Category Archives: Mutual Fund

I am a father and I want to save for my child's gadgets. How do I start? We have an easy solution for it! Electronics have evolved into a vital component of our day-to-day lives. It's crucial to teach your kids how to use technology responsibly in today's digitally driven world and to develop the knowledge and behaviors that will help them succeed as digital citizens. The latest gadgets for youngsters are rarely inexpensive and often appear out of reach. Are you looking for methods to save money on your child's gadgets? This article will assist you in planning your desired gadget without trying to empty your bank account. Follow these simple recommendations to keep your child's new tech costs low. Ways to save for child's gadgets 1. Start a SIP  Start a SIP plan to meet your short-term and medium-term goals. SIP allows an investor to invest a certain amount of money in a mutual fund scheme at predetermined intervals. SIP allows you to acquire units on a set date each month in order to create a savings strategy for yourself. EduFund assists parents in budgeting for electronic gadget purchases. It has a separate section dedicated to saving children’s electronic gadgets. The app also shows you different gadget options and provides you with savings plans to start saving for the gadgets on the app.  Electronic device prices have been skyrocketing, and with the Covid-19 outbreak, electronic prices are rising even further. EduFund addresses the financial needs of parents since electronic gadgets have become essential for children’s education in today's society. Start SIP with EduFund 2. Do your research Before actually buying electronic gadgets, it is essential to research. It is a good practice to look around at wide varieties and brands. Examine both offline and online retailers to gain a comprehensive analysis.  If you wait until your old equipment cracks, you'll feel compelled to purchase a brand-new one without looking around or looking for a good deal. When you browse online, you can instantly comprehend the pricing and position yourself for a good deal when it arises. Track the progress of the valuations of the gadgets you want to buy to save money on electronics. 3. Return old gadgets The need for reconditioned technology has increased exponentially in recent years. In addition to global supply chain disruptions, customers have been convinced to buy used technology owing to price considerations, environmental considerations, and the accessibility of lifetime management solutions. While purchasing new gadgets, parents should look to return their old gadgets and concentrate on a buyback offer. They can exchange old products with the purchase of new products. Useful Gadgets for Students Read More 4. Request a price match or a discount Many retailers meet their competitors' electronics market prices on the same product. If you're loyal to a favorite retailer, find out if they can fit the competition's offer. You can also participate in a membership program that will earn you points or discounted rates once you connect.  If the seller fits a competitor's offer, you could use that membership program to get electronics at a cheaper rate. If you can't obtain a comparable object for a reduced price, it Is better to negotiate.  Most traditional retailers might not provide the same benefit; however, they might be more willing to cooperate with you to make a deal and discuss electronic purchases. 5. Warranties aren't worth it Numerous parents fear their child's new phone will end up in a pool of water or, even worse. Purchase extended warranties for their electronic gadgets. Read the fine print to avoid paying extra for something you don't need - or paying large amounts for a product that doesn't even protect against water damage.  A void warranty is a waste of money and certainly cause for concern. Choose a standard complimentary warranty over an extended warranty. The advantages of gadget use Children of all ages can benefit from technology, which offers tools that encourage learning via play, let them express their creativity, and keep them socially linked. For kids under the age of five, it serves as stimulation. It can be applied to speech as well as to encourage learning. The young ones' visual representation may help them develop their senses. The use of technology to play games fosters cognitive development and analytical abilities. This encourages the child to think more creatively, strategically, and generally to be more productive. Tech-savvy children will also be more equipped for a workforce that will be largely digital. A few fundamental parenting principles will assist you in establishing ground rules and preserving technological harmony at home. Conclusion Students nowadays rely heavily on technology. These devices are critical for children as they are required to boost their learning abilities and knowledge. Nowadays, independent learning is supported since children can study without the aid of teachers. Students use the internet for research and online libraries to complete their homework. As a result, technological devices have become unavoidable in the current world. FAQs Is it good to give gadgets to children? Yes, some gadgets are good for your children. However, you should have a time limit on how long they can use the gadgets in a day. Too much usage can affect your kid's attention span and even strain their eyes. How to save for your kid's gadgets? The best way to save for your child's gadgets is to start a goal and a SIP for it. Rather than buying or taking an EMI, you can start a SIP and save for the amount. You can do all this on the EduFund App. It helps you save for your kid's education expenses like buying a phone or a laptop. How can gadgets help children? Some gadgets are known for helping kids with motor skills, learning languages, and even sharpening their spatial knowledge.

Market volatility is a hard fact and investors must be aware of ways to protect portfolio funds in a falling market. It is possible to limit loss, lock in profits and provide stability to your investments in adverse conditions with help of viable strategies.  Stock gains are steady over time but declines are often unexpected, freefall, and sudden.  Investors must ensure that their portfolio is well-positioned at all times so that it does not hamper overall growth. Making the right investment decisions is as important as protecting the portfolio fund during turbulent market conditions. 8 ways to protect portfolio fund in falling market An economic meltdown is a fact of the investment market that can wipe out hard-earned returns, savings, and retirement funds in hours. Investors must take appropriate steps early on to safeguard their portfolio fund in a falling market, market crash, or an economic depression through preplanned steps.  Some important ways to protect portfolio fund in a falling market are discussed below- 1. Diversification of portfolio funds Diversification of portfolio funds and spreading your money across different investment categories is one of the surest measures for shielding the portfolio fund in a bear market. Investors often invest in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and individual stocks expecting good returns. They must have a proper plan in place to move a good chunk of the investment into safer options at short notices Sometimes, the market fall is sudden and it does not give the investor enough chance to move high-risk funds to safe horizons. Individuals should invest in a wide range of investment schemes with different levels of risk. These include stocks, real estate, precious metals, cash value life insurance, bonds, derivatives, annuities, alternative holdings, cash, etc. Additional read: Questions cosigners should ask before taking an education loan 2. Fine-tune the portfolio funds Reassess the asset allocation to determine whether the current portfolio matches your specific risk tolerance. Do not take on more risks than your capacity as it might trigger panic selling during adverse conditions and result in heavy losses. Investors should always be prepared to face a bear market hence they must fine-tune their funds to create a portfolio mix that will match both financial needs and risk tolerance. 3. Take the help of financial advisors Financial advisors often have a better understanding of the market trends than investors. They go through the available data and related information to make better predictions of both good and bad times in the market.  Use the financial consultants at the EduFund App as an effective tool for knowing about the market and for an ideal fund allocation. The app will help to meet your risk appetite by minimizing the risk profile eloquently. 4. Do not liquidate all the stocks In a falling market, it is easy to panic and liquidate all the stocks. It is a wrong move as doing so will lock the losses and prevent earnings when the market recovers. Maintain a portion of the funds in the stocks even in a falling market to take advantage of the subsequent recovery whenever it occurs.  5. Rebalance and reinvest Stock market returns vary on a yearly basis but in the long term, it tends to offer positive returns. Investors whose risk tolerance is high or who have a long period before retirement have the option of investing heavily in stocks but people close to retirement must consider gradual transferring of funds to short-term or cash bonds with less risk.  Consider risk-based rebalancing through the EduFund App to minimize losses and by reinvesting in mutual funds, REITs ETFs, etc.  6. Consider defensive picks Consider market volatility as an opportunity to buy REITs with stable dividends and strong cash flows. One viable option is the EduFund REIT+ portfolio that includes quality REITs 7. Sell call options Financial advisors recommend selling call options to protect portfolio funds and soften the blow of a falling market.  8. Stay the course Investors must realize that the bull market will always follow the bear market. The falling market is a concern no doubt but the slump will pass. This is not the time for panic selling instead stay the course and stick to your investment plan.  Consider speaking to the wealth advisors on our platform to create a recession-proof strategy that will make your investment portfolio resilient to the upcoming falling market. FAQsHow do I protect my portfolio from a market downturn?   