Advise on My Portfolio...

My old friend Akhil sharma wrote :


Hi Sir,

Hope you are doing really well and your Family and loved ones are in the Pink of Health.
I've finally thought of starting a new SIP in Fidelity Equity Fund.

As of now i'm invested in the following funds:
Sundaram Capex Opportunities - Rs.5500 ( Latest Value :Rs. 3156 )

Reliance RSF Equity - Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 2753 )

Reliance Diversified Power - Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 2434 )

Kotak Indo World(Closed Ended)- Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 1982 )

ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund -Rs.5000 ( Latest Value :Rs. 2407 )


This is as per My Portfolio On MoneyControl Website.

My question is should i redeem from all of these Funds and invest at a single place or should i stay Invested in them and wait for recoveries.

The thing i'm thinking here is even these funds will have to come to that NAV on which i invested(which have actually fallen by 50%) to give me a NO Profit- No Loss situation.Then my Funds will start giving me returns.That may take a lot of time.Although i have long term horizon of minimum 3-4 years but still should i redeem from these funds and invest the whole lumpsum amount(whatever i finally get!) in a good fund like DSP BR TOP 100 Fund.

NOTE: It has been 14 months approximately that i have invested in these funds.


SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied :

Dear Akhil,


Well Akhil, better late than never. It is indeed good news that you have thought of starting a SIP in Fidelity Equity fund. This Fund has been a favourite since its launch and it has not disppointed me.
I am surprised by your existing investment. Inspite of being in touch with me, I wonder why you have had so much exposure to One Sector (Infra)???. In fact, expect for Reliance RSF Equity, all your other investments is in those Funds which are directly investing in Infrastructure related stocks. You need to diversify and diversify soon. Thankfully, all your investments have around 5000 and not more.
I will analyse each of them one by one :
Sundaram Capex Opportunities Fund : Even at loss, prefer switching to better performing Sundaram Select Focus Fund.

Reliance RSF Equity : Continue for now

Reliance Diversified Power : Again a Sector Fund. Consider Switching to Reliance Growth Fund

Kotak Indo World : Being Close ended, no option but to continue your investment. Take a call when the Fund becomes Open Ended.

ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund : Among the Better Performing Infrastructure Funds. I would have had no hestitation in suggesting you to switch to ICICI Dynamic Fund, but for your Age profile (24) and Risk Profile, I suggest you to Continue your holding in the same for the time being.

No need to take hasty decision like Selling all the Funds at one go and investing the whole proceeds into other funds (your choice DSPBR Top 100 fund, by the way, is good), would not be such a Bright Idea.
Instead, consider the above switches and wait for better times. In future, invest only in Well Diversified Equity Funds and preferably invest through SIPS.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai.


Visit my blog
http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com


Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
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NOT ALL NFOs ARE BAD

This letter written by me was published in Outlook Money Magazine.

In the 9 April 2008 issue of the Outlook Money magazine, the article "Why have NFOs lost their lustre"? made interesting reading. However I beg with the author with some issues. Avoiding all NFOs would not be a very wise thing to do. You have to invest in some NFOs which are exceptions to the existing schemes like DSPML World Gold Fund, etc especially if they are Close-ended funds because you may not be able to invest in the fund for another 3 years.
Also, the author says that some fund houses give even upto 8.5 percent commission to distributors. I myself being a distributor have never come any fund house giving even 5%!!!! He should be careful before writing such non factual informations.

Thanking you,
Srikanth Matrubai


Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
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- Retirement Planning and Son's education

Neha Agarwal wrote :
Dear Sir,
I Just came across your blog and read few suggestions and i really want to say thank you for all your valuable advise to the investors.
I am 32 years old and I have invested in mutual fund by starting from Rs. 500/- from one fund in 2005 and increased year by year. All the funds are having growth option. My investment horizon is +15 years.
I am having 3 year old son and I am investing for retirement and son’s education.
I am the only earning member of my family having 5 members including me.
I am having a housing loan of Rs. 12 lakhs outstanding as on today. I am repaying the principal of housing loan as an when possible.
Please analyse my portfolio and give me the feedback on the funds which I am having and suggest me if I am able to meet my goal.
I am having Life Insurance of Rs. 14, 00,000/-.
I am having following SIP.
The bold ones are the core portfolio as per my views.
Reliance Equity saving – Rs.500/- from 2008
Reliance Growth – Rs.1500/- from 2008 and Rs 500/- from 2006 to 2008
Reliance Vision – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and Rs.500/- from 2006 to 2008
Reliance Diversified Power – Rs.500/- from 2007
Sundaram Select Midcap – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and Rs 500/- from 2006 to 2008 Sundaram India Leadership – Rs.500/- from 2006
Sundaram Select Focus – Rs.1000/- from 2008
Sundaram Capex – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and Rs 500/- from 2006 to 2008
SBI Contra – Rs.500/- from 2005
DSPML tax saver – Rs.1000/- from 2008 and will discontinue as I don’t require any ELSS.
DSPML top 100 – Rs.1000/- from 2008
Kotak Tax Saver – Rs.500/- from 2007 to 2008
HDFC top 200 – Rs. 1000/- from 2008
ICICI Infrastructure Rs. 1000/- from 2007.


