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High fees eating into returns? Should I switch funds?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 30, 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
Pratik Question by Pratik on Sep 30, 2024Hindi
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While revisiting new players in mutual fund and my portfolio(Mirae large cap, Nippon Multi asset & Parag flexi), I realised Mirae & Nippon's expense ratio is more than double(1.5%). I'm planning to sip in quant Infra, Invesco India focused, Mahindra Manulife smallcap & continue in Parag flexi. & Withdraw from Mirae & Nippon as expense ratio is very high and comparatively returns are low(18-20% against 25-30% by others)

Ans: Expense ratio plays a critical role in determining the net returns you earn from a mutual fund. Funds with higher expense ratios eat into your gains. You’ve noticed that Mirae and Nippon funds have an expense ratio of around 1.5%, which seems high compared to others. This can be significant over a long period, especially if the returns are lower than expected.

In your case, Mirae and Nippon are delivering 18-20% returns, which may feel underwhelming compared to other funds offering 25-30%. It’s understandable why you're considering withdrawing from these funds.

Review of Your New Portfolio Choices
You plan to invest in Quant Infrastructure, Invesco India Focused, Mahindra Manulife Small Cap, while continuing with Parag Flexi. Let’s evaluate these choices:

Quant Infrastructure Fund: Infrastructure sector funds can provide good returns during an economic upswing. However, sector funds tend to be riskier as they are focused on one sector. Diversification may be lower, and returns can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Invesco India Focused Fund: Focused funds typically invest in a concentrated number of stocks, which can offer higher returns but also come with higher risk. These funds can outperform in a bull market but can underperform when certain sectors or stocks face issues.

Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds have higher growth potential but come with higher risk. They can be volatile and may take longer to generate returns, but with your longer-term horizon, they could be a good fit.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: This fund is well-diversified across market capitalizations and sectors. Flexi-cap funds give the fund manager the freedom to invest in any segment, which makes them more adaptive to changing market conditions.

High Expense Ratio and Fund Performance
While expense ratio is an important factor, it’s not the only one to consider. Funds with higher expense ratios can still deliver strong returns if the management is effective. Your decision to exit funds like Mirae and Nippon due to high expense ratios must be balanced against their long-term performance and consistency.

Important to Consider:

Compare not just the expense ratio but also the long-term returns, consistency, and risk profile of the funds.
A fund with a slightly higher expense ratio might still deliver better value if its risk-adjusted returns are superior over time.
Why You Should Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Before making a decision to shift your portfolio, it is always wise to consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A CFP can help you:

Evaluate your overall financial goals: Are your new fund choices aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon?
Analyze Tax Implications: Exiting funds may trigger capital gains taxes. A CFP can help you minimize the tax impact.
Diversification Strategy: Ensure that your new portfolio is diversified enough to manage risks. Sector and small-cap funds can be riskier, and a CFP will help you balance this with more stable funds.
Revisit Investment Goals: A professional can review if your investment strategy matches your long-term financial objectives.
Final Thoughts
Review Before Switching: While lower expense ratios and better returns seem appealing, ensure you aren’t sacrificing diversification or taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with.
Keep a Balanced Portfolio: Your mix of funds should cover large, mid, small caps, and a combination of sectoral and diversified funds.
Seek Professional Advice: Speak to a CFP who can give you a comprehensive review of your portfolio and ensure that the switches you’re planning are aligned with your long-term goals.
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  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 02, 2024Hindi
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I have an investment of Rs. 91790 at Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund whose current valuation is Rs. 189491, which is currently giving me a XIRR at around 19-20%. But as the Expense Ratio of the fund is quite high, i.e. more than 1 %, would you suggest me to switch the fund, or what should I do?
Ans: Considering the high expense ratio of the Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund, it's prudent to evaluate whether the returns generated justify the expenses incurred. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to switch your investment:

