If you are a follower of my blog for a long, then you are aware that yearly I used to publish my Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India. As usual, I am publishing my Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022.
Note:- Refer to my debt funds recommendations for 2022 at “Top 10 Best Debt Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022“.
First of all, I am really sorry for publishing this post late. Many of my readers waited a lot. However, due to my hectic Fee-Only Financial Planning Service, I was unable to publish as usual like during the months of December or January.
Let me recap what I have recommended last year (Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2021).
If you remember, since it’s almost two years, I stayed away from active fund recommendations and adopted the passive funds (Index Funds) and the reasons are as below:-
By adopting the Index investing, you are ending the search for the BEST MUTUAL FUND COMPANY and BEST FUND MANAGER. Investing in Index Fund and expecting the returns of the Index is the simplest way of investment. The only risk you can’t avoid is market risk, which you have to manage by proper asset allocation between debt and equity (I mean at the portfolio level).
As you may be aware, many AMCs are now launching a lot of Index Funds. Because they are trying to follow the trend. Few launched with an idea of low cost and few brought complications by launching smart-beta funds. However, in my view, owning the whole market (especially Nifty 100) is far better than these various smart-beta index funds. I know that they may reduce the volatility. However, it comes with compensation of returns. Hence, for simplicity, owning the Nifty 100 is far better. It remembers me the quote from John Bogle.
“The winning formula for success in investing is owning the entire stock market through an index fund, and then doing nothing. Just stay the course.”
– John C. Bogle, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing.
Owning Index Funds is fine. However, sticking to this strategy requires lot of patience. As you may be aware, day in and day out, we are flooded with information (I call it NOISE) and obviously, there may be few active funds and they may be currently beating the Index. During such a period, you start to doubt your strategy of adopting index investing.
John Bogle once said, “Buying funds based purely on their past performance is one of the stupidest things an investor can do.“. The majority of buying of new mutual funds is based on their past performance. We HOPE that past performance will repeat. However, fund managers themselves are not sure whether they repeat the same past performance. But, we the investors are forced to believe that it will repeat.
Sharing once again the quote of Morgan Housel.
“If I had to summarize my views on investing, it’s this: Every investor should pick a strategy that has the highest odds of successfully meeting their goals. And I think for most investors, dollar-cost averaging into a low-cost index fund will provide the highest odds of long-term success.” – Morgan Housel, The Psychology of Money (Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness).
Hence, we all know that there are few fund managers who can BEAT the Index. However, finding such rare species that can beat the index CONSISTENTLY is the biggest task and in fact impossible task.
The cost you pay to them is fixed. However, the returns are not fixed. If a fund manager is claiming that his fund is beating the index, then you have to check what is the actual returns after cost and how consistently he can deliver returns.
How to choose the Best Index Funds?
When you decided to invest in Index Funds, you have to just concentrate on three aspects of the funds and they are as below.
# Expense Ratio:-Lower the Expense ratio is better for me.
# Tracking Error:-It is nothing but how much is the fund deviated in terms of returns with respect to the Index it is benchmarked. Lower the tracking error means better the fund performance. Few fund houses do not publish this data on regular basis. Hence, you have to be cautious with this data.
# AUM:-Higher the AUM means better the advantage for the fund manager to manage the liquidity issues.
If you go by these criteria, then Index NFOs are also not considered. Once they have decent AUM with historical tracking error, then you can consider them.
Basics of Investing Mantras
Now before jumping to investing, you must have an idea of what are the basics of investing. I repeat this exercise on yearly basis in my blog post. But still, find the same type of questions from the readers. Hence, to give you the clarity, I am writing once again.
As per me, before jumping into an investment, one must aware of how well they are prepared for facing financial emergencies. Financial emergencies maybe like loss of life, meeting with an accident, hospitalization or sudden income loss, or job loss.
Hence, the first step is to cover yourself with proper Life Insurance (Term Life Insurance where the coverage should be at least 15-20 times of your yearly income). You must have your own health insurance (rather than relying on employer-provided health insurance). Create better coverage with a family floater plan and Super Top Up Health Insurance. Ideally around 3-5 Lakh of family floater plan and around Rs.10-25 Lakh of Super Top Up is a must nowadays. Buy around 15 to 20 times of your monthly salary corpus as accidental insurance. Then finally create an emergency fund of at least 6-24 months of your monthly commitment. This will be handy whenever your income will stop or if you face any unplanned expenses.
Once these basics are done, then think of investing. If your basics are not done properly, then whatever investment building you are creating may tumble at any point of time. Let us move on and understand the basics of investing.
You must have a proper Financial Goal
I noticed that many investors simply invest in mutual funds just because they have some surplus money. The second reason may be someone guided that mutual funds are best in the long run compared to Bank FDs, PPF, RDs, or even LIC endowment products.
If you have clarity like why you are investing, when you need the money, and how much you need money at that time, then you will get better clarity in selecting the product. Hence, first, identify your financial goals.
You must know the current cost of that goal. Along with that, you must also know the inflation rate associated with that particular goal. Remember that each financial goal has its own inflation rate. For example, the education or marriage cost of your kid’s inflation is different than the inflation rate of household expenses.
