Navigating Wealth Creation: Expert Strategies for Investing Rs 1 Lakh
Wealth creation often feels daunting, especially in today's volatile economic climate. Many investors grapple with where to allocate funds for steady returns over short, medium, and long-term horizons. Should you chase high-flying stocks, invest in record-breaking gold, or stick with traditional fixed deposits? Experts emphasize that no single strategy fits all, as risk profile and time horizon are critical factors. However, a consensus emerges: avoid chasing recent highs and focus on long-term wealth creation through diversification.
Prashant Joshi: A Balanced Approach for Long-Term Growth
Prashant Joshi of Motilal Oswal Asset Management advocates for equities as the cornerstone of long-term wealth creation, citing their inflation-beating potential. He recommends a diversified mix of active funds, sectoral funds, and low-cost index funds or ETFs. A practical allocation includes 70% in equities for growth, 10-20% in commodities like gold for diversification and inflation protection, and 10-20% in debt instruments for stability and liquidity. This balanced portfolio aims to smooth returns and reduce volatility, with SIPs helping average costs and mitigate timing risks.
Rahul Jain: Moderate Risk Allocation for 3-5 Years
Rahul Jain from Nuvama Wealth suggests a moderate risk profile allocation for a 3-5 year horizon. He proposes 50% in equity through flexicap funds with a largecap bias, 40% in debt via bank FDs and high-quality NCDs for stability and income, and 10% in gold ETFs as a hedge against geopolitical risks and currency depreciation. This strategy prioritizes stability while allowing for growth, with gold acting as an anchor during market turbulence.
Gautam Kalia: Adapting to Market Weakness and Geopolitical Issues
Gautam Kalia of Mirae Asset Sharekhan notes recent market corrections despite positive economic indicators, attributing weakness to geopolitical tensions and crude oil fears. For investments over five years with high risk appetite, he recommends a predominant equity allocation with a largecap bias, gradually adding mid and small caps. Debt allocation should focus on the short end of the yield curve, such as corporate bonds, while maintaining around 10% in gold as a hedge against global uncertainties.
Akshat Garg: Emphasizing Balance and Discipline
Akshat Garg of Choice Wealth stresses balance over chasing trends. He allocates 50% to equities via large-cap and multi-cap funds for long-term wealth creation, 25% to short-duration debt or FDs for stability, 15% to gold via SGBs or ETFs for protection, and 10% to liquid funds for emergencies. Execution involves upfront deployment with staggering, aligning investments with clear goals and time frames, where discipline outweighs timing.
Sunny Agrawal: Sector-Specific Equity Focus
Sunny Agrawal from SBI Securities advocates a multi-asset portfolio with 75% in equities, targeting fundamentally sound sectors like auto, defence, metals, financial services, consumption, telecom, oil & gas, and IT. Debt comprises 15% for stability in uncertain global conditions, and gold makes up 10% as a hedge against unforeseen events and de-dollarization trends.
Prateek Nigudkar: Tailoring to Individual Needs
Prateek Nigudkar of Shriram AMC highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Asset mix should align with risk appetite, liquidity needs, and financial goals. For near-term needs, focus on low-volatility debt; for medium-term, blend debt with limited equity; for long-term, increase equity exposure with some debt for stability. In 2026, disciplined asset allocation and regular rebalancing are key, rather than reacting to short-term market movements.
Cheenu Gupta: Seizing Opportunities in Mid and Small Caps
Cheenu Gupta of HSBC Mutual Fund sees an opportune phase for accumulating mid- and small-cap exposure after a time correction, with improving earnings visibility. He suggests a balanced approach: 50% in diversified funds like large & mid-cap or multi-asset funds, and 50% in mid- and small-cap funds, with small caps added gradually via SIPs. Maintaining equity alongside gold enhances long-term portfolio resilience.
Disclaimer: These recommendations are for illustrative purposes only. Asset allocation depends on individual factors like age and risk tolerance. Always consult a registered financial advisor before investing.
