No exit option for investors in beaten down PMS

Rich clients of a portfolio management scheme (PMS) were taken aback at a request of its fund manager, who shot to fame because of his aggressive small-cap bets in the recent bull run. When some investors asked for redemption from the battered scheme, the fund manager requested them to accept the transfer of shares to the clients’ personal demat accounts.

The reason given for this request was the inability to sell the illiquid shares and the impact such liquidation would have on its beaten down small-cap portfolio. The portfolio manager, in his meetings with investors, is trying to buy time from investors. Justifying the stock purchases, he is said to have told