By identifying the current cost, time horizon, and inflation rate of that particular goal, you can easily find out the future cost of that goal. This future cost of the goal is your target amount.
I have written a separate post on how to set your financial goals. Read the same at “Financial Goals – How to set before jumping into investing?”
Asset Allocation is MUST
Next step is to identify the asset allocation. Whether it is a short-term goal or a long-term goal, the proper asset allocation between debt and equity is amust. I personally suggest the below-shared asset allocation strategy. Remember that it may differ from individual to individual. However, the basic idea of asset allocation is to protect your money and smoothly sail to reach your financial goals.
If the goal is below 5 years-Don’t touch equity product. Use the debt products of your choice like FDs, RDs, Liquid Funds, Money Market Funds, or Ultra Short Term Funds.
If the goal is 5 years to 10 years-Allocate debt: equity in the ratio of 60:40.
If the goal is more than 10 years-Allocate debt:equity in the ratio of 40:60.
While choosing a debt product, make sure that the maturity period of theproduct must match your financial goals. For example, PPF is the best debt product. However, it must match your financial goals. If the PPF maturity period is 13 years and your goal is 10 years, then you will fall short of meeting your financial goals.
First fill the debt allocation with EPF, PPF, or SSY (based on the maturity and goal type). If you still have room to invest in debt, then choose the debt funds. Personally, my choice always is to fill these wonderful debt products like EPF, PPF, and SSY.
Return Expectation
Next and the biggest step is the return expectation from each asset class. For equity, you can expect around 10% to 12% return. For debt, you can expect around 6% to 7% returns.
When your expectations are defined, then there is less probability of deviating or taking knee-jerk reactions to the volatility.
Portfolio Return Expectation
Once you understand how much is your return expectation from each asset class, then the next step is to identify the return expectation from the portfolio.
Let us say you defined the asset allocation of debt:equity as 40:60. Return expectation from debt is 6% and equity is 10%, then the overall portfolio return expectation is as below.
(60% x 10%) + (40% x 6%)=8.4%.
How much to invest?
Once the goals are defined with the target amount, asset allocations are done, return expectation from each asset class is defined, then the final step is to identify the amount to invest each month.
There are two ways to do it. One is a constant monthly investment throughout the goal period. The second way is increasing some fixed % each year up to the goal period. Decide which suits you.
I hope the above information will give you clarity before jumping into equity mutual fund products.
How many mutual funds are enough?
How many mutual funds do we have? Is it 1, 3, 5 or more than 5? The answer is simple…you don’t need more than 3-4 funds for investing in mutual funds. Whether your investment is Rs.1,000 a month or Rs.1 lakh a month. With amaximum of 3-4 funds, you can easily create a diversified equity portfolio.
Having more funds does not give you enough diversification. Instead, in many cases, it may create your portfolio overlapping and leads to underperformance.
Few choose new funds for each goal. That creates a lot of clutter and confusion. Because, starting is easy and after few years, it looks like a hilarious task to manage. Hence, my suggestion is to have the same set of funds for all goals. Either you create a unified portfolio or create a separate folio for each goal and invest.
Taxation of Equity Mutual Funds for FY 2022-23
Remember that Equity Funds and Debt funds are taxed differently. Hence, you must understand the taxation part as well before jumping into investment. I tried to explain the same in the below image.
The rate of taxation is as below for the FY 2022-23 is as below.
I hope the taxation part is clear to all of you. If you still have doubts, then refer my latest post ”Mutual Fund Taxation FY 2022-23 / AY 2023-24“.
Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022
I have written few posts in the last year which as per me are best to add value to your investment journey. Hence, suggest you to read them first (sharing the list below).
- Best SIP Date for Mutual Fund Investment in India
- Best Market Timer Vs Worst Market Timer Vs SIP Investor of Nifty – Who is the winner?
- Equity Investment – Dream Vs Reality
- Education Qualification is the least required qualification for investment
- Your colleague as your Financial Planner!!
- Nifty Next 50 Vs Nifty Midcap 150 – Which is best?
- What was my advice when stock market crashed in 2020?
- Nippon India Growth Fund – Rs.10 to Rs.2051 Growth in 26 Yrs!!
Now let us move on and share with you my Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022.
Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022 -Large Cap
Last year I recommended two Large Cap Index Funds. I am retaining the same funds for this year too.
# UTI Nifty Index Fund-Direct-Growth
# HDFC Index Fund Sensex Plan-Direct-Growth
Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022 -Mid Cap
Last year, I recommended two Nifty Next 50 Index Funds. This year also, I am retaining the same funds for my recommendations in Mid Cap Funds. In my latest article Nifty Next 50 Vs Nifty Midcap 150 – Which is best?, I have given the reasons why Nifty Next 50 should be your better alternative than the Nifty Mid Cap.
Nifty Next 50 is actually an essence of both large-cap and mid-cap. Because of this, it acts with the same volatility as mid-cap. Hence, I am suggesting Nifty Next 50 as my mid-cap fund than particular Mid Cap Active or Index Funds.
I am continuing last year’s choices:-
# ICICI Pru Nifty Next 50 Index Fund-Direct-Growth
# UTI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund-Direct-Growth
Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022 -Flexi-Cap
Last year I recommended Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund and Axis Multi-Cap Fund. I am retaining both funds as usual.
# Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund-Direct-Growth
# Axis Flexi Cap Fund–Direct-Growth
Now, you may be surprised why I am recommending the Axis AMC fund when there is news of scam by fund managers. First thing, the fund managers who are involved in the front running are not managing this fund and hence have no impact on this fund. However, if you are uncomfortable with this AMC, then you can go with my favorite Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund.
Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022 – Equity Oriented Balanced Funds orAggressiveHybrid Fund
Last year I recommended HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund and Franklin India Equity Hybrid Fund. However, this year, I am changing my recommendations in both the funds. Regarding HDFC, I am a bit skeptical about their debt portfolio which I noticed during the Covid period when they did some inter scheme transfer. Along with this, its consistent underperformance is one more reason. Regarding the Franklin, I am not sure how long they sustain with a bad history behind them (Franklin Templeton India Closed 6 Debt Funds – Is it right?).
Hence, this year, I am recommending two new funds in this category.
# SBI Equity Hybrid Fund
# Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund
What if someone already invested in my earlier recommended funds? No need to panic. For few of my clients, I suggested continuing the HDFC Hybrid Fund. You can stop the fresh investment and start with these two funds. After a year or so, as per your tax liability, you can slowly move to the above-recommended funds.
Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022 – ELSS or Tax Saver Funds
Last year, I have recommended Birla Sunlife Tax Relief ’96 and DSP Tax Saver. This year also, I am maintaining the same.
# Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief ’96 – Growth – Direct Plan
# DSP Tax Saver – Growth – Direct Plan
What about Small-Cap Funds?
Personally, I never invested in small-cap funds, and also for all my fee-only financial planning clients, I never suggest small-cap funds. I may be conservative. However, in the end, what I want is a decent return with sound sleep at night. Hence, this year, I thought not to recommend any small-cap funds.
So you noticed that there are no major changes this year (except Hybrid Funds). You can continue the same funds which I have recommended. However, don’t forget to check your asset allocation (at least once a year). It is very much important.
Finally, a list of my Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2022 are as below.
What is my style of construction Equity Portfolio?
I have listed all the funds above. However, I suggest constructing the portfolio as below within your equity portfolio.
50% Large Cap Index+30% Nifty Next 50+20% Hybrid Funds
50% Large Cap Index+30% Nifty Next 50+20% Flexi Cap Funds
50% Large Cap Index+20% Nifty Next 50+30% Hybrid Funds
50% Large Cap Index+20% Nifty Next 50+30% Flexi Cap Funds
However, my favorite is 80% Index and around 20% active (either through Hybrid or through Flexi Cap).
Disclosure:-I have investments in UTI Nifty Index Fund, ICICI Pru Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, and HDFC Hybrid Fund (will wait for few more years before taking a call on this) as equity part of my daughter’s educational goal and my retirement goal.
Conclusion:-These are my selections but it does not mean they must be universal selections. Hence, if you have a different opinion, then you can adopt so. You also noticed that I hardly change my stance until and unless there is a valid reason. In the end, investing is a BORING and LONG TERM journey ? Best of LUCK!!
101 Responses
Dear Sir,
Pls. publish best mutual fund in 2023 and pls. keep Mid and Small cap active fund as they are doing well at present and may future.
Regards
SharifReply
Dear Sharif,
I will publish soon. However, there will not be any big changes.Reply
Hi Basu
Is there any reason why you have not recommended any index funds in the mid cap and small cap space. I see some active funds such as HDFC mid cap but not index. NN50 is a different category and not strictly comparable to midcap.
Reply
Dear Prashant Mittal,
As both the indices are highly volatile in nature, the probability of tracking error may be high. Above that, for a defensive portfolio construction such risky exposure not at all requried.Reply
Hi Basuji ,
Could you please advise when would your TOP 10 MUTUAL FUND 2023 would get published ?
It’s more than 1 year you had published last year . Atleast tell us which month you will published ? I am early waiting for the same .Reply
Dear Swapnil,
I will publish soon. However, there will not be any change from above recommendations.Reply
Sir,
I follow your advice in investing and selecting the mutual fund. For the past 1.5 yrs, UTI Nifty Next 50 is not performing well! Shall I wait or ?? What is your suggestion?
Thanks,
Raj.Reply
Dear Raja,
I am still sticking to the same advice suggested above.Reply
2023 recommendations., eagerly waiting for.,
Want to understand if investing in EV thematic funds is good , HDFC Large and Mid-Cap has higher concentration of these funds; is this good fund to choose under Mid Cap??Reply
Dear Govind,
I hardly change my stance. Avoid sector or thematic funds.Reply
Hi Sir,
We are waiting for your blog on funds for 2023.Dear Shiva,
I will soon publish it.Reply
Hello Sir,
What is your outlook on Quant Funds, I see Quant funds topping #1 in every popular fund categories with high ratings. Can this AMC be alternative to existing AMCs & choose to invest in the same.
Reply
Dear Upendra,
You already noticed why they performed better than other funds and indexes (mainly because of high exposure to one group of companies). Stay away from chasing these returns.Reply
Thank You Sir. this helped a lot. could u please provide help how to rebalance with one or two examples like you have shown with the asset allocation ratio? Thank you Once again ..
