Are Mutual Funds only Sahi for the Middle Class?

Mutual Funds are often seen as the McDonalds of the investment world. They are ubiquitous and convenient, and yet, they are seen to lack the prestige of a fine dining experience aka Private Equity et al.

In this episode, we take on the big question: Are mutual funds only for the salaried middle class, or is there a bigger story here? Deepak and Shray dive deep into the history and perception of mutual funds, from their once-exclusive status to becoming the go-to vehicle for SIPs and forced savings.

But why don’t you hear family offices or the ultra-wealthy proudly boasting about their mutual fund holdings? We explore this through the lens of economic class distinctions (India A, B, and C) and unpack how perceptions of exclusivity and quality affect investment choices.

Whether you're planning for retirement, your child’s education, or just wondering if your portfolio is too “plain vanilla,” this is a conversation that will make you rethink how you view mutual funds.

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0:00 – Intro: Are Mutual Funds Just for the Middle Class?
0:50 – The McDonald’s Analogy: Accessibility vs. Perceived Quality
2:00 – Why Don’t the Rich Flaunt Mutual Fund Investments?
5:00 – India A, B, C: Economic Classes and Investment Perception
8:45 – Mutual Funds vs. Exclusive Investment Products
13:00 – Are Mutual Funds the Mobile Phones of Investing?
16:50 – Liquidity, Risk, and the Problem with Illiquid Investments
21:30 – Volatility Laundering: Are Returns Always Real?
25:40 – The Harvard Endowment Example: When Big Private Investments Don’t Pay Off
30:30 – Liquidity Illusion: Can You Really Exit When You Need To?
36:15 – Should You Take Loans Against Illiquid Assets?
40:00 – Tax Efficiency: The Hidden Advantage of Mutual Funds
44:30 – Should You Diversify into Startups and Exotic Investments?
50:00 – VC Returns vs. Mutual Fund Returns: The Real Math
55:45 – How the Rich Approach Diversification and Private Investments
1:02:15 – Mutual Funds vs. AIFs, PMS, and Direct Equity
1:08:30 – What Should You Do with ₹100 Crores? Build a Family Office or Invest in Funds?
1:14:20 – Debt Mutual Funds and Corporate Treasury Management
1:19:00 – How Startups and Corporates Should Use Mutual Funds
1:23:30 – Using Mutual Funds for Retirement Planning
1:27:00 – Using Mutual Funds for Your Child’s Education
1:31:00 – Who Should Not Invest in Mutual Funds?
1:35:00 – Final Question: If You Had ₹500 Crores, Would You Still Pick Mutual Funds?

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Deepak's Twitter: @deepakshenoy
Shray’s Twitter: @shraychandra
Capitalmind Twitter: @capitalmind_in