To safeguard your portfolio during a market downturn:  Diversify your investments across different asset classes.  Consider holding defensive stocks, like utilities and consumer staples.  Keep a long-term view and abstain from rash choices.  Utilise stop-loss orders or put options for downside protection.  Investing and your emergency fund should not be combined.  How do you prepare a portfolio for a market crash?   Prepare for a market crash by:  Reducing exposure to high-risk assets before a crash.  Increasing allocation to safer investments, such as bonds or cash.  Ensuring your portfolio is well-diversified.  Continuously monitoring and rebalancing your portfolio.  Having a well-thought-out exit strategy and sticking to it.  What is the safest fund during a market crash?  The safest fund during a market crash is typically a money market fund or a short-term bond fund. These investments are known for stability and liquidity, making them less susceptible to significant value declines during turbulent market periods.  What to do with a falling portfolio?   When your portfolio is falling:  Avoid panic selling; stick to your long-term investment plan.  Reassess your portfolio's asset allocation and risk tolerance.  Consider buying more assets at lower prices (dollar-cost averaging).  Take a look at your investment plan and make any required adjustments.  Seek advice from a financial advisor if you're uncertain about your next steps.  Conclusion Ups and downs are an integral part of markets that investors must be prepared for at all costs. Seasoned investors try to keep strengthening their portfolio fund to make it more robust for an upcoming recession.  In this article, you have come to know about the various ways to protect portfolio funds in a falling market. These are tried and tested strategies that provide ample protection against market volatility so that investors can preserve and protect their investments. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT

Mutual funds, the stock market, and bank deposits are India's best beginner investment options. The majority of novice investors are young and just starting their careers. They will therefore be investing for the long term. Beginner investors should aim to maximize their investments as they have experience and time on their side. In this article, we will be discussing the following topics: Why should you begin investing right away? You may take full advantage of the benefits of a long-term investing horizon by starting to invest when you are young. You might use an aggressive approach to your investment methods because of your age. Even if something went wrong, you would still have ample time to recover and go on to make a profit. Therefore, the key to maximizing investment prospects is to start investing early. Investment options for beginners in India Here are some investment options for people with no background or experience in investing. These options have lower, moderate, and higher risks, and an investor can choose to invest in different investment vehicles based on their needs. 1. Bank deposits People who don't like taking risks should put money in a bank. Minimal-risk investments have equity runs, though. You should consider investing in fixed deposits assuming you have a lump sum available. The interest rates on fixed deposits are rather decent and, if invested for a long time, can return a large sum. You may invest in a recurring deposit if you can put aside a set amount regularly, such as monthly or quarterly. One thing to keep in mind is that the potential profits provided by mutual funds and the stock market never match those provided by bank deposits. 2. Stock markets Among all investment options, investing in stocks gives you the possibility to get the best returns. You may invest with a long-term investing horizon because time is on your side. By doing this, you will combat market volatility and gain long-term advantages. To invest in the stock market, you must have some market understanding, though. If not, you should avoid the stock market. Without market expertise investing in stocks is equivalent to gambling. Your investment would be worth Rs 4.75 crore now if you had invested Rs 55,000 in shares of Eicher Motors, the company that makes Enfield motorcycles, in the year 2001 ($17.50 per share). The stock market has that kind of power. Additional read: What is foreign direct investment? 3. Mutual funds If you have a long-term investment plan, you can invest in mutual funds and take advantage of the power of compounding. Additionally, you do not need to be market-savvy. Mutual funds are run by expert fund managers with a proven track record of running successful investment portfolios. You may invest in equity funds given that you are a young investor and that these are recognized for providing outstanding long-term returns. Although investing in hybrid and debt funds might reduce your profits, they are still attractive options. You can invest in an equity-linked savings plan to reduce your taxes (ELSS). With this money, you can defer up to Rs 46,800 in taxes each year as per Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. No other tax-saving investment provides the twin advantage of tax deductions and wealth building like ELSS mutual funds do. 4. Government schemes A few government programs are available for investment. The Public Provident Fund is the most well-liked government savings program (PPF). It has a 15-year lock-in period with returns of between 7% and 9% annually. Additionally, you can put money into a Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) or National Savings Certificate (NSC) (VPF). Starting to invest early in life is the secret to being wealthy. This will provide you with the chance to build a significant amount over time, and you can rely on this to achieve different goals. 5. Savings Accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Savings Accounts and Certificates of Deposit offer low risk and are ideal for short-term goals or emergency funds.  6. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Real Estate Investment Trusts invest in real estate without owning physical property.  7. Robo-Advisors: Robo-advisors are automated platforms that create a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance. Starting your investment journey can help you build wealth, achieve financial goals, and beat inflation over time.  Important Considerations for New Investors:  Set Clear Goals: Establish your financial objectives and investment horizon.  Determine your level of comfort with risk by evaluating your risk tolerance.  Spread your investments among various asset types to lower risk through diversification.  Research: Learn about the investments you're considering and the market trends.  Costs: Be aware of fees, including management fees, commissions, and taxes.  Taking the long view: Investing is a marathon, not a race. Avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations.  Emergency Fund: Have an emergency fund in place before investing to cover unexpected expenses.  Stay Informed: Keep up with financial news to regularly review your portfolio.  How Much Money is Needed to Begin Investing:  The amount of money needed to begin investing can vary widely depending on the investment option you choose and your financial goals. Here's a general overview of how much you might need to start investing in different asset classes in Indian Rupees (INR):  Stock Market: You can begin investing in stocks with as little as INR 500 to INR 1,000 if you choose to buy shares of individual companies. However, it's recommended to have a diversified portfolio, so having INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 or more is a better starting point. A lot of brokerage firms have no minimum investment requirements.  Mutual Funds: The minimum investment amount can vary depending on the fund and the fund house. It typically ranges from INR 500 to INR 5,000 or more. Some mutual funds offer systematic investment plans (SIPs), where you can invest smaller amounts regularly, often as low as INR 500 per month.  Index Funds: Like mutual funds, the minimum investment for index funds varies but is usually in the range of INR 1,000 to INR 5,000.  Savings Accounts and CDs: You can open a savings account with a minimal deposit, often as low as INR 1,000 or even less. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) may require larger amounts, typically starting at INR 10,000 or more.  Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Investing in REITs often requires purchasing shares through a stock exchange, so the minimum investment amount would be like that of the stock market, varying from 500 to 5,000 or more Indian rupees.  Robo-Advisors: Robo-advisors typically have lower minimum investment requirements compared to traditional financial advisors. You might be able to start with as little as INR 5,000 or less.  Keep in mind that while these are general guidelines, the specific minimum investment requirements can vary among different providers and investment options. It is critical to conduct research and select assets that are compatible with your financial objectives and risk tolerance. Additionally, it's advisable to consult with a financial advisor before making any significant investment decisions to ensure they are suitable for your individual circumstances.  When deciding how much to invest, consider the following factors:    Your Financial Situation: Ensure you have an emergency fund and pay off high-interest debts before investing.  Investment Goals: Determine what you're investing in and your time horizon.  Risk Tolerance: Consider how much risk you're comfortable with; this can influence your initial investment amount.  Regular Contributions: Even if you start small, commit to regular contributions to your investments to benefit from compounding over time.  Costs and Fees: Be aware of any fees associated with your chosen investments; these can eat into your returns.  Starting with a small amount and gradually increasing your investments as your financial situation improves is a prudent approach. The key is to begin investing early, stay committed to your goals, and continuously educate yourself about investment options and strategies. Over a period of time, even small contributions can grow into a substantial portfolio.  FAQsWhat should I invest in as a beginner?  As a beginner, start with low-risk options like index funds or ETFs, offering diversification. These require minimal knowledge and provide exposure to the broader market.  How do I start investing if I don't know anything?   Start by educating yourself through books, online courses, or consulting a financial advisor. Then, open a brokerage account, begin with a small amount, and gradually increase your investments.  What is the simplest investment?   A savings account is the simplest investment. You deposit money, earn interest, and can withdraw it at any time without risk to the principal.  What is the smartest way to start investing?  The smartest way is to begin with a clear financial goal, assess your risk tolerance, diversify your investments, keep costs low, and invest consistently over time. Consider low-cost index funds or seek professional advice.  Conclusion There are various types of investment options in the market but only a few for people who don’t have enough knowledge to study their investments. Hence, you should compare the options available to know and find out the risks involved and whether they suit you. In any case, whenever you need advice or information regarding investment plans, reach out to a financial expert. TALK TO AN EXPERT

