Category Archives: Mutual 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 worth Rs. 4,49,766.281 crores (excluding domestic fund of funds) as of 31st March 2023.  Let us talk about the consumer product – HDFC Multi Cap Fund.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw HDFC Multi Cap Fund  Investment Objective   The scheme's investment objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity-related securities of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies.  Investment Strategy  The fund manager follows a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches to stock selection. The strategy is to invest in companies that are leaders or are gaining market share due to superior execution, scale, better adoption of technology, etc.   Portfolio Composition  The fund holds 98.67% equity across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks and 1.33% in Cash and cash equivalents. The significant sectoral exposure is Banks, which account for over 15% of the portfolio. The top five sectors hold more than 40% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th April. 2023.Source: Value Research Top 5 Holdings for Multi Cap Fund  Name Weightage % ICICI Bank Ltd. 4.27 HDFC Bank Ltd. 3.94 Infosys Ltd. 2.51 Reliance Industries Ltd. 2.45 Apar Industries Limited 2.39 Note: Data as of 30th April. 2023. Source: Value Research  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy_EsYNTJU4 Fund Managers for HDFC Multi Cap Fund  Mr. Gopal Agrawal (Since 10th December 2021)– Fund Manager - Collectively over 17 years of experience in Fund Management and two years in Equity Research  Mr. Priya Rajan (Since 01st May 2022) – Senior Equity Analyst and Fund Manager for overseas Investments - Collectively over 15 years of experience.  Who Should Invest in HDFC Multi Cap Fund?  Investors looking to invest in an equity portfolio with a broad representation of sectors across market cap can consider this fund. However, investors should remain invested long-term to witness wealth creation.  Why Invest in this Fund?  Multi-cap provides balanced exposure to all sizes of company stocks which makes them more diverse.  As per the data released by AMFI for Jan-Mar. 23 quarter, HDFC AMC is the third largest AMC in India.  Time Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of three years or more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The HDFC Multi Cap Fund was launched on 10th December 2021 and delivered over 25% return in the last year compared to 13.74% of S&P BSE 500 TRI in the same duration as on 11th May 2023. However, we must monitor the fund's performance over the long term. Investors need to remain invested for the long term to witness wealth creation.  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 over 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 talk about the flagship product – UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund  Investment Objective The scheme aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of companies engaged in the transportation and logistics sector.  Investment Process   The fund follows a bottom-up approach for stock picking in line with its investment objective of investing in companies engaged in transportation and logistics. The fund focuses on companies having substantial earning quality, growth-oriented companies, and good companies in a transient weak operational phase. By virtue, the fund is highly risky due to its concentrated allocation.  Portfolio composition  The portfolio holds significant exposure in large-cap stocks at 72%, and significant sectoral exposure is to Automobile and Auto Components, which accounts for roughly three-fourths of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th April. 2023. Source: UTIMF Top 5 Holdings UTI Transportation & Logistics Fund  Name Sector Weightage % Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Automobile 12.88 Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. Automobile 12.78 Tata Motors Ltd.  Automobile 10.48 Eicher Motors Ltd. Automobile 9.69 Bajaj Auto Ltd. Automobile 7.02 Note: Data as of 30th April 2023. Source: UTIMF  Performance Since Inception  If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs. 98,237, whereas the benchmark (Nifty Transportation and Logistics TRI) would have fetched Rs. 89,164.  Note: Performance of the fund as on 31st March 2023 since launch; Inception Date – 11th April 2008 Source: utimf.com The fund has outperformed the benchmark. Investors have to be invested for a longer investment horizon to see the fund generating alpha.  Fund Manager  Mr. Sachin Trivedi ably manages the fund. Mr. Sachin Trivedi is Senior Vice President and designated Head of Research & Fund Manager, Equity at UTI AMC Ltd. He is a B.com graduate from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce, Mumbai, and holds a post-graduate degree in management (MMS) from the K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai University. He also holds a CFA charter since 2004 conferred on him by the CFA Institute, USA. He began his career in June 2001 with UTI. Sachin has 16 years of experience in research and portfolio management. In research, he has specialized in Auto OEM, Utilities, Capital Goods, and Logistics.   Who should invest?  Investors looking to  Increase the risk spectrum with exposure to a thematic portfolio by investing in stocks of companies catering to the transportation and logistics sector  Have a tactical allocation to their overall equity portfolio  Increase the risk spectrum of their portfolio with exposure to a sectoral philosophy  Why invest?  The fund's endeavor to benefit from growing income levels, increasing aspirations, and also led by low vehicle penetration in India, relative to similar economies, is a signal for an uptick in future demand and would be a positive factor for the sector.  The fund would be agnostic to the market capitalization spectrum and may take concentrated exposure to specific stocks, therefore, endeavoring to benefit from their underlying growth.  The fund is ideal for a tactical allocation, with relatively better return potential than the diversified equity funds.  Horizon  Ideal for investment with a time horizon of, preferably, five years or above   Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund has delivered consistent returns in the long run. Investors seeking a high return by taking aggressive risks with a bias towards the logistics and transportation sector can consider this fund for a long-term time horizon.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only.

