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.
Since MAAFs invest across multiple asset classes, they offer diversification.
List all unavoidable expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, education and medical bills.
'Since the category has a limited track record, assess the fund manager's experience across equity and debt market cycles rather than relying only on past returns.'
Now asset allocation may sound like a complicated concept, but isn't. As the word suggests, it means distributing your money across various investment avenues or assets so that the poor performance of any one avenue/asset does not jeopardise the entire investment plan. As logical as that sounds, it is one of the rarest traits in a financial plan, but more on that later.
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.
Life cycle funds may suit people who are starting their investing journey. They may suit those who do not want to monitor their investments frequently. Busy professionals, beginners and delegators, who lack the time, information or interest to manage asset allocation actively, may find these funds useful.
'Investors spend too much time picking the right mutual fund and too little time choosing the right asset allocation. That's where real wealth is created.'
India's largest retirement fund manager, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), is enhancing its investment governance and fund management practices, following the Reserve Bank of India's recommendations.
Earlier, most investors counted on traditional options like fixed deposits, gold, or property. But in 2026, you will have access to a much wider range of opportunities across different markets and sectors.
Dr Sanjiv Mehta draws some interesting parallels between cricket and financial planning to help readers save money and create wealth.
Hybrid mutual fund schemes attracted significant inflows of Rs 1.55 lakh crore in FY26, a 29 per cent increase, as investors increasingly opted for diversified investment strategies to navigate volatile market conditions and geopolitical tensions.
Investors can begin investing in mutual funds with as little as Rs 100.
Smallcap and midcap funds now account for nearly 30% of active equity MF folios, as stock-market gains revive investor appetite for high-growth segments.
'... that work is done. The task is to reallocate what has been built, with the courage of a founder and the discipline of an owner.'
Six companies, including Blackstone-backed Horizon Industrial Parks and Lalithaa Jewellery Mart, are poised to collectively raise nearly Rs 5,600 crore through initial public offerings (IPOs) in the upcoming week, adding to the bustling primary market activity.
International mutual fund schemes have seen a significant resurgence in investor interest, attracting approximately Rs 7,600 crore in net inflows over the past year, a stark reversal from previous outflows, driven by their strong outperformance against domestic markets and limited AI-linked investment opportunities in India.
The case for long-term investment in gold, however, remains intact.
An employee whose financial future is 60-80 per cent dependent on a single company's growth trajectory has no genuine safety net.
Tata Sons has the balance sheet to support them, for now.
Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), driven by the popularity of mutual funds, have emerged as significant stabilising forces for Indian capital markets amidst global volatility and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) outflows, according to Sebi whole-time member Amarjeet Singh.
Amidst a sharp run-up in gold and silver prices, investors are advised to rebalance their portfolios by booking partial profits in precious metals and reallocating to domestic equities and debt, according to financial experts.
RIS Steady Life Cycle begins with an equity allocation of 35 per cent at age 60, which gradually reduces. Between ages 75 and 85, it remains constant at 10 per cent.
Understanding the most common mistakes during market downturns can help you protect your investments and stay focused on your long-term financial goals, says Ramalingam Kalirajan
Global investment firm KKR remains optimistic about India's long-term growth, citing rising incomes, premiumisation, financial deepening, and demand for quality services as key drivers for its consumption story, even as higher energy prices and AI disruption pose near-term challenges.
A more methodical and balanced approach to all asset classes depending upon individual risk appetite is among the best way to create long term wealth.
Smallcap funds give investors access to businesses that can grow much faster than the broader economy.
Institutional investments in India's housing market plummeted by 85 per cent to USD 154 million in the first half of 2026, while overall real estate inflows saw a modest 6 per cent increase, driven primarily by domestic investors and strong interest in office and data centre projects.
The initial public offer (IPO) of SBI Funds Management Ltd was fully subscribed on the second day of bidding, receiving bids for 1.17 times the shares on offer, with strong interest from non-institutional investors and anchor investors.
AI-driven job disruption, rising debt, shrinking savings and a changing global economy are reshaping India's middle class. Saurabh Mukherjea discusses jobs, entrepreneurship, investing and the future of India's economic growth on THE REDIFF PODCAST.
Tata Steel more than doubled its Indian capacity through acquisitions and expansion, strengthening cash generation as it pursued a costly restructuring of its European operations.
As the rupee weakens, wealthy families are accelerating investments in global assets.
'The market is currently neither cheap enough to be exciting about nor expensive enough to worry about.'
Market maven Andrew Holland on why India missed the AI wave, why FIIs are leaving, why he personally invests in cryptocurrencies and why he's still betting big on the country.
Behind the aesthetics of an entrepreneurial lifestyle lies a silent financial crisis that nobody is talking about: Freelancers are sprinting toward a retirement brick wall.
'Investors shouldn't let fear dictate their decisions. The most important step is simply to begin investing.'
Investor interest in precious metal exchange-traded funds (ETFs) rebounded sharply in June, with silver ETFs attracting an estimated 4,900 crore and gold ETFs around 2,900 crore in net inflows, following a significant correction in gold and silver prices.
FPIs have already withdrawn Rs 2.6 trillion from Indian equities in 2026, exceeding the outflows recorded in any previous full calendar year.
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.
Investors should do thorough due diligence when selecting a platform.
