Financial expert Anil Rego of explains why systematic investments are an investor's best bet in the current volatile market.
Equity-oriented mutual fund schemes in India experienced a 5 per cent decline in net inflows in April, reaching Rs 38,440 crore, while monthly Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions also saw a decrease.
Net mutual fund inflows into active equity schemes in India plummeted by 40 per cent month-on-month in May, reaching a one-year low of 22,908 crore, primarily due to weaker lump-sum investments and increased redemptions amidst significant market volatility and global uncertainties.
Gen Z is a generation that has been raised in a digital-first era, where shopping, payment, and monetary transactions are done within seconds via smartphones. Moreover, the new flexibility offered by investing platforms is encouraging young investors to opt for investment frequencies that align with their spending patterns and lifestyle. This change has brought up an interesting debate on whether daily and weekly SIPs are better than monthly investments.
Net investments into equity mutual fund schemes in India remained elevated at approximately 38,440 crore in April, despite a slight dip from March's high and a 3% month-on-month decline in Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) inflows.
It's also important to understand the rationale behind choosing particular stocks and when to sell.
In April alone, they snapped up shares worth Rs 19,664 crore, recording their biggest buy since October 2024.
A simple SIP-first approach can help reduce debt, avoid EMIs and build lasting financial freedom through disciplined spending, advises Ramalingam Kalirajan
The case for long-term investment in gold, however, remains intact.
The Indian Sports Ministry, led by Minister Manuskh Mandaviya, is establishing a dedicated Task Force to explore the revival of Formula One racing in India. This initiative follows a meeting with key stakeholders, aiming to assess the challenges and benefits of hosting major motorsport events, with a target of bringing F1 back by 2028. The Task Force will recommend a comprehensive policy framework to support motorsports growth, leveraging India's significant F1 fanbase.
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.
Listed capital market companies in India delivered strong fourth-quarter earnings growth, with a universe of 12 firms posting 30 per cent year-on-year revenue growth and 19 per cent earnings growth in Q4FY26, despite mark-to-market (MTM) losses impacting headline profitability for some.
Retiring at 50 is not unrealistic. It simply requires: Discipline + Long-Term Vision + Compounding
The Indian stock market mythos of 36 years is wrapped in a diaphanous negligee, lashed together by a delicate, etheric sash of 1.6 bull markets. To make money from here on will require a ground invasion, trench by trench, rather than carpet bombing. Way more difficult, points out Shankar Sharma.
Start SIPs early, increase investments steadily, and let compounding beat inflation to secure retirement wealth, says Ramalingam Kalirajan
Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) have significantly increased their holdings in Nifty 500 companies, reaching a record 20.9 per cent by the end of March, while Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) reduced their ownership to an all-time low of 17.1 per cent, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
India's mutual fund industry has significantly increased its share of public trading in the stock market, widening its lead over the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) for the fifth consecutive year. While LIC's share of free-float listed shares has fallen to 7.42% as of March 2026, the mutual fund industry's share has surged to 22.92% from 7.06% in 2012.
It could also clear stalled projects and review various subsidies on the energy, food and fertiliser fronts.
'Long-term investors seeking sustainable gains from resilient, fundamentally strong companies may go for these funds.'
Deferred payment plans may come with a cost, which may not be immediately visible.
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.
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.'
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
Mutual fund investment through systematic investment plans (SIPs) has surged to an all-time high of Rs 3.34 lakh crore in 2025, driven by growing investor appetite for disciplined, long-term wealth creation.
'New investors should enter gradually and stay cautious.' 'Silver is a structural multi-year story, but timing matters in a high-volatility metal.'
This works only for longer-tenured ones such as income funds, as the element of interest rate risk is reduced.
Domestic institutional investors, on the other hand, made a net investment of Rs 1.13 trillion during this period.
'For the initial decade, I consistently advise young professionals to prioritise career development and income growth rather than market analysis.'
Of course, NOT! Here's why. And here's how you can increase your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus.
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.
Tamil Nadu's new government, led by C Joseph Vijay, is committed to advancing the ~38,000 crore shipbuilding project with HD Hyundai in Thoothukudi, securing bipartisan support from the Opposition DMK, despite initial industry concerns about policy continuity after the change in leadership.
Do not get trapped in the fear-and-greed cycle. Let time and discipline do the heavy lifting, points out Harsh Roongta.
The most common mistake is investing without assessing suitability and long-term implications.
'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.'
Analysts are increasingly optimistic about India's capital markets, with HDFC AMC, CAMS, and KFin Technologies identified as top investment picks. This optimism stems from a structural shift in household savings towards financial instruments and an expected multi-year earnings expansion for market infrastructure providers and asset management companies.
Foreign investors pulled out Rs 21,000 crore (around $2.3 billion) from Indian equities over the last four trading sessions amid deteriorating global risk sentiment triggered by the West Asia crisis.
'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'
A systematic withdrawal plan doesn't drain wealth, poor planning does. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the truth behind systematic withdrawal plans