I had also invested in following NFO

Reliance Long Term Advantage – Rs. 5000/-
Reliance Natural Resources – Rs. 5000/-
DSPML Mid and Small Cap – Rs. 5000/-
Sundaram Select thematic Energy – Rs. 5000/-
Sundaram Equity – Rs. 5000/-
Sundaram Small Cap – Rs. 5000/-
J M Contra – Rs. 5000/-
Birla Long Term Advantage Fund – Rs. 5000/-
HDFC Midcap – Rs. 5000/-
SBI Tax saver series I – Rs. 15000/-
SBI Blue Chip – Rs. 5000/-
UTI Contra – Rs. 5000/-
UTI Infrastructure Series I – Rs. 5000/-
My question is am i too much betting on Sundaram BNP Paribas</span>?The core portfolio which i indiacted in Bold is it correct ?
I am planning to shift my equity MF investment to balance fund at the age of 45. if this is correct ?
Regards
Amit & Neha





SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI advised :

Dear Amit and Neha,

First of all, I thank you for your kind words on my blog.
It is good to see that your faith in Mutual Funds has not diminished even after the mauling the Stock Markets has received in 2008.
Before analysing and commenting on your portfolio, I take pleasure in appreciating on your foresight for creating a Buffer for your Retirement and Son's education.

ANALYSIS AND COMMENTS:
Shockingly, you have got 27 funds in your portfolio. You seem to have become a "collector" of funds. Your portfolio needs a complete overhaul. Some funds are outright sell, even at a loss.
I will go through each fund one by one.
1. Reliance Equity Saving (Sip 500 from 2008) :
Probably you mean to say Reliance Regular Savings Fund (Equity). This fund has had a terrific 2007-08 and since then like other funds, has taken a big beating. This fund focusses on Mid-caps and Samll Caps. I advise you to STOP your SIP in this fund immediately.

2. Reliance Growth :
This fund has been a Star Performer since inception. Though it faltered in 2008, looking at its portfolio, I continue to maintain a positive view on the Fund. CONTINUE.

3. Reliance Vision :
This Fund has been living on Past Glory. STOP YOUR SIP.

4. Reliance Diversified Power :
I am never in favour of Theme/Sector Funds. STOP YOUR SIP.

5. Sundaram Select Midcap :
A Great Performer which has gone off-track of late. AVOID. STOP YOUR SIP.

6. Sundaram India Leadership :
CONTINUE.

7. Sundaram Select Focus Fund :
A Truly Quality Performer and Must Have in everyone's portfolio. CONTINUE.

8. Sundaram Capex Fund :
Could struggle going forward. Best to Avoid and STOP YOUR SIP.

9. SBI Contra :
Not a Contra Fund in True Sense. More of a Diversified Fund with a Large Cap Bias. CONTINUE YOUR SIP.

10. DSPBR TAX SAVER :
As you do not require any ELSS, it is good that you are discontinuing.

11. DSPBR TOP 100 :
Excellent Performer in Both Bull and Bear Markets. CONTINUE.

12. KOTAK TAX SAVER :
Has been an average performer. Switch to K30 fund on completion of Lock-in period.

13. HDFC TOP 200 Fund :
One of my favourites. Has been a very very consistent performer. CONTINUE YOUR SIP AND ADD MORE IF POSSIBLE.

14. ICICI INFRASTURCTURE :
One of the best Infra Funds. But does not deserve to be a part of Core Holdings, especially since you are the sole earner. STOP YOUR SIP and switch to other funds suggested below. Under the Same Fund House, you can switch to ICICI Growth fund.

NFO :

Reliance Long Term Advantage – Rs. 5000/- (After Lock-in Period is over, switch to Reliance Growth)
Reliance Natural Resources – Rs. 5000/- (Retain your holdings. The fund should start delivering as it still holds significant cash and has invested in Quality Stocks)
DSPML Mid and Small Cap – Rs. 5000/- (Even at a loss switch to DSPBR Top 100 Fund)
Sundaram Select thematic Energy – Rs. 5000/- (Take a decision when the Lock-in Period ends.. which is still 2 years away)
Sundaram Equity – Rs. 5000/- (Continue to hold as the Fund has performed better than its Benchmark and has good holdings in Large Cap Blue Chips)
Sundaram Small Cap – Rs. 5000/- (Holds nearly 93% in Small and Mid Caps which do not promise a bright future. Better to switch even at a loss to SUNDARAM SELECT FOCUS).
J M Contra – Rs. 5000/- (Has a taken a huge beating. No Other option but to wait and pray for better times. )
Birla Long Term Advantage Fund – Rs. 5000/- (Close-ended. Take a call when the Fund becomes Open ended).
HDFC Midcap – Rs. 5000/- (Close-ended. Take a call when the Fund becomes Open ended).
SBI Tax saver series I – Rs. 15000/- (Close-ended. No other option to stay invested)
SBI Blue Chip – Rs. 5000/- (Even though invests in Blue Chip, has not had a great run. But its holdings do inspire some confidence. Continue to hold and take a call after a year)
UTI Contra – Rs. 5000/- (Even at a loss switch to UTI Dividend Yield Fund)

UTI Infrastructure Series I – Rs. 5000/-(Even at a loss switch to UTI Dividend Yield Fund)

Out of your existing ongoing SIP of Rs.11500, I have suggested you to stop Rs.5000 and Rs.1000 will be stopped from DSPBR Tax Saver.

For this 6000, I suggest you to invest in the following funds
HDFC PRUDENCE FUND (1000 * 2 sips at different dates)
FIDELITY EQUITY FUND (500 * 4 sips at different dates)
BIRLA SUNLIFE EQUITY FUND (1000 * 2 sips at different dates)

so, ultimately your CORE portfolio will look like this....


RELIANCE GROWTH FUND
SUNDARAM SELECT FOCUS FUND
SUNDARAM INDIA LEADERSHIP FUND
SBI CONTRA
DSPBR TOP 100 FUND
HDFC TOP 200
HDFC PRUDENCE FUND
FIDELITY EQUITY FUND
BIRLA SUNLIFE EQUITY FUND

If you observe, I have added a Balanced Fund HDFC Prudence Fund to your Core portfolio and your portfolio now looks tilted towards Large Caps, which is how it should be.

Continue to retain your existing holdings in the Funds where I have suggested to STOP YOUR SIP. Do try to reduce/sell out when the situation improves and shift to Quality Funds as suggested.

Your Life Insurance Coverage of 14Lakhs looks inadequate to me, especially when seen in the backdrop of you being the only earning member in a Family of 5.

Try to get a Term Insurance, as this is the Cheapest Form of Insurance.

Also while investing in Reliance Growth and Birla Funds, there is Free Life Insurance available, get the details about the same from your Mutual Fund Advisor and invest through them, which will also increase your Life cover.

Rebalance your portfolio periodically, ideally, every two years. Make a gradual shift from Equity Heavy to Balanced and then to Debt Heavy, without compromising on returns/risks.

Do consult your Financial Advisor before taking action on my suggestions.
Best of luck,
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai




Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
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SAFE DEBT FUNDS FOR AN NRI

Mr.Tyagi wrote :
HI, Mr.Srikanth,



First of all I cannot fin dout any space in your blog where I can ask questions. Can u educate me where am I suppose totype in my question?



My actual question is I'm a NRI and woul dlike to park my money in safe Debt funds. Can you suggest some safe Debt funds that I can invest in? Also let me know is it safer to invest in Long term debt funds or short term debt funds?



REgards

Thyagi

SRIKANTH SHANKAR MATRUBAI replied:

Mr.Tyagi,
I am not a Technical Person, hence there is no provision to type your question in my blog. My email is the only solution.
Your idea of investing in Debt Funds is very good considering the State of Equity Markets today. And moreover, Indian Debt Securities offer Higher Interest Rates compared to Developed Markets making the Debt Funds an attractive Option.
While investing in Debt funds, please note that the Currency Rate Fluctuations could also affect your returns. Another Caveat is that Debt Funds are not risk-free like Bank Fixed Deposits. However, an Appreciating Rupee would obviously work in your favour.
Considering the Falling Interest Rates, you would be better off investing in Long Term Debt Funds rather than Short Term as these would not yield much.
My Top Picks would be
ICICI Prudential Income Opportunities Fund
Birla Sunlife Income Plus
Canara Robecco Income(Growth) Fund
and my all time Favourite
HDFC Income Plan

You could also consider investing in TATA Capital NCD which is giving Attractive Rate of 12%. You can see more details about the same in my blog http://goodfundadvisor.blogspot.com
Best of luck,
Srikanth shankar Matrubai



Visit http://goodfundsadvisor.blogspot.com for Mutual funds
visit http://equityadvise.blogspot.com for Stocks and Shares