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Thematic funds disappointed investors in 2025: Should you bet on them this year? Experts weigh in
Experts believe that investing in thematic funds should be part of a broader investment philosophy, rather than being purely driven by short-term returns.
Abakkus Mutual Fund has disclosed the first portfolio of its flexi cap fund since its NFO, with HDFC Bank as the top holding. The fund follows the MEETS framework and holds 16 stocks across market capitalisations.
HDFC Bank, Infosys among 6 stocks owned by over 600 mutual funds in December
Mutual funds heavily favoured large-cap leaders in December, with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, SBI, Reliance Industries and Infosys owned by over 600 schemes, highlighting institutional confidence in banking, telecom, energy and IT despite market volatility and growth outlook.
5 equity mutual funds see AUM fall by more than Rs 600 crore in December
5 equity funds saw a decline in their AUM by over Rs 600 crore in December.
Mutual funds increased cash allocation by over Rs 5,900 crore to Rs 2.07 lakh crore in December
Mutual funds raised their cash holdings by 5,913 crore in December to 2.07 lakh crore, increasing cash levels to 4.81% of AUM from 4.68% in November. Meanwhile, total equity AUM rose modestly by 11,000 crore month-on-month to 43.25 lakh crore.
HDFC Defence Fund increases stake in Bharat Dynamics, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, HAL, and 2 others
The HDFC Defence Fund made significant moves in December. It boosted holdings in Bharat Dynamics, Centum Electronics, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. Hindustan Aeronautics and Astra Microwave Products also saw increased investment. Bosch and Aequs joined the fund's portfolio. The fund exited Dee Development Engineers completely. Its assets under management reached Rs 7,390 crore by December 31, 2025.
What is Tamilnad Mercantile Bank's deposit scheme that offers 7.50% a year to senior citizens?
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank offers 7.50% to senior citizens for special deposit scheme of 456-day tenor
Can conservative investors still earn real returns in a falling rate cycle?
With interest rates falling and debt returns shrinking post tax, equity savings funds offer conservative investors a tax-efficient middle groundif chosen carefully and held long enough.
Rs 1.5 crore in bank FD at 60: Is SWP a better option for steady monthly income?
A senior citizen with Rs 1.5 crore in bank fixed deposits may consider a systematic withdrawal plan for steady income. Experts suggest SWP, combined with stable instruments and a bucket strategy, can provide sustainable cash flows while preserving capital over the long term.
Sent money to the wrong UPI ID? What happens nextand what you should do
A wrong UPI transfer isnt always reversible. From frozen accounts to missed investment returns, heres how recovery works, why delays hurt, and what users should do to protect themselves.
Gold and silver-backed multi-asset funds see 40% jump in December inflows. Is risk aversion rising?
Multi-asset allocation funds, heavily weighted towards gold and silver, witnessed a significant 40% surge in December inflows. This rise suggests a growing investor preference for diversified, defensive strategies, driven by recent performance and a potential increase in risk aversion.
Best focused mutual funds to invest in January 2026
According to Sebi norms, focused equity mutual fund schemes must invest in a portfolio of maximum 30 stocks. These schemes have no other restrictions when it comes to investing- like flexi cap schemes they can invest in any market capitalisations and sectors. If that investment strategy appeals to you, you can get to know more about focused equity schemes.
The high cost of chasing market success too late
Behavioural bias and late entry into winning themes can destroy long-term wealth
Market turbulence drives investors to play it safe with flexicap bets
Investors are turning to fund managers for stock market decisions. Flexicap funds saw the biggest inflows in 2025. This shows less confidence in specific stock categories like small or mid-caps. Thematic and sectoral funds are less popular now. Investors prefer flexible mandates in uncertain times. Small and mid-cap funds still attract money due to past high returns.
An expert warns that retiring at 27 with a Rs 1.6 crore corpus and Rs 65,000 monthly expenses may be risky, as inflation, taxes, longevity, and emergencies could exhaust savings well before age 75.
