Elite Lens
Research notes on Indian mutual funds, model behaviour and portfolio construction. Free posts unlock for everyone; Pro posts are early-access for subscribers and become free 90 days after publication.
What is XIRR (and how it differs from CAGR)?
XIRR is the true annualised return when you invest at different times — the right metric for SIPs and irregular cashflows.
What is an SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan)?
An SWP lets you withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund at regular intervals — a tax-efficient way to draw a monthly income.
What is CAGR? The growth rate that smooths the noise
CAGR is the single constant annual rate that turns your starting value into your ending value — the standard way to compare returns.
What is a step-up SIP, and why it beats a flat SIP
A step-up SIP raises your monthly investment a little each year — and that small habit compounds into a dramatically larger corpus.
SIP vs Lumpsum: which actually builds more wealth?
Lumpsum wins in steadily rising markets because money is invested earlier; SIPs win on discipline and reduced timing risk.
FD vs SIP: the real long-term gap
Fixed deposits offer guaranteed, taxable, lower returns; equity SIPs carry risk but have historically built far more wealth over long horizons.
PPF explained: returns, tax and the 15-year lock-in
PPF is a government-backed, tax-free savings scheme with a 15-year tenure — the safe, debt anchor of many Indian portfolios.
What is an expense ratio, and how much does it cost you?
The expense ratio is the annual fee a mutual fund charges — small in percentage terms, but a large drag on wealth over decades.