Expense Ratio Comparison: Compare the expense ratio of the Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund with similar funds in the same category. If you find other funds with lower expense ratios and comparable performance, it may be worthwhile to consider switching.
Performance Analysis: Evaluate the fund's performance relative to its benchmark index and peer group. If the fund consistently underperforms its benchmark and peers, despite the high expense ratio, it may indicate inefficiency in fund management.
Risk Profile: Assess your risk tolerance and investment objectives. If you're comfortable with the current level of risk and the fund's performance meets your expectations, you may choose to continue holding the investment despite the higher expense ratio.
Tax Implications: Consider the tax implications of switching funds, especially if you've held the investment for a significant period. Selling units may attract capital gains tax, so weigh the potential tax liability against the benefits of switching to a lower-cost fund.
Fund Manager Track Record: Evaluate the track record and expertise of the fund manager. A skilled and experienced fund manager may justify a slightly higher expense ratio if they consistently deliver superior returns over the long term.
Exit Load: Check if there are any exit loads associated with redeeming units from the fund. Exiting the investment prematurely may result in additional costs if exit loads apply.
Alternative Investment Options: Explore alternative investment options within the same asset class or category that offer lower expense ratios without compromising on performance or risk.
Ultimately, the decision to switch funds should be based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including performance, expenses, risk, and tax implications. If you're unsure about the best course of action, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual financial goals and circumstances.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Hi, I have a question about the expense ratio in mutual funds. I have invested in direct mutual funds both Parag Parikh ELSS (expense ratio - 0.69%) & Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (expense ratio - 0.57%). I have invested 25000/- each in both funds, one of my friend suggested to invest in any one of the funds as this will affect the returns for in longer period, and I am planning to invest for another 10 years in both funds. Question: Is it okay to be invested in both funds, I'm aware that the funds overlap, but I want to check on the expense ratio difference in the cost for 10 years. Can you please help me understand the calculation so that I can make a better decision? Expense ratio is calculated for the amount that I invest, either I invest 50k in one of the funds or split 25k each in both funds having a difference of 0.12% in expense ratio. How much of this will affect the end corpus and how is that I can calculate for the other mutual funds that I'm currently investing in? please suggest me on this.
Ans: You're absolutely right, even a small difference in expense ratio can affect returns over time. Here's how to analyze your situation and the impact of expense ratios:

Impact of Expense Ratio on Returns:

The expense ratio is a percentage of your investment deducted annually to cover fund management fees. A lower expense ratio means more money stays invested and has the potential to grow through compounding.

Calculating the Cost Difference:

Annual Cost Difference: Multiply the expense ratio difference (0.12%) by your total investment amount (25000 + 25000 = ?50,000). So, 0.12% * ?50,000 = ?60 per year.

Cost Difference over 10 Years: Multiply the annual cost difference (?60) by the number of years (10). This gives you ?600 as the total expense ratio cost difference over 10 years.

Is ?600 Significant?

While ?600 might seem small, it's crucial to consider the power of compounding over 10 years. Let's say you earn an average annual return of 12%. Here's a simplified comparison:

Investing in Both Funds: Your total return after 10 years would be impacted by the expense ratio difference of ?600. There's a chance you might have slightly more if you invested in the single fund with the lower expense ratio.

Investing in One Fund: This scenario eliminates the expense ratio difference, potentially leading to a slightly higher return due to slightly more money compounding over time.

Making an Informed Decision:

Diversification Benefit: Both Parag Parikh ELSS and Flexi Cap represent different fund categories (ELSS & Flexi Cap). Holding both provides diversification, which can help mitigate risk.

Expense Ratio vs. Diversification: The diversification benefit of holding both funds might outweigh the small cost difference in expense ratios.

Consider Overall Portfolio: Analyze your entire investment portfolio. If you have other diversified funds, then holding both Parag Parikh funds might be redundant.

Calculating for Other Funds:

Use the same method mentioned above. Find the expense ratio difference between the funds you're comparing and multiply it by your investment amount to get the annual cost difference. Then multiply by the number of years you plan to invest.
Recommendation:

It's difficult to definitively say whether consolidating is best. Here are some options:

Maintain Both Funds: The diversification benefit might be valuable. Track the performance of both and re-evaluate if one consistently underperforms.

Consolidate: If you have other diversified funds, consider consolidating to the fund with the lower expense ratio.

