Investors often face a common dilemma: should they stick to systematic investment plans (SIPs) or deploy lumpsum investments when they have surplus funds? While SIPs bring discipline and consistency, lumpsum investments can help take advantage of market corrections. Striking the right balance between the two becomes crucial, especially for long-term investors aiming to build wealth over 15–20 years.

A similar query came from Shivam, a 30-year-old investor and a viewer of The Money Show on ETNow, who has a 20-year horizon. With ongoing SIPs of Rs 25,000, a growing mutual fund portfolio, and plans to invest an additional Rs 4 lakh, his key concern is how to allocate this lump sum effectively and whether to continue with certain funds like his midcap exposure.

Also Read | Energy sector funds gain nearly 12% in 3 months, outperform all categories. Invest now or wait for a correction?

He is investing Rs 10,000 every month in PPF and holds Rs 20 lakh. He has a lumpsum investment in Nippon Multicap and portfolio value is almost Rs 5,50,000. From the Rs 4 lakh he wants to invest, he want to allocate Rs 1 lakh in Nippon Multicap, Rs 1 lakh in Kotak Multicap, Rs 50,000 in Parag Parikh Flexicap, and Rs 50,000 in SBI Contra, 50-50 in midcap and small cap.

According to expert Samir Shah, at a time when many investors are hesitant due to uncertain market returns, Shivam’s approach stands out. Shah appreciated his mindset and said, “These days, many investors are concerned about market returns and prefer to stay out. But if you truly want to be a disciplined investor, this is actually the right time to invest. Shivam has understood this core principle and is increasing his investments, which is a very good approach.”

Midcap funds: Stay invested if risk appetite allows

Commenting on the question by Shivam whether he should continue investment or not in Motilal Oswal Midcap, Shah said if you are a long-term investor, and have a high risk appetite, in that situation you can continue with the Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund, as it is a concentrated midcap fund where they have invested into 25 to around 30 odd companies.
He further said that over the past six months to eight months you might have seen the lower return in the midcap category just because they have a higher exposure in the IT sector. The IT sector will definitely bounce back over a period of time but if your investment horizon is 20 years I am sure you should definitely continue with this fund and if we talk about the midcap category, it will definitely generate a higher than the midcap category average return over a period of time, Shah further said on the Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund.

SIP vs lumpsum: How to decide which one to choose?

The expert emphasize that SIP and lumpsum are not mutually exclusive strategies but complementary tools.
“SIP is a disciplined investment route and should be continued consistently. It helps average out market volatility over time, lumpsum investments, on the other hand, can be used tactically when markets are not in a good shape, or are going down, deploying additional funds through lumpsum investments can enhance overall returns,” he added.

Also Read | Mutual fund SIP investments underperforming? Here’s why investors should stay invested despite short-term losses

So if you have a surplus amount of money, markets are down, and if you have to decide a strategy, say like every 5% or 10% down you will increase your amount or will do lumpsum investment into your existing fund. So, this is the right time to invest into…, like lumpsum should be there so it can help you to maximise your return.

Avoid deploying lump sum in one go

While Shivam plans to invest Rs 4 lakh across multiple funds, Shah advises against investing the entire amount at once. Instead, a staggered approach is considered more effective.

He said that “the better approach is you should take a route of SIP where you can park your Rs 4 lakh into liquid fund and transfer amount whatever if you wanted to invest in four months, then divided by four like whatever amount Rs 4lakh so every month you can invest Rs 1 lakh rupees into equity, so transfer your liquid to equity.

For long-term investors, the focus should remain on discipline and strategy rather than timing the market. Continuing SIPs, using lumpsum investments during market dips, and adopting a phased investment approach can help optimise returns.

A balanced combination of consistency through SIPs and opportunistic lump sum investing can go a long way in building wealth over time.

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

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle.

NEW YORK — Wordle fans faced a deceptively simple yet surprisingly challenging puzzle on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the New York Times’ daily word game delivered “WOMEN” as the solution to puzzle #1771, leaving many players scrambling in the later guesses and sparking widespread discussion across social media.