Reply
Dear Kiran,
Let me write a separate post on this.Reply
Best article. congrates. Now please publish the list of best mutual funds for 2023. I am eagerly waiting for this as I always invest as per the guidelines provided by you in various blogs or articles. Pl let me know as to when you are going to publish this list ?
Thank you sir.Reply
Dear Kumar,
I will publish it soon.Reply
Hello Sir,
Thanks for the recommendation,
I have 3 questions
1. Should I start my SIP with above suggested funds in 2023-2024?
2. Should I invest to all fund suggested by you or should I pick one fund from each category you suggest.
3. What is your opinion on global fund? Should I invest with little risk? If yes which fund would you suggest?
Reply
Dear Tausif,
1) You can use the above funds itself for investing.
2) Choose one fund in each category.
3) Stay away.Reply
Hi Basu,
Axis Flexi cap fund is not performing well and giving negative returns from last one year. What should be the strategy for this fund. Should i hold it or switch/redeem to other parag Parikh flexi fund.
Reply
Dear Pradeep,
Wait for my this year recommendations.Reply
Dear Mr Basu,
You have continued to recommend Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 fund as one of the best ELSS to invest, however, it’s under performing for last couple of years. I would like to know the rational behind this or your views on how this fund is going to perform better or their strategy on this.
Thanks and regards,
Reply
Dear Dnyanesh,
Please wait for my updated post for 2023.Reply
Hi Basu sir,
Thank you for the insightful posts.
Your valuable feedback on below portfolio would be helpfulChild1 education duration 11y AA60 40
Uti nifty index INR 6000
Parag pariekh flexi INR 3000
Postal RD running since 2017 INR 5000Child2 education duration 17y AA60 40
Hdfc index sensex INR 5000
Icici pru nifty next 50 INR 1500
PPF INR 1500
SSY INR 1500
Icici arbitrage INR 1500mid term goal 5y started at 2019 AA 100:0
Sundaram midcap regular INR 2000 since 2019
Hdfc balanced regular INR 2000 Since 2019
Hdfc equity hybrid regular INR 2000 since 2019Retirement duration 20+ yrs AA 55:45
Icici pru equity and debt INR 2500
Canara flexi cap INR 5000
Kotak smallcap INR 4000
Epf INR 90001. For children education can I invest in unified approach? Right now it’s two different sets.
And I have hdfc sensex and uti nifty overlapping. RD I have higher ROI compared to other debt funds. Can I continue for longer duration.2. I have started investing since 2019. Thinking of paying down-payment for a new home. I will extend buying home for another 5 years. What should I do with these already invested funds. So far returns are decent. I have already 2 recommended passive funds in my portfolio. I have to switch from regular to passive ones.
3. I have already 2 goals with passive mf. Decided to keep one active mf for retirement. Majority is in EPF. As of today AA stands 20:80. Is It good to have small cap exposure for 20+ duration investment.
Thanks
SowmyaReply
Dear Sowmya,
For child 1 education, why you have included RD in debt? Rather use the debt funds. For mid-term goal, don’t go beyond 40% into equity, and for debt, you can use Money Market or Ultra Short Duration Funds.For retirement, try to maintain the allocation as I have suggested (it may be your default EPF which showing a higher tilt toward debt).
1) If the goals are of more than 7-8 years or the allocation is the same, then to simplify, you can use the unified approach. RD is best for short term goals but not for long term goals (tax efficiency). Hence, once it matures, then don’t continue in RD.
2) Better to switch to passive.
3) Avoid active and especially small cap funds.Reply
I am doing following SIP Time horizon 8-10 Year
1- Axis Nifty 100 Index fund -1500
2 uti Nifty 50 index 1500
3- parag parikh flexicap 2000
4- axis growth opportunity 2000
5- axis small cap 1000is that good or i need to remove any fund
and also i want to know your opinion should we invest 70 % in mutual fund SIP and 30 % direct Stock SIP is that good or not
Reply
Dear Jai,
What asset allocation you are following?Reply
Is zerodha Coin is better platform to invest all mutual fund at 1 place for long time
Reply
Dear Jai,
I personally avoid holding MF units in demat format.Reply
HI Sir,
Thank you for you the insightful posts.
I had invested 8 years back in few equity MFs. One of which is Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund , current value – 2L+. I also have some more like Axis LTE , HDFC Mid Cap Opp & CR Hybrid fund each 2L
(Unfortunately, I had Franklin Low duration too which they have returned completely as of now). I did not invest after that in MF. Now I am planning to start investing again.
I see the concern you have mentioned above about FT. Should I redeem my Franklin India Flexi and invest in probably LargeCap INdex fund. Please suggest.Thanks
Reply
Dear JJ,
As of now, no issue with that fund. But better to restructure.Reply
Dear Basu sir,
Kindly suggest your opinion , I am confused to choose below which portfolio is suitable for my kids education ? Or any other suggestion from your end ?