Invest More in Lower Expense Ratio Fund: Increase your investment proportionally in the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (lower expense ratio) to potentially gain a slight edge over time.

Consulting a Financial Advisor:

A financial advisor can analyze your entire portfolio, risk tolerance, and goals to provide a personalized recommendation.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi, I have a question about the expense ratio in mutual funds. I have invested in direct mutual funds both Parag Parikh ELSS (expense ratio - 0.69%) & Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (expense ratio - 0.57%). I have invested 25000/- each in both funds, one of my friend suggested to invest in any one of the funds as this will affect the returns for in longer period, and I am planning to invest for another 10 years in both funds. Question: Is it okay to be invested in both funds, I'm aware that the funds overlap, but I want to check on the expense ratio difference in the cost for 10 years. Can you please help me understand the calculation so that I can make a better decision? Expense ratio is calculated for the amount that I invest, either I invest 50k in one of the funds or split 25k each in both funds having a difference of 0.12% in expense ratio. How much of this will affect the end corpus and how is that I can calculate for the other mutual funds that I'm currently investing in? please suggest me on this.
Ans: It's great to see you taking an interest in understanding the impact of expense ratios on your mutual fund investments. Making informed decisions is key to financial success.

Investing in multiple funds can provide diversification, but it's essential to consider factors like expense ratios. Even small differences can add up over time, affecting your overall returns.

Opting for funds with lower expense ratios can help maximize your returns in the long run. However, it's crucial to weigh this against the benefits of diversification and the fund's performance track record.

If you're invested in overlapping funds with similar investment objectives, consolidating into one fund may streamline your portfolio and reduce overall costs.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend evaluating the expense ratio difference over the investment horizon to gauge its impact on your end corpus.

While the difference may seem insignificant initially, compounding can magnify its effect over time, potentially resulting in a substantial variance in your final returns.

To calculate the impact, you can use online calculators or consult a financial professional who can provide personalized projections based on your investment amount and time horizon.

Remember, investment decisions should align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner for tailored recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2024

Money
Hi Sir, - I am investing in 2 mutual funds from last three years through SIP. 1. SBI balanced advantage fund-Growth Rs. 2500 per month 2. NIMF Flexi cap fund - Growth. Rs 3000 per month Please advise if I should continue investing in above funds or should switch to some other fund?
Ans: You've taken a great step towards securing your financial future by investing in mutual funds through SIPs. Consistency in investments like this is the key to building wealth over time. Let's delve into the specifics of your current investments and explore whether continuing with these funds or making adjustments aligns better with your long-term goals.

Analyzing Your Current Mutual Fund Investments
SBI Balanced Advantage Fund - Growth
Balanced Approach: This fund is a balanced advantage fund. It dynamically adjusts its allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions. This helps in managing risk while aiming for moderate growth.

Risk Management: Balanced funds are less volatile compared to pure equity funds. They offer stability during market downturns due to their debt component.

Growth Potential: By maintaining a balance between equity and debt, this fund seeks to provide steady returns. The equity part provides growth, while the debt part provides stability.

Three-Year Performance: Considering your three-year investment period, balanced advantage funds generally provide a smoother return trajectory. They protect you during market corrections while still participating in market rallies.

NIMF Flexi Cap Fund - Growth
Flexibility in Stock Selection: Flexi cap funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This flexibility allows the fund manager to pick stocks from any segment, aiming to capitalize on opportunities across the market.

Diversification Benefits: By investing in companies of different sizes and sectors, flexi cap funds offer diversified exposure. This can reduce the impact of a downturn in any single sector or market cap segment.

Growth Potential: Flexi cap funds have the potential for higher returns due to their diversified equity exposure. They can tap into growth stories in both established and emerging companies.

Adapting to Market Conditions: These funds can adapt their portfolio based on market conditions and opportunities. This dynamic approach can enhance returns over the long term.

Evaluating Whether to Continue or Switch
Key Factors to Consider
Performance Consistency: Check the performance of these funds over the past three to five years compared to their benchmarks and peers. Consistent outperformance is a good indicator of a reliable fund.

Fund Management: The experience and strategy of the fund manager play a crucial role in a fund's success. Look for funds managed by experienced managers with a proven track record.