Looking to make the most of your 20 lakhs? Explore the best investment options in India to grow your savings effectively. Discover the top investment plans and strategies to provide steady income and maximize your returns. Gow to invest your INR 20 lakhs Set Clear Financial Goals  Before you begin investing your 20 lakhs, defining your financial goals is essential. Determine whether you are saving for short-term needs, such as an emergency fund, or long-term objectives, such as retirement or buying a house. Clear goals will help you allocate your savings effectively and guide investment decisions.   Create a Diversified Investment Portfolio  To minimize risk and maximize rewards, diversification is essential. Instead of putting all your money into a single investment, consider spreading it across various asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and mutual funds. This approach can reduce the impact of market fluctuations on your overall portfolio and increase the chances of generating consistent returns.   Consult with a Financial Advisor   If you are still getting familiar with investment options or need guidance on the best strategies to grow your savings, seeking guidance from a financial advisor can be beneficial. A qualified advisor can assess your financial situation, risk tolerance, and goals and provide personalized advice on investment opportunities and asset allocation.   Cost of education after 20 years Read More Consider Fixed Deposits and Government Schemes   For individuals looking for low-risk investment options, fixed deposits (FDs) and government schemes can be viable choices. FDs provide a fixed interest rate over a predetermined period, ensuring capital preservation. Government schemes like the National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) offer attractive interest rates and tax benefits, making them suitable for long-term savings goals.   Explore Mutual Funds   To invest in a broad portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities, mutual funds aggregate the funds of numerous individuals. These funds are managed by professionals who aim to generate higher returns. Consider investing a portion of your savings in mutual funds based on your risk appetite, investment horizon, and financial goals.   Invest in Stocks   Investing in the stock market can provide significant growth potential over the long term. However, it also carries a higher risk. If you have a reasonable risk tolerance and a long investment horizon, consider investing a portion of your savings in a diversified portfolio of stocks. It's essential to conduct thorough research or consult with experts to make informed investment decisions in the stock market.   Keep an Eye on Tax Implications   When investing your savings, it's crucial to consider the tax implications of different investment avenues. Specific investment options, such as equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) and tax-saving fixed deposits, offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Understanding the tax implications will help you optimize your returns and minimize tax liabilities.   Monitor and Review Your Portfolio Regularly   Investing is an ongoing process, and monitoring and reviewing your portfolio is essential. Keep track of your investments' performance, assess market conditions, and make necessary adjustments to your portfolio based on changing circumstances or investment objectives. Regular monitoring ensures that your savings align with your goals and helps you make informed decisions.   Consider Real Estate Investments   Real estate can be a lucrative investment option for growing your savings. Consider investing in residential or commercial properties, depending on your budget and market conditions. Real estate investments have the potential to generate rental income and appreciate over time. Conduct thorough research, consult professionals, and evaluate factors like location, market trends, and potential returns before making real estate investments.   Explore Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)  Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are an excellent way to invest in mutual funds regularly. With SIPs, you can invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly. This strategy helps mitigate the impact of market volatility by averaging the purchase cost of mutual fund units over time. SIPs are particularly suitable for individuals with a disciplined approach to investing and a long-term investment horizon.   Invest in Gold   Gold is often considered a safe-haven investment that can hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties. You can invest in physical gold, such as gold bars or coins, or choose gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that track the price of gold. Gold investments can diversify your portfolio and serve as a store of value over the long term.   Automate Your Savings and Investments   Automating the process is one effective way to ensure consistent savings and investment. Set up automatic transfers from your bank account to a designated savings or investment account. This approach eliminates the temptation to spend money and helps you stay on track with your financial goals. Automating your savings and investments allows you to take advantage of dollar-cost averaging and benefit from market fluctuations over time.   Reinvest Dividends and Returns   If you have invested in dividend-paying stocks, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles, consider reinvesting the dividends or returns you receive. Instead of withdrawing the funds, reinvesting them back into your portfolio can accelerate the growth of your savings. This strategy compounds your returns over time and increases the overall value of your investments.   Keep an Emergency Fund  While growing your savings, setting aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies is essential. Aim to keep at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a liquid and easily accessible account, such as a savings account or a money market fund. An emergency fund safeguards your investments and ensures you don't have to dip into your savings during unforeseen circumstances.   Conclusion  By implementing diverse investment strategies, seeking professional guidance, and staying informed about market trends, you can optimize the growth potential of your savings of 20 lakhs. Regular monitoring and adjustments will help you achieve your financial goals and secure your future.

