Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Value Research CEO Outlines Disciplined Mutual Fund Selection Process
Imagine you want to save money for a big goal, like buying a house in 10 years.
First, you write down exactly what you want and how long you have.
Then, you decide how much money should be in 'safe' spots and how much in 'growth' spots, like splitting your candy between chocolate and gummies.
You mostly put money in your favorite, reliable choices, like a comfy chair for your main seat.
You can add a few 'fun' candies, but not too many, so they don't take over.
When picking, you look at how much it costs to keep the money in the bank, how well it has done over time, and if the bank managers are still good at their job.
You also check to make sure they aren't holding too many of the same things.
You decide beforehand when you might sell something, like if it stops being the comfy chair or if the person in charge leaves.
Rebalancing, which means adjusting your safe and growth money each year, helps a little extra, like getting a small bonus.
This way, you let the numbers work for you and don't get scared or too excited about quick changes.
Define investment goals clearly in a single sentence with a specific timeline.
Fix the asset mix (equity vs. debt) based on horizon and risk capacity, rebalancing annually or on +/-5% deviation.
Build a core portfolio with broad indices or rules-driven flexi-cap equity and quality debt, keeping satellite (mid/small-cap, themes) allocations small.
Choose index funds for large-cap categories based on low tracking error/difference, and disciplined active funds for mid/small-cap if they respect capacity.
Scrutinize costs (TER), consistency of performance, and fund capacity, and establish clear exit rules based on mandate drift, performance, or team changes.
- Who
- Dhirendra Kumar, CEO of Value Research
- What
- A step-by-step process for selecting mutual funds focusing on goals, asset allocation, core vs. satellite holdings, cost efficiency, consistency, capacity, and defined exit rules.
- When
- Annually for rebalancing, or when sleeve allocations drift by +/-5%. Exit rules are pre-defined for calm decision-making.
- Where
- Mutual fund investments.
- Why
- To build a repeatable, disciplined investment process that mitigates behavioral biases and leverages arithmetic for long-term wealth creation.
Process-Driven, Data-Informed Selection
Flexibility and Investor Comfort
Core vs. Satellite Approach
Process-Driven, Data-Informed Selection
Prioritizes a stable, broad-based core (index or rules-driven flexi-cap, quality short-duration debt) for wealth creation, with small, controlled satellite allocations for curiosity (mid, small-cap, themes).
Flexibility and Investor Comfort
Allows for small, controlled satellite investments like mid-cap, small-cap, and themes to satisfy investor curiosity without dominating the portfolio.
Index vs. Active Choice
Process-Driven, Data-Informed Selection
Selects index funds for categories like large-cap, focusing on low tracking difference and error. Considers disciplined active funds for mid/small-cap if they respect capacity and style.
Flexibility and Investor Comfort
Suggests active funds can be considered for mid/small-cap categories if they can earn their fees.
Cost Consideration
Process-Driven, Data-Informed Selection
Emphasizes interrogating costs rigorously, highlighting how Total Expense Ratio (TER) significantly impacts long-term returns, advocating for low-cost options.
Flexibility and Investor Comfort
Implies that while costs are a factor, the potential for 'alpha' generation by active funds can justify fees if managed well.
- Goal Setting
- Start with a clear, single-sentence goal (e.g., 'Rs 25 lakh for daughter's college in 8 years').
- Asset Allocation
- Determine equity and debt mix based on investment horizon and risk capacity; rebalance annually or if allocations drift by +/-5%.
- Core Holdings
- Equity: Broad index (Nifty 50/100/Total Market) or rules-driven flexi-cap with low downside capture. Debt: Short-duration or roll-down quality debt funds.
- Satellite Holdings
- Limited to a firm ceiling (e.g., ≤10% of total portfolio) for mid, small-cap, and thematic investments.
- Cost Scrutiny
- Evaluate Total Expense Ratio (TER) as a major factor; lower costs significantly enhance long-term returns.
- Consistency & Capacity
- Prioritize funds with consistent performance (top half in rolling windows) and respect fund capacity to avoid performance dilution.
- Audit Checklist
- Equity: Top holdings percentage (≤12–15%), top 10 percentage (≤45%), style discipline, sector balance. Debt: Credit quality, duration, check for long-tail paper.
- Exit Rules
- Define triggers for exit: mandate drift (>20% style breach), consistent underperformance (bottom quartile on 3-yr rolling), portfolio manager exits.