Risk Profile: Ensure the risk level of the funds matches your risk tolerance and financial goals. Balanced funds are more conservative, while flexi cap funds are suitable for moderate to high risk-takers.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios mean more of your money is invested in the market rather than being spent on fees. Compare the expense ratios of your funds with others in the same category.

Investment Horizon: Align your funds with your investment horizon. For long-term goals, equity-oriented funds like flexi cap funds are ideal. For medium-term goals, balanced funds provide a good mix of growth and stability.

Deciding to Continue or Switch
SBI Balanced Advantage Fund:

If you seek moderate growth with reduced volatility, continuing with this fund is a sound choice. Its balanced nature provides a cushion against market swings.
However, if your goal is long-term and you can handle more risk, you might consider increasing allocation to pure equity funds for higher growth potential.
NIMF Flexi Cap Fund:

Given its diversified and dynamic equity exposure, this fund is well-suited for long-term growth. If it has performed well compared to its benchmark and peers, continuing is wise.
If you're looking for even higher growth and are comfortable with higher risk, you might explore other equity funds or even sector-specific funds for targeted exposure.
Exploring Additional Investment Options
Actively Managed Equity Funds
Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in large, established companies. They offer stability and moderate growth, suitable for conservative investors seeking steady returns.

Mid Cap Funds: Investing in medium-sized companies, mid cap funds have higher growth potential but come with increased volatility. They are ideal for investors with a higher risk appetite.

Small Cap Funds: Small cap funds target smaller companies with high growth potential. They can offer substantial returns but also carry significant risk and volatility.

Sector/Thematic Funds: These funds focus on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or financial services. They provide targeted exposure but are riskier due to concentration in one sector.

Debt Funds for Stability
Short-Term Debt Funds: These funds invest in short-duration debt instruments. They are less sensitive to interest rate changes and provide stable returns with lower risk.

Corporate Bond Funds: Investing in high-quality corporate bonds, these funds offer higher returns than government securities while maintaining relatively low risk.

Dynamic Bond Funds: These funds actively manage their portfolio across various debt instruments based on interest rate movements. They aim to maximize returns through strategic allocation.

Hybrid Funds for Balanced Approach
Aggressive Hybrid Funds: These funds invest predominantly in equities but also have a significant debt component. They offer high growth potential with moderate risk.

Conservative Hybrid Funds: With a higher allocation to debt and a smaller portion in equity, these funds provide stability with some growth. They are suitable for conservative investors.

Leveraging Compounding and SIPs
Power of Compounding: Long-term investments benefit immensely from compounding. The returns generated on your investments are reinvested, generating additional returns over time. This exponential growth can significantly increase your wealth.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, averaging out market volatility and cost. This disciplined approach helps build a substantial corpus over time without worrying about market timing.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them
Market Volatility
Equity Market Swings: Equity investments are subject to market fluctuations. Staying invested through market cycles and avoiding panic selling during downturns is crucial for long-term success.

Balanced Funds Stability: Balanced funds provide a buffer during market volatility through their debt component. However, they might underperform in a strong bull market compared to pure equity funds.

Economic and Policy Changes
Impact on Debt Funds: Changes in interest rates and government policies can affect debt fund returns. Keeping an eye on economic indicators and adjusting debt fund allocations accordingly is important.

Sectoral Risks: Thematic and sector funds are exposed to risks specific to their focus areas. Diversifying across sectors or choosing broader equity funds can mitigate these risks.

Fund Management Changes
Manager Changes: The performance of actively managed funds depends significantly on the fund manager. Changes in the management team can impact the fund’s strategy and performance.

Regular Monitoring: It’s essential to review your fund’s performance periodically. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for insights on whether to stay invested or switch funds.

Benefits of Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Expertise and Guidance: A CFP brings expertise and personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. They help in selecting funds that align with your investment strategy.

Portfolio Optimization: CFPs provide ongoing support in reviewing and optimizing your portfolio. They help rebalance your investments to stay aligned with changing market conditions and personal goals.