One of India's leading asset management companies, ABSL offers clients a wide range of investment solutions and has had a strong presence in retail and institutional segments for over 28 years. ABSL AMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited which is backed by Aditya Birla Group, a large conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of businesses.  The Aditya Birla Group is one of India's leading business houses, with a strong presence across various sectors in India and around the world. ABSL AMC benefits from the financial strength and stability of Aditya Birla Capital Limited and the Aditya Birla Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw ABSL Equity Advantage Fund  Investment objective The scheme aims to achieve long-term capital growth at relatively moderate risk levels through diversified research-based investment in Large & Midcap companies.  Investment Process   The scheme's investment focus would be discovering firms with strong corporate management and promising future development potential. Past performance will also be taken into account. Essentially, the focus would be on long-term, fundamentally driven values. However, short-term opportunities would also be seized, provided underlying values support them.  Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds its assets majorly in large-cap, that is 57%, then 37% in Mid-cap, of which the significant sectoral exposure is to Financials, which account for roughly 28%. The top five sectors hold more than two third of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 30th April 2023. Source: ABSL MF, Value Research ABSL Frontline Equity Fund Read More Top 5 Sector Holdings Name Weightage % ICICI Bank 7.33 HDFC Bank 6.92 State Bank of India 4.69 Infosys 4.39 Reliance Industries 4.16 Note: Data as of 30th April 2023. Source: Value Research Performance  Given below is the Return over time:   Absolute Returns for a period of up to one year Note: Data as of 31st March 2023 Source: ABSL MF Since its inception on 24th February 1995, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 16.29% for its regular plan. However, the fund has generated a CAGR of 13.94% for its direct plan since its inception on 01st January 2013.   Fund manager  Mr. Atul Penkar has over 21 years of experience in Equity Research and Fund Management. He joined Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited in April 2006 as Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager and has also worked as Portfolio Advisor for offshore funds. Before joining ABSLAMC, he worked as an Equity Research Analyst with Emkay Global Financial Services Limited.   Mr. Dhaval Joshi has an overall experience of 15 years in equity research and investments. Before joining Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, he was associated with Sundaram Mutual Fund (India) Ltd. for around five years. He has also worked as a research analyst with Emkay Global Financial Services and Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd.  Who should invest in this Fund?  This fund is suitable for investors seeking  long-term capital growth and income  investment predominantly in equity and equity-related securities as well as debt and money market instruments  Why invest in this Fund?  It provides an opportunity for long-term capital growth and income objectives, focusing on equity and equity-related securities and debt and money market instruments.  It can help investors avoid the long-term effects of rising prices.  It provides an alternative to investing in gold.  Time Horizon  The ideal time horizon for investing is at least three years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Invest Now Conclusion  Although the ABSL Equity Advantage Fund. has underperformed the benchmark recently, it has outperformed over the long term since its inception. Therefore, investors need to remain invested long-term to see the fund outperforming the benchmark and generating alpha.  DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

One of India's leading asset management companies, ABSL offers clients a wide range of investment solutions and has had a strong presence in retail and institutional segments for over 28 years. ABSL AMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, which Aditya Birla Group, a large conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of businesses, backs.  The Aditya Birla Group is one of India's leading business houses, with a strong presence across various sectors in India and around the world. ABSL AMC benefits from the financial strength and stability of Aditya Birla Capital Limited and the Aditya Birla Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwqQH0xkFw Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Equity Fund Investment Objective The scheme's investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in up to 30 companies with a long-term sustainable competitive advantage and growth potential.  Investment Process   The scheme would adopt top-down and bottom-up investing approaches and aim to diversify across various industries.  The scheme's investment emphasis would be investing in a maximum of 30 companies with sound corporate management and prospects of good future growth.   The fund's focus shall be biased toward large-cap companies driven by long-term fundamentals though not limited to it.   Portfolio Composition  The portfolio holds roughly 96% equity, of which the significant sectoral exposure is to Financials, which account for roughly 36%. The top five sectors hold more than 70% of the portfolio. Note: Data as of 30th April 2023. Source: ABSL MF Aditya Birla Scholarship Read More Top 5 Sector Holdings for ABSL Focused Equity Fund Name Weightage % ICICI Bank 9.79 HDFC 9.07 Infosys 7.05 Reliance 6.13 L&T 5.64 Note: Data as of 30th April 2023. Source: ABSL MF  Performance for ABSL Focused Equity Fund  Given below is the return over time.  CAGR of this fund CAGR of S&P BSE 100 TRI 1 Year 14.90 17.69 3 Years 25.01 28.05 5 Years 11.27 12.46 7 Years 13.25 14.50 10 Years 14.66 13.30 Note: Data as of 12th May 2023. Source: Valueresearch  Fund Manager  Kunal Sangoi is a Fund Manager and Senior Analyst with Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited. Kunal comes with an experience of 16 years in capital markets in the areas of equity research and portfolio management. He specializes in the Technology, Internet, Media, and Telecom sectors and has been with ABSLAMC since 2012, and was previously associated with Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd. in its Institutional Equity Research team as Senior Analyst. Kunal is a Chartered Accountant by qualification.   Dhaval Joshi has an overall experience of 15 years in equity research and investments. Before joining Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, he was associated with Sundaram Mutual Fund (India) Ltd. for around five years. He has also worked as a research analyst with Emkay Global Financial Services and Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd.  Who should invest in this Fund?  Investors looking to generate wealth over the long term can consider this fund. Investors who seek exposure to a broader large market capitalization stock and want to invest in equity and equity-related securities to form a concentrated portfolio.  Why invest in this Fund?  This high-risk, high-return strategy can earn significant returns.  It can help investors beat rising prices over the long term.  Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least three years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  INVEST IN FUND Conclusion  Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Equity Fund focuses its investment in up to 30 stocks of the top 100 companies in terms of market capitalization. These large, well-established companies have the potential to provide stability in times of market volatility and have proven business models that have the potential for significant growth in the long run. Thus, it is a suitable investment option for investors with a long-term investment horizon, a moderate to high-risk appetite, and looking to potentially invest in large-cap stocks to generate capital appreciation.  Disclaimer:This is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

