Should you sell your mutual funds when returns disappoint, or give your investments more time? In this episode of The Core Report Special Edition, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Swarup Mohanty, Vice Chairman & CEO of Mirae Asset Investment Managers (INDIA), about weak mutual fund returns, stock market uncertainty and what investors should consider before deciding to exit.

Swarup Mohanty argues that disappointing returns can reveal a gap between investors’ expectations and their tolerance for risk. He explains why he believes corporate earnings and valuations have improved despite the difficult market environment. Before you sell your mutual funds, he suggests examining what makes you uncomfortable and whether your investments still align with your financial goals.

The conversation explores Mirae Asset’s investment approach, its reluctance to chase expensive stocks and why it resisted launching a small-cap fund without the right manager. Mohanty also discusses how new listings have broadened India’s investment opportunities and why he believes the Nifty 500 offers a fuller picture of the Indian stock market than the Nifty 50.

Looking beyond large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap categories, Swarup Mohanty examines thematic investing in manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, consumption and energy. He explains how these businesses are evolving and where AI adoption could influence competitiveness. The discussion also explores overseas diversification and the opportunity to own global businesses that are not readily available in India.

How should investors combine active mutual funds, ETFs, debt and gold? Mohanty discusses portfolio diversification, the role of gold ETFs and why higher return expectations require a closer look at risk. He explains why retirement planning should begin with the amount an investor needs and the time available, rather than a race to find the highest-performing fund.

At the heart of the conversation is a bigger question. Before you sell your mutual funds, are you responding to a change in your financial needs or frustration with recent performance? Mohanty shares why he sees no immediate trigger for a market turnaround, while making the case for goal-based investing, thoughtful asset allocation and reviewing selling decisions as carefully as buying decisions.

Chapters:

01:40 Why Investors Chase Past Returns

04:01 Corporate Earnings, Valuations and Market Fundamentals

06:30 Mirae Asset's Long-Term Investment Strategy in India

10:02 Why Mirae Asset Resisted the Small-Cap Rally

11:47 Inside Mirae Asset's Equity, Debt and ETF Portfolio

13:54 India's IPO Boom and the Expanding Mid-Cap Market

16:50 Why the Nifty 50 No Longer Represents the Broader Market

18:51 The Disconnect Between Market Performance and Economic Growth

20:42 Investing Beyond Large-, Mid- and Small-Caps

22:14 Healthcare, Innovation and Emerging Investment Themes

23:42 India's Shift Towards Discretionary Consumption

25:25 The Case for International Equity Diversification

27:11 Mirae Asset's Global Investment Footprint

29:46 Active vs Passive Investing: Building a Balanced Portfolio

33:27 Gold ETFs and Portfolio Diversification

35:02 Market Outlook: What to Expect Over the Next Six Months

36:30 Retirement Planning and the Case for Multi-Asset Investing

Watch the full conversation for a deeper understanding of mutual fund returns, long-term investing and how to align your portfolio with your financial goals. Subscribe to The Core Report for conversations on business, the Indian economy and financial markets with Govindraj Ethiraj.

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