Best-performing NPS equity funds: Offer over 12% returns in 1 year. Check details
Several NPS equity fund managers delivered strong one-year returns, with Tata Pension Management leading the pack. While select funds crossed 12%, others posted moderate gains, offering investors insight into comparative pension fund performance against the BSE 200 TRI.
Gold ETF inflows hit USD 88.5 billion worldwide; Nippon India Gold BeES ranks 15th
Nippon India ETF Gold BeES ranked among the world's top 15 gold ETFs in 2025, attracting USD 1.17 billion in inflows. This performance contributed to India's position as the third-largest market for gold ETF inflows globally, highlighting gold's continued role as a key portfolio diversifier amidst macroeconomic uncertainty.
Understanding retail direct gilt account and how it compares with FDs and debt funds
Unlike debt mutual funds, where portfolio churn and mark-to-market movements affect returns, RDG allows investors to hold securities till maturity and receive the contracted cash flowsprovided they do not exit early.
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund raised exposure to Adani Energy, HAL and several largecap stocks in December while trimming holdings in IndiGo and others. The fund also exited multiple stocks, added new names and saw a rise in assets under management.
Selling Gold ETFs as an NRI? Know your India tax rules
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from Gold ETFs held for over a year are taxable in India at 12.5%.
NFO Alert: Shriram Mutual Fund announces launch of Shriram Money Market Fund
Shriram Mutual Fund has launched the Shriram Money Market Fund, an open-ended debt scheme focused on high-quality money market instruments with maturities of up to one year. The fund aims to offer regular income, high liquidity, and controlled risk, with its NFO open for subscription from January 19 to January 21.
ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP into over Rs 20 lakh in 7 years
ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into over Rs 20 lakh in seven years. Strong returns across SIP and lumpsum investments highlight the funds special situations strategy and long-term wealth creation potential.
Flexicap mutual funds saw record inflows of over Rs 10,000 crore in December. This surge highlights investor confidence in the category's flexibility and consistent performance. Experts advise sticking to long-term asset allocation rather than chasing trends. Flexicap funds are recommended as core holdings for investors, especially first-time equity investors, best accessed through SIPs.
ITR Refund Delay: Still didn't get your income tax refund? Here's what you should do
Income tax refunds usually get delayed because often times the returns are not fully processed, or the I-T Department finds mismatches or non-compliance in your tax filing.
Best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in January 2026
Flexi cap schemes are typically recommended to moderate investors to create wealth over a long period of time. Ideally, one should invest in these schemes with an investment horizon of five to seven years.
Mandatory probate on Will removed but it is still a smart move for inheritance
The Repealing and Amending Act, 2025, simplifies inheritance for many. But for complex estates or NRIs, skipping probate can lead to major headaches.
What is the tax implication if my NRI husband transfers foreign funds to me?
If any money is received without consideration and if the aggregate value exceeds 50,000, it is taxable in the hands of the recipient unless it is received from a relative'.
Equity mutual funds lost over 5% last week. Check top 5 laggards
Why India's savings culture serves everyone except the saver
Indias love for fixed income isnt just culturalits structural. Banks and governments benefit, while savers quietly lose wealth to inflation, taxes, and time.
Retiring early is looking more difficult. The new game plans.
A frothy stock market and looming inflation makes early retirement a trickier exercise.
Not gold or property: Here's what Radhika Gupta calls real inheritance from the previous generation
Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, said the true inheritance from previous generations lies in the values they instilledhard work, responsibility, family respect, and financial prudencerather than material assets like gold or property. She emphasized that these principles guide life and financial choices across generations.
NFO Alert: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund launches Gold ETF FoF
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund has launched a Gold ETF Fund of Fund, offering investors a cost-efficient and transparent way to gain gold exposure without physical ownership. The NFO is open until January 23, 2026, with low minimum investment and SIP options.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has discontinued subscriptions in its Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund following consultations with SEBI, citing the absence of a defined microcap category. The move impacts fresh investments, SIPs, and STPs, while existing terms remain unchanged.