Kids education Goal – (12 Y & 16 Y Away for my 2 kids) E: D 50:50
equity:
UTI Nifty 50 index fund (25%) + UTI S&P Low volatility index fund(25%)
Debt :
PPF(25%) + ICICI Money market fund (25%)
(OR)
Equity : UTI Nifty 50 index fund (30%) + UTI Nifty next 50 index fund (20%)
(OR)
Equity : UTI Nifty 50 index fund(30%) + PPFAS Flexi cap fund (20%)Thanks in advance.
Reply
Dear Rama,
I have replied to your email.Reply
Hello Mr. Basu
Thanks to you for such a wonderful Blog.
I start my earnings in 2009 and as a beginner I started SIPs in following funds. Currently investing in it.Nippon india Multicap Fund (Earlier known as Reliance Equity opportunities Fund) = 1500 P.M
IFDC Sterling Value Fund (Earlier Known as Small & Midcap Fund) = 1500 P.MMy current portfolio exist following funds now. My Risk taking Capacity is Aggressive and my asset allocation
Nippon india Multicap Fund = 1500 P.M
IFDC Sterling Value Fund = 1500 P.M
HDFC Midcap Opportunities fund (Direct Plan) G = 3000 P.M
ICICI Prudential Bluechip fund (Direct Plan) G = 3000 P.M
Recurring deposit = 5000 P.MI have capacity to invest more 15K P.M in mutual funds. But i dont want to add schemes more than 5 in my portfolio. Many investors may be in same situation, How to top up in existing M.F or should they switch/Redeem (if old funds are not performing) etc.
Index funds are in trend and flexi caps are taking place of multicaps. My question is how to treat with this situation and can you please suggest which fund is suitable for Global equity ? I recently heard SEBI put limitations on Global equity.
For now i am shortlisting UTI Nifty Index Fund-Direct-Growth for my new investment through SIP.
Reply
Dear Kanwardeep,
I am not sure what prompted you to select the existing funds and why you have RD in place (which is not the best product for long term debt portfolio). Hence, hard to comment on anything specifically without knowing much about your financial life. Please refer the above post to get the clarity on your own.Reply
Dear Basu,
Regarding redemption of MF, should we redeem MF units when it gain high profit just to avoid loosing of profit amounts and reinvest in same or other MF ?
or should we redeem unit when it is underperforming or near goal?
what should be proper strategy for redemption as i want to track investment as per my child education or retirement goal (15 or more years to achieve this goal??Reply
Dear Kumar,
There must be valid reason for redemption like – As the goal is near and you have to move away from equity, restructuring the portfolio or fund consistent underperformance. Hard to say randomly without knowing the exact details about your financial life.Reply
Hi, A new follower here and already a fan. I can see that you’re replying for almost every comment, so I know I can hope to hear back.
I’m aged 34, just starting with my first MF investments. Time period is 13 / 15 / 20 / 25 years for my kids education and marriage. And a retirement corpus. Please kindly help with these clarifications.
1. Is it better to do SIP via DeMAT account or direct saving account ? Or is there a better way to do other than these two?
2. I can take higher risk, at least for the next 10 years to start with. My investment could be between 40-50k per month. What is your recommended way of building a portfolio towards growth and profits.Looking forward to your reply. Thanks a ton.
Reply
Dear Zeru,
1) Stay away from Demat accounts. As the units are already in Demat account, it is an unnecessary game.
2) Risk-taking ability looks good initially or when the market is going up. However, when you face the market crashes or sideways during your course of investment will show the actual colour of your risk. Rather than that, just follow the strategy I have mentioned above. Once your money is in market and you face at least 1-2 market crashes, then you have to understand your true risk-taking ability.Reply
Thank you Basu
Reply
Thank you for the comments Basu, may i personally ask which is the best platform to invest online and which one you use it personally to invest in mutual funds, as i would like to diversify my mutual fund investments.
Reply
Dear Ajith,
Earlier I used Kuvera. Now MF Central.Reply
Hello Sir,
I need to switch from these 2 funds that are below average in performance.
ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund – Direct Plan – GrowthCan you please suggest good funds in ICICI to invest for a horizon of 10 years?
Also I have a ongoing SIP of 50K in UTI nifty index fund that I am investing for my daughters education, 12 years from now.
Reply
Dear Preeti,
Can you elaborate the asset allocation you are following towards the goals you said 10 years away?Reply
Respected Sir,
My portfolio is comprising of 1. Mire Asset Hybrid Equity (25%), 2. UTI NIfty Next 50 Index (25%), Prag Parikh Flexi Cap (25%) and SBI Focused equity (25%).Kindly suggest, can I shift from Mire Asset Hybrid Equity to Any Nifty Index or Sensex for better.
Also i am using PPF/Conservationve Hybrid for Dept portion.
Thanks.Reply
Dear Kangaraj,
As you already have debt portfolio, I don’t think it is worth to again considering a product that diversifies between equity to debt.Reply
Hello Sir,
I am your big fan and learned about art of investment and how to stay invested with patience!!
2017 June I invested 150000 in ABSL equity advantage fund with the horizon of 17 years.
I dont see that fund able to perform in last 5 years. And I see 6% of return.
Do you suggest to move on from this fund or still keep invested.
