ET Mutual Fund’s October report highlighted ICICI Bluechip, Parag Parikh FlexiCap, and Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund as festive favorites. Analysts said retail participation is rising with inflation easing and liquidity improving. Large-cap equity and arbitrage categories are expected to outperform if rate cuts materialize early next year. Advisors recommend systematic investments across balanced funds to capture year-end upside. The note emphasized that India’s macro resilience and robust SIP flows continue to attract new entrants ahead of the Diwali season.