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 worth Rs. 4,49,766.281 Crores (excluding domestic fund of funds) as of 31st March 2023.  HDFC Largecap and Midcap fund Investment objective To generate long-term capital appreciation/income from a portfolio of equity and equity-related securities of predominantly large-cap and mid-cap companies.  Investment process   The Scheme would predominantly invest in companies spanning the entire market capitalization, which:  Are likely to achieve above-average growth  Enjoy distinct competitive advantages  Have superior financial strength  Are trading at relatively attractive valuations  Have value-unlocking potential.  Portfolio Composition  The HDFC Large and Mid-cap Fund had invested more than 98% of the funds in equity, and the remaining amount was held in the form of cash and cash equivalents as on 31st March 2023. It holds significant exposure in large-cap equity at 57%, and the significant sectoral exposure is to banks which account for over 16% of the portfolio. The top five sectors hold up to 44% of the portfolio.  Note: Data as of 31st March 2023. Source: HDFC MF, Value Research Top 5 Holdings for HDFC Largecap and Mid-cap Fund  Name Weightage % HDFC Bank Ltd. 5.39 ICICI Bank Ltd 3.99 Infosys Limited 3.14 State Bank of India 2.74 Reliance Industries Ltd. 2.64 Note: Data as of 31st March 2023. Source: HDFC MF   Performance  Fund name 1Y 3Y 5Y Since Inception HDFC Large Mid-cap Fund Direct-Growth (%) 4.55 34.31 13.18 11.18 NIFTY Large Mid-cap 250 Index 0.62 31.98 12.13 14.46 Data as of 31st March 2023                     Date of Inception of Direct Plan: 01st January 2013 Note: Returns over one year are annualized Source: HDFC MF HDFC Top 100 Fund Read More Fund Managers Mr. Priya Rajan (Since 01st May 2022) – Senior Equity Analyst and Fund Manager for overseas Investments - Collectively over 15 years of experience.  Mr. Gopal Agrawal (Since 16th July 2020) – Collectively, over 17 years of experience in Fund Management and two years in Equity Research   Who should invest in HDFC Large and Mid-cap Funds?  Investors looking to invest in an equity portfolio with very high risk and seeking better returns than the debt instruments can consider this fund. However, investors should remain invested long-term to witness wealth creation.  Why invest in this Fund?  Large-cap funds offer an excellent opportunity to generate high long-term returns, while Small & Mid-cap stocks allow one to go beyond the usual large blue-chip stocks and present possible higher capital appreciation.  This fund has consistently generated good returns and outperformed the NIFTY Large Mid-cap 250 Index benchmark.    Time Horizon  One should look at investing for a minimum of three years or more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  INVEST NOW Conclusion  The HDFC Large and Mid-cap Fund is a good option for investors willing to take exposure to large and mid-cap equities with some additional risk for good returns over the long term. However, investors should remain invested long-term to witness wealth creation. 

Investment advisors say this all the time - Save smartly, Save for your child's college. Saving for your child’s college education is a financial project in its own right. It requires planning, research, investing, and consistency. There are several things you need to do to ensure you have the necessary funds when you need them. Let’s understand why you need to save before understanding where, how, and how much! Why saving for your child’s college is important? The reason why you need to save is education inflation. Just to give you a heads up on the costs, as of 2022, a four-year undergrad course in the US can cost you anywhere from Rs. 70 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore, while a 2 year's master will cost you Rs. 60-70 lakhs. Other countries are comparatively cheaper. So, if you start working with the US figures, you are fairly well taken care of for the other countries. Yes, the amount may seem huge and it will keep going up over the years, but if you start well in advance, you will have the power of compounding working for you. And with the right investment strategies, putting together the corpus you need is quite achievable. Source: Pixabay How to start saving? 1. Collect information · Start Early: Your kid is bound to go to college, whether in India or abroad so start early! · Select the country: Pick a country that you know you will be comfortable sending your child to when the time comes. · Identify the universities: Get a handle on the kind of universities you would like to send your child to, and work out ballpark numbers in terms of fees, years of study, etc. · Talk to your friends: Even if your child is really young yet, start speaking to parents who have recently sent their children overseas. There are several insights that you will get when you speak to someone who has actually walked the path you wish to traverse. 2. Chat with a financial planner · Talk to experts: Once you have a fix on the funds you need to accumulate to send your child overseas, have a serious chat with your financial planner. · Set your goals: Define your goals, and strategies that will help you put together the corpus you will need and exceed it by a bit as well. · Plan your funds: Take inflation, currency exchange rate, and rising education, and travel costs into consideration. 3. Choose your investment instruments carefully 1. Long-Term Investments: (12 – 15-year horizon) You can consider investing in equities, and stocks. These instruments can give you high returns as the stock market grows over the decade. But these are also high-risk investments. You must have the patience to stay invested even when the market indices fall, for ultimately, they do go up. That is why you need a longer horizon to invest in these instruments: so, you can wait for the markets to correct and get the best return on investment. You can also balance the risk with investment in a provident fund, which gives one of the highest rates of return in the fixed-return market. 