By I. V. Subramaniam
I. V. Subramaniam
Director - Quantum AMC and MD & CIO- Quantum Advisors
I have been investing lot of money in mutual fund SIP route. My question is are all my money in these AMC really safe? Will I face any problem during redemption? So far, I have not redeemed. What is going to happen in-case of bankruptcy? This question strikes in my mind during recent mess in Gold ETF in commodity exchange.
— Mohan Harde, Chembur
In today’s interlinked financial markets, a crisis at one end is enough to seed doubts of investors in similar spectrum of products though they may differ in every possible aspect.
Gold ETFs could potentially be on the investors worry list. The biggest issue with that commodity exchange was a regulatory vacuum. However, Gold ETFs are very well regulated by SEBI. There have been a host of measures that have been guide lined by SEBI right from valuation to underlying specifications to mandatory audit of the underlying gold backing Gold ETF units.
The major difference in the commodity exchange and Gold ETFs lies in the structure of their operations. In commodity exchange, two counter-parties enter into agreement to buy and sell the underlying and the buyer is reliant on the seller to deliver the underlying commodity to actually transfer ownership from the seller to the buyer / investor.
Moreover, Mutual Fund Industry is one of the most strictly regulated industries in India. However, it is important to know that all mutual funds are subject to market risks. You will get returns based on the market performance of the respective asset class may it be equity, debt or gold.
The above statements are largely in the context of Gold, for other holding in equities and debt; redemption will not pose any problem, as there are SEBI mandated guidelines by which the redeemed amount should be received by you. If there is large scale redemption, then price fluctuations may impact certain kind of funds e.g. those funds which have large investments in illiquid securities. In these cases, the NAV may decline more sharply, but you will still receive your redeemed amount.
Mutual Funds are actually excellent vehicles for investments; do not let what happened to Gold ETF in commodity exchange colour your outlook. You are making the right choice with mutual funds!
I have retired recently and would like to invest a portion in a couple of equity MFs through 5 year SIP. Will it be in order if I invest in liquid and ultra-short term funds for 1 or 2 years and then do STP in equity MF scheme? I have invested various amounts in FD for 1,2,3,4 years in order to earn income on idle money. Thanks in advance. I do not fall under any tax slab. -
— Balaji Damani, Khar
Congratulations on the beginning of your second innings. When it comes to asset allocation I generally suggest people to INVEST A LARGER PROPORTION in equities if you are young and proportionately reduce it as you age. Even at the time of retirement, I would advise a good amount of investment in equities- as long as you do not need any cash flows from this investment. This will allow your investment to grow and beat inflation, subject to high market risk. The accumulated equity assets could not only be of use to you, but can also is a great asset to bequeath for the next generation However if you need regular income from your investments, then lesser investments may be made in equities as you retire, and more amount in debt.
I do not know all the details of your needs etc- but purely based on your question, I feel that you could straightway start a SIP in equities rather than first invest in debt funds and then do an STP into equity. Do consult your financial advisor before taking any investment related decisions.
Subbu's Solution is authored by I. V. Subramaniam. I. V. Subramaniam is a Director of Quantum Asset Management Company Pvt Ltd. The responses expressed here are strictly for information and explanation purpose only. The responses are meant for general reading purpose and not to be considered as an investment advice / recommendation. The responses are not intended to be an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial product or instrument or units of the Mutual Fund. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice and arrive at an informed investment decision before making any investments.