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.
Investors seeking higher returns at relatively higher risk should consider allocation to smallcap equity funds.
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.
'Long-short SIFs are designed for seasoned, high-risk, high-reward investors, who understand market volatility.'
Top real estate developers reported healthy presales growth in the second quarter of FY26, aided by a steady pipeline of new project launches. While overall housing momentum across major Indian cities moderated during the quarter, listed players remained relatively insulated.
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.
Top real estate developers are expected to report improved earnings and resilient presales growth, even as overall housing sales across major Indian cities declined during the July-September quarter (Q2) of 2025-26. The anticipated earnings growth in what is typically a subdued quarter is credited to steady sustenance sales, improved collections, the strong positioning of listed developers, and sustained demand for premium homes.
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.
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.
'First-time investors, busy professionals, NRIs and those with modest sums looking for curated strategies may find FoFs especially appealing.'
'A 20 per cent equity allocation to ESG funds is a good start.' 'As more evidence on ESG performance builds, investors may increase allocations.'
'Investors' decisions should reflect their financial goals, risk tolerance, and the amount of gold already present in their portfolio.'
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.
'Growth for some companies has been hard to come by and this is a smart way to get there.'
'As we navigate uncertain waters, a conservative approach to largecap investing could provide a strategic advantage.'
Mutual funds (MFs) have lined up information technology (IT) funds, indicating that technology stocks are back on fund managers' radar after a hiatus. Over the past 18 months, stock prices for companies in the software space have either corrected or remained subdued. Fund houses have launched five IT-based sectoral funds in the past three months, with three of them taking the passive route.
Investors keen on mid and smallcap stocks but wary of volatility should consider multicap equity schemes over standalone midcap or smallcap schemes.
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.
Fund managers's compensation is largely tied to the assets they manage and scheme performance.
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.
Last week was unprecedented in the history of the Indian mutual fund industry-- the net asset values (NAVs) of nearly a dozen liquid-plus funds fell.
Largecap companies are generally less vulnerable to economic slowdowns than their mid- and smallcap counterparts.
'If their allocation to certain segments have become high due to strong returns over the past three-four years, they should rebalance their portfolios and bring them in line with their long-term asset allocation.'
Neelesh Surana, who manages Mirae Asset Tax Saver and Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip, remains constructive on Indian equities from a three to five-year time frame.
'The ability to tailor schemes to market conditions and invest in unlisted equity and real estate, as well as commodities, makes Alternative Investment Funds a sought after platform.'
'We are cautious only on sub-sectors that have seen massive melt-up during the past six months.'
Most players are looking to invest anywhere between $500 million and $1 billion in new ventures in the next couple of years, said experts on this segment.
'We would advise investors to invest in a disciplined way in equities for the long term.'
Nikunj Saraf, Vice President Choice Wealth, answers your queries.
rediffGURU and financial planning expert Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) answers your personal finance-related questions.
'The problem is that the bubble may not only be in valuations, but also in investors' minds.'
In September, net equity inflows stood at Rs 6,609 crore, compared to Rs 9,152 crore in the previous month. In the last four months, this is the lowest net inflow tally seen by the equity category.
Only investors who understand the significance of ESG investing should enter these funds for the long term, advises Sarbajeet K Sen.
Auto makers are in the midst of a rally with the NSE auto index up 17.5 per cent since the start of February.
rediffGURU Ramalingam Kalirajan answers your personal finance queries.
'There is no need to do anything, let your SIPs get deducted every month, and stick to your allocation between equity, fixed income and emergency funds and your risk covers.'
rediffGURU Samkit Maniar answers readers' personal income tax queries.
Investors should use a mix of active and passive funds.
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