If yes, Can you please suggest some fund from same fund house that I can switch to instead of selling this one and buying a different.
I can continue invested for 12 more years until my daughter’s college starts.
Looking for your expert advice.Thank You
Reply
Dear Preeti,
Thanks for your kind words. I stopped tracking most of active funds and if you too wish to adopt the simple strategy, then better to use the above suggested index fund to simplify your overall life.Reply
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for the valuable information.
Sir i wanted to clarify one thing. If a fund is under performing what should be done? Should we stop SIP, but remain invested in the fund and exit at a later date as per requirement. Or should we stop SIP and move the investment to other fund through SWP (will this attract tax?). Or is there any other option of dealing with this.
Regards,
PuneetReply
Dear Puneet,
It is more of a personal choice like how far you wait. However, if you planned to exit, I might have did in one go completely.Reply
Dear Basu,
Thanks as always for a very informative article. I have a question.
Assuming a lumpsum availability of 25 lakhs INR and an already active monthly SIP into UTI Nifty 50 (40,000 INR) and UTI Nifty Next 50 (30,000 INR) index funds, what would be the best strategy to avoid the lumpsum funds sitting idle during the period of the investment?
Estimated dollar cost averaging period is 3 years.
Time horizon for the investment is 11-13 years. Thank you very much in advance for your opinion.
Reply
Dear Zagaro,
Better you put that amount in a debt product. Withdraw every month and invest in equity for next 6 or 12 months based on your comfort.Reply
Dear Mr Basu
Thank you for the very informative post.
I am investing in HDFC Nifty 50 index fund as part of equity portion of my portfolio.
Do you see any red flags with this particular fund (as compared to UTI Nifty 50 index fund or HDFC sensex fund? )
Thanks and regards
Advait
Reply
Dear Advait,
Nothing wrong. Please continue.Reply
Dear Basu
Thank you for your post. Very useful info. I would need your suggestion on below query.
Goal: child education 10 yrs
started sip from 2017 with 10% annual increase
Hdfc balanced adv fund regular plan
sundarm mid cap fund regular planI had no idea of asset allocation. I am realizing the importance of it after reading your post. I want to balance it now and I also see that I have to switch to direct plan also. I would need your suggestion.
With less than 5 years left for my child professional education. Is it wise decision to start a fresh investment in below combination for my child education? And what should I do with existing mutual fund.
Hdfc sensex 7k
Uti nifty 50 4.5k
Canara robeco equity hybrid 3.5k
Bank rd/debt fund 6kReply
Dear Rajesh,
First decide your asset allocation. If that requires come out from equity, then you must come out as having money at the time of requirement is MOST IMPORTANT than how much returns I generate. Within assets, you can refer above post and start invest and strictly follow the asset allocation.Reply
My Current AA is 35:65 Equity:Debt. my target AA is 50:50. Can i move FDs/PPF into Equity to bring back target AA. Because my PPF is matured and extended 5 years with contribution. (Debt is EPF/PPF/FDs).
Second query , i have only UTI Nifty index fund in my equity portion, Should i diversify into other AMCs to avoid concentration risk. Please suggest.
Reply
Dear Kalai,
Yes, bring from debt (which are liquid in nature) to have your desired asset allocation. Better to diversify if you are uncomfortable.Reply
Dear Basu,
Thank you for the long awaited article. Big fan of your blogs.Currently hold below mutual funds in HDFC AMC. Would like to diversif and rebalance it as per above list. Do you advice to go with individual investmests in fund houses or go with online broker platforms like zerodha coin where we will have a combined view and invest in multiole Diversified fund houses.
How do you invest in mutual funds if you could shed some light on it would be grateful.
HDFC Index sensex fund direct growth
HDFC midcap oppurtunities direct growth
HDFC Hybrid equity direct growthReply
Dear Ajith,
Thanks for your kind words. Regarding the platforms, I prefer the one which offers a single point of the process, not forcing me to hold units in demat, obviously DIRECT and FREE. Hence, I prefer platforms like Kuvera, CAMS or KFintech (You can check MF Central too).
Regarding the funds, as I mentioned, I stayed away from active funds and am skeptical of hybrid.Reply
Sir, can you throw light on why you choose ABSL Tax Relief 96 as its not performing good as compared to peers. As you have dropped HDFC Midcap due to underperformance then what is the reason for keeping ABSL ELSS fund?
Reply
Dear Ram,
The underperformance started since two years (especially). Let us wait for a year or so.Reply
Dear Mr basu,
Last year you have recommended “Axis multi cap fund” but I don’t see that fund this year.
I have started SIP in this fund few months back, what is your suggestion on this fund ?
Should I stop SIP in this fund and switch to Axis flexicap ?
Reply
Dear Arun,
Earlier Axis Multi Cap now turned to Axis Flexi Cap, which is there in my above list.Reply
Dear Mr.Basu,
Currently in my portfolio debt equity allocation ration is not even 50:50%. I dont want to change current debt allocation which is PPF + LIC, but instead would like to increase equity allocation so that ratio can be reached to 50:50% or 50:60% considering long term investment. As i said, currently i am doing SIP of Rs.8000 and would like to increase it to Rs.15000, which will make my asset allocation ration of 50:50%.