Quant Small Cap Fund: LIC and Adani Green Energy among stocks bought and sold in December
Quant Small Cap Fund made selective portfolio changes in December, adding Adani Green Energy and exiting LIC completely. The fund increased exposure to select stocks while maintaining a defensive stance, focusing on liquidity and calibrated smallcap exposure amid market volatility.
NFOs: 8 mutual funds and 1 SIF are open for subscription now. Check dates and key details
Eight mutual fund NFOs and one SIF are currently open for subscription across categories such as small cap, duration, sectoral, thematic and FoFs. Here is a list of the latest launches with closing dates and key details.
Gold Exchange Traded Funds saw unprecedented inflows in December, reaching an all-time high. This surge has prompted market experts to recommend investors rebalance their portfolios. They advise aligning gold ETF holdings with individual asset allocation targets. For new investors, a gradual entry through systematic plans is suggested.
Mutual fund investors take a bigger shine to gold and silver
In December, mutual fund investors took a gold and silver plunge, ramping up their stakes in precious metal funds. Meanwhile, equity and fixed-income investments cooled off, indicating a cautious approach in the market. Additionally, multi-asset allocation funds attracted more capital, underscoring a trend towards safer investment choices as investors hedge against uncertainty.
Inflow slowdown hits large, mid and smallcap funds in December. Is investor sentiment cooling?
Mutual fund inflows into large-, mid- and small-cap schemes declined in December despite limited market weakness. Experts attribute the slowdown to elevated valuations, volatility and profit booking, signalling a more cautious and selective investor approach across equity fund categories.
December saw 23 open-ended mutual fund NFOs raise Rs 4,074 crore, led by Abakkus Flexi Caps Rs 2,468 crore haul, while sectoral, arbitrage, small-cap, index, ETF, liquid and gold funds drew modest investor interest amid selective risk appetite in December.
Mutual fund inflows touch Rs 8 lakh crore in 2025; flexicap funds attract Rs 80,000 crore
Mutual funds saw strong investor interest in 2025. Open-ended funds attracted over Rs 7.9 lakh crore. Equity schemes were popular, with flexicap funds leading inflows. Debt and hybrid funds also saw significant investments. Passive funds, including ETFs and index funds, garnered substantial inflows. The total assets under management for open-ended schemes grew by 20%.
Equity mutual fund inflows declined 6% in December, AMFI data shows
Equity mutual fund inflows fell 6.21% to 28,054.06 crore in December 2025, with total AUM declining to 79.98 lakh crore.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund raises stake in ITC, 10 others; trims Infosys exposure in Dec
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund boosted its holdings in ITC and ten other stocks during December, notably adding significant stakes in Power Grid Corporation and HDFC Bank. The fund also introduced The Great Eastern Shipping Company to its portfolio. Meanwhile, exposure to Infosys was reduced, with no complete exits reported.
AMFI Data: Mutual fund SIP inflows surge to record Rs 31,002 crore in December
Mutual fund SIP inflows reached a record high of over Rs 31,000 crore in December. This marks a significant increase, showing disciplined investor participation. Investors are using market dips to increase investments. The trend indicates a growing financialization of savings in India. More investors are expected to join mutual funds, driving SIP numbers higher.
AMFI Data: Equity mutual fund inflows dip 6% to Rs 28,054 crore in December
Equity mutual fund inflows dipped 6% to Rs 28,054 crore in December, marking a 32% year-on-year decline. Despite this, flexi-cap funds achieved a record high of Rs 10,019 crore in inflows, leading the pack among the 11 sub-categories. Overall, 2025 saw Rs 3.03 lakh crore invested in equity mutual funds.
Mutual funds: How common is it to stop the SIP and when should you do it?
