Sebi discontinues children’s and retirement fund category; revamps categorisation, rationalisation rules
THE ECONOMIC TIMES
Fri, Feb 27, 2026 | 10:10 AM IST

Mutual Funds Newsletter

Sebi discontinues children’s and retirement fund category; revamps categorisation, rationalisation rules

Sebi has revamped mutual fund rules, introducing new categories like contra funds and sectoral debt funds. Existing schemes must align within six months. The regulator aims for greater clarity and reduced portfolio overlap, especially in equity and thematic funds. Goal-based life cycle funds are also introduced, with specific exit loads.

Radhika Gupta backs life cycle funds, says they’re simple, effective, practical for long-term planning

Radhika Gupta has endorsed Sebi’s newly introduced life cycle funds, calling them simple, effective and ideal for long-term financial planning. She said the products automatically adjust asset allocation based on investors’ time horizons, promoting discipline and reducing decision fatigue within a tax-efficient, goal-based investing framework.

Sebi introduces life cycle funds. Here is what investors need to know

Sebi has launched a new category of mutual funds called Life Cycle Funds. These funds are designed for goal-based investing with a fixed maturity and a glide path. Investors can choose from various maturity options, and asset allocation automatically adjusts over time. This move aims to simplify long-term financial planning for investors.

Tech mutual funds emerge worst performers across horizons. Should investors buy more or stay invested?

Technology mutual funds are currently the worst performers across various timeframes. Experts advise against emotional decisions. Investors with limited exposure should stay invested. For new investments, diversified funds are recommended. Sectoral funds require precise timing, making them unsuitable for regular investors. The IT sector faces challenges from global slowdown and AI disruption.

Investing Rs 95,000 a month through mutual fund SIPs - Can it build a Rs 5 crore corpus in 15 years?

An investor's Rs 95,000 monthly SIP towards a Rs 5 crore goal appears on track, potentially reaching Rs 6 crore in 15 years with a 12% annual return. While the investment amount is robust, holding 16 mutual funds warrants a closer look at scheme overlap and diversification to ensure optimal returns and manage risk effectively.

Top Mutual Funds
SCHEME NAME RATING 3 YRS(%) 1 YR(%) 6 M(%) 1 M(%)
ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct - Growth
★★★★★
29.73 31.98 21.23 11.08
Nippon India Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth
★★★★★
20.86 17.74 3.13 3.97
WhiteOak Capital Large Cap Fund Direct - Growth
★★★★★
20.18 16.83 3.38 1.14
DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct - Growth
★★★★★
19.95 19.29 7.03 4.01
ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth
★★★★★
19.34 16.05 3.43 2.84
MF Tracker: Can SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund’s 10-year consistency continue?

SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund has delivered positive returns for 10 consecutive years, supported by diversification across equity, debt, gold and silver. Despite not topping category charts, it has consistently outperformed on short-term horizons. Analysts say its resilience stems from asset mix, though DIY allocation via low-cost funds may offer better efficiency.

NFO Insight: Will TIDE investment strategy of this tech mutual fund help you navigate market volatility?

LIC Mutual Fund introduces its new LIC MF Technology Fund. This open-ended equity scheme invests in technology and digital companies. Experts advise caution, highlighting the difficulty of timing sector cycles. They suggest diversified funds for most investors. The fund aims for capital appreciation by investing in technology-related equities. Investors should consider their risk appetite and investment horizon.

TERM OF THE WEEK
New Fund Offers
Fund Name Category Type Open Close Min Inv
ITI Business Cycle Reg-IDCW Equity: Thematic-Business Cycle Open-ended 13 Feb 27 Feb 5000.00
ITI Business Cycle Reg-G Equity: Thematic-Business Cycle Open-ended 13 Feb 27 Feb 5000.00
ITI Business Cycle Direct-IDCW Equity: Thematic-Business Cycle Open-ended 13 Feb 27 Feb 5000.00
ITI Business Cycle Direct-G Equity: Thematic-Business Cycle Open-ended 13 Feb 27 Feb 5000.00
SBI Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 ETF-G Equity: Mid Cap Open-ended 17 Feb 27 Feb 5000.00
More >>
Forthcoming Dividend
Fund Name Category Type Record Date Div Per Unit
Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver Reg-IDCW Equity: ELSS Open-ended 27 Feb 2026 1.22
Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Cap Reg-IDCW Equity: Multi Cap Open-ended 27 Feb 2026 0.39
Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver Direct-IDCW Equity: ELSS Open-ended 27 Feb 2026 1.99
Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Cap Direct-IDCW Equity: Multi Cap Open-ended 27 Feb 2026 0.41
Baroda BNP Paribas Aggressive Hybrid Reg-IDCW Hybrid: Aggressive Hybrid Open-ended 27 Feb 2026 0.12