Their assets under management (AUM) rose from Rs 1.04 trillion (January 31, 2025) to Rs 1.75 trillion (January 31, 2026), an increase of 68.3 per cent.
Net inflows into equity mutual fund schemes moderated in FY26, falling by 27 per cent to about 3 trillion till February, as choppy markets and global uncertainties prompted investors to shift towards safer options like hybrid funds and gold ETFs.
A systematic withdrawal plan doesn't drain wealth, poor planning does. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the truth behind systematic withdrawal plans
Multi-asset allocation funds (MAAFs) have emerged as strong performers among mutual funds (MFs), rivalling medium-term returns from traditional equity categories while maintaining a lower risk profile. Over the past three years, average returns for this segment have surpassed those of flexicap and largecap funds, for both lump sum and systematic investment plan (SIP) investments.
In the rush to complete tax-saving investments at the end of the financial year, many taxpayers choose instruments that do not match their long-term financial goals.
Do not get trapped in the fear-and-greed cycle. Let time and discipline do the heavy lifting, points out Harsh Roongta.
The majority of investors fail to reach their financial goals, even if they started with a well-defined financial strategy. This isn't just about market volatility; it's a complex interaction of factors that include human psychology, inconsistent habits and lack of proper monitoring.
The majority of investors fail to reach their financial goals, even if they started with a well-defined financial strategy. This isn't just about market volatility; it's a complex interaction of factors that include human psychology, inconsistent habits and lack of proper monitoring.
'It is not a modern flaw created by markets or media, but a deep-seated human trait with evolutionary roots,' explains Harsh Roongta.
'It is not a modern flaw created by markets or media, but a deep-seated human trait with evolutionary roots,' explains Harsh Roongta.
From a modest salary to Rs 1 crore, here's Ramalingam Kalirajan's smart compounding blueprint for young earners
Households should moderate large discretionary expenses for the time being.
'They should prioritise essential spending. They should maintain an emergency fund covering 6 to 12 months of expenses.'
NPS Vatsalya offers a disciplined investment avenue that parents can use to create intergenerational wealth by contributing even small sums.
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
The recent correction suggests that while precious metals hedge geopolitical tension and inflation, they are not immune to sharp short-term corrections and profit-booking.
'People become guided by emotions, fear of missing out, and greed. They tend to invest in booming sectors that may prove exceptionally expensive.' 'Typically, that represents the peak, and subsequently, they lose substantially.'
'Money is not just about greed or accumulation. It gives you freedom, dignity and choice. And you have every right to all three.'
'For the initial decade, I consistently advise young professionals to prioritise career development and income growth rather than market analysis.'
This exercise allows investors to realign their portfolios with changing market conditions and evolving personal objectives.
'Credit growth in India remains in double digits, even though corporate borrowing is subdued.' 'Corporate credit is weak because companies are cash-rich and cautious amid global uncertainty.'
Overlap refers to the same stocks appearing across fund portfolios.
Sometimes, the most powerful Budgets whisper and the wisest investors listen, notes Ramalingam Kalirajan.
'...a mix of asset classes.' 'Include equities for growth (across market caps), debt for stability and liquidity, gold as a hedge against macro and currency risk, and global assets for geographical and economic diversification.'
Flexicap fund performance depends heavily on the fund manager's decisions.
'Trading without strict position sizing, stop-loss discipline, or a clear exit plan almost guarantees losses.' 'Chasing tips, reacting to intraday noise, or assuming frequent trading improves outcomes are equally damaging habits.'
Global risks include a potential delay in the US-India trade agreement, the possibility of a sharp correction in US equity markets, and renewed geopolitical tensions.
'New investors should enter gradually and stay cautious.' 'Silver is a structural multi-year story, but timing matters in a high-volatility metal.'
India's household debt climbed to 41.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of March 2025, marking a sustained rise from its five-year average of 38.3 per cent, with consumption-related loans accounting for bulk of the borrowings, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its Financial Stability Report.
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
'The bigger unknown remains global geopolitics, which is inherently unpredictable, including developments in our neighbourhood.' 'Another concern is the increasing tilt of government finances towards welfare subsidies, especially at the state level.' 'This could constrain capital expenditure, which is critical for long-term growth.'
Rediff explains why the system, not the Budget, is the problem.
Over 50 per cent, or 660 stocks, from the BSE 1000 index recorded negative returns during CY25.
'We expect modest returns in 2026 versus the steep gains seen over the past few years.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Insurance intermediaries who receive disproportionately high commissions are likely to see a decline in their payouts, post the new Insurance Amendment Bill. The new Bill gives the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (Irdai) the power to disgorge unlawful gains made by insurers and intermediaries as well as the right to limit commissions paid to intermediaries.
Investors encountering underperformance must be patient.
Activity in the corporate bond market is set to gain momentum following a 25-bp policy repo rate cut by the rate-setting panel of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). State-owned public cebPower Finance Corporation (PFC) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) are planning to raise up to Rs 11,500 crore through bonds on Tuesday as issuers expect borrowing costs to ease.
New investors should not allow themselves to fall prey to FOMO and rush headlong into gold.
So far this year, the rupee has fallen by 4.2 per cent, the worst among its Asian peers.
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
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