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is the second-largest asset management company in India. With over Rs 5 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. AMC offers products across asset classes. Let us talk about the flagship product of ICICI Prudential MNC Fund. ICICI Prudential MNC Fund Investment Objective The scheme primarily aims to provide capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities within the MNC space. Investment Process This is an open-ended equity scheme that follows an MNC theme, which falls under the thematic category. It invests in growing company stocks, which are selected based on extensive research and screening. Stocks selected for investment are reviewed periodically. ICICI Prudential MNC Fund broadly focuses on three approaches: 1. Indian Multi-national Companies - Companies incorporated in India with business operations across the globe. 2. Multi-national Companies listed in India - Foreign Companies having business operations in India and listed on Indian Stock exchanges. 3. Global Multi-national Companies - Foreign Companies having business operations across the globe but not listed on Indian Stock exchanges. Portfolio Composition The equity exposure is majorly in large-cap securities at 55%, followed by mid-cap and small-cap at 34% and 11%, respectively. The funds are invested across all the sectors without any specific sector being given more importance. The top 5 sectors hold nearly 53% of the portfolio. Note: 31st July 2023 Source: ICICI Pru Top 5 Holdings for ICICI Prudential MNC Fund NameSectorWeightage %Maruti Suzuki India LtdAutomobile8.70%Sun Pharmaceutical Ltd.Healthcare5.76%Infosys Ltd.Technology4.67%Hindustan Unilever LtdFMCG4.64%Bharti Airtel LtdTelecom Services4.12Note: Fund Performance since launch. Date: 17th June 2019Source: icicipruamc.com Invest in ICICI Mutual Fund Performance Since Inception Returns of ICICI Prudential MNC fund-Growth Option as of 30th June 2023. Particulars1 Year3 YearSince InceptionScheme20.4628.7920.20Nifty MNC TRI25.3419.8315.55Nifty 50 TRI 222.9124.5414.47Note: Fund performance since launch; Inception Date:17th June 2019.Source: icicipruamc.com The fund has given consistent returns and has outperformed both the benchmarks over the longer time horizon. If a person had invested Rs. 10,000 at the scheme's inception, it would now be valued at Rs. 21,020 against Rs. 17,923.78 in the NIFTY MNC TRI. Fund Manager The fund is ably managed by Roshan Chutkey, who has 28 years of experience and manages five funds in total. Who should invest in ICICI Prudential MNC Fund? Investors who aim to invest in a portfolio that invests primarily in securities within the MNC space and achieve goals like Wealth Creation. Why invest in ICICI Prudential MNC Fund? · High Quality & diversified portfolio: The scheme provides endeavors to invest in high-quality multi-national companies. · Flexibility: The scheme has the flexibility to invest across market caps and follow a sector-agnostic approach. · Bottom-up stock selection: The scheme follows a bottom-up approach while selecting stocks. Time Horizon · One should look at investing for a minimum of five years or more. · Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help tackle broader equity market volatility. Conclusion ICICI Prudential MNC Fund provides access to well-researched multi-national companies, which are an integral part of the global economy and can navigate challenging market conditions with relative ease. The fund has consistently performed and has outperformed its benchmarks in the long run. Hence, investors seeking to invest for a long-term time horizon to generate high returns with higher risk can consider this fund

HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. (HDFC AMC) is one of India's largest mutual fund companies. It is among one of the most profitable asset management companies (AMC) in the country. The company manages assets of over Rs. 4.8 Lakh crores (excluding domestic fund of funds) as of 30th June 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy_EsYNTJU4 HDFC Multi-Asset Fund Investment Objective The objective of the Scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation/income by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity & equity-related instruments, debt & money market instruments, and gold-related instruments. Investment Strategy Equity - The Fund follows a model whereby equity allocation is decided by factors such as TTM P/E, 1 Year Forward P/E, TTM PB, Earnings Yield/ G-Sec Yield, etc., with monthly rebalancing. Arbitrage - The Fund seeks to generate income through arbitrage opportunities. The arbitrage allocation ensures the fund is equity-oriented. Arbitrage allocation reduces the impact of equity drawdown. Debt - The Fund seeks to generate income by investing in debt securities based on credit quality, liquidity, interest rate, and outlook. Portfolio Composition The fund holds 54.07% equity, 13.29% debt, 13% commodities, 3.31% real estate, and 16.8% in Cash and cash equivalents. The significant sectoral exposure is to Financials, which account for over 16.68% of the equity portfolio. The top five sectors hold more than 34% of the equity portfolio. Date: 31st July 2023 Source: Value Research HDFC SIP Calculator Top 5 Holdings for HDFC Multi-Asset Fund NameWeightage %HDFC Gold ETF12.76%HDFC Bank6.26%ICICI Bank4.29%Axis Bank4.2%Bharti Airtel2.26%Date: 31st July 2023 Source: Value Research Invest in HDFC Mutual Fund Fund Managers for HDFC Multi-Asset Fund Currently, the HDFC Multi-Asset Fund is managed by the following fund managers. Mr Bhagyesh Kagalkar (Since 2nd February 2022): Collectively over 28 years of experience in Equity Research, investments, and Finance. Mr Srinivasan Ramamurthy (Since 13th January 2022): Collectively over 15 years of experience in equity research and fund management. Mr Anil Bamboli (Since 17th August 2005): Collectively over 28 years of experience in Equity Research, investments, and Finance Mr Arun Agarwal (Since 24 August 2020): Collectively over 23 years of experience in equity, debt, and derivative dealing, fund management, internal audit, and treasury operations. Mr Nirman Morakhia (Since 15th February 2023): Fund Manager and Dealer – Equities. Mr Priya Ranjan (Since 15th February 2023): Collectively, over 15 years of experience. Senior Equity Analyst and Fund Manager for Overseas Investments. Who Should Invest in HDFC Multi-Asset Fund? Investors looking to diversify their portfolio by gaining exposure to an actively managed portfolio across a variety of asset classes (like equity, gold, debt, etc.) under a single unified scheme may consider multi-asset allocation funds as a good option. However, investors should remain invested long-term to witness wealth creation. Past Performance of Regular Plan as of 31st July 2023. Full Name1Y3Y5Y10YSince InceptionHDFC Multi-Asset Fund (%)1416.0911.2911.179.89Benchmark Returns (%)14.1116.3812.4412.66NAAdditional Benchmark Returns (%)16.1822.7113.0214.5113.83 Conclusion The HDFC Multi-Asset Fund has been in existence for nearly two decades. It provides an opportunity to invest across various asset classes with the benefit of true diversification. So, investors looking to diversify their investments across various asset classes can consider this fund. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

UTI is one of the pioneers of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry. With an AUM of approximately Rs 2.4 Lakh crore, the AMC is among the most trusted names in the mutual fund space. The UTI Mutual Fund offers products across asset classes. Let us discuss the flagship product – UTI Nifty 500 Value 50 Index Fund. UTI Nifty 500 Value 50 Index Fund Investment Objective: The investment objective of the scheme is to provide returns that, before expenses, correspond to the total return of the securities as represented by the underlying index, subject to tracking error. Investment Process: UTI Nifty 500 Value 50 Index Fund follows a passive style of investing; that is, it invests in all the companies forming part of the Nifty 500 Value 50 Total Return Index (the underlying index) in the same proportion of the underlying index to earn a return as much as the underlying index, before expenses. Portfolio Composition The portfolio is biased towards large-cap stocks, with 56.21% of the fund allocation in large-cap stocks and the remaining 31.43% and 12.36% in mid-cap and small-cap, respectively. The scheme had significant exposure to the Financial Services sector, followed by Oil, Gas and consumables, and Metals & mining. Note: Data as of July 31, 2023.Source: UTI MF Invest in Mutual Fund Top 5 Holdings for UTI Nifty 500 Value 50 Index Fund NameSectorWeightage %Power Finance Corporation Ltd.Financial5.78NTPC Ltd.Energy5.42Oil & Natural Gas CorporationLtd.Energy5.18Tata Steel Ltd.Metals & Mining5.15Hindalco Industries Ltd.Metals & Mining5.12Note: Data as of July 31, 2023.Source: UTI MF Performance since Inception If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs. 11,479, whereas the benchmark (Nifty 500 Value 50 TRI) would have fetched Rs. 11,503. Note: Performance of the fund since launch; Inception Date: July 31, 2023. Source: utimf.com Fund Manager Sharwan Goyal is the Fund Manager and Head of Passive, Arbitrage, and Quantum strategies at UTI AMC. He is a CFA Charter holder from CFA Institute, USA, and holds a post-graduate degree in Management (MMS) from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. He has over 16 years of experience in Risk Management, Equity Research, Portfolio Analysis, and Fund Management at UTI AMC. Who Should Invest in UTI Nifty 500 Value 50 Index Fund? · This fund is suitable for Investors looking for returns that are commensurate with the performance of the Nifty 500 Value 50 Index over the long term. Ideal Time to Stay Invested · Ideal for investment with a time horizon of, preferably, five years or above. · Investment through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market. Conclusion UTI Nifty 500 Values 50 index fund is an open-ended fund that allows investors to invest in diversified companies with good growth potential. However, the fund was launched approximately three months ago, so it will be essential to monitor how the fund performs in the future. UTI Nifty 500 Value 50 Index Fund has been classified as having very high risk. Investors willing to invest passively for long-term growth and want to save on expense ratio can consider this fund. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Mutual funds are one of the most preferred avenues for multiplying investments over the years. Hence it is important to track the performance of mutual funds for that you must understand the necessary risk elements associated with it. Mutual fund houses release the performance sheet of the funds every month. Investors should track performance by multiplying the fund units with the current NAV and adding the received dividends. Comparing this amount with initial projections helps to identify whether the ongoing mutual fund is in alignment with the set financial goals or not.  Investing in a mutual fund scheme is not the end game as it will not ensure the achievement of your investment goals. Investors must track performance and review regularly to determine whether that specific scheme can meet their investment needs adequately. Track the performances of mutual funds Different parameters and tools to track the performance of mutual fund schemes include- 1. Mutual fund ratios Mutual fund ratios like standard deviation, Sharpe ratio, alpha, beta, and concentration ratio are primary tools to assess, analyze, and track the performance of mutual funds. The numerical figures help to identify and compare vital information in simple terms so that the investors can understand the overall scheme. For example, a positive alpha means that the scheme is profitable as it has surpassed the benchmark index. Similarly, a higher Sharpe ratio signifies the potential for higher returns and encourages investors to opt for the scheme. Start Investing in Mutual Funds 2. Fund fact sheet A fund fact sheet is published by the AMC every month to show the growth of the investments. Keeping track of this report card helps investors to know how the money is allotted in different schemes, the size of the investment, and overall fund performance in terms of standard deviation, beta, CAGR, and Sharpe ratio.  The fund fact sheet lists all the schemes in an easy-to-read manner and compares the mutual funds in the same category. Investors can know about the fund’s performance and turnover compared to other schemes.  3. Historical returns One of the simplest ways to track performance is by comparing and checking the historical returns for at least 5 – 15 years. These act as viable scorecards and allow investors to check the returns over a specific period.  Investors must treat historical returns as performance indicators to look for consistency and solid fundamentals in the schemes.  A regular spike in returns shows that it is the right mutual fund for investing and a one-time occurrence acts as a red flag and urges investors to stay away from it.  How to Start Investing in Mutual Funds? Read More 4. Portfolio composition Tracking mutual funds through portfolio composition helps to check the portfolio holdings. It also helps to verify whether the stocks included in the portfolio can generate higher returns and comply with the risk profile that the investor had foreseen at the time of investing.  Portfolio composition is used to understand whether the scheme is made of quality assets and whether it can handle short-term market volatility.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlrsx9_yog&pp=ygUHZWR1ZnVuZA%3D%3D 5. Expense ratio The expense ratio is the overall expenses incurred in the mutual fund schemes charged to the investor. It minimizes the NAV and thus has a direct impact on the returns.  A lower expense ratio means higher returns because of minimum commission or intermediary fees. Using this tracker helps to choose the funds that will give the highest possible returns.  5. Peer factor One of the simplest ways to track the performance of your mutual fund is by comparing it against peer performance.  Investors must compare the scheme in the same category to get accurate results, for example, compare a blue-chip fund like Axis Blue Chip Fund with SBI Blue Chip Fund to know which one is showing better results.   6. Benchmark performance Keep track of the investment by comparing it with the benchmark performance. Investors can know whether the fund is showing a good performance by outperforming the benchmark index or if it is a below-par investment. A higher benchmark index means lower returns and vice-versa. When a mutual fund generates more returns than the benchmark index then it is the right fund for investing.  7. Risk-adjusted returns Track performance by comparing two funds with similar returns. The risk-adjusted returns help to identify and choose the fund with less risk option. Investors should be aware that funds with low risk than the benchmark will yield low returns and more risk will generate higher returns.  8. Rolling returns Checking the average of rolling returns helps to maintain the consistency of the mutual funds. It tracks the fund’s behavior in terms of volatility, loss proportion, and outperformance.  When the rolling returns are higher than the benchmark, it means that the investment will yield better results.  9. Online portfolio trackers Online portfolio trackers help to track and monitor mutual fund investments in a hassle-free way. The online platforms provide an updated value of all the investor’s funds.  A perfect example is EduFund’s scientific fund tracker which helps to track and monitor more than one lakh data points and 400+ financial situations. The RIA-registered app uses 128-SSL security for tracking transactions in a safe environment.  Advantages of tracking the performance of mutual funds Both new and seasoned investors should track the performance of mutual fund schemes for the following reasons- The mutual fund industry assures good returns but every scheme will not give high returns. Tracking performance and comparing the different schemes help to identify and choose the best scheme with consistent returns. Tracking performance regularly helps to stay in the loop and determine whether the funds are giving the expected returns. Investors can either add more units, stay invested, or switch to profitable funds based on the performance of the fund. Understanding key investment Metrics for Mutual Funds When considering mutual funds for your child's education, it's important to assess various metrics that provide insights into the fund's performance, risk, and suitability. Here are key factors to consider:  1. Alpha: Alpha measures a fund's performance relative to its benchmark after accounting for market risk. A positive alpha indicates the fund has outperformed the benchmark, potentially adding value to your investment.  2. Beta: Beta quantifies a fund's sensitivity to market movements. A beta of 1 suggests the fund moves in line with the market, while a beta greater than 1 indicates higher volatility and less than 1 suggests lower volatility.  3. Expense Ratio: The expense ratio represents the annual fee charged by the fund to manage your investment. Lower expense ratios are generally preferable as they impact your returns over time.  4. Do a Comparison of Similar Funds: Comparing similar funds helps you identify top performers within the same category. Analyze factors such as historical returns, risk measures, and fund manager track records.  5. Rolling Returns: Rolling returns provide insights into a fund's consistency over different time periods. Look for funds with consistently positive rolling returns, indicating sustained performance.  6. Sharpe Ratio: The Sharpe ratio assesses a fund's risk-adjusted returns. Higher Sharpe ratios imply better returns for the level of risk taken. Consider funds with higher Sharpe ratios within their category.  7. Consider Market and Economic Cycles: Understand that markets and economies go through cycles. Choose funds that have shown resilience across different cycles. Funds that perform well in various market conditions might provide better stability for long-term goals.  8. Risk Tolerance: Evaluate your risk tolerance. For long-term goals like funding education, you might accept a slightly higher risk for potentially higher returns. However, ensure the risk aligns with your comfort level.  9. Investment Horizon: The time until your child's education is a crucial factor. Longer horizons can accommodate more volatility, allowing for potential recovery from market downturns.  10. Diversification: Consider funds that offer diversification across sectors and asset classes. Diversification can help mitigate risk and enhance the potential for stable returns.  11. Past Performance vs. Future Outlook: While past performance provides insights, remember that it's not a guarantee of future success. Analyze a fund's strategy, manager's approach, and economic trends.  12. Professional Advice: Consult a financial advisor who can assess your financial situation, goals, and risk appetite. They can recommend suitable funds and help tailor a portfolio to your child's education needs.  