​​

Expectedly, the equity markets went berserk and were up for a rally, but effervescently the election fever subsided. Defaulting/delay of payments by eminent companies made the news headlines almost immediately, which dampened market activity.

Besides, the trade-war geopolitical tensions and crude-oil pricing have further had a cascading effect on the markets.

Image 1: Market Movement

Data as on June 7, 2019
Base taken as 10,000
(Source ACE MF)

This correction does offer an opportunity to do some value buying, however the valuations aren't cheap. Currently, P/E multiple of S&P Sensex is trailing at 28x and this should justify the earnings that failed to do so in the past.

The market is moving in an overvalued zone and is being bullish because it believes that Modi 2.0 and his warriors will boost the country's development and economic growth.

If you are wondering about going gung-ho and investing in equity to cash on this development-beware!

As the past experiences about policy paralysis suggest that if the government's performance misfires, there could be a deluge of economic downsides.

What you should do is invest in well-diversified equity mutual funds via SIP route instead of lump sum investment. It's been observed that investing in equity for a longer period does offer better returns, but it has an extremely high risk.

If you choose Equity mutual funds, you get to invest in multiple stocks of companies across market cap in a well-diversified manner, is professionally managed, provides liquidity, and one that will incur lower trading costs.

Most importantly, it can help in achieving long-term financial goals, garner inflation-adjusted returns, and help in accumulating wealth vide the power of compounding.

So, if you think investing a lump sum in Equity mutual funds can also provide better returns, continue reading...

Investing a large sum of money at one go involves extreme high-risk of loss if the market heads lower.

Hence, it's better to invest a smaller amount of money regularly and systematically in mutual fund units for the next few years, whereby you can accomplish your financial goals.

[Read: Can SIP Be Regarded As A Safe Investment Plan?]

However, note that a SIP may not always work in every market condition and works best in times of volatility

Table 1: When markets are on a dream run lumpsum investment benefits!

Month	NAV (Rs)	Units Purchased Via SIP	Units PurchasedVia lump sum investment
Jan-17	97	20.6	247.4
Feb-17	99	20.2
Mar-17	103	19.4
Apr-17	105	19.0
May-17	107	18.7
Jun-17	111	18.0
Jul-17	109	18.3
Aug-17	113	17.7
Sep-17	112	17.9
Oct-17	115	17.4
Nov-17	119	16.8
Dec-17	118	16.9
Total Units		221.0	247.4
Final Value		26,084	29,196

For illustration purpose only
(SIPs amount: Rs 2,000 per month. Lump sum investment amount: Rs 24,000)

If you remember, markets were on a dream run in 2017. Hence, lump sum investments made at the start of the year in 2017 would have grown significantly as seen in the table above.

Remember although the markets are showing signs of moving upwards, but there are challenges up ahead in 2019 for Modi 2.0 governance. Due to which there uncertainty looming in the market that could drive it in either direction, so it makes sense to opt for SIP investments. ​

Here's why...

 

But, the growth of your investment is directly linked to how prudently you select the best mutual funds to SIP and follow the investment discipline diligently. Before you invest in the right mutual fund schemes, do not forget to build an optimum asset allocation strategy in-sync with your risk profile, investment objectives, financial goals, and the time horizon before goals befall.

Watch this video to know how to select best equity mutual funds:

 

Although the overall market valuations may still look expensive, there has been a fall in many mid and small-cap stocks. Large-cap funds and the value funds would also benefit from the present market conditions. the subsequent fall in the financial stocks might have to offer some lucrative buying opportunities to fund managers of process-driven fund houses.

Managers of worthy mutual fund schemes take advantage of such attractive buying opportunities. Process driven mutual fund houses and experienced fund managers, in fact, await market corrections like the prevailing ones.

Conclusion

Going gung-ho and investing all your money in the market could prove to be an imprudent decision. Nevertheless, if your risk appetite permits and if your asset allocation calls for you to invest in equities, staggering your investment would be a wise thing to do while taking exposure to equity via mutual funds for the long term.

You should tread cautiously and buy selectively. Thoughtlessly investing or speculating can be hazardous to your wealth and health. Following momentum and falling for bullish index targets is something that you should completely avoid. Instead focus on your long-term financial goals and aim to consistently invest in funds that optimise returns for the level of risk they expose you to.

Consider the following asset allocation in current times if you are ready to take some risks depending on the type of investor you are.

Table 2: Indicative asset allocation for various investor type in current times.

Portfolio Type	(Aggressive)	(Moderately Aggressive)	(Moderate)	(Moderately Conservative)	(Conservative)
Large Cap	0% to 10%	10% to 20%	20% to 30%	20% to 30%	30% to 40%
Large & Midcap	10% to 20%	10% to 20%	10% to 20%	0% to 10%
Midcap	30% to 40%	20% to 30%	10% to 20%
Multi Cap	20% to 30%	20% to 30%	20% to 30%	20% to 30%	10% to 20%
Value Style		0% to 10%	10% to 20%	20% to 30%	20% to 30%
Small Cap	10% to 20%	0% to 10%
Aggressive Hybrid			10% to 20%	20% to 30%	20% to 30%

For illustration purpose only

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Author: Aditi Murkute

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