GR Exclusive: "From Equity To Gold, Divsersification Is Essential," Says Trupti Agarwal, WhiteOak Capital

International Women's Day, observed globally on March 8th, honours women's achievements and contributions. In finance, women have significantly impacted India's economy, one of the fastest-growing globally. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister of India, leads the Finance Ministry. Recently, more women have become investors. A Groww report highlights a surge in women investing in mutual funds, especially in Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities. Women under 30 are driving SIP growth. According to SBI, one in four investors is female. Discussing investment on this day is crucial. GoodReturns spoke with Trupti Agarwal, Fund Manager at Whiteoak Capital AMC.

Market downturns can be unsettling for investors. The timing of your market entry plays a crucial role. For instance, those who began investing post-Covid four years ago experienced favourable conditions. Conversely, entering the market in September last year might have led to more losses. Equities are naturally volatile; however, it's important to remember that market trends are not permanent.

Investors should avoid concentrating their investments in a single asset class. Options like equity, fixed income, and gold provide diversification opportunities. Spreading investments across different assets helps mitigate risks associated with the performance of any single investment.

Starting Investments: Key Considerations

A common mistake is delaying investment initiation due to laziness or waiting for cheaper options. Avoid timing the market and start investing systematically over time rather than all at once. Relying solely on past returns is another error; diversify instead of focusing on one asset class.

Risks for First-Time Women Investors

First-time women investors often face underconfidence and procrastination. Many feel they lack investment knowledge and defer decisions to men. Those outside finance can learn online through social media content and basic Excel formulas for calculating returns. Start small to test understanding before committing larger amounts.

Building a Retirement Corpus

A 30-year-old woman aiming for a Rs. 1 crore retirement corpus has 25-30 years to invest. Diversification across equity, fixed income, and gold is essential. If unsure about markets, seek expert advice from a financial advisor to guide your investments effectively.

Recommended Funds and Themes for Women's Day

India's rapid economic growth offers potential across sectors. Consumption is a promising theme as product usage increases among women. Banking and financial themes are attractive due to their valuations. Technology and healthcare also present opportunities. Alternatively, consider investing in a flexi cap fund for broader exposure.

The conversation with Trupti Agarwal highlights the importance of informed investment decisions for women in finance. By understanding market dynamics and diversifying portfolios, women can achieve financial independence and security.