Incorporating metrics into investment decisions When selecting mutual funds for your child's education, utilize these metrics collectively. Prioritize funds with favorable alphas, lower expense ratios, and consistent rolling returns. Balance risk and reward by considering beta and Sharpe ratios. Conduct thorough research perform due diligence, and consult a financial advisor to make informed decisions that align with your child's education goals. Remember that investments carry inherent risks, and diversification is essential for managing these risks effectively.  Conclusion Investors can use the above-mentioned tools to track the performance of their mutual fund schemes. Due diligence helps to measure the profitability of the fund, conduct informed decisions, and keep hard-earned money safe. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Did you know that international students have to pay college fees on top of tuition fees to study at Cambridge University? This is why you need to save to send your child to Cambridge University. UK’s oldest and top institute with the lowest acceptance rate and skyrocketing tuition fees – getting admission at this college is not enough. From expensive tuition costs to living expenses costing £12,400 on average (11-12 lakhs yearly), the need to invest and save is urgent! Suppose, if your child goes for an MBA in this university, he or she will have to pay Rs 58 to 59 lakhs per year for tuition fees. Similarly, if your child is going for BTech or MBBS here, he or she will have to pay somewhere around Rs 33 – 58 lakhs per year for tuition fees. How do you need to save to send your child to Cambridge?  1. Preparing an education fund  Preparing an education fund helps in growing your financial corpus. You can do this by investing in financial assets which have a longer-term plan. These plans include mutual funds, ETFs, and so on. Start by deciding your monthly budget. Choose an investment plan which suits your need and budget. Make sure that you do not invest in a plan which offers low returns. ULIPs are a really good option if you are saving up for your child’s education at the University of Cambridge.   Public Provident Fund is another great option that you can go for. Parents prefer going for PPF because it provides a specific interest rate and is extremely secure. Apart from this, you must always prepare a long-term investment option.   Start Investing in Mutual Funds 2. Balanced investment options  Fixed deposits are great ways to invest but do not beat inflation. You cannot rely on them for the long term since they provide fixed returns of 5-6% while inflation in the current economy averages around 7-8%. The chances are that as an investor, you will lose the opportunity to gain from the markets.   Equity funds will be a good option for you if you start early as a parent. Around eight to ten years are required for you to build the right amount of corpus. You can go for SIPs in equity funds because they have a good return value and do not require heavy sums of money in one go.   Equity exposure until five years to the date of maturity can prove to be extremely beneficial. In the last decade, equity mutual funds have delivered an average return of 15%.   If you consider yourself a moderate-risk investor, you can still invest 60% to 70% of your total investment amount in equities. Make sure that you have a sufficiently long investing horizon so that you can counter crashes and volatility. Remember investing is risky but a good plan and a great advisor can help you manage your money better even in the worst climate.    Start Investing in US Market 3. Aggressive investment options  Equity investment leads to higher risk but also good returns. If you want to add more options to your portfolio, you can go for aggressive investments. In such a type of investment option, the investor takes on more risk to that he or she can achieve a higher potential return. Investing in stocks is a way of doing so. Although it is quite volatile and requires daily inspection, it has the potential to offer a chance for greater gains when compared to other types of investment.   Some other types of aggressive investment options are stock mutual funds, real estate investment trusts, hedge funds, emerging markets, small-cap stock funds, private equity, foreign stocks, global funds, and so on.  There are many ways to save to send your child to Cambridge but all start with smart planning for the right cost with the right experts. If you want the best for your child’s education, connect with us!  FAQs What are the fees of the University of Cambridge in Indian rupees? Tuition fees - 21.57 - 56.31 lakhs. Is Cambridge expensive for students? Ans. Yes, the University of Cambridge is generally considered expensive for students due to tuition fees, living costs, and other associated expenses. However, scholarships, grants, and financial aid options are available to help mitigate the costs for eligible students. How much does it cost to go to Cambridge for 4 years? Ans. The expected four-year cost of tuition for members of the class of 2026 who were admitted in the fall of 2022 is $71,364. The anticipated four-year cost of enrollment, including living expenses and personal fees, is $132,625.

Investment is extremely important for your child’s future. But deciding the best investment tool is tough. Let’s look at Recurring deposits (RD) vs Mutual Funds to find out which tool can safeguard the future financial needs of your child.  Both Recurring deposits and Mutual Funds have their pros and cons. Let’s understand both of them in detail. What are Recurring deposits? Recurring deposits are a monthly financial commitment that provides customers with the flexibility to invest a specific amount. It follows a proper flow of saving money with ease. This facility is provided by most of the banks and NBFCs in India whose period can range somewhere between 6 months to 10 years. Key features of recurring deposits The schemes offering recurring deposits aim to habituate people to a regular saving pattern. The amount that can be saved depends from one bank to the other and it can be as small as rs 10. The minimum period for which you can avail of the scheme is 6 months and the maximum goes up to 10 years. The interest rate will the same as that of fixed deposits offered in the same bank. Interest rates vary from 5.8% to 7.8%. It provides an additional benefit of taking a loan against the deposit which acts as collateral. You can open an RD with your bank but remember that all RDs offer a fixed interest rate and are free of risk! Start Saving with EduFund What are Mutual funds?  Mutual Fund is a popular form of investment that acts as a financial tool that collects assets from different shareholders to invest in securities like bonds, debt, equity, stocks, and so on.   Each fund has a fund manager who looks after the performance, manages the risk, and allocates the fund’s assets.   Mutual funds are great for investors who cannot actively follow market performance and manage their investments on a daily basis. The fund manager acts as a custodian of your investments and takes calculated risks to provide maximum benefits! Key features of mutual funds Mutual funds manage a portfolio that contains stocks, bonds, and other types of securities. Mutual funds invest in different markets, industries, and companies. They offer market exposure to new investors who can reap the benefits of various professionally managed portfolios at a very low cost. There are different types of mutual funds such as equity, debt, hybrid, and gift funds. Mutual funds charge annual fees and a commission for managing the portfolio which might affect your overall returns. Debt funds are relatively safer than equity funds or hybrid funds. Invest in Mutual Funds Difference between recurring deposits and mutual funds  Frequency of Investment: Recurring Deposits require the investor to be regular and pay at fixed intervals of time whereas mutual funds involve frequencies like weekly, monthly, quarterly, and so on.  Returns: The returns in recurring deposits are based on the interest rate provided by the bank. In the case of mutual funds, the returns are variable and depend on the scheme which is opted by the investor.  Investment Schemes: There exists no schemes or options in the case of recurring deposits whereas there are various schemes available if you go for mutual funds.  Market Linked: Recurring deposits offer fixed interests at regular intervals of time because they are not affected by market performance. In the case of mutual funds, lumpsum, and SIP are subject to market risks. Hence, the returns are not guaranteed or fixed. How can these financial commitments be useful for your child? If your child is young and you have a low-risk appetite, then recurring deposits can be safe play for you. You can deposit a specific amount every month in his or her name which can be helpful for their higher education. It has no risk which assures that you will receive a good corpus at the end of your savings tenure. On the contrary, mutual funds are very effective if you consider the increasing rate of inflation in the domain of education. Equity is also a good option that you can go for. However, it is advised that you start these schemes well in advance so that you can counter volatility or crashes that may arise. Talk to an Expert FAQs Are mutual funds good for child education?  Yes, mutual funds can be a suitable investment option for funding a child's education due to their potential for growth over time. However, it's important to choose funds based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.   Which mutual fund is best for child education?  To find out the best mutual funds for your child's education savings, you need to visit EduFund. You can find class-wise mutual funds for your child's future savings. For instance, if your child is in 1st grade then there are plenty of mutual funds selected by our experts that you can invest in for their college! What is the best way to invest in a child's education?  Investing in a mix of diversified mutual funds, specifically those with a long-term growth focus, can be a strong approach to funding a child's education. Regular contributions through SIPs, starting early, and adjusting risk as the child grows older are key considerations. Consulting a financial advisor is recommended.  

