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I'm a young investor from Hyderabad - what's the best way to manage my investments?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |7330 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 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 Mike on Oct 05, 2024Hindi

While active funds can add value, the SPIVA data is clear that most active funds underperform the index over the long term, even in India. The cost of active management (higher expense ratios) can erode the benefits of potential outperformance. For consistent, long-term growth, index funds are often a safer bet, especially since lower fees compound to your advantage over time. While the behavioral support argument has merit (and studies like DALBAR show that emotional mistakes cost investors a lot), investing in direct funds and getting professional advice separately (via fee-only advisors) is a more cost-efficient route. The savings in expense ratios between direct and regular funds will compound significantly over the years, and you can still seek advice on a fixed fee basis if needed. Ramalingam’s defense of regular funds and active management is based on the assumption that advisory support and market inefficiencies will consistently add value. However: The data (SPIVA) still shows that most active funds underperform in the long run. Expense ratios compound over time, and a 0.5% difference between regular and direct funds is significant. There is indeed a conflict of interest in commission-based models, and while some MFDs genuinely prioritize their clients’ goals, the lower-cost direct funds give you more transparency and control over your costs. Fee-only advisors can offer unbiased advice without the embedded conflict, and you can still get ongoing support for your investments without paying a percentage-based commission.

Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a crucial part of wealth creation for many individuals in India. The choice between active and index funds often leads to intense discussions. Each has its advantages, yet the performance and suitability can differ significantly in the Indian market compared to more developed economies.

The Case for Active Funds in India
Potential for Higher Returns
Active funds are designed to outperform the market through the expertise of skilled fund managers. These professionals aim to leverage market inefficiencies to generate returns above the index. In emerging markets like India, these inefficiencies present numerous opportunities.

Market Opportunities: Active fund managers can identify undervalued stocks and sectors that may be overlooked by passive strategies.

Proactive Management: By actively managing their portfolios, fund managers can make adjustments in response to market changes, providing the potential for better returns.

SPIVA Report Insights
The SPIVA report provides critical insights into the performance of active funds. While it indicates that many active funds struggle to beat the index over the long term, it's essential to interpret these findings in context.

Not Universal: The underperformance is not a blanket truth for all funds or all periods. Some active funds do excel, especially in less efficient markets like India.

Emerging Market Dynamics: The Indian market's complexities and inefficiencies can work to the advantage of skilled managers. Their local expertise can lead to better investment decisions.

Localized Expertise
Investing in India requires a deep understanding of its unique market conditions.

Market Nuances: Fund managers with experience in the Indian market can better navigate its complexities.

Economic Adjustments: They can quickly adjust portfolios in response to regulatory changes, economic shifts, and company-specific developments, potentially leading to higher returns.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds: Understanding the Differences
Both regular and direct funds are managed by the same professionals and invest in identical securities. The fundamental distinction lies in their cost structure and the added value of advisory services.

The Value of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers numerous advantages.

Advisor Support: A competent MFD can provide personalized investment strategies, conduct regular portfolio reviews, and make timely adjustments based on market conditions.

Behavioral Gap Reduction: Studies like DALBAR show that investors often underperform due to emotional decisions. An MFD can mitigate these behavioral gaps by offering rational advice, helping investors stay on course during market fluctuations.

Performance-Linked Compensation: MFDs often receive commissions based on portfolio performance. This alignment of interests fosters a win-win situation for both the investor and the MFD.

Regulated Expense Ratios
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates expense ratios for mutual funds, ensuring they remain reasonable.

Cost Structure: While direct funds generally have lower expense ratios, the value added by an MFD in terms of personalized advice and support can often outweigh the cost difference.
Quantifying the Impact
Understanding the financial implications of choosing between regular and direct funds is essential for informed decision-making.

Expense Ratio Difference
The difference in expense ratios between regular and direct funds can seem minor—around 0.5%. However, this discrepancy is significant over time.

Compounding Effects: Lower expense ratios in direct funds can lead to considerable savings that compound over the years.

Performance-Linked Gains: If an MFD's guidance results in additional returns that exceed this difference, the overall value added justifies the slightly higher expense ratio.

Performance Over Time
A well-managed active fund has the potential to generate 1-2% higher returns than index funds.

Long-Term Wealth Creation: Over a decade, this performance difference can lead to substantial variations in portfolio value, providing a compelling reason to consider regular funds.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
It’s vital to acknowledge potential conflicts of interest in commission-based models. However, not all MFDs operate with the same intent.

Transparency and Ethics
Prioritizing Investor Interests: Good MFDs genuinely prioritize their clients’ goals. Their compensation structure, tied to portfolio performance, aligns their interests with those of the investors.

Unbiased Advice: The value added by an MFD extends beyond simple returns. Expert advice, personalized strategies, and emotional support can enhance overall investor outcomes.

Quantifying the Benefit
Long-Term Value: The combination of expert advice and performance-linked compensation can significantly improve investor returns, making the 0.5% cost difference appear small in comparison.
Final Insights
Investing in active funds and selecting regular funds through a professional MFD can be highly advantageous in the Indian context.

Expertise and Support: The expertise and personalized advice provided by an MFD can lead to better investment decisions, reduced behavioral gaps, and ultimately higher returns.

Cost vs. Value: While expense ratios for regular funds may be higher, the added value from professional guidance often justifies the costs.

Aligning Interests: The performance-linked compensation model in the MFD space fosters a collaborative environment that benefits both investors and advisors.

Fee-Only Advisors: Fee-only advisors, while offering unbiased advice, have a limited presence in India. The evolution of the RIA ecosystem could lead to a more performance-linked fee structure, enhancing the value they provide.

Investing is not merely about costs; it’s about informed choices and strategic support. By considering both active funds and professional advice, you position yourself for a more robust investment journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Asked on - Oct 07, 2024 | Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Dear Sir, Thank you for sharing your insights. While I appreciate the value MFDs can provide, I lean towards the fee-only advisor model for a few key reasons: Cost Efficiency: The lower expense ratios of direct funds can have a significant impact on long-term returns. Even a small difference in fees compounds over time, creating a substantial difference in wealth accumulation. Unbiased Advice: Fee-only advisors offer recommendations without the influence of commissions, ensuring that advice is entirely focused on the client’s best interests. Comprehensive Financial Planning: Fee-only advisors provide holistic guidance, including tax, retirement, and estate planning, ensuring my entire financial situation is optimized—not just investments. Active vs. Passive: Given the long-term performance of index funds and the cost advantages, I prefer a more predictable, cost-effective strategy, supported by unbiased advice. I believe this approach aligns better with my long-term goals of wealth creation. I appreciate your perspective and look forward to continuing the conversation. Thanks/Regrds,

Ans: Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. I understand your preference for fee-only advisors and the focus on cost efficiency. Direct funds do offer lower expense ratios, which, as you rightly noted, compound significantly over time. Fee-only advisors can indeed provide unbiased advice across various financial aspects. While I believe professional support from MFDs, who are compensated through performance-linked commissions, can help reduce emotional mistakes and optimize strategies, your long-term goals and cost-conscious approach make the fee-only advisor model a logical choice for you. It’s important to align your investment strategy with your personal preferences and goals.

Best regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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