'Multi-asset funds have cornered 30 per cent of hybrid fund inflows in 2025, reflecting a growing preference for diversified portfolios that combine equity, debt and commodities.'
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.
Largecap equity funds remain suitable for conservative and moderate risk-taking investors seeking relatively stable returns.
Most first-time investors may be better served by diversified options such as flexicap or multi-cap funds, which already hold pharma and healthcare stocks.
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.
'AUM reached an all-time high of Rs 79.9 trillion in October 2025, driven by strong retail participation and record SIP inflows of Rs 29,529 crore from over 94.5 million contributing accounts.'
'Rate cut looks unlikely and there is reason to believe that the cycle is over.'
Net inflows into equity mutual funds (MFs) moderated for the second straight month in September, declining 9 per cent during the month to Rs 30,422 crore. The slowdown came as redemptions from active equity schemes rose 30 per cent month-on-month (M-o-M) to a one-year high of around Rs 36,000 crore.
Investors having a moderate-risk profile can use these funds in their retirement portfolios.
Passive funds appeal to investors seeking to avoid the risk of underperformance by the fund manager and minimise the need for frequent chopping and changing of funds.
Regular money talks, setting up joint goals, and regular reviews can help couples stay aligned.
Regular money talks, setting up joint goals, and regular reviews can help couples stay aligned.
'A 20 per cent equity allocation to ESG funds is a good start.' 'As more evidence on ESG performance builds, investors may increase allocations.'
Total market funds are ideal for long-term investors who prefer a simple, hands-off approach, making them suitable for those unwilling to manage multiple funds.
With the RBI infusing Rs 7.5 lakh crore in liquidity -- and possibly more in the future -- the short- to medium-term corporate bond market is expected to benefit.
'Long-short SIFs are designed for seasoned, high-risk, high-reward investors, who understand market volatility.'
Investors seeking higher returns at relatively higher risk should consider allocation to smallcap equity funds.
India's top cement producers delivered a solid July-September quarter (Q2) in 2025-26 (FY26), lifted by firmer prices, higher sales volumes, and a favourable base. Seasonal weakness and maintenance outages did dent sequential performance, but the overall picture remained positive - and the road ahead looks steady.
Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
'One should not invest more than 5 to 10 per cent of their overall portfolio exposure in global or international funds.'
The ideal time to invest in sector funds, is during a downturn so that investors can capitalise on a turnaround in 1.5 to 2 years.
Largecap companies are generally less vulnerable to economic slowdowns than their mid- and smallcap counterparts.
'As we navigate uncertain waters, a conservative approach to largecap investing could provide a strategic advantage.'
'While investing in a silver ETF, one should be aware that it has historically exhibited higher price volatility than gold.'
Mirae Asset Management, one of South Korea's biggest investment companies, hopes to launch its first mutual fund in India early in the new year after the country's regulators last week gave it a licence to operate.
Investors in India's information technology (IT) companies are likely in for more pain ahead as muted earnings for the first quarter of 2025-26 (Q1FY26) play spoilsport at the bourses in the worst-performing sector this year amid macro uncertainties. Investors, analysts suggest, can look for better opportunities in the markets as things stand.
An allocation to ESG theme funds can bring down the overall risk of an equity portfolio. Investors with long-term financial goals, such as retirement, should not ignore sustainable investing.
'When interest rates rise, the NAVs of these funds will fall.' However, they won't fall as much as longer-duration funds.
The factor fund launch spree by mutual funds (MFs) is moving from the passive to the active space. Two new fund offerings (NFOs) - ICICI Pru Active Momentum Fund and Bandhan Multi-Factor Fund - are currently open for subscription. Sundaram MF's multi-factor fund NFO closed this Wednesday.
'Investors' decisions should reflect their financial goals, risk tolerance, and the amount of gold already present in their portfolio.'
'Growth for some companies has been hard to come by and this is a smart way to get there.'
Equity mutual funds (MFs) capped a strong 2024 with near-record inflows in December. With net inflows of Rs 41,156 crore in December, the 2024 tally surged to Rs 3.9 trillion, up 144 per cent compared to 2023. The December tally, which was only slightly short of the record-high inflows of Rs 41,887 crore achieved in October 2024, was fuelled by record inflows of Rs 9,761 crore into small-cap and mid-cap funds.
The cash pile within smallcap mutual fund (MF) schemes has grown over the past few months amid a relentless rally in stocks in this space. While fund managers usually don't make cash calls, incessant inflows and valuation discomfort have forced their hand. At the end of January, the top 10 schemes had over Rs 12,160 crore in cash, compared to Rs 8,700 crore in August 2023.
'First-time investors, busy professionals, NRIs and those with modest sums looking for curated strategies may find FoFs especially appealing.'
To minimise risk, invest in a debt fund whose duration matches your investment timeframe.
Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Inflows into equity mutual funds (MFs) continued their strong momentum in July, despite the market volatility triggered by the Union Budget.
The number of active SIP accounts is nearing the 100 million milestone.
Mutual Fund inflows in FY25 have already reached two-thirds of the total inflows seen in the entire FY24, with net inflows standing at Rs 1.3 trillion.
rediffGURU Vivek Lala answers your income tax and personal finance queries.
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