Many young adults’ first experience with financial management is in college. Parents must understand the value of this information, but some struggle to convey it to their children, and the majority of universities do not provide courses in this area. You can teach your children money management skills that they will need throughout their lives, and the money management habits they form in college are likely to stick with them for the rest of their lives. As parents, the lessons you teach about money management will give them the confidence to manage their finances in the future, save money, and stay out of debt by putting good money management skills into practice. Your children will be better prepared for the tension-free financial future they deserve if they learn how to manage money early. Long-term money management strategies As college students, they are always short on time as well as money and that is precisely why it is the right time to start building their financial habits. Some long-term strategies you can teach your child are- 1. Teach them how to budget Creating a budget is extremely important and it is something you should teach your child before sending them off to college. Recognizing the line between wants and needs is the key to budgeting. Make sure they fully portray their spending patterns by having them list their expected monthly costs for things like books, school supplies, laundry, eating outside, meal plans, and personal care products. Don't forget to include recreational activities. They will be on the right path to the future with better money management by establishing these limitations in advance. 2. Emergency savings fund Starting an emergency savings fund is essential for anyone's long-term financial stability, whether they are students or not. An emergency fund acts as a safety net that one can rely on for those "rainy days" when they find themselves in a financial crisis. They will be able to recover thanks to their emergency money. It is up to them how much money they save each month. No matter how tiny the amount may appear at first, they must save something each month. 3. Finding cheap housing Housing is a significant and inevitable expense in college. If you are preparing your child to manage their funds and create a budget on their own, encourage them to explore the options available on campus. The most affordable option to have the entire college experience is to live on campus. When it comes to housing, living with roommates is also a great way to save money. Your child needs to interact with the students around them who are also looking for a place to live. Who knows, maybe they'll find some of their closest friends! Money Management Tips for HomeMakers Read More Try to Save Money as Much as Possible Saving money isn't just a financial practice; it's a mindset that sets the tone for responsible adulthood. Even as a young adult, adopting a disciplined saving approach can yield substantial benefits over time. Here's how you can lay the groundwork for a successful savings journey:  Set Clear Goals: The foundation of effective saving is setting specific goals. Whether it's building an emergency fund, planning for a dream vacation, or saving for a down payment on a house, having well-defined objectives provides direction and motivation.  Automate Savings: Capitalize on automation by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your dedicated savings account. Treating saving as a non-negotiable expense encourages consistency.  Start Small, Think Big: It's not the initial amount but the consistency that matters. Even if you can only save a small percentage of your income initially, remember that small contributions compound over time to create substantial savings.  Embrace the 50-30-20 Rule: Divide your income into three categories: necessities (50%), discretionary spending (30%), and savings and debt repayment (20%). This balanced approach fosters responsible spending while prioritizing saving.  Build an emergency fund with enough money in it to cover three to six months' worth of expenses. This cushion safeguards you against unexpected financial shocks.  Start Investing in Mutual Funds Keep Track of Your Debts Effectively managing your debts is a pivotal aspect of financial stability. Proactively addressing your debt situation during your early adult years can avert future financial turmoil. Here's how you can navigate the complex terrain of debt management:  Catalog Your Debts: Start by creating a comprehensive list of all your debts, ranging from student loans and credit card balances to any outstanding loans. Note down interest rates and minimum payment requirements for each.  Prioritize High-Interest Debts: Tackle high-interest debts with unwavering focus. By paying off these obligations first, you're effectively minimizing the total interest you'll end up paying overtime.  Punctual Payments: Ensure that you meet at least the minimum payment requirement for each debt on time. Timely payments not only prevent late fees but also bolster your credit score.  Prudent Borrowing: Exercise discretion when considering new debt. Only borrow when it's necessary and within your means. Keep in mind that every debt you take on affects your future financial commitments.  Start Investing in US Market Stop Spending on Unnecessary Things Disciplining your spending habits is pivotal for maintaining financial equilibrium. Developing the ability to differentiate between essential needs and superfluous desires is a hallmark of fiscal prudence:  Create a Budget: Formulate a comprehensive budget that outlines your monthly income and expenditures. This provides clarity regarding your financial standing and empowers you to allocate funds judiciously.  Practice Delayed Gratification: Cultivate the habit of delaying purchases. This approach offers a cooling-off period that helps you evaluate whether a purchase is truly essential or merely impulsive.  Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: When making purchases, quality gives precedence. Investing in a few high-quality items that endure over time is more cost-effective than buying numerous lower-quality products.  Opt for Cash or Debit: Minimize reliance on credit cards. Opting for cash or debit cards makes you more mindful of your spending and curbs the tendency to overspend.  Guard Against Lifestyle Inflation: As your income increases, resist the urge to immediately inflate your lifestyle. Instead, continue living within or below your means, allowing you to save and invest more substantially.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jjXF-KC9iWI How to earn while in college? Your child will be able to cover their costs while in college and gain valuable work experience that will benefit them in the long run. They will be able to avoid future debt by making some income themselves. Students have a lot of work opportunities at universities. Your child should find out about working at the school bookstore or as a (resident assistant) RA. College students may also be eligible for additional employee benefits from several nearby businesses. Ask them to think about applying for summer jobs if work becomes a burden while studying. 1. Daily money-saving strategies You can teach your child a variety of money management techniques to help them become more frugal while they are in college. Here are a few daily financial management techniques. 2. Meal plans Ask about the college's meal plans. Teach your child to make the most of what they have by using it to the fullest. They should buy snacks they could use the next day if they have any spare cash left. 3. Student discounts A student ID card has a lot more uses than just serving as identification, including various ways your child can use it to save money. You should advise them to call ahead the next time they want to go watch a movie, get school supplies, or go for a haircut to see if the business provides any student discounts for nearby college students. They will have access to all campus facilities, including the gym, pool, library, etc., with their student ID card. 4. Cooking at home Teach them how to cook and how to utilize ingredients. Cooking their own food will help them save a lot of money that they’d be spending if they ordered or went out for meals. These are great skills they will value for life. They can also make cooking a fun activity by inviting their friends over and trying out new recipes. 5. Public transportation If your child does not live close to their college, they should take public transportation instead of driving there. They will be able to save money and avoid the stress of crowded school parking lots thanks to public transport. They will also save on the cost of car insurance, gas, and university parking passes. FAQs How do I teach my child to manage money? Start with simple concepts like saving, spending, and giving. Use clear jars for each purpose. Set an allowance, encouraging saving for goals. Involve them in budgeting decisions. Teach about needs vs. wants. As they grow, introduce bank accounts, investments, and wise spending. Be a role model for responsible money habits. What are the best money management tips? Create a budget, track spending, and prioritize saving. Pay off high-interest debt. Build an emergency fund. Invest for long-term goals. Live below your means. Avoid impulse buying. Comparison shop and look for deals. Continuously educate yourself about personal finance. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan. How do I teach my 4-year-old about money? Introduce coins and their values through play. Use a clear jar to show savings. Associate coins with small rewards. Teach basic needs vs. wants. Keep conversations simple and age-appropriate. Use stories or games to explain money concepts. Be patient, reinforce lessons, and set a positive example of smart money choices. How can a 10-year-old save money? A 10-year-old can start by setting a savings goal, like buying a toy or game. Help them create a simple budget and allocate a portion of their allowance or gifts to savings. Use a piggy bank or a savings jar to visually track progress. Encourage patience and celebrate milestones together. Conclusion The main conclusion is that although college is expensive, there are ways to lessen the financial pressure. Early financial management in college will help your child set themselves up for success in the future. Money management will make it easier for them as well as you while they’re studying in college. If they have the basic knowledge of how to handle their finances before going to college, they will be able to do it stress-free and be able to learn better with time. TALK TO AN EXPERT

Mutual funds have given exceptional performance over the period. Some investors just look for the returns irrespective of the risk and other parameters. So, here we have shortlisted the top-performing best SIP mutual funds with returns as a filter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlrsx9_yog What is a SIP? SIP or the Systematic Investment Plan refers to the investment tool associated with various mutual funds. SIP allows investors to invest money periodically for a long period.  Start Investing in Mutual Funds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ETi60GetP8 Ignite Prosperity: Unleash the Power of SIP Mutual Funds S.No.Fund Name3-Yr Annualized Performance1Quant Small Cap Fund Growth Option Direct Plan44.30 %2PGIM India Mid-cap Opportunities Fund Direct Plan-Growth39.28 %3Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth38.83 %4Bank of India Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth38.82 %5Quant Tax Plan Direct Option Growth Plan36.88 %6Quant Infrastructure Fund Growth Option Direct Plan36.47 %7Quant Mid Cap Fund-Growth Option Direct Plan35.89 %8Kotak Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth35.37 %9Quant Active Fund Growth Option Direct Plan33.28 %10Quant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth Option32.25 %Note: Data as of July 25, 2022Source: Morningstar 1. Quant small cap fund direct plan-growth Fund analysis: The fund has delivered an exceptionally good performance. The fund is investing predominantly in small-cap companies. The fund is rated 5-star by Morningstar. The risk grade is high, and the returns grade is high. The fund follows a blended style of investing. The risk is spread across companies with the top 10 holdings consisting of 38.96%. The fund has a high risk (measured by standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsA top performer in its category. Fund captured the market well when it was rising.Volatility is very high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIRf2Dm1wB8 2. PGIM India mid-cap opportunities fund direct plan-growth Fund analysis: The fund has outperformed the category and the benchmark with good margins. The fund is investing predominantly in mid-cap companies. The fund is rated 5-star by Morningstar. The risk grade is above average, and the returns grade is high. The fund follows a growth style of investing. The risk is spread across companies with the top 10 holdings consisting of 35.25%. The fund has a high risk (measured by standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsA top performer in its category. The fund captured the market well when it was rising and falling, better than the category average.The minimum monthly SIP amount is Rs 1000/- thus marginal investors may not be able to take exposure Calculate Investment Using SIP Calculator 3. Canara Robeco small cap fund direct-growth Fund analysis: The fund has outperformed the benchmark over different horizons. The risk grade is average and the returns grade is high. The fund has a well-diversified portfolio invested across market capitalization. The top 10 holdings consist of a total of 22.88%. The fund is rated 5-star by Morningstar. The fund holds a good risk-to-reward ratio. The fund has low risk (measured in standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsFund captured the market well when it was rising. The fund captured the market well when it was falling.Less exposure to small-cap stocks. 