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Nikunj

Nikunj Saraf  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on Mar 01, 2023

Nikunj Saraf has more than five years of experience in financial markets and offers advice about mutual funds. He is vice president at Choice Wealth, a financial institution that offers broking, insurance, loans and government advisory services. Saraf, who is a member of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India, has a strong base in financial markets and wealth management.... more
ABHISHEK Question by ABHISHEK on Feb 10, 2023Hindi
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Hi, I am a 22 year old male and have started investing since September 2022. Till now, I have invested in a few mutual funds, one ETF, and SGB as well. My question: Is my portfolio good enough? Is fund selection and SIP distribution good? My goal is capital appreciation and I don't need this money in the long term or coming years. My investments currently are : 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (Direct) - 10k/month & lumpsum of 10 Lakhs initially 2. HDFC Index S&P BSE Sensex Direct Plan Growth - 5k/month & lumpsum of 5 Lakhs initially. 3. Tata Digital India Fund Direct Growth - 5k/month & lumpsum of 5 Lakhs initially. 4. SBI small cap fund - 5k/month 5. PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct Growth - 5k/month 6. Quant Liquid fund Direct Plan Growth (emergency fund purposes) - lumpsum of 4 lakhs. 7. Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF - lumpsum of 5 lakhs. 8. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBAUG30) - Approximately 4 lakhs

Ans: Hello, Abhishek. Overall, your portfolio reports sound very promising. I must say that you have conducted thorough research on the market. Your current sip allocation is well aligned with market. Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF has major allocation in Global equity and its sector specific, you may be conservative while moving forward.
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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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

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My name is Ravi Verma, and I'm a 37-year-old investor. I have been investing in the following mutual funds for the past year, with a monthly investment amount ranging between 60k-90k. I plan to continue these investments for the next 9 years, aiming to reach a goal of 1 crore+. Could you please review my portfolio and advise if any changes are required or if it's good to continue as is? Current SIPs (?8k-10k per month each): HSBC Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund - Direct Plan - Growth HDFC Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund - Direct Plan - Growth SBI Contra Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Nippon India Growth Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth HDFC Retirement Savings Fund - Equity - Direct Plan - Growth Equity - Index Fund: Tata Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - IDCW Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Quant Multi Asset Fund - Direct Plan - Growth I don't have much knowledge in mutual funds; I chose these based on their past returns. I'm concerned about whether I'm on the right track or if any adjustments are necessary. Thank you for your guidance. Best regards, Ravi Verma
Ans: Hello Ravi & thanks for writing to me.

I see too many funds in your portfolio, which I believe can dilute your returns.

Given your age & objective, you may want to reconsider your investments in the Balanced Advantage Funds & Multi Asset Funds & instead start allocating to a multi cap fund.

I also notice investments in a PSU Equity Fund. While the PSU funds have given good returns recently, as thematic funds, you must not have a large chunk of your portfolio in them. Investing in thematic funds can generate alpha but thematic funds can also underperform.

If you can provide a percentage breakup of the investments, I may make other recommendations.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9447 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 23, 2025Hindi
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I am reaching out to seek your guidance on my current investment portfolio. Below are the details: **Personal Details:** - Age: 27 years _ From :- Pune - Investment Horizon: Minimum 7 years - Risk Appetite: Moderate **Current Holdings:** 1. UTI Nifty 50 Mutual Fund: ₹2.5 Lakhs 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: ₹2.5 Lakhs 3. Fixed Deposit: ₹15 Lakhs (for marriage in the next 1 year) **Current Mutual Fund Portfolio (Monthly SIPs of ₹1 Lakh):** 1. Large Cap (UTI Nifty 50 Index): ₹10,000 2. Large & Mid Cap (UTI Nifty Next 50 Index): ₹10,000 3. Flexi Cap (Parag Parikh Flexi Cap): ₹20,000 4. Mid Cap (Kotak Emerging Equity): ₹15,000 5. Small Cap (Tata Small Cap): ₹10,000 6. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF: ₹5,000 7. ICICI Gold ETF: ₹8,000 8. Parag Parikh Conservative Hybrid Fund: ₹10,000 9. PPF: ₹5,000 10. NPS: ₹7,000 **Financial Goal:** To accumulate a corpus of ₹1 crore in the next 6-7 years. I would appreciate it if you could review my portfolio and provide any advice or suggestions to optimize it for achieving my goal. Additionally, please let me know if any adjustments are needed in terms of asset allocation, fund selection, or risk management.
Ans: I appreciate your effort in building a structured investment portfolio. You have a good mix of asset classes. However, some refinements can improve returns and risk management.

