Prashant Mahesh is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Economic Times. He specializes in finance and investment, covering topics such as asset management, investment strategies, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, and wealth management. Prashant's insights and analyses have been featured in The Economic Times, where he contributes regularly to share market updates and personal finance discussions.
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India (National)
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Prashant Mahesh focuses on investment analysis, particularly in the context of India's financial and stock markets. His coverage heavily centers around investing, mutual funds, stock market trends, and IPOs.
For tailored pitches to Prashant, consider offering insights or data regarding investment opportunities specific to India. Additionally, expertise in analyzing mutual funds' performance within the Indian market could be an effective approach for reaching out effectively.
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By: Prashant Mahesh
Sebi proposes a new Mutual Fund-only Portfolio Management Services category. This new category will invest exclusively in direct plans of mutual funds. The regulator is lowering entry thresholds and permitting global diversification for investors. This move aims to increase transparency and promote a fee-based wealth management model. Affluent retail investors may gain access to products previously for high networth individuals.
Sebi has proposed lowering the minimum investment for mutual fund-only portfolio management services. The regulator suggests reducing this threshold from Rs 50 lakh down to Rs 25 lakh. This move aims to make these services more accessible to a wider investor base. Additionally, Sebi is simplifying other requirements for these portfolio managers. These proposed changes are expected to impact the investment landscape significantly.
By: Prashant Mahesh
Mutual fund returns show significant differences between top and bottom performers. The flexi-cap category saw a wide gap between gains and losses. Small-cap funds also displayed considerable divergence in their yearly performance. Market trends favored stock-specific bets and certain sectors over traditional ones. Investors must understand fund styles and team track records for better selection.
Arbitrage fund net asset values saw a significant daily surge after the NSE introduced a closing auction session. Fund managers noted these movements were valuation effects and likely temporary. The new system introduces execution and hedging challenges for arbitrage strategies. Investors are advised against short-term trading and encouraged to extend holding periods. The market is expected to stabilize as participants adjust to the new mechanism.
Madhu Nair has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund. He will succeed Sanjay Grover, who served as interim CEO since August 2025. Nair brings extensive experience from various sales and distribution roles in the mutual fund industry. Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund is a joint venture between Bank of Baroda and BNP Paribas.
Multi-asset funds are becoming core holdings for investors seeking diversification. These funds invest across equity, debt, and precious metals, offering active management. Their popularity is growing as fund managers make allocation decisions for investors. Higher returns over the past year are attributed to gold and silver allocations. Taxation varies based on equity exposure and holding periods for investors.
By: Prashant Mahesh
A fresh analysis indicates that actively managed mutual funds have surpassed their benchmark indices, with an impressive 94% of large cap funds outperforming theirs. Midcap and small cap funds have also demonstrated solid performance against their benchmarks. Fund managers effectively utilized market discrepancies and strategic stock selection. It remains crucial for investors to carefully choose suitable schemes and reputable fund houses to maximize gains.
Thematic funds focus on investing in firms associated with particular long-term trends, aiming for potential alpha returns. They entail a greater concentration risk when compared to traditional diversified equity mutual funds. Therefore, investors must carefully time their entries and exits. Its advisable for beginners to start with diversified equity mutual funds before venturing into themes. A gradual investment strategy over time is encouraged for thematic fund acquisitions.
In July, fund managers recalibrated their blue-chip stock portfolios, focusing on select sectors like IT, automotive, and pharmaceuticals for increased investments. Notably, financial services, particularly non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and private lenders, received a surge in fund inflows. Conversely, stakes in public sector banks such as SBI and Bank of Baroda saw a decline, a strategic choice that underscores a preference for industries with stronger earnings visibility.
Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are steadily becoming a preferred choice for seasoned investors, accumulating an impressive 95,000 folios. Unlike traditional equity mutual funds, which focus solely on long positions, SIFs offer the flexibility of both long and short strategies. With a minimum investment threshold set at ten lakh rupees, these funds have successfully managed assets valued at twenty-three thousand, one hundred seventy-seven crore rupees.