Wealth advisors generally refrain from telling investors to pause their SIPs but there could be some special scenarios wherein it is recommended
MF Tracker: Axis Large Cap Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP to Rs 58 lakh in 16 years
Axis Large Cap Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 58.71 lakh over 16 years, ETMutualFunds analysis shows. Despite periods of underperformance, the large-cap scheme has delivered steady long-term returns. Experts say its quality-focused approach and stability make it a suitable option in todays volatile markets.
Best tax saving mutual funds or ELSS to invest in January 2026
Tax saving mutual funds or ELSSs invest in stocks. Therefore, they have a very high risk. You should be aware of this aspect, especially if you are a first-time investor in equity mutual funds. Compared to your usual investments like Public Provident Fund or National Savings Certificate, etc,
Intention vs reality: What happens when children take over their parents' finances
Many Millennials and Gen Z-ers view their parents' finances not as a pot of savings but as an inefficient portfolio that needs fixing. This dynamic creates a fascinating, often painful, psychological clash. Here's how to go about it and what to avoid.
The rupees decline and what it means for your investment portfolio
Why currency weakness matters, who gains, and how investors should think about asset allocation.
Helios Flexi Cap Fund divested its entire stake in IndiGo and Urban Company in December. The fund significantly boosted its holdings in Physicswallah, adding over 21 lakh shares. Exposure also increased in 23 other stocks, including Adani Ports and RIL, while maintaining stakes in 44 existing investments.
Studying abroad in 2026: How currency swings are reshaping student finances
A weakening rupee, rising global inflation and higher living costs are sharply increasing the real price of studying abroad, forcing Indian students and families to rethink funding strategies.
NFO Alert: Bandhan Mutual Fund launches Arudha SIFs maiden strategy with Hybrid Long-Short Fund
Bandhan Mutual Fund launched its first SIF, Arudha Hybrid Long-Short Fund, targeting sophisticated investors. The interval strategy blends debt, money market instruments and market-neutral equity arbitrage, aiming for optimal returns, risk management and post-tax efficiency, with the NFO open January 922.
Sebi extended the deadline for implementing additional mutual fund distributor incentives to March 1, 2026, citing challenges. The incentives target new investors from B-30 cities and new women investors, while all other provisions of the November 2025 circular remain unchanged.
What is the FIFO method - deployed to compute capital gains tax on the sale of mutual funds?
FIFO indicates first in first out which means the mutual fund units bought first are sold first. Based on this phenomenon, capital gains tax is computed.
NPS: What investment options are available for aggressive investors across pension plans?
For NPS subscribers, the return on investment over a period of time is contingent upon exposure to equity and choice of fund manager
Quant Small Cap Fund adds Adani Green Energy and 3 other stocks, exits LIC in December
Quant Small Cap Fund added Adani Green Energy, HDFC Life, Ravindra Energy and S.P. Apparels in December while fully exiting LIC. The fund also trimmed stakes in Reliance Industries and ONGC, according to its latest monthly portfolio disclosure.
What approach should investors take in gold and silver ETFs after sharp rally?
After a sharp rally, investors should adopt a cautious, staggered approach to gold and silver ETFs, focusing on allocation balance and long-term objectives rather than chasing short-term gains.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund announces launch of two debt funds. Who should invest?
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund introduces two new debt funds, the Short Duration Fund and the Low Duration Fund. The new fund offers are currently open for investment and will close on January 13. These funds aim to generate income for investors with short-term horizons.
NFO Insight: Is Groww Small Cap Fund a smart bet amid market volatility?
Groww Mutual Fund has launched its new Small Cap Fund, focusing on long-term capital appreciation through a bottom-up stock selection process. Experts offer mixed views, with some suggesting caution due to current small-cap valuations and volatility, while others see potential for long-term investors willing to tolerate risk.
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in January 2026
If you have a long-term horizon and are willing to take a little extra risk, you may choose from our list of recommended large & mid cap schemes. Before proceeding to the recommendation list, here are some updates.
