Market volatility has weighed heavily on equity mutual fund performance in 2025, with as many as 69 schemes delivering negative returns so far this year. Among them, five funds have slipped into double-digit losses. Samco Flexi Cap Fund has recorded the steepest fall at nearly 19.18 percent. LIC MF Small Cap Fund has dropped around 14.70 percent, while Samco ELSS Tax Saver Fund has declined by about 13.04 percent. 

Rising market volatility has pushed many investors to explore safer ways to build long term wealth without timing risks. This is where the Systematic Transfer Plan, or STP, is gaining popularity. Unlike SIP, which invests fixed amounts monthly, STP allows investors to park a lump sum in a debt or liquid fund and gradually transfer it into equity. This phased entry reduces the risk of investing at market peaks while offering exposure to higher return assets.