Nearing retirement and invested mostly in FDs? Expert shares diversification roadmap

As retirement approaches, many investors begin reviewing their financial plans to ensure their savings can generate enough income while also keeping pace with rising living costs. Fixed deposits have traditionally been a preferred investment option for conservative investors because they offer stability and capital protection. However, with inflation gradually eroding purchasing power, many pre-retirees wonder whether adding equity exposure to their portfolio can help improve long-term returns without taking excessive risk.

A similar query came from Jagruti who is nearing retirement and has mostly invested in fixed deposits and sought advice on whether it was too late to diversify beyond fixed deposits and include equities in her investment portfolio.

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Responding to the query, Harshvardhan Roongta said it is never too late to revisit an investment strategy. According to him, investors should not view their past decisions negatively because they were made based on the knowledge and information available at that time.

He explained that the real mistake is not a lack of awareness in the past, but failing to act after becoming aware of alternative investment options.

Roongta noted that every investment product has its own advantages and limitations, which is precisely why diversification becomes important. Fixed deposits, for instance, are primarily capital-preservation tools. Investors who place money with a well-established bank are unlikely to face significant capital loss. However, fixed deposits often struggle to generate returns that comfortably outpace inflation, particularly after taxes.

On the other hand, equity investments can be volatile and do not offer any guarantee of capital protection. However, over longer periods, equities have historically delivered returns that have the potential to beat inflation and create real wealth.

According to Roongta, a well-diversified portfolio combines both growth-oriented and capital-preserving assets. While debt instruments such as fixed deposits help protect capital and provide stability, equities can offer growth potential that helps investors maintain purchasing power over the long term.

He emphasised that there is no universal formula for deciding how much equity an investor should hold. Two investors of the same age could have very different asset allocations depending on their financial goals, income sources, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation.

For example, one retiree may feel comfortable with 20% exposure to equities and 80% in debt-oriented investments, while another may choose the opposite allocation because of different financial needs and risk appetite.

Roongta said the ideal asset allocation should be determined after evaluating an investor’s objectives, future cash-flow requirements, and comfort with market volatility. The goal is to strike a balance between generating inflation-beating returns and maintaining a level of risk that the investor can comfortably handle.

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He also suggested consulting a SEBI-registered investment adviser to create a customised financial plan. Such advisers can help investors assess their risk profile and determine the appropriate allocation across equities, debt, gold, silver, and other asset classes.

According to Roongta, a professional review can help ensure that an investor’s portfolio remains aligned with retirement goals while also providing the diversification needed to navigate changing market conditions over the long term.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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