4. Bank of India small cap fund direct growth Fund analysis: The fund is rated 5-star by Morningstar. The risk grade is below average, and the returns grade is high. The fund has a beta of 0.84 indicating that the movement of the fund is less relative to the market movement. The fund follows a growth style of investing. The fund has a low risk (measured by standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsMy risk grade is below average. Well-diversified portfolio.The fund has a high expense ratio. 5. Quant tax plan direct option growth plan Fund analysis: The fund’s objective is to generate capital appreciation by investing predominantly in a well-diversified portfolio of equity shares with growth potential. The risk grade is high and the return grade is high. The fund has a beta of 0.99 which means that the fund movement is very much relative to the market movement. The fund has a high risk (measured by standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsWell-diversified portfolio.Tax benefit.Highly volatile. 6. Quant infrastructure fund growth option direct plan Fund analysis: The fund’s objective is to seek to generate capital appreciation & provide long-term growth opportunities by investing in a portfolio of infrastructure-focused companies. The risk and return grade of the fund is high. The fund follows a blended style of investing, indicating the fund has both value and growth stocks. The fund has invested majorly in large-cap companies. The fund has outperformed the category average with good margins. ProsConsFund has outperformed the category average over 1-Yr, 3-Yr & 5-Yr trailing returns. Fund has outperformed the category average when the market was falling.Low Assets Under Management. 7. Quant mid-cap fund-growth option direct plan Fund analysis: The fund’s objective is to seek to generate capital appreciation & provide long-term growth opportunities by investing in a portfolio of mid-cap companies. The risk grade is below average, and the returns grade is high. The fund has a beta of 0.85 indicating that the movement of the fund is less relative to the market movement. The fund has a concentrated portfolio of 34 stocks, investing in both value & growth stocks. The fund has low risk (measured by standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsA consistent top performer in its category. The fund captured the market well when it was rising and falling, better than the category average.Concentrated portfolio of 34 stocks. 8. Kotak small cap fund direct growth Fund analysis: The fund has outperformed the category average in terms of trailing returns over different horizons. The risk grade is above average and the returns grade is above average. The fund has a beta of 0.95 indicating that the movement of the fund is quite closely relative to the movement of the market. The fund has a well-diversified portfolio of growth stocks consisting of 72 companies spread over different sectors and market-cap companies. The fund has a high risk (measured in standard deviation) than the category average. ProsConsThe fund has a favorable expense ratio. Fund captured the market well when it was falling.Too much diversification may hamper the returns. 9. Quant active fund growth option direct plan Fund analysis: The fund’s primary objective is to generate capital appreciation & provide long-term growth opportunities by investing in a portfolio of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The risk grade is above average and the returns grade is high. The fund is rated 5-star by Morningstar. The fund has invested 59.45% in large-cap, 28.07% in mid-cap, and 12.48% in small-cap companies. The fund has outperformed the category average over 1-yr, 3-yr & 5-yr trailing returns. ProsConsThe fund has a risk grade of above average, whereas the returns grade is high. Consistent performance over the period.Fund has underperformed the category average over 5-Yr trailing returns. Source: pexels 10. Quant Flexi cap fund direct plan growth option Fund analysis: The fund’s objective is to seek to generate capital appreciation & provide long-term growth opportunities by investing in a portfolio of consumption-driven companies. The risk grade is above average high. The fund has outperformed the category average and the benchmark with good margins over the long-term period. The fund has limited holdings of 36 stocks but is well-diversified across sectors. ProsConsAttractive risk-to-reward ratio. The fund captured the market well when it was rising & falling, better than the category average.Exit load of 1.00%, if units redeem within 1 year. Benefits of SIP investments Compounding: SIPs are based on the compounding theory and prove more advantageous at the end of a specific period. The interest rates are calculated and added based on compound interest which brings forth a better investment return than simple interest.  Discipline: SIPs help parents become disciplined and regular investors who are fully involved in their child’s future. Systematic and easy to manage: In this era, where everyone is so busy, SIPs are very easy to handle. Investors are allotted units every month based on the NAV at the time of their SIP. The amount is automatically deducted from the account of the investor. Flexibility: SIP helps to gain control of the finances as it is possible to start or stop a SIP anytime. Higher returns: It helps investors to earn greater returns compared to other investment opportunities like fixed deposits. Small investments: It is possible to start a SIP investment with as low as INR 100 per month, hence anyone willing to invest in their child’s future can do so easily.  Tax benefits: Some SIPs like ELSS funds have tax benefits, hence it is doubly advantageous for investors to invest in such schemes. The abundance of options: Numerous asset management houses offer SIP options to meet even the minimum criteria of an investor. Best deals: The most important benefit of a SIP for regular investors is that they can buy mutual fund units at different prices. The average investment premium is much lower compared to other investments. How to get higher returns from SIP mutual funds? To get higher returns from SIP mutual funds, you need the help of an expert or a financial advisor. They can help you invest right, manage the funds properly and conduct market research to help you maximize your returns. Here is a helpful way to get higher returns from your SIP mutual funds: Research the funds that are performing well for a longer time and shortlist the names which show good potential. It is important to start investing in SIP as early as possible as it will give you a longer window to save more. Create a rough layout financial goal, for example, the time horizon, the amount needed, and your risk profile. Invest in mutual funds that have a diversified portfolio to reduce the risk of losing money all at once. Take the help of experts in the EduFund App to make wiser and safer investment decisions.  Consider the additional expenses and costs associated with the funds like expense ratio (the cost charged by the AMC to manage your funds). Tax-saving benefits are attached to several mutual fund schemes that can help parents to save a considerable amount through tax exemptions. How to start a SIP investment on the EduFund App? Step 1: Download and Sign up with EduFund Go online with SIP investments with EduFund. Download the application and sign up with personal details. The whole signup process takes just 3 seconds.  Step 2: Identify your goals for your child’s future  The application provides a gamut of options for your child’s education. Evaluate the goal. Whether you wish to: Save for school fees Save for higher education in India or overseas Step 3: Calculate the total cost with a FREE calculator After identifying the goals, calculate the total costs of higher education for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. You could calculate basing National or International academic education expectations. Select the specialization and the country you are seeking higher education. Step 4: Get your investment map and invest Soon after filing the details, you will get how much you could get after investing for the respective number of years. You will get a number of SIP suggestions that you could compare with yours. You could increase or decrease the sum to invest monthly as per financials. We provide an overview of your savings transitioning into returns until you get the investment sum. You could go for a lump sum payment if you are an entrepreneur with unstable finances. Place the order as a secured investment through UPI or other methods. You could start with just ₹100 in Edufund SIP investments. Step 5: Track, revisit and reset goals anytime Once you set up a SIP plan, you can edit goals according to the revised economic situation. Edufund captures the sensitivity that comes with finances. Revisit the plan and modify it as per goals and finances. You will get a new investment plan with new goals. Plan your savings accordingly. Factors to Take into Account Before Choosing the Best Mutual Funds for SIP 2023 Investing Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a popular way to invest in mutual funds by making regular, fixed investments over time. Selecting the right mutual funds for your SIP investments requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are key points to evaluate before making your investment decisions in 2023:  1. Investment Goals and Horizon: Identify your investment goals—whether it's wealth creation, retirement planning, or funding-specific goals. Determine your investment horizon, as different funds suit short, medium, or long-term goals.  2. Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance before investing. Different funds carry varying levels of risk. Choose funds aligned with your risk appetite to avoid discomfort during market fluctuations.  3. Fund Performance: Analyze the historical performance of mutual funds. Look for consistent returns over multiple market cycles rather than just short-term outperformance.  4. Fund Category: Understand the different mutual fund categories such as equity, debt, hybrid, and thematic funds. Choose categories that match your risk profile and investment goals.  5. Fund Manager Expertise: The fund manager's experience and track record play a crucial role. Research the manager's history and style to ensure their approach aligns with your investment philosophy.  6. Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios are preferable as they directly impact your returns. Compare expense ratios among similar funds to choose cost-efficient options.  7. Fund Assets and AUM: A fund's size can influence its performance and liquidity. While larger funds might offer stability, smaller ones can be more agile in taking advantage of market opportunities.  8. Consistency of Returns: Look for funds that consistently deliver steady returns over time, even if they are not the highest performers in the short term.  9. Portfolio Holdings: Examine the fund's portfolio holdings to understand its asset allocation, sector exposure, and quality of securities. Diversification is key to managing risk.  10. SIP Period and Amount: Determine the SIP period and the amount you can comfortably invest regularly. Consistency in SIP investments is more important than the amount invested.  11. Exit Load and Lock-in Period: Check for any exit loads or lock-in periods associated with the mutual funds. These can impact your ability to withdraw funds when needed.  12. Market Conditions and Economic Outlook: Consider the current market conditions and economic outlook while selecting funds. Different sectors perform differently in various market cycles.  13. Tax Implications: Understand the tax implications of the funds you're considering. Different funds have different tax treatments for gains.  14. Regulatory and Corporate Governance: Research the fund house's reputation, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance practices to ensure a trustworthy investment.  15. Diversification: Diversify your SIP investments across different fund categories and asset classes to mitigate risks and capture potential opportunities.  Conclusion: If one selects the right mutual fund then it can fetch you good returns over the period, but the selection criteria should not be based on the returns only. One should consider other factors like risk, expense ratio, etc. FAQs Which is best for mutual fund SIP? Quant Small Cap Fund Growth Option Direct PlanPGIM India Mid-cap Opportunities Fund Direct Plan-GrowthCanara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct-GrowthBank of India Small Cap Fund Direct-GrowthQuant Tax Plan Direct Option Growth PlanQuant Infrastructure Fund Growth Option Direct PlanQuant Mid Cap Fund-Growth Option Direct PlanKotak Small Cap Fund Direct-GrowthQuant Active Fund Growth Option Direct PlanQuant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth Option What is SIP mutual fund? A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an investment tool in mutual funds at regular intervals. The investor can decide the amount, and date of investment and choose to stop or pause. Is SIP better than FD? A SIP is likely to get you better returns than an FD. FD is an investment product while SIP is an investment tool - a way to invest rather than a product itself. You can start a SIP in mutual funds, direct stocks, or ETFs that have historically beaten inflation and FD rates in India. What is the difference between a SIP and a mutual fund? Mutual Fund is an investment product while SIP is an investment tool - a way to invest rather than a product itself. TALK TO AN EXPERT Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice, use it for educational purposes only. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully. The NAVs of the schemes may go up or down depending upon the factors and forces affecting the securities market including the fluctuations in the interest rates. The past performance of the mutual funds is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the schemes.

