India-Pakistan conflict: How should mutual fund investors deal with geopolitical threats?
THE ECONOMIC TIMES
Fri, May 09, 2025 | 10:20 AM IST

Mutual Funds Newsletter

India-Pakistan conflict: How should mutual fund investors deal with geopolitical threats?

Kotak Mutual Fund advises investors to remain invested during the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. Historical data suggests markets often rebound after initial drawdowns from such events. SIP investors should consider topping up, while lump sum investors should stagger investments. Past surgical strikes and the Kargil War show limited long-term market impact. Macroeconomic factors and corporate earnings ultimately drive market performance.

Are smallcap mutual funds losing shine? Returns dip sharply up to 18% in 2025

Small cap mutual funds experienced a significant downturn in 2025, with returns dipping sharply, some funds losing up to 18%. This underperformance is attributed to stretched valuations, global uncertainties, and domestic elections. Despite recent losses, experts suggest long-term investors may still benefit, viewing corrections as potential buying opportunities, especially given the superior earnings growth potential of small caps.

Mutual funds' cash kitty hits 15-year high. What it means for investors?

Mutual funds' cash holdings have surged to a 15-year high in March 2025, signaling fund managers' cautious approach amid limited attractive investment opportunities. This elevated cash level mirrors trends seen in 2011 and 2018, preceding Nifty rallies concentrated in large-cap stocks. Investors should temper return expectations and prioritize portfolio quality, asset allocation, and risk management.

Nifty up by 10% from April low. What should mutual fund investors do?

Nifty has surged 10% from its April low, reaching 24,461, prompting experts to advise caution on lumpsum investments due to expected volatility. SIPs remain the preferred route for long-term investors, while staggered allocations via STPs are suggested for those with funds. Auto, international, and tech sector funds have shown double-digit gains since April, driven by strong earnings and global tailwinds.

MF Tracker: Can this large & mid cap scheme add spunk to your portfolio in this market?

Motilal Oswal Large & Midcap Fund has demonstrated strong long-term performance, securing the highest five-year CAGR among equity mutual funds. Despite recent underperformance due to stock-specific corrections, the fund's growth-oriented investment style and high active share position it well for long-term investors. Experts recommend a staggered investment approach, emphasizing a 5+ year horizon to fully capitalize on its stock-picking strategy.

Top Mutual Funds
SCHEME NAME RATING 3 YRS(%) 1 YR(%) 6 M(%) 1 M(%)
ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct - Growth
★★★★★
28.37 -1.49 -8.18 3.17
Nippon India Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth
★★★★★
22.13 8.24 -1.34 6.62
ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct-Growth
★★★★★
20.10 10.19 0.55 6.86
HDFC Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth
★★★★★
18.78 7.39 -0.78 6.67
Quant Focused Fund Direct-Growth
★★★★★
16.22 -4.51 -8.54 4.36
High cash levels deployed in small caps across schemes, says Quant Mutual Fund

Quant Mutual Fund has deployed high cash reserves into select small-cap stocks, maintaining a portfolio leaning towards large and mega-cap companies. The fund anticipates a potential 12-15% correction in gold prices in dollar terms, despite May's typical bullish trend.

Planning to start SIP to buy a house in Bangalore? Experts offer help

Three Reddit users debated mutual fund investments for buying a Bangalore apartment. Experts advised beginners to consider flexi-cap, hybrid, and gold funds. Emphasis was placed on setting clear goals, understanding risk appetite, and ensuring proper asset allocation across equity, debt, and gold for diversification and stability.

TERM OF THE WEEK
New Fund Offers
Fund Name Category Type Open Close Min Inv
Bajaj Finserv Nifty 50 Index Direct-IDCW Equity: Large Cap Open-ended 25 Apr 09 May 500.00
Bajaj Finserv Nifty 50 Index Direct-G Equity: Large Cap Open-ended 25 Apr 09 May 500.00
Edelweiss BSE Internet Economy Index Direct-IDCW Equity: Thematic Open-ended 25 Apr 09 May 100.00
Bajaj Finserv Nifty 50 Index Reg-IDCW Equity: Large Cap Open-ended 25 Apr 09 May 500.00
Bajaj Finserv Nifty 50 Index Reg-G Equity: Large Cap Open-ended 25 Apr 09 May 500.00
More >>
Weekly Mutual Funds Activity
Date Equity ( Cr.) Debt ( Cr.)
Gross Purchase Gross Sale Net Pur./Sale Gross Purchase Gross Sale Net Pur./Sale
06-05-2025 8285.11 9956.24 -1671.13 12317.73 19552.87 -7235.14
05-05-2025 10858.89 7814.50 3044.39 14020.00 19133.66 -5113.66
02-05-2025 11223.59 7525.32 3698.27 8472.84 8446.15 26.69
01-05-2025 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
30-04-2025 11177.23 9164.32 2012.91 7719.83 11771.88 -4052.05
29-04-2025 10011.78 8909.27 1102.51 6933.98 15304.29 -8370.31
28-04-2025 11795.86 8488.36 3307.50 9518.37 14908.86 -5390.49
Click here to view all WMF >>
Top Mutual Funds of the week (5-Star Rating)
Scheme Name Nav Returns Ratings AUM(Cr.) Expense Ratio
Axis Gold Direct Plan-Growth 30.9000 2.30