS, PACKAGING TECH, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE, PG DIP IN AI DIGITAL IMAGING, HEALTH CARE DATA, GEOINFORMATICS, PB-PHARMD, M.PHARM-PV, MSc- MICRO, MSc-NUTRITION, DIETICS.

I believe this information will be beneficial for your future education.

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |314 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 09, 2025Hindi
Listen
Career
I am a 12th student now in state board of tamil Nadu and I am a government school student what is the minimum requirement for me to join mbbs in AFMC medical College
Ans: The following requirements are mandatory for admission to AFMC.

Age: 17-24yrs
Academic qualitfication: FIRST ATTEMPT with English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/ Bio-technology taken simultaneously and securing not less than 60% of the aggregate marks in these three science subjects taken together and not less than 50% marks in English and 50% marks in each of the science subjects. They must have also passed an examination in Mathematics of the tenth standard.
Candidates seeking admission for MBBS course at AFMC Pune will have to mandatorily qualify the NEET UG 2024 Examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). 11. Eligible candidates who are interested to join AFMC, Pune to pursue the MBBS course will have to mandatorily register and apply for AFMC, Pune on DGHS

The shortlisted candidates will be called for screening which comprises of Test of English Language and Reasoning (ToELR), Psychological Assessment Test (PAT), Interview and Medical Examination at AFMC, Pune.

ToELR & PAT - Test of English Language and Reasoning (ToELR) in the form of Computer Based Test (CBT) and also Psychological Assessment Test (PAT) to be conducted at AFMC, Pune only for candidates shortlisted for interview. (t) Written Examination Score - Score obtained in NEET (UG) 2024 (720 marks) added to ToELR Score (80 marks) divided by 4 to get a score out of 200. (u) Final Score - Written examination score (200 marks) + Interview marks (50 marks).

MEDICAL FITNESS: MANDATORY AS PER AFMC

ALL THE BEST

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1519 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Apr 06, 2025

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1093 Answers  |Ask -

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

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x