Can you pls suggest MF and type where i should start fresh SIP?
Thank You,
RaviReply
Dear Ravi,
Use my above-recommended funds.Reply
Dear Mr.Basu,
First of all thank you for such a wonderful and detailed article. You have given all details which is required for an investor. I would like your valuable advice on my portfolio. Currently i am doing investment as below.
Age: 36 yrs
Goal: Child education & retirement, so duration will be 10+ yrs
Debt: PPF – Rs.1,50,000 every year
LIC Jeevan Saral – Rs.36,030 (Policy term -20 yrs, already paid premiums for 11 yrs (i.e. Rs.3,96,330), current surrender value is Rs.6,70,000)Equity MF (SIPs):
HDFC MidCap Opportunity Fund (G) – Rs.3000 (since 5 yrs)
DSP Tax Saver Fund (G) – Rs.3000 (since 5 yrs)
Kotak Flexicap Fund (G) – Rs.2000 (since 4 yrs)I would like to invest more in MF to balance the portfolio. I can allocate more Rs.7000 per month for SIP, so total will have SIPs of Rs.15000. Whats your view about my portfolio? Can you pls suggest in which MFs i should start SIP along with amount for better diversification and return. Also suggest if i need to switch any of three existing funds. Though Kotak Flexicap Fund shows IRR as 12.71 but somehow i am not confident about it. I started investing in it as Largecap fund but later it converted to Multicap and then Flexicap Fund.
Please advice.
Thank You,
RaviReply
Dear Ravi,
Before jumping into an investment, at first check your asset allocation between debt to equity and what % you wish to manage. Also, make sure that your invested products must be available to liquidate when you actually need. Refer my post once again. You will get the clarity.Reply
Tata nifty index fund have expense ratio of 0.16 against the 0.21 of UTI and .40 of HDFC. So I have purchased Tata index fund recently based on expense ratio.
Only difference between Tata and others is AUM as per my understanding.
What is your view on this?Reply
Dear Bhupinder,
AUM and tracking error along with expenses.Reply
I invested in DSP small cap fund last year. Can I continue to invest in it?
Reply
Dear Ananth,
What prompted you to choose this fund?Reply
Dear Basavaraj,
Good article, After reading I understood one thing, that I need to build emergency fund and take life insurance and then do investing.
1. Can you please recommend best term life insurance company to buy a plan?
2. How can I save for emergency fund?
I just started investing like 8 months back,
I have some stocks and mutual funds sip which I bought like 4 months back
1. UTI nifty index
2. PPFAS flexi cap
3. Axis long term ELSS
I bought axis long term after buying I thought why I bought, because there were other good performing ELss funds, I have read many blogs and no one recommends this I am little worried about this. Btw I bought seeing AUM.
4. Should I exit and buy a new one?
5. Can you please guide me on the mutual fund allocation?
5. Can I invest in a new mutual fund now since markets are down?Regards,
Reply
Chicha,
1) Sure..Writing that post also soon.
2) Slowly around 10% of your investable surplus can be set aside to build the emergency fund (either through RD or in Liquid Funds).
Before jumping into investment check your suitability rather than blind following of anyone. If you feel the fund is not suitable, then exit.
3) Just because no one recommended it does not mean it is bad 🙂
4) First do your own research of why you want to exit and what if the new fund also follows the same as old fund?
5) Refer my above post.
6) How can you say that market is down? What if it goes further down?Reply
Thanks for such a nice and detailed article. It gives clear picture to reader/investor how to study the fund before investing, very nice.
I have query –
In 2021 table, HDFC Midcap fund was there but in 2022 you removed it, any specific reason for it. I know its underperforming from last few years and I have personally invested in this fund from 2015 and keeping sip ON for this fund. I would like to know your view on exiting HDFC Midcap in year 2022Reply
Dear Ram,
There are two reasons to it. One is adopting passive funds and the second is its underperformance. Hence, I suggest you stop the fresh investment in this fund and start Nifty Next 50 or Nifty Mid Cap Index. Existing investments can be slowly moved to the new fund.Reply
Dear Mr. Basu
I love your independent reviews and articles. It gives confidence and shares views which are mostly hidden from DIY Investors by Distributors n Sellers. I love your approach of building conservative return expectations and over delivering rather doing reverse.
I did have different opinion for 2021 recommendations but do concur with your 2022 Recommendations except ABSL Tax Saver. It has been consistent underperformer since last 3-4 years though there is huge rally in mid and small cap indexes. Surprisingly, you don’t recommend any International Diversification as well as No Debt Funds (just in case someone wants to invest)
I am invested in Nippon Nifty 50 Bees, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, Axis Growth Opp, Canara Robeco Hybrid Equity. I am also invested via S & P 500 as well as PGIM Global Equity Funds in overseas market. I am covering my Debt Portion with IDFC Short Term Debt as well as HDFC Short Term Bond Fund (as I cannot wait for higher lock in of VPF/PPF)
All the best to you and will await more blogs from you to validate my thesis.
