Retail Investors Drive Shift to Direct Mutual Fund Plans Amid Digital Expansion The rise of direct mutual fund investing has been spearheaded by retail investors, with their assets under management (AUM) growing more than fourfold over the past five years. According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the direct plan AUM for retail investors surged from ₹1.6 trillion in March 2021 to nearly ₹7 trillion by March 2026. This growth has significantly altered the landscape of mutual fund investments, with the direct plan’s share of retail AUM increasing from 21.4% in 2021 to 36.7% in 2026. The shift toward direct plans reflects a broader trend of self-directed investing, driven by factors such as increased digital access, greater product awareness, and heightened cost sensitivity among retail investors. The report, jointly prepared by CRISIL, highlights that the expansion of digital platforms has made it easier for investors to manage their portfolios without relying on intermediaries. Direct plans, which are commission-free, have gained popularity as investors seek to minimize fees and maximize returns. These plans are typically accessed through mutual fund company websites or online platforms like Groww and Zerodha, which have played a pivotal role in their growth. While retail investors have led the transition, the direct plan share has also grown among high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), though at a slower pace compared to retail investors. The direct plan’s share in HNI AUM rose from 28.8% to 35.1% over the five-year period. In contrast, corporate investors have shown a preference for regular plans, with their share increasing from 22% to nearly 29%.#zerodha #crisil #groww #association_of_mutual_funds_in_india #direct_mutual_fund_plans
Vedanta Strengthens Investor Confidence Post-Deemerger Vedanta Limited has solidified its position among investors following its deemerger, with significant growth in retail shareholder base and increased participation from foreign institutional investors (FIIs) during the June 2026 quarter. The company emerged as a top choice for retail investors, attracting nearly 4.9 lakh new retail shareholders during the period. This surge in retail interest, combined with a rise in FII holdings, underscores Vedanta’s appeal in the market. The deemerger process, which split Vedanta into separate entities, has reportedly enhanced the company’s financial structure and operational focus. During the June 2026 quarter, Vedanta’s retail shareholder base expanded to the highest level among tracked companies, surpassing rivals such as Vodafone Idea, Reliance Industries, and Hindustan Unilever. This growth outpaced other major firms, including Tata Motors, Yes Bank, and Adani Green Energy, which saw declines in retail shareholder numbers. Foreign institutional investors also increased their stake in Vedanta, raising their holding from 13.93% as of March 31, 2026, to 15.77% by June 30, 2026. This growth is notable given the broader trend of declining FII participation in Indian markets, with their average holding in NSE-listed companies dropping to 15.8% in Q4 FY26—a 17-year low. The increased FII interest in Vedanta is seen as a sign of confidence in the company’s post-deemerger performance, financial stability, and future earnings potential. Vedanta’s financial metrics further bolster its attractiveness to investors. The company’s P/E ratio stands at 5.9, positioning it as undervalued within its sector.#reliance_industries #vodafone_idea #vedanta_limited #crisil #hindustan_unilever
Thomas Cook India Expands Foreign Exchange Network with New Guwahati Outlet Thomas Cook (India) Limited inaugurated a new foreign exchange outlet in Guwahati on April 7, 2026, marking its third location in Assam and strengthening its presence in the Northeast Indian market. The outlet offers a range of forex services, including prepaid travel cards, currency exchange for 26 destinations, and overseas remittances covering 120+ countries. The expansion targets Guwahati's 6 lakh passport holders and aligns with the company's omnichannel "phygital" strategy, which integrates physical and digital platforms to enhance customer access to forex services. The new Guwahati outlet is part of Thomas Cook India's broader effort to capitalize on the city's role as a gateway to Northeast India. Guwahati has emerged as a fast-growing hub for business and outbound travel, driven by increasing outbound leisure travel, a growing student population, and rising business activity. The company noted a steady rise in walk-in inquiries, website traffic, and call-center referrals from the region, underscoring the market's potential. With the addition of Guwahati, Thomas Cook India now operates three locations across Assam, including its existing presence at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA). This expansion reflects the company's commitment to expanding its footprint in the Northeast, where it aims to serve a larger customer base. The outlet operates as a franchise, emphasizing its strategic focus on regional growth. The new outlet provides a comprehensive product portfolio tailored to diverse customer needs.#guwahati #thomas_cook_india #lokpriya_gopinath_bordoloi_international_airport #deepesh_varma #crisil
