With the Sensex down over 12,700 points from its peak, experts recommend long-term investors to focus on large caps or multi-cap funds and maintain a disciplined approach through SIP or STP. Investment in equity-based mutual funds should have a minimum horizon of four years.

Small-cap mutual funds experienced a 20% decline over the past six months, according to an analysis of the category’s performance, with around 28 funds in this period. Among them, the Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund posted the largest loss of about 24.69%. The HSBC Small Cap Fund and LIC MF Small Cap Fund followed with losses of 23.48% and 23.45%, respectively.

The Nifty Midcap 150 Index has seen a significant decline, prompting experts to advise rebalancing portfolios with midcap allocations. With midcap funds underperforming recently, investors with long-term horizons can consider SIP investments, but must be wary of the associated risks.

A mutual fund registered with SEBI regulations can set up an SIF, provided it has been operational for at least three years and has maintained an average assets under management (AUM) of Rs 10,000 crore over the past three years, or by following the alternate route.

Samco Mutual Fund's new fund offer of Samco Large Cap Fund is open for subscription, focusing on top 100 large-cap companies. Experts suggest cautious investing in NFOs and consider established large-cap funds for their proven track record and stability.

Over the weekend, leaders from major European economies agreed to increase defense spending, aiming to bolster the continent's ability to protect itself amid uncertainty over US NATO commitments.

WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund has introduced the WhiteOak Capital Equity Savings Fund, suitable for conservative investors seeking capital appreciation through equity, arbitrage, and debt instruments. Managed by a team of experts, the fund aims to balance returns and volatility, with tax efficiency being a notable advantage.