Reply
Dear Keyur,
Thanks for your appreciation. Regarding ABSL Tax Saver, it is one of the oldest and most consistent performers and I know that the fund is underperforming since few years. However, rather than taking knee jerk reaction, I prefer to wait and watch. Coming back to international exposure, I avoid them directly. Mainly because of huge tracking errors and taxation of such funds. Rather, I love to have international exposure through Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund.
Regarding the debt, I thought to have a separate post rather than including the same asset class here in equity.Reply
Dear Basu,
Can you advise whether sip in PGIM India flexi cap fund direct growth plan is a wise decision.Reply
Dear Bappa,
May I know the logic behind selecting this particular fund?Reply
Hi Mr.Basu,
Very good insight
The way the article is organised is appreciable.
Keep blogging.Reply
Dear Santosh,
Thanks for your appreciation.Reply
Dear Basu,
Thank you Basu for taking your time to give the answers. I am talking about aggressive hybrid fund from ICICI fund house. Currently I am invested in HDFC hybrid equity fund and continuing. I concur your views on this fund.
Best,Reply
Dear Kaushik,
Post-Covid, I am a little bit apprehensive about these Hybrid Funds debt portfolios. As there is no clarity on the definition by SEBI, the fund manager has complete freedom to play with yield and credit risk. Hence, I thought of avoiding it. However, if this forms a small portion of your overall equity portfolio, then continue.Reply
Dear Basu,
It seems you have exited from HDFC sensex index fund and added PP Flexi Cap fund. Can
you give your thought over ICICI debt and equity fund. Since it has an outstanding long track record and one of the
oldest fund. I don’t understand why you keep recommending ABSL Tax 96 in elss category. I am a investor in this for
last 4 years but it remains most of the time in lowest quartile. One more thing what difference can it make if you
put only 20% in actively managed fund. One more thing i will expect from you if you kindly write a blog on factor
based index investing as currently there are plethora of such funds. Keep on your honest work.Reply
Dear Kaushik,
I have exited from HDFC Sensex Fund not because of fund because of goal is nearby. I am not sure about which ICICI Debt and Equity Fund you are pointing. Can you elaborate? Yes, I wish for a minimal call on active. Surely, will write on factor-based index funds (it’s long-pending and will do soon).Reply
Hello Sir,
Since this blog is exclusively on mutual funds, so I agree to your points. Well explained, that is helpful.
But in my case, to invest in India’s growth and economy, I would prefer investing in ETF’s like nifty bees over conventional index funds. This is for below reasons:1) ETF’S are bought and sold at there real market prices. Whereas if I buy an index fund after 1:30pm, I will get the NAV price of next day’s closing. So in index fund there could be a delay in one day, which could lead to buying units at undesirable price.
2) Index funds comes with exit loads and expense ratios, whereas we don’t bear such additional cost on ETF’s
3) Many index funds imposes a minimum investment of Rs 500 or sometimes Rs 1000 and above to start investment. But in contrast many ETF’s like nifty bees are available below Rs 200 price. So it is in reach of many new investors or students who wish to start their journey.
4) Liquidity and Volume is also not much of a problem for many ETF’s as they have gained enough popularity and exposure in Indian equity market, compare to how it was 10 years back.
5) ETF’s are available to give international exposure, example mirae asset MAFANG or MASTOP150. Whereas through mutual funds the way is through funds-of-funds which charges double and have higher expense ratio.
Reply
Dear Durgesh,
1) Does one day NAV matter a lot for long-term investors? Personally, I feel it hardly impacts.
2) ETFs also have expense ratios but not exit load. Why we have to bother about exit load when our view is long term? Yes, if we think cost, ETFs are better However, liquidity is still a concern (especially during market fall).
3) How does it matters to someone whose investments are in thousands or lakhs?
4) Check volume during falling market. You may not get the right price.
5) Check the tracking error.Reply
I wants to invest one time investment on Rs 30L Kindly advise which are the best options. The goals is to meet the expenses of my daughters marriage, which would taken place next 5 to 8 years.
Reply
Dear Vinod,
Please read the above post. If you still have a doubt, then we can discuss.Reply
Hi Basu,
Very good insights
The way the article is organized is excellent. No section in your article is skippable.Keep up the good work and keep blogging.
Reply
Dear Sudarshan,
Thanks a lot 🙂Reply
Hello Sir,
Thank you so much for the most awaited article. I have one question regarding suggestions on Flexi cap funds. I see, you have mentioned 2 funds for Axis.. Axis Multi Cap and Axis Flexi Cap.. And both funds are different. So which one did you mean in your suggestions.. Kindly clarify..Thank you.
Reply
Dear Suchi,
My bad…I am pointing towards Flexi Cap not Multi Cap. Corrected the table.Reply
Love your approach and thought process to investing
Thank you for this informative article
Been a fan since 7 years
Reply
Dear Varun,
Thanks a lot for your kind words.Reply
Dear Basu Sir,
Thank you very much for this blog. Many, including ME were waiting since 5 months for this blog. It has come out very excellent as usual.
Regards
Reply
Dear Rajesh,
I know many waited and extremely sorry for the late posting.Reply
Thanks a lot for posting.
I would like to confirm that is it different or same parag parekh long term equity fund and parag parekh flexy cap fund direct growth?.Reply
Dear AP,
Both are same.Reply