The five-letter plural word, referring to adult human females, caught solvers off guard despite its everyday usage. With two vowels and no repeating letters, the answer rewarded strategic openers while punishing those who leaned too heavily on common consonant clusters early on. Players who started with strong openers like “SLATE,” “CRANE” or “ADIEU” often found themselves with limited green or yellow feedback after the first two guesses.

Many reported using four or five attempts, with the NYT’s own testers averaging 4.2 attempts. The word’s structure — beginning with W and ending in N — proved difficult for those who exhausted common letters without hitting the correct combination. Hints circulating online proved helpful for stuck players, noting one vowel pair and a plural form that pointed solvers in the right direction once they narrowed the possibilities.

Social media erupted as usual. On X and Reddit’s r/wordle, thousands shared their grids, with reactions ranging from frustration (“How did I miss that plural?”) to celebration (“Got it in 3 after starting with CRANE!”). The answer’s everyday nature made it relatable, prompting lighthearted memes about gender discussions, family references and weekend plans.

For Wordle enthusiasts, April 25’s puzzle continued a streak of moderately difficult entries. The previous day’s answer “DRUNK” had focused on intoxication themes, while earlier in the week players tackled words like “SNORE.” The rotating selection keeps the game fresh while testing vocabulary depth and pattern recognition.

The New York Times acquired Wordle from creator Josh Wardle in 2022, and the game has since become a global daily ritual for millions. Its simple interface — six guesses, color-coded feedback, and one puzzle per day — creates a perfect balance of accessibility and challenge. No ads, no paywall for the core experience, and a shareable grid system fuel its viral staying power.

Strategy experts recommend starting with words rich in vowels and common consonants. “RAISE,” “SLATE,” “CRANE,” and “TRACE” remain popular openers because they test multiple high-frequency letters immediately. Once feedback appears, eliminating impossible combinations quickly narrows the field. On days like April 25, avoiding heavy vowel guesses after an initial miss proved crucial, especially with the plural ending.

“WOMEN” joins a long list of past answers that blend common language with occasional trickiness. Previous notable solutions have included everyday terms that still manage to stump because of letter placement or less obvious vowel positioning. The game’s algorithm ensures variety while avoiding obscure or offensive words.

For those who missed it, the official Wordle review page on the New York Times site offers deeper analysis, including average solve times and community discussion. The game resets at midnight in each time zone, giving players worldwide a fresh chance every 24 hours.

Wordle’s cultural impact extends far beyond casual play. It has inspired variants like Wordle Unlimited, geography-based spin-offs, and even classroom uses for vocabulary building. Celebrities and politicians have shared their results, turning daily solves into water-cooler conversation topics.

Educational value remains one of its strongest draws. Regular play expands vocabulary, improves pattern recognition, and encourages logical deduction. Parents report children picking up spelling skills, while seniors use it as a mental exercise to stay sharp. The game’s universal appeal crosses age groups and backgrounds.

As April 2026 progresses, players can expect continued variety in difficulty. The NYT carefully curates the word list to maintain engagement without excessive frustration. Future puzzles will likely mix in more common words with occasional curveballs that test deeper linguistic knowledge.

For those seeking extra help, numerous sites provide hints without spoiling the full answer immediately. Community forums offer gentle nudges, alternative strategies, and post-solve discussions. Competitive players track their statistics — average guesses, win streaks, and hard-mode performance — adding another layer of enjoyment.

April 25’s “WOMEN” solution served as a reminder that sometimes the most familiar words hide in plain sight. Whether you solved it quickly or needed every guess, the daily ritual continues to unite millions in a shared linguistic challenge that starts the morning with a small mental victory — or a humbling lesson in humility.

Looking ahead, tomorrow’s puzzle promises another fresh test. Until then, players can review today’s grids, refine their starting strategies, and prepare for whatever five-letter surprise awaits on April 26. The beauty of Wordle lies in its consistency: one word, six chances, endless replay value.