Aditya Birla Sunlife AMC says its chief investment officer Patil quits
Aditya Birla Sunlife Asset Management Company on Wednesday said that its chief investment officer, Mahesh Patil, has resigned.
Sebi extends timeline till Mar 1 to implement additional incentives structure for MF distributors
Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday extended the timeline till March 1 for the implementation of an additional incentives structure for mutual fund distributors for onboarding new individual investors from B-30 cities and new women investors from any city.
NFO Monitor: Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund launches innovation opportunities fund
The New Fund Offer opens on January 9 and will close on January 23, following which the scheme will reopen for ongoing transactions from February 2, 2026.
Mutual fund AUM-to-bank deposit ratio jumps 3x in 10 years. Whats driving the shift?
Indias mutual fund assets have surged nearly sevenfold in a decade, pushing the AUM-to-bank-deposit ratio above 33%, driven by lower deposit rates, rising incomes and a growing preference for market-linked investments, though India still trails developed markets.
Corporate NPS makes more sense than everif your employer offers it
Experts believe NPS offers a disciplined, low-cost framework for long-term retirement savings. It helps you rebalance between equity and debt without any tax implications
Top 5 equity mutual funds that outperformed their benchmarks in 3 years
TCS refund on car purchase: Who can claim it, how it works, and key rules to know
TCS is a 1% tax on motor vehicles over 10 lakh. Buyers can claim a refund when filing their annual ITR, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
SMA in a credit report: Meaning and impact on your credit score
When a loan EMI or credit card payment is overdue for up to 90 days, it reflects in the individuals credit report as SMA. The bank can reject new credit applications if there are SMA(s) in the applicants credit report.
Mutual fund commissions cut 25% of investor wealth in 80% of schemes over 10 years: Report
Based on the data as of March 2024, the study shows that regular plans continue to dominate assets, with 21.2% of regular investments held for over five years, compared to 7.7% in direct plans, underscoring the persistence of commission-led distribution despite sustained underperformance.
IDFC First Bank launches Zero Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card for global travellers. Details here
IDFC FIRST's 'Diamond Reserve Credit Card' provides 0% forex markup, interest-free global ATM cash withdrawals, and lifetime reward points.
NFO Alert: Bank of India Mutual Fund launches banking & financial services fund
Bank of India Mutual Fund has launched the Bank of India Banking & Financial Services Fund, an open-ended equity scheme focused on BFSI stocks. The fund aims to capture Indias long-term financial sector growth through investments in banks, NBFCs, fintech, insurance and capital market companies, targeting long-term investors.
What approach should I take to reach a 1.25 crore investment goal?
With 68 lakh already invested and disciplined SIPs, the goal is achievablebut portfolio rebalancing, risk control and asset allocation will be key to avoiding costly mistakes.
FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card benefits include bonus reward points, higher redemption value on travel bookings, zero forex markup, and airport lounge access. The card is issued against a fixed deposit.
Gold vs Silver ETFs: Where should investors deploy funds amid USVenezuela conflict?
As geopolitical risks surge, experts highlight why gold ETFs remain the portfolio anchor, offering stability and protection during global shocks. Silver ETFs, though more volatile, can enhance returns when industrial demand strengthens. A thoughtful blend of bothwithin a broader multi-asset strategycan help investors navigate uncertainty with greater resilience.
Best small cap mutual funds to invest in January 2026
Investing in small caps is not a childs play. You will have to find successful fund managers who specialise in small cap stocks. You should also pay attention to how the schemes fared during the market downturn.
How to buy gold and silver through mutual funds?
Mutual funds offer indirect investment in gold and silver through ETFs, fund-of-funds, and multi-asset allocation funds. Investors can utilize SIPs and STPs for systematic investments. Tax implications vary based on holding periods, with long-term gains taxed at 12.5%. A 'buy on dips' strategy and limited portfolio exposure are recommended after recent rallies.