2. Mid-Term Investments: (7–11-year horizon) If this is your investment horizon, Mutual funds are your best bet. You can choose a basket of mutual fund schemes that are best suited for your kind of risk appetite: there are funds that invest in equities, small-cap, mid-cap, and blue-chip companies, and also debt funds. The last two are quite safe and give you better returns than the standard savings or Fixed deposit options. You must note that mutual fund investments are dependent on the market movement and will be impacted by the rise and drop in the indices. But compared to Equities, they are less volatile and the good ones are known to outperform the market index over a long period of time. 3. Short-Term Investments: (4 – 7 years) If you will be requiring the funds within the next few years, you must invest carefully ensuring your capital is protected at all times and the investment can earn you some additional benefits beyond the Fixed deposit rates. You can invest in debt instruments and bonds directly or invest in debt mutual fund schemes. These are quite safe and can earn you better interest than your regular savings options. But do keep in mind, that most of these also come with a lock-in period, so check that out before you commit your money. Apart from the capital market instruments, families also look at the traditional avenues of investment to block their monies. Real estate, gold purchases, gold bonds, and real estate mutual fund schemes are some of the other options that can be considered for long-term investments. Financial planning can be tricky if you are just starting out. With so many saving and investment opportunities, it's important to understand which ones will help you get to your goals faster. So, don’t shy away from seeking help and building a strong saving plan! FAQs Why saving for your child’s college is important? The reason why you need to save is education inflation. Just to give you a heads up on the costs, as of 2022, a four-year undergrad course in the US can cost you anywhere from Rs. 70 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore, while a 2 year's masters will cost you Rs. 60-70 lakhs. The cost of education is rapidly increasing in India - it takes roughly Rs. 30 lakhs to raise a child in India till the age of 18 years. This cost is likely to increase and investments can help you keep up with the fees and other expenses. What is the best way to invest for your child's college? The best way is to invest via equity based mutual funds if you have a long-time horizon like 12 to 15 years. Based on your investment period, you can choose an investment plan that can get you closer to your financial goal and send your child to a college of their choice. How to start saving for your child's college? · Start Early: Your kid is bound to go to college, whether in India or abroad so start early! · Select the country: Pick a country that you know you will be comfortable sending your child to when the time comes. · Identify the universities: Get a handle on the kind of universities you would like to send your child to, and work out ballpark numbers in terms of fees, years of study, etc. · Talk to your friends: Even if your child is really young yet, start speaking to parents who have recently sent their children overseas. There are several insights that you will get when you speak to someone who has actually walked the path you wish to traverse. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

In the previous article, we discussed what is a better asset to invest in a child's future. It is common knowledge that parents should start investing in a child's education. But when should you start? How do you start? In this article, we will talk about when to start investing in a child's education. Saving up for children's education is a daunting task for parents. The question "When should you start to save for your child/children's education has a universal answer. The answer is "as early as possible".   Every parent aspires to provide their child with the most extraordinary life possible. Parents, particularly when it comes to their children's education, are always looking for methods to stay one step ahead.   Parents who take a proactive approach and invest methodically from an early age can protect their children's futures. As a result, financial planning is critical for achieving a goal as important as supporting a child's education.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUiUws6L2aY Time is the most critical component. The powerful notion of compound interest benefits you more the longer you invest.   Education costs are rising faster than inflation. As a result, the expense of sending your child to a university or college will almost certainly double every six to seven years.  Tax Benefits of Investing in Child's Education Read More An undergraduate course at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) costs around 2 Lac per year. The IIM charges roughly 20 lakhs for a two-year diploma program.   Starting investing early is the only way to protect your wealth against inflation and save enough money to send your child to a prestigious college.   While the annual rate of return and the original investments are essential, the length of time you invest the money is the most crucial element. So, if you want to put money aside for your child's education, get started immediately.  Example   Let us take an example to understand why you should not delay the investments for your child's future education:   Two mothers, Anita and Archana, want to save for their respective daughter's education. Both intend to save money and invest a lump sum of Rs 2,00,000 in equity-focused mutual funds (offering 12% per annum yearly returns).   However, the difference is that Archana made the lumpsum investment when her daughter turned ten years old, while Anita invested as soon as her daughter was born.   So, the time horizon for Archana is eight years and the time horizon for Anita is 18 years. Let us see the difference between the accumulated amount at the end for both mothers.    Anita will have Rs 15.3 lakhs for her daughter's college by the time she is 18, while Archana will have only approx. Of Rs 4.9 lakhs. In other words, by investing ten years sooner, Anita could save over three times as much as Archana.  The visual below gives a good representation of the example:  In the above example, Archana and Anita put money into the same mutual fund. The amount they invested and the rate of return were identical.   The only variation was the investment period. Anita continued to save for another ten years, but her final corpus was three times that of Archan.    For savers hoping to build money through compounding, time is everything. FAQs When to start investing in a child's education? Ideally, parents should start investing in their child's education before they are born. This can help them keep up with the rising costs of education which is growing at a faster rate of inflation than income. Planning, investing, and saving for a long duration allows one to take advantage of compounding. Why parents should invest early in their child's education? Parents should invest early in their child's education because education is costly. The cost is increasing every year due to high competition and education inflation. Saving and investing early on can help them take advantage of investment assets like mutual funds, ETFs, and stocks that can beat inflation and help them preserve the value of their money. What age is too late to start investing in your child's education? It's never too late to start investing. You can start with low-risk investments that can help you save up more in a short duration. You can consult a financial advisor to figure out your options based on your risk appetite. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