Whether you’re a daily streak holder aiming for perfection or a casual solver enjoying the occasional win, today’s answer highlighted the game’s enduring charm. “WOMEN” may have tripped up many, but it also delivered that satisfying click when the final letter turned green — the exact moment that keeps players coming back day after day.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama is not fully recovered from his concussion and remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol, keeping his status questionable for Friday night’s Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers despite traveling with the San Antonio Spurs to Oregon.

The 22-year-old Defensive Player of the Year suffered the injury in Tuesday’s Game 2 loss when he tripped while driving to the basket, fell hard and hit his face on the court after contact with Jrue Holiday. He appeared dazed, left the game early and did not return as Portland evened the series at 1-1. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the concussion diagnosis immediately after the contest.

As of Friday morning, Wembanyama has shown positive progress — completing light cardio work without worsening symptoms and traveling with the team — but he has not been cleared for full basketball activity or Game 3 participation. The Spurs listed him as questionable on the official injury report, leaving open a small possibility while managing expectations conservatively.

NBA concussion protocol requires a minimum 48-hour period before any return-to-participation steps, along with a series of cognitive, neurological and exertion tests monitored by team doctors and league specialists. Median absence for concussions in the league hovers around seven to nine days, with some players recovering faster and others needing more time to ensure full safety and avoid secondary risks.

Coach Mitch Johnson described Wembanyama as “progressing” on Thursday but emphasized the team is following protocol strictly. “He looks good,” Johnson said. “The update is that he is following each protocol, he’s progressing, and he’ll travel with the team.” No decision on Game 3 will come until further testing in Portland, and many insiders view participation as unlikely given the timeline.

Wembanyama’s absence has been felt sharply. He dominated Game 1 with a franchise playoff debut record of 35 points, showcasing the length, shot-blocking and perimeter skills that make him a generational talent. Without him, the Spurs leaned on their young core but struggled to contain Portland’s guard play and interior scoring.

The Spurs are preparing as if he may not play, relying on De’Aaron Fox, Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle and others to compete on the road at Moda Center. A win in Game 3 without their superstar could shift momentum, but extending the series without him would test San Antonio’s depth ahead of a potential second-round matchup.

Medical experts stress caution with young stars. A second concussion in quick succession carries amplified risks, and research shows elevated chance of lower-body injuries in the 90 days following a head injury. The Spurs, known for conservative player management, are prioritizing Wembanyama’s long-term health over short-term playoff urgency.

Fan reaction has been supportive, with calls for caution dominating social media. Supporters emphasize protecting the franchise cornerstone. The organization has echoed that sentiment, stressing that Wembanyama’s long-term availability remains the priority as the Spurs build around their young core.

Wembanyama has shown eagerness throughout the process, reporting to the facility daily and pushing to travel. His competitive drive is well-documented, but medical staff hold final say. Further evaluations in Portland will determine the next steps in his recovery, with Game 4 on Sunday or Game 5 back home in San Antonio considered more realistic targets.

Broader NBA concussion management has evolved with greater emphasis on safety. The league’s protocol includes baseline testing, independent neurological oversight and a step-by-step return process. Teams increasingly err on the side of caution with transcendent talents, understanding the risks of repeated head trauma.

For the Spurs, navigating the series without their best player tests coaching ingenuity and roster depth. Home-court advantage from the regular season provides a cushion, but the injury highlights the physical toll of the postseason. Portland senses an opening with home-court energy and will look to capitalize.

As Game 3 approaches Friday evening, pregame updates will provide the latest clarity. Whether Wembanyama suits up or watches from the sideline, his presence looms large over the series. The basketball world watches closely as the Spurs push forward in what promises to be a memorable postseason journey.

Wembanyama’s rapid ascent since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2023 has captivated fans globally. This early playoff injury tests both his resilience and the Spurs’ ability to compete at the highest level without their cornerstone. For now, cautious optimism prevails as the organization balances competitiveness with care for its young superstar.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in CMI over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.