Key Observations
You have a strong SIP commitment of Rs 1 lakh per month.

Your investment horizon is 7 years, which is medium-term.

Your risk appetite is moderate, but some holdings may not align.

Index funds and ETFs may limit your portfolio’s growth potential.

Issues in Your Current Portfolio
1. Over-Reliance on Index Funds
Index funds provide average market returns.

Actively managed funds can outperform in a 7-year horizon.

Index funds limit downside protection in volatile markets.

2. High Exposure to International Markets
Investing in global ETFs increases currency risk.

Your portfolio already has enough diversification within India.

Removing international exposure can simplify taxation.

3. Overlap in Large-Cap Allocation
Large-cap index funds and flexi-cap funds create redundancy.

A better option is an actively managed large-cap fund.

4. Conservative Hybrid Fund Allocation
Hybrid funds are good for capital preservation, but not for growth.

Your investment horizon is long enough for a pure equity approach.

Reducing this allocation can improve overall returns.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
1. Replace Index Funds with Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have historically outperformed index funds.

A well-managed large-cap and large & mid-cap fund will be better.

2. Reduce International Exposure
Exit from the international ETF.

Keep investments in strong Indian equity funds.

3. Optimise Large-Cap and Flexi-Cap Allocation
Replace index-based large-cap funds with top-performing active funds.

Continue flexi-cap investment but monitor fund performance.

4. Increase Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Allocation
Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth potential.

Increase allocation based on risk comfort.

5. Exit Hybrid Funds for Higher Growth
Shift hybrid fund allocation to mid-cap or flexi-cap funds.

This will ensure better long-term returns.

Suggested New SIP Allocation
Large-Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 (actively managed)

Large & Mid-Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 (actively managed)

Flexi-Cap Fund: Rs 25,000

Mid-Cap Fund: Rs 20,000

Small-Cap Fund: Rs 15,000

Gold ETF: Rs 5,000 (optional for diversification)

PPF and NPS: Continue existing contributions

This new allocation ensures higher growth while managing risk.

Final Insights
Replace index funds with actively managed funds.

Reduce international exposure to avoid currency risks.

Shift hybrid allocation to growth-focused funds.

Increase mid-cap and small-cap exposure for better returns.

Continue PPF and NPS as stable long-term investments.

This approach will improve returns while keeping risk moderate.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9447 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

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I am 24 year old earning a salary of 112k per month after all deductions. I want to make a solid portfolio in long term. My current investments and SIP are :- 1. PF : 12800 (6400 employer + 6400 employee) 2. Parag Parikh flexi cap fund: 7k 3. Kotak Multicap Fund: 4k 4. Motilal Oswal Mid Cap fund: 4k 5. Bandhan small cap fund: 4k 6. Axis small cap fund: 2k 7. Motilal Oswal Defence Index fund: 1k I can take risks since I have the advantage of time with me and will step up my investments as my salary grows. Please take a look at my investments and give your review. If anything more needs to be added please highlight those also. Thanks
Ans: At 24, your commitment to investing is impressive. You are taking the right steps early, which is essential for long-term wealth creation.

Let us now evaluate and structure your portfolio from a 360-degree perspective.

Income and Investment Allocation
Your monthly take-home is Rs. 1,12,000.

You are investing nearly Rs. 22,000 in mutual funds.

Your PF contribution is Rs. 12,800 (combined employer and employee).

This means 31% of your monthly income is going into long-term savings.

This savings rate is excellent for your age.

Let us now go deeper into each element of your investments.

Provident Fund (PF)
PF is a stable and tax-friendly retirement corpus builder.

It offers assured compounding at decent rates.

Contributions are automatic and disciplined.

It gives long-term debt exposure to your portfolio.

Keep contributing. Do not withdraw it.
Use this as your long-term retirement backbone.

Mutual Fund SIPs – Overview
You have spread Rs. 22,000 across 7 SIPs:

1 Flexi Cap Fund

1 Multicap Fund

1 Mid Cap Fund

2 Small Cap Funds

1 Defence Thematic Index Fund

1 Sectoral Index Fund (Defence)

Let us now assess these in detail and suggest improvements.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 7,000
This is a good choice for broad diversification.

Flexi cap funds can switch between large, mid, and small caps.

You should retain this fund.

Make it your core anchor in equity allocation.

Keep investing. Increase SIP here when income grows.

Kotak Multicap Fund – Rs. 4,000
Multicap funds invest in all three market caps with minimum allocations.

Works well as a diversification strategy.

Offers more balanced risk compared to small/mid caps.

This fund complements the flexi cap allocation well. Keep it.

Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 4,000
Midcap funds carry higher volatility than large-cap and flexi cap funds.