In the previous article, we discussed what are mutual funds. & Taxation in mutual funds. In this article, we will discuss how to track mutual funds. Making mutual fund investments is just the first step. Once the investment has been made, periodically tracking it becomes equally crucial.   Most of us seek advice and do our due diligence before choosing our mutual fund investments. However, once things are done, we typically forget about them until a need arises.  Nearly everything, including your car and health, requires routine maintenance; the same is true for your mutual fund investments.   While you might not need to regularly monitor your portfolio, it is always a good idea to keep yourself informed of its growth and changes.   A fund fact sheet will help you to monitor your mutual fund investment easily. It is a progress report for your investments, similar to a report card.   What is a Fund fact sheet?   A fund fact sheet is a document that lists every scheme that the AMC or mutual fund managers. It is presented in an easy-to-read manner and is issued monthly by the fund house. It contains the following information:   Performance of the schemes: It gives the performance information in terms of beta, Sharpe ratio, standard deviation, and the compound annual growth rate or CAGR of the fund.   The fund factsheet also outlines how your investments have been distributed among different securities.  Size and investment information for each scheme that the mutual fund managers.   Reviewing the fact sheet, which is easily accessible on the mutual fund website, is a great way to keep track of your mutual fund holdings.  What are mutual funds? Read More How to track mutual funds' performance?   The mutual fund websites list their net asset value (NAV). The mutual fund company's chosen index, which is a benchmark for its performance, is available for comparison.   To know how your fund performs, you should also compare it with other funds in the same category. The performance of a mutual fund scheme cannot be assessed in isolation.   Some specialized websites track the performance of mutual funds in addition to the fund fact sheets of the schemes. Over a monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly time frame, you can monitor how your scheme is doing compared to its counterpart in the same category.   It is always good to keep an eye out for the main characteristics and adjustments listed below that could impact the funds' performance.   It is advisable to monitor the portfolio's turnover and changes in management.  While it is typical for management to change over time, a frequent change in the fund manager may be a red flag. A change in fund manager frequently results in a shift in investment style.   To ensure the investment goal is intact in such a situation, it becomes equally necessary to monitor the changes in your portfolio.    Also, the concern should be raised if your mutual fund portfolio consistently experiences high churn or turnover. High returns do not always equate to increased churn.   On the contrary, it can cause more significant damage as rising transaction costs eat into your returns. In other circumstances, more churn may also indicate a short-term concentration.   A short-term emphasis may produce more enormous profits in the near term, but in the long run, it may leave your portfolio weak and exposed to unnecessary risks.   When looking for the warning signs mentioned above, it is advisable to give any mutual fund scheme at least six months. It might be too soon to assess the scheme's performance following any adjustment after a month or a quarter.   Don't let your fund's short-term performance outriggers affect you; give it time to establish itself and achieve the investment goal.   It is good practice to keep track of your mutual fund investments on a timely basis, though not very frequently.  FAQs How to track mutual funds' performance? One way to track your investment is through the mutual fund websites list their net asset value (NAV). The mutual fund company's chosen index, which is a benchmark for its performance, is available for comparison.   To know how your fund performs, you should also compare it with other funds in the same category. The performance of a mutual fund scheme cannot be assessed in isolation. What is a fund fact sheet? A fund fact sheet is a document that lists every scheme that the AMC or mutual fund managers. It is presented in an easy-to-read manner and is issued monthly by the fund house. Who can track your mutual fund investments? It is possible to track your mutual fund investment by yourself. You can also have a financial advisor, or mutual fund portfolio tracker track your investment growth. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

Saving for your child's education is a long-term goal. A perfect balance between risk and return is important. Why mutual funds are ideal to fund your child's education because they satisfy both these requirements. A mutual fund managed by specialists and experts is a fantastic choice. Parents can either invest in the children's plans provided by fund houses or build a mutual fund portfolio, especially to pay for their children's education. Inflation in education-related expenses is bound to increase faster than average inflation.   Parents must look at investing options that will produce respectable returns over time and help them achieve their financial objectives because the expense of education is increasing by more than 20% annually.   In this regard, mutual funds rank among the most practical ways to build wealth for this purpose over the long term.   Choosing an investment product for your child's education can be challenging to fund your schooling. Your parents might have used bank fixed deposits, PPF, and actual gold.   To overcome inflation and generate the anticipated profits, you must make student decisions given the escalating cost of schooling. Long-term wealth creation is, usually, best accomplished with equity investments. They demand, nonetheless, particular knowledge.   Additionally, due to their volatility, you would prefer to invest in shares through mutual funds. Investing in mutual funds is the underlying stocks and securities that are professionally overseen by fund managers who have experience choosing them and are well-diversified.  The advantages listed below make mutual funds an excellent choice for saving your child's educational needs.   Source: pixabay 1. Diversification A mutual fund invests a pool of funds in a portfolio of numerous stocks and securities from different industries. Mutual funds can also invest in several assets, including bonds, cash, and commodities like gold.   By providing greater exposure to other equities and asset classes, this diversification lowers the risk of investing in a single stock or industry and enables better potential rewards.  2. Professionally managed The fact that mutual funds have a professional watch over them is a significant benefit. Professional managers use their extensive knowledge and experience to distribute assets wisely to minimize risk and maximize rewards for your money.   How to track mutual funds investment? Read More 3. Transparent Another critical advantage of mutual funds is the level of information provided to you. As an investor, you can track every investment and where the money goes.   The whole portfolio and investment strategy are disclosed, and a daily online update of the mutual fund's net asset value is given,  4. Allow small investments You can use mutual fund systematic investment plans to make frequent small investments to help you reach your long-term objective of funding your child's education.   With a SIP, you can invest a small sum, such as Rs 500 each month, and let the long-term growth of your money be fueled by the power of compounding and rupee cost averaging.  