Incorporated in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis, Quant Mutual Fund has been in existence for approximately two decades now. The AMC offers a variety of mutual fund schemes, including equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid funds. Quantum Mutual Fund is known for its focus on active management and its commitment to providing investors with high-quality investment products. Quantum India ESG Fund Investment Objective The investment objective of the scheme is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in shares of companies that meet Quantum’s Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.  Investment Process  The Quantum India ESG Equity Fund invests in companies that are focused on conserving the environment, positively impacting communities that they operate in, and conducting business ethically.  These sustainable businesses are not only environmentally and socially responsible but also make great sense as investments as you look to build wealth over the long term.  The fund invests after comprehensive research on Environmental, Social, and Governance or ESG factors following the risk and liquidity controls on investing.    Portfolio Composition The portfolio is biased towards large-cap stocks, with 78% of the funds allocated to large-cap stocks, the remaining 19% and 3% to mid-cap and small-cap stocks respectively. Note: Data as of 31st July 2023. Source: Quantum Mutual Fund, Value Research Top 5 Holdings for Quantum India ESG Equity Fund Name Weightage % HDFC Bank Limited 8.21 TVS Motor Company Limited 4.35 Tata Communications Ltd 4.13 Tata Consultancy Services Ltd 3.95 The Indian Hotels Company Ltd 3.59 Note: Data as of 31st July 2023. Source: Quantum Mutual Fund Performance for Quantum India ESG Equity Fund   NIFTY100 ESG TRI S&P BSE Sensex TRI Period Scheme (₹) Benchmark Additional Benchmark Since Inception  17.24%  15.81%  15.65%  3 Years  22.52%  20.82%  22.38%  1 Year 15.69%  13.53%  20.70%  Note: Returns in % as of 31st, July 2023. Source: Quantum Mutual Fund  Since its inception, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 17.24%. Invest in Fund Fund Manager  The scheme is co-managed by Mr. Chirag Mehta & Ms. Sneha Joshi.  Mr. Chirag Mehta has more than 19 years of experience and has been managing this fund since July 2019.  Ms. Sneha Joshi has more than 9 years of experience and has been managing this fund since July 2019.  Who Should Invest in Quantum India ESG Equity Fund?  The fund is suitable for investors who are seeking.   Long-term capital appreciation.  An investment opportunity that invests in shares of companies that meet Quantum's Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) criteria.  Why Invest in this Fund? The fund offers a solution for investing in businesses where sustainable practices drive long-term performance.  It invests after comprehensive research on Environmental, Social, and Governance or ESG factors.  It provides exposure to good quality sustainable companies with low volatility and downside risk.  It is a well-diversified portfolio that follows a disciplined investment process.  It follows risk and liquidity controls on investing.  Time Horizon One should look at investing for at least five years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion Quantum India ESG Equity Fund is an open-ended fund that allows investors to invest in equities following the ESG theme. The fund has outperformed its benchmark consistently. However, the fund was launched approximately 3 years ago, so it will be important to monitor how the fund performs in the upcoming future. Hence, investors who believe in the ESG theme of investing can consider this fund with a long-term time horizon. DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

Managing finances as a single parent could be challenging in today's changing environment if not appropriately planned. Things could get out of control if not managed adequately. The child/children could be deprived of basic needs like education, clothing, etc. How single parents can plan finances? 1. Get rid of debt The first step is to get rid of debt. If you have any, try to pay off all the debt to reduce liability. And there is no stress about paying the EMIs. Education planning advice for new parents Read More 2. Emergency corpus The next step is creating an emergency corpus for yourself and your child to remain protected in uncertain events like job loss. The ideal way of making an emergency corpus is to put aside 6 months of your expenses. For example: if you have monthly expenses of Rs. 30,000, then you should put Rs.1,80,000 in a liquid fund or fixed deposit. 3. Life Insurance If something wrong happens to you, how or who will care for your child's expenses? For such a situation, consider having life insurance, preferably Term insurance. Calculating the amount of life insurance can be calculated in many ways. One could be 25 times your CTC. Suppose you have a CTC of 6 Lacs. The ideal life insurance cover you should consider is 1.5 crore. How Single Women can Start Investment Journey? Read More 4. Medical insurance Anyone can face health issues at any point in time. So, it is better to be well prepared by buying medical insurance. 5. Make a budget After having all these things in place, make a monthly budget. Calculate all your inflows and outflows, and categorize them into different categories Start SIP for child education savings 6. Define short-term & long-term goals Now, you need to prioritize your goals based on their importance and the time left to achieve them. Suppose you have to buy a house and a car and pay your child higher education fees. Now, you need to define which one is a short-term goal or which one is a long-term goal. Buying a house or car can come under long-term goals, but paying for your child's education could be short-term or long-term, but it needs to be prioritized at the top of your goals. Define the goals and prioritize them so that you achieve all your goal in time.  7. Make a financial plan Create a financial plan to achieve your goals which will define the time to achieve it, your risk appetite, and how much amount will be required to achieve that goal. Draw your investment strategy to help you achieve your goals effectively and efficiently. Conclusion When you are the only person to take care of your child, you should try to plan everything well in advance to provide a quality of living for your child. Having a sound financial plan will also help you ease your financial journey during the downturn. Talk To an Expert FAQs What are some financial tips for single parents? Here are some financial tips that all single parents must follow: Get rid of debt Emergency corpus Life Insurance Medical insurance Make a budget Define short-term & long-term goals Make a financial plan How important is it to save for parents? Education inflation is the reason why every parent needs to save for their child’s future! The cost of tuition is increasing every year. The education inflation rate is 11-12 percent; double of CPI which is at 6%. This means that the costs of education are growing faster than consumer price inflation as well. Fees for prominent courses and colleges are likely to reach 1 crore in the next 15 years. Parents need to be prepared for hefty fees in the future. Why should parents save money?   Financial security for emergencies and unexpected expenses.  Funding their child’s education and future endeavors.  Building wealth and assets for retirement.  Preparing for major life events like buying a house or starting a business.  Leaving a financial legacy for their family.