Suitable for long-term growth.

However, this category should not exceed 20% of your equity portfolio.

Limit exposure to one midcap fund only.

Bandhan Small Cap Fund – Rs. 4,000
Axis Small Cap Fund – Rs. 2,000
You have two small-cap funds.

This leads to duplication and overlap.

Small caps are high risk, though high potential.

Two funds here add complexity and no major diversification.

Keep only one. Stop the other. Prefer a consistent performer.

Motilal Oswal Defence Index Fund – Rs. 1,000
This is a sectoral index fund.

Sectoral funds are concentrated bets.

They do not diversify your portfolio.

This fund tracks a niche theme: defence stocks.

This is a tactical bet, not a core holding.

Stop fresh SIPs here.

These funds lack flexibility.

They cannot exit underperforming stocks.

A Note on Index Funds
You have invested in an index fund (Defence).
It’s important to understand why actively managed funds are better:

Index funds follow the market blindly.

No fund manager expertise to beat the market.

No exit flexibility from weak stocks.

Cannot adapt to market cycles.

Actively managed funds, with strong research teams, offer better long-term potential.

They can outperform and protect downside risk better.

Portfolio Duplication and Overlap
Two small-cap funds create unnecessary duplication.

One mid-cap fund is enough.

Sector fund adds volatility, not value.

Keep only 3 to 4 quality funds.

This brings simplicity, better tracking, and effective compounding.

Suggested SIP Structure
Here is a more effective and balanced approach:

Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 7,000

Multicap Fund – Rs. 5,000

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 4,000

Small Cap Fund (Only One) – Rs. 4,000

Keep Rs. 2,000 as buffer to increase one of the above.

This way:

You reduce clutter.

You avoid overlap.

You gain better performance tracking.

Review on Direct vs Regular Plans
If you are investing in direct funds, let’s pause for a moment.

Disadvantages of Direct Plans:

No support or guidance when markets fall.

Portfolio often becomes cluttered over time.

Investors chase short-term returns, not long-term goals.

No periodic review by experts.

You may miss opportunities and fall into DIY traps.

Invest through a CFP-qualified MFD in regular plans instead.

Offers handholding in tough markets.

Brings clarity and discipline.

Helps review and rebalance regularly.

Most importantly, helps you stay on track with your goals.

Costs of regular plan are worth the guidance it offers.

Risk Appetite and Time Advantage
At 24, your age is your biggest advantage.

You have a 30+ year runway to build wealth.

You can afford short-term volatility.

But still, your portfolio must be structured and monitored.

High risk should not mean unmanaged risk.

What More Can Be Added
Here are a few additional strategies:

Step-Up SIPs: Increase SIPs every year with salary hike.

Emergency Fund: Keep Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs in a liquid fund.

Term Insurance: If you have dependents, buy pure term cover.

Health Insurance: Don’t depend only on employer cover.

Tax Planning: Use ELSS or other tools efficiently.

Investment Habits You Should Build Now
Keep reviewing your portfolio once a year.

Don’t panic in a falling market.

Avoid switching funds too often.

Read fund factsheets quarterly.

Stick to SIP discipline during volatility.

Increase investments, not expenses, with salary hike.

How You Can Grow This Portfolio
Assuming you increase your SIPs every year:

Rs. 22,000 monthly SIP today

Rs. 2,000 increase per year

In 10 years, this becomes a solid corpus.

But only if you stay invested and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

What You Should Avoid
Don’t chase short-term returns.

Don’t over-diversify with 6-7 funds.

Don’t go heavy on sectoral or thematic funds.

Don’t fall for trending NFOs or fancy themes.

Focus on core + satellite approach.

Ideal Portfolio Mix for Your Profile
At your age, this mix works well:

Flexi Cap / Multicap – 50%

Mid Cap – 20%

Small Cap – 20%

Debt (via PF) – 10%

This balances growth, volatility, and stability.

Taxation Clarity – If You Sell Later
New mutual fund tax rules are:

Equity LTCG over Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

STCG from equity taxed at 20%.

Debt funds taxed as per income slab.

So stay invested for the long term.
Avoid unnecessary exits.

Rebalancing and Reassessment
Once a year:

Review returns.

Check fund performance.

Align with your goals.

Remove underperformers.

Increase SIPs.

If you work with a CFP-qualified MFD, this becomes easier.

Finally
You are doing very well already.
Most 24-year-olds delay investing.
You are ahead of the curve.

With minor corrections, you will build a strong foundation.

Just keep things:

Simple

Structured

Consistent

Avoid the noise. Stick to the plan.
Time and discipline will do the magic.

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

..Read more

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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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