FAQs Is mutual fund good for child education? Yes, mutual funds are the best way to fund your child's education. They help you grow your child's education fund enough to beat inflation and keep up with the rising cost of education as well. Mutual funds are the best tool out there to help parents grow their child's savings steadily. Which type of mutual fund is best for child education? There are many mutual funds designed for a child's education that you can explore. The best way to start is to consult an expert, calculate the future cost of education for your child, build a financial goal, and then start investing based on the amount you need to save. You can do this for FREE using the EduFund App. Why you should invest in your child's future? By investing in your child's future, you can secure it for life. Education is the key to success, education fund helps beat inflation because it invests in equity-based funds that can potentially beat inflation, and provide good returns that help you keep up with the rising cost of education. Quality education is pricy and to compete with these costs you require more than simple savings, you require diversified investments. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you. TALK TO AN EXPERT

So, why do we need to know the difference between exchange-traded funds and mutual funds in the very first place? ETFs are very similar to Mutual Funds, but they are not mutual funds. It's just a matter of grasping the differences between the two.   We at EduFund believe that understanding where each of the instruments makes the most sense, and the investor just doesn't blindly follow the crowd and the trend.  At the very outset, let's know why they are so similar before diving into their differences. Exchange-traded funds and Mutual Funds represent a basket of professionally managed securities, such as stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, real estate, etc.   These securities can either be thematic or also depend upon the type of mutual fund or the ETF you choose. Both offer various investment options and are managed by professional portfolio managers.   Thus, saving our time and energy in research.  The ETFs and Mutual funds are highly diversified because of the basket of securities. Thus, they are less risky than investing in individual securities like stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, etc.   How does this help reduce risk? Imagine if you are holding stock that is performing poorly, and thus your return will also be poor; perhaps you may lose money too.   However, suppose you have an ETF or a mutual fund. In that case, this poor performance of that stock may be overdone by the good or average performance of other stocks and assets, which will give you a better return than holding a single asset otherwise.  The most important difference between ETFs and Mutual funds is that an ETF is tradeable on the stock exchange, i.e., its trading is just like a simple stock on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) or the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) if it's traded in Indian markets or it will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq if it's to be tradeable in the United States of America.   On the other hand, Mutual Funds’ listings are not done on the stock markets; they must be purchased manually from the fund either through your financial advisor or through online brokers.  The ETFs are easily translatable, i.e., they can be sold or purchased at any point in the day, just like a stock. However, for mutual funds, this happens only once during the day after the market has closed.   This buying or selling of mutual funds is through the mutual fund company based upon the investor's instructions - this delay can be very costly if the market fluctuations are very dynamic.   While easy and anytime trading of ETFs sounds cool, not all ETFs are as tradable. This leads to illiquidity concerns.  Source: Pixabay Generally, an investor purchases the mutual fund at the price of its NAV, but on the other hand, ETFs are bought at the prevailing market price, which is typically near the NAV but not the same.   Hence, most mutual funds allow automated transactions but ETFs do not because of price volatility.  Generally, ETFs have a lower expense ratio as compared the mutual funds. The expense ratio is the fee you pay the manager for managing your securities.   The reason is quite simple when a mutual fund is traded, it leaves a long paper trail, and thus the exchange of hands for this paperwork is more - translating to higher costs for the fund manager, which are imposed upon the investor.   On the contrary, ETFs are traded directly by the investor and thus naturally explain the lower charges.  Based on management, most ETFs are passively managed, whereas there are quite a few mutual funds that are actively managed, but some are passively managed.  What is better?  Well, neither of the two is perfect! You can achieve diversity using any of the two options based on your goals. Naturally, a portfolio balanced by combining both offers greater variety and lower risk.   Notably, there is no reason this must be a tightrope walk situation. Both Mutual Funds and ETFs can live together in a portfolio happily. FAQs Which is better - Mutual Funds or ETFs? Well, neither of the two is perfect! You can achieve diversity using any of the two options based on your goals. Naturally, a portfolio balanced by combining both offers greater variety and lower risk.   What is an ETF? An ETF stands for exchange-traded fund (ETF). One single ETF is a basket of securities that can be bought and sold like mutual funds through a brokerage firm. ETFs track a specific index such as S&P, sector, commodity, or other assets. Much like stocks, ETFs can be traded on the market. What is a Mutual Fund? A mutual fund is a financial trust that collects funds from investors and invests them into different instruments like stocks, bonds, and other money market instruments. How to invest in a Mutual Fund via the EduFund App? Step 1: Log in to the EduFund website or the EduFund app.   Step 2: Complete your KYC and move ahead to create your investment account.   Step 3: Choose the option of mutual fund investments.   Step 4: Analyse your risk profile on the app by answering your household income and expense, the number of dependents you have, the highest level of maturity you have in terms of investments, your period of investment, and similar questions.  Step 5: After answering the above questions, you will know what type of investor you are and the degree of risk you might be willing to take.   The EduFund website or the EduFund app will suggest some mutual funds you might want to invest in, with a recommended SIP value.  Step 6: Choose the fund and start investing. Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan for you TALK TO AN EXPERT

