4AM Portfolio Check When investing turns into anxiety!

The motivation is simple: investors want control and the digital era has made it easier than ever to access investments and markets across the world. Investing generally requires a long-term commitment whereby money is invested for a goal that is years away. But some brains are wired to seek feedback.

When markets rise,

checking the portfolio gives satisfaction

When markets fall,

checking the portfolio gives satisfaction

Consider the investment journeys of two individuals – Jay and Roshan. On August 01, 2016, both decided to start a monthly SIP of Rs. 10,000 on the first business day of each month in HDFC Flexi Cap Fund for a 10-year period for their individual goals.

Jay kept worrying about his investment and would regularly check how his investment is faring (doing so even at odd times thereby adding to his anxiety). He gave in to the negativity around markets during the pandemic believing that the downtrend will persist for a long time. This led him to end his SIP on April 30, 2020. Roshan, on the other hand, believed in the investment philosophy of his chosen scheme and focused on continuing his SIP, thereby staying invested till July 31, 2026.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in future and is not a guarantee of any future returns. HDFC AMC/HDFC Mutual Fund is not guaranteeing any returns on investment in the schemes. The above returns are of regular plan - growth option. In view of the individual circumstances and risk profile, each investor is advised to consult his / her professional advisor before making a decision to invest in the Scheme. Historical performance indications and financial market scenarios are not reliable indicators of current or future performance. For complete performance in SEBI prescribed format.

Reduce monitoring frequency

If your goal is 10 years away, evaluating your portfolio and taking action every few hours is a mismatch between decision frequency and goal horizon.

Automate what can be automated

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and systematic rebalancing can reduce the urge to make repeated emotional decisions. For SIPs, Automation helps to turn investing from a supposed series of daily choices into a well-defined process.

Create a portfolio-checking schedule

Instead of checking whenever anxiety strikes, establish a predetermined review frequency. The exact frequency should depend on the investment horizon and risk tolerance of the investor.

Separate “review” from “action”

This is perhaps the most helpful rule. Reviewing your portfolio does not automatically mean that you must make changes to it. Sometimes inaction may be the correct action.

Rather than being a sign of diligence, the 4AM portfolio check is a sign of emotion-driven investing. Checking one’s portfolio frequently may lead to increased anxiety and may trigger impulsive decisions which may potentially reduce long term returns. This urge to respond to every stimulus can be controlled by restructuring one’s investment habits toward long-term horizons, having a review schedule and optimal asset allocation. What is more important is giving your investment strategy the time, discipline and patience it needs to work.

A. SIP Performance^ - Regular Plan - Growth Option

Assuming ₹10,000 invested systematically on the first Business Day of every month over a period of time. CAGR returns are computed after accounting for the cash flow by using XIRR method (investment internal rate of return) for Regular Plan - Growth Option. The above investment simulation is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a promise on minimum returns and safeguard of capital. SIP - Systematic Investment Plan

Common notes for the above table A & B: ^Past Performance may or may not be sustained in future and is not a guarantee of any future returns. *Inception Date: January 1, 1995. The scheme is managed by Mr. Amit Ganatra since February 01, 2026. # NIFTY 500 Index (TRI). ## Nifty 50 Index (TRI). The above returns are of Regular Plan – Growth Option. Returns greater than 1 year period are compounded annualized (CAGR). Load is not taken into consideration for computation of performance. Different Plans viz. Regular Plan and Direct Plan have a different expense structure. The expenses of the Direct Plan under the Scheme will be lower to the extent of the distribution expenses / commission charged in the Regular Plan. As NIFTY 50 TRI data is not available since inception of the scheme, additional benchmark performance is calculated using composite CAGR of NIFTY 50 PRI values from January 1, 1995 to June 29, 1999 and TRI values since June 30, 1999. Above returns are as on July 31, 2026

For performance of other funds managed by fund manager, Please click here.

Common notes for above table A & B: Past performance may or may not be sustained in future and is not a guarantee of any future returns. "Inception Date: January 01, 1995. The scheme is managed by Mr. Amit Ganatra since February 01, 2026. # Nifty 500 TRI. ## Nifty 50 TRI. The expenses of the Direct Plan under the Scheme will be lower to the extent of the distribution expenses / commission charged in the Regular Plan. As NIFTY 50 TRI data is not available since inception of the scheme, additional benchmark performance is calculated using composite CAGR of NIFTY 50 PRI values from January 1, 1995 to June 29, 1999 and TRI values since June 30, 1999. Load is not taken into consideration for computation of performance. Returns greater than 1 year period are compounded annualized (CAGR). Returns as on July 31, 2026.

For performance of other funds managed by fund manager, Please click here.

Views expressed above are indicative and should not be construed as investment advice or as a substitute for financial planning. Due to the personal nature of investments, investors are advised to seek professional advice before investing.

MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.