Dhaval Kapadia, Director, Portfolio Specialist, Morningstar Investment Adviser (India) answers queries in The Financial Express, from where the below has been taken.
At the time of opening a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), do I have to specify the number of years that I want to invest?
– Siddhant Rajani
Yes, generally the desired number of SIPs needs to be mentioned. Typically, asset management companies require a minimum of six SIPs to be completed prior to their discontinuation (if at all).
For long-term returns from SIP of 10 years, should I invest in equity or debt funds?
– Vinay Mansukhani
The asset allocation or the mix of various assets including equity, debt, gold, etc., held in a portfolio is considered one of the key determinants of its performance. A suitable asset allocation is typically based on one’s investment horizon and risk appetite.
Generally, longer the investment horizon and higher the risk appetite, higher would be the allocation to equity.
Considering your investment horizon of 10 years, you could choose to invest 60-65% of the monthly investable amount through a SIP into a diversified equity fund that invests in a mix of large-, mid- and small-cap stocks and the remainder in a debt fund like a short term fund or dynamic bond fund.
Alternatively, you could invest in a balanced fund that invests 65% to 70% in equity and the remainder in debt. You should review your investments in these funds every 12 to 18 months to ensure that the performance is in line with your expectations, market benchmarks and peer group. As you approach the end of your investment horizon (assuming 10 years), it is advisable to gradually reduce the allocation to equity in your portfolio and bring it to zero; this could be done between the sixth and eighth year. And the proceeds can be invested in a liquid or short term debt fund till the funds are required.