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant.  The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries.  DSP Regular Savings Fund  Investment objective The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to generate income, consistent with prudent risk, from a portfolio substantially constituted of quality debt securities.  Investment Process  For equities, the fund uses a bottom-up approach with a large-cap bias focusing on sectors and industries with double-digit growth.  For debt securities, the fund focuses on short-tenure corporate bonds, with a modified duration between 2.5 to 3.5 years and rated AA or above, to minimize both interest rate and credit risk.   Portfolio Composition  The portfolio had a significant allocation to debt and a relatively lower equity allocation, where 75.08% of the funds were invested in debt securities, and 24.92% were in the form of equity investments.  Note: Data as of 30th Apr. 2023. Source: DSP MF DSP World Mining Fund Read More Top 5 Equity Holdings  Name Weightage % HDFC 3.83 ICICI Bank 2.98 Axis Bank 1.93 ITC 1.16 Cipla 1.11 Note: Data as of 30th Apr. 2023.    Source: DSP MF  Performance  If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs 22,304.   Note: Data as of 30th Apr. 2023. Source: DSP MF The fund was launched on 1st Jan. 2013, and it has generated a CAGR of 8.08% since inception, which is a good return in the conservative hybrid category as the investors' risk appetite is low.  Fund Manager at DSP Regular Savings Fund Abhishek Singh has been managing this fund since May 2021. Abhishek has a total work experience of 14 years. He joined DSP Mutual Fund in September 2018 as Assistant Vice President of the equity team. His prior experience includes working in Motilal Oswal, Idfc Securities, BNP Paribas, B&K Securities, and Edelweiss Financial Services.  He has an MBA in finance and holds a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering.  Vikram Chopra has been managing this fund since July 2016. Vikram joined DSP Mutual Funds from L&T Investment Management and brings over 14 years of investment experience with him. He has also worked with Fidelity, IDBI Bank, and Axis Bank Ltd.   Jay Kothari has been managing this fund since December 2020. Jay Kothari, Vice President & Product Strategist -Jay has been with DSP Investment Managers since May 2005 and has been with the Investment function since January 2011. Before joining DSPIM, Jay worked for Standard Chartered Bank for a year in the Priority Banking division. Jay completed his Bachelor of Management Studies (Finance & International Finance) from Mumbai University and an MBA in Finance from Mumbai University.  Who should invest in DSP Small Cap Fund?  Consider this fund if you  Are looking to generate a steady potential income rather than chasing high returns.  Want the smoother investment journey associated with debt investing but with a possibly higher return than debt?  Are conservative and don’t like to take too much risk.  Why invest in this Fund?  Offers the potential to earn a steady income from a primarily debt-oriented portfolio with a little 'boost' of equity.  Earn potentially higher returns than investing in pure debt funds.  Potential capital preservation during falling markets due to the more significant debt allocation.  Suitable for conservative investors.  Investors can use it for doing STP into Equity Funds.  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  The DSP Regular Savings Fund is a good option for conservative investors not chasing high returns. It provides a better option over traditional debt investing with higher returns due to little exposure to equities. Investors can consider this fund for parking funds and then do STP to equity fund to average the cost of equity investments DisclaimerThis is not recommendation advice. All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. 

One of the largest AMCs in India, DSP has been helping investors make sound investment decisions responsibly and unemotionally for over 25 years. DSP is backed by the DSP Group, an almost 160-year-old Indian financial giant.  The family behind DSP has been very influential in the growth and professionalization of capital markets and the money management business in India over the last one-and-a-half centuries. DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund  Investment objective The primary investment objective is to invest in companies that are constituents of the NIFTY 50 Index (the underlying index) in the same proportion as in the index and seeks to generate returns that are commensurate (before fees and expenses) with the performance of the underlying index, subject to tracking error.  Investment Process   The fund replicates the Nifty 50 TR Index, i.e., invests in the same stocks and proportion as in the Nifty 50 TRI.    The portfolio is rebalanced semi-annually to adjust for any stock additions or subtractions to the index.  Portfolio Composition  Since the fund replicates Nifty 50 TRI, all the stocks invested are large-cap stocks. Hence, the fund allows investors to invest in India's top 50 companies.  Note: Data as of 30th April 2023. Source: DSP MF Top 5 Holdings  Name Weightage % Reliance Industries Limited 10.29 HDFC Bank Limited 9.25 ICICI Bank Limited 8.05 HDFC Limited 6.32 Infosys Limited 5.62 Note: 30th April 2023. Source: DSP MF Performance over the years   If you had invested 10,000 at the fund's inception, it would now be valued at Rs 17,086. Note: Data as of 28th April 2023. Source: DSP MF Since its inception, the fund has generated a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) of 13.66%.  DSP Tax Saver Fund Read More Fund Manager at DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund Anil Ghelani has been managing this fund since July 2019 as a Co-Fund Manager. Anil has been working with DSP Group since 2003 and is Head of Passive Investments & Products. Previously, he was the Business Head & Chief Investment Officer at DSP Pension Fund Managers. Before that, he led the Risk and Quantitative Analysis team at DSP Mutual Fund, responsible for monitoring portfolio risk and buy-side credit research on companies across various sectors.  Diipesh Shah has been managing this fund since November 2020 as a Co-Fund Manager. Diipesh has a total work experience of Over 20 years. He has been working with DSP since September 2019 as a Dealer for ETF and Passive Investments. Now he is also the Fund Manager of various schemes of DSP Mutual Fund. Diipesh has worked with JM Financial Institutional Broking Limited, Centrum Broking Limited, IDFC Securities Limited, and Kotak Securities Limited as Institutional Equity Sales Trading.  Who should invest in DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund?  This fund is suitable for   A first-timer or a relatively new equity market investor.  An investor who values low-cost, passive investing.  Investors have the patience & mental resilience to remain invested for a decade or more.  Investors who do not chase funds that have the highest outperformance.  Why invest in this Fund?  It offers an affordable way to invest in the top 50 Indian companies at a relatively low cost compared to other actively managed large-cap funds.   In an era where large-cap funds are underperforming benchmarks, index funds can be a good option for exposure to large-cap equities.    Time Horizon  One should look at investing for at least ten years or even more.  Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) may help in tackling the volatility of the broader equity market.  Conclusion  The DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund provides a good option for passive investing in large-cap equities. It is better to consider index funds for large-cap investing since there is a very low probability of alpha generation in the large-cap space. Investors seeking capital appreciation through large-cap exposure can consider this fund with a time horizon of ten years or more.  DisclaimerThis is not a recommendation advice. All information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only.