Energy sector mutual funds have rallied nearly 12% over the past three months, outpacing other fund categories as global energy prices climb. Analysts say the move may be cyclical rather than guaranteed. They recommend existing investors book partial profits, while new investors consider SIP or STP to reduce entry-time risk.
Small-cap mutual funds have roared back with double-digit gains over the past month, outperforming mid and large caps. But experts caution the move looks like a sharp post-correction recovery, not a durable trend, citing stretched valuations and rising investor exuberance. They suggest disciplined SIPs for high-risk investors, while noting large caps may offer better risk-reward now.
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Women are increasingly driving India’s investing momentum, with demat accounts opened by women jumping 129% since 2021, according to Axis Direct. The data points to a clear preference for mutual funds, steady SIP investing, and long-term goal planning, helped by rising digital adoption and a more risk-aware approach to wealth building.
Mutual fund SIP inflows climbed 8% to an all-time high of Rs 32,087 crore in March. Equity fund inflows surged 56%, led by flexi cap schemes. But the mood flipped for safer bets: debt mutual funds saw a sharp outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore, with liquid funds registering the biggest redemptions—signaling a clear shift in investor sentiment.
Equity mutual fund inflows in March jumped to their highest level in eight months, underscoring steadfast domestic investor demand despite market turbulence. Higher local buying helped offset recent foreign fund outflows. The biggest surprise was a sharp rise in SIP contributions, which reportedly reached record levels, reinforcing the growing role of disciplined monthly investing.
A new study finds nearly 80% of women mutual fund investors begin their journey before age 35, with SIPs emerging as the main gateway for younger participants. It also points to growing involvement in financial decisions and better retention, but notes persistent challenges: confidence gaps and a lingering mismatch between saving and investing.
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Despite markets being about 10% down, March SIP inflows hit a record roughly INR 32,000 crore, underscoring retail’s scale in Indian equities. But fund managers caution that if investors fail to see returns for another 18 months, many could reduce or withdraw SIPs—potentially reshaping demand and market sentiment.
SBI Funds Management and ICICI Prudential AMC are preparing major IPOs, triggering intense interest from fund managers hoping to replicate the outsized gains seen when HDFC AMC listed in 2018. The backdrop is strong: industry AUM has hit INR 77 lakh crore, SIP flows are at record levels, and niche AMCs like PPFAS and Quant are reshaping investor expectations.
Gold and silver ETFs dropped as much as 5% even as MCX prices bounced back, helped by a weaker dollar and easing geopolitical stress. Analysts point to rising yields and traders locking in gains as key drivers. While caution remains, experts suggest staggered investing through SIPs to potentially benefit from dips, backed by solid medium-term demand fundamentals.
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