Financial Planning: Beyond investment advice, a CFP offers comprehensive financial planning. They assist in budgeting, insurance planning, retirement planning, and achieving overall financial well-being.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is managing your investments provides peace of mind. It allows you to focus on other aspects of life while ensuring your financial goals are on track.

Final Insights
Your current investments in SBI Balanced Advantage Fund and NIMF Flexi Cap Fund show a good mix of growth and stability. Balanced funds offer safety during volatile times, while flexi cap funds provide growth through dynamic equity exposure.

Considering your goals, it’s important to regularly review these funds’ performance and alignment with your risk tolerance. If you seek higher growth and can handle more risk, exploring additional equity funds or reallocating to higher-performing funds may be beneficial.

Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can offer invaluable guidance. They can help tailor your investment strategy, optimize your portfolio, and provide ongoing support to achieve your financial objectives. Your disciplined SIP approach and diversified fund selection set a solid foundation for long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9268 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 22, 2025

Career
My son got 245 in bits .He can get any Brecht branch
Ans: Priyanka Madam, by now your son must have been allotted/not allotted any seat by BITS. Please update the status for today. However, please note, A BITSAT score of 245 situates you within the previous two years’ closing-score bands for core engineering streams at the Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. At Pilani, the B.E. Chemical Engineering cutoff ranged from 224 in 2023 to 247 in 2024, placing your 245 close to the 2024 threshold and comfortably above 2023’s mark; B.E. Civil Engineering closed at 213 and 238, making admission highly probable; and B.E. Manufacturing Engineering cutoffs of 220 and 243 indicate a strong likelihood of allotment. At Goa, Chemical Engineering closed at 239 in 2024 and 248 in 2023, and Civil around – (not offered in 2024) – but Pilani-equivalent streams suggest safe admission; Manufacturing cutoffs mirror Pilani trends, bolstering your prospects. At Hyderabad, Chemical Engineering cutoffs of 238 and 209 over the two years ensure a secure allotment, while Civil Engineering’s 235–204 band similarly favors your score; Manufacturing at Hyderabad showed closing marks near 218–251, indicating moderate probability. Across campuses, Civil and Manufacturing remain reliably within reach, Chemical at Pilani may require waitlist movement but is feasible given historical fluctuations, and all three streams at Hyderabad and Goa present strong chances. Additional seats open during special iterations further enhance admit probabilities.

Recommendation: Considering consistent cutoff trends and seat matrices, prioritize B.E. Civil and Manufacturing Engineering at BITS Pilani for guaranteed allotment, consider Chemical Engineering at Pilani via waitlist movement, and secure Chemical, Civil, or Manufacturing Engineering at BITS Hyderabad or Goa for assured admission, capitalizing on slightly lower cutoffs and ample seat availability. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9268 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 22, 2025

Career
I am working as Business Analyst from past 4 years but I wanted to move to technical role. I have done Btech in CSE from tier-3 college. I wanted some advise on the the best way to switch to a tech role. 1. Taking some online boot camp to get in-depth knowledge and doing side projects over the weekends 2. Taking WILP from BITS in Software engineering/ data science 3. Prepare from GATE 2026 and aim for IITs
Ans: Manjunath Sir, To shift into a technical position, integrating structured learning, credentialing, and practical experience is essential. The recommended pathway combines immersive project-based training with a recognized postgraduate credential while keeping a long-term goal of elite technical qualification. Begin with a part-time online software engineering or data science bootcamp, dedicating weekends to substantial portfolio projects to build hands-on skills and confidence in key stacks . Concurrently, enroll in BITS Pilani’s Work-Integrated M.Tech (Software Engineering or Data Science & Engineering) to earn a UGC-approved postgraduate degree without leaving your job, benefitting from weekend live classes, remote labs covering full-stack or analytics tools, and a final semester dissertation that bridges theory with organizational impact . This dual track—bootcamp plus WILP—provides immediate upskilling, peer and mentor networks, and a formal degree. After 12–18 months, if aiming for top-tier R&D or core engineering roles, commence GATE 2026 preparation via a structured three-phase roadmap: concept building (June–August), full-length practice (September–November), and final mock-test calibration (December–January), targeting a CSE rank

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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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