MF queries
What is an SIP and how does it work? Please suggest a few good ELSS schemes.
—DEEPAK PILLAI
Systematic investment plan (SIP) is a facility that most mutual funds (MF) offer to their investors. Here, you invest a fixed sum (as low as Rs500) at periodic intervals (monthly or quarterly) in your chosen scheme.
SIP makes sense if you have a regular income. SIPs work best in a volatile equity market. They buy more units when the NAV is low and less units when the NAV is high. This way, your cost prices are averaged out (also known as rupee-cost averaging).
Some good ELSS schemes would be Sundaram BNP Paribas Tax Saver, HDFC Tax Saver for less aggressive investors and Principal Tax Savings and Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 for aggressive investors.
I am 26, and want to invest 50% of my income in mutual funds. I wish to invest the remaining amount in low-risk instruments such as HDFC MIP and Principal MIP. Is this a good investment strategy? For stable returns from low-risk instruments, should I go for an MIP or liquid funds?
—PRASHANT JAKKANNAVAR
When you say you want to invest 50% of your income in MFs, we assume you mean equity schemes. Schemes such as HDFC MIP and Principal MIP are also MF schemes; monthly income plans, to be specific. How much money you want to distribute among equity schemes and less risky instruments depends on how much risk you want to take.
As equity schemes invest in the equity markets, they have the potential to earn higher returns, but also carry higher risk. Research has shown that equities outperform all other asset classes in the long run. As you are only 26, and have a lifetime ahead of you, you may increase your allocation to equity schemes provided your income levels and contingency reserves are comfortable enough for you to take higher risks. If you want to build a decent retirement corpus, equity is the best route.
If you desire 11-15% returns from a low-to-medium risk product, the monthly income plans (MIP) are the way to go. Invest in the growth option if you want capital appreciation; take the dividend option if you want some sort of regular income. Avoid liquid funds for investment purposes. Liquid funds are the least risky MF schemes and are meant only for temporary parking of money.
I want to change my mutual fund broker. I wrote a letter to ICICI Prudential requesting this. To my surprise, they declined my request, stating that I would need an NOC from the previous broker. However, my previous broker is delaying the matter and thus my investments are suffering. Can I take some legal action against ICICI Prudential for disregarding my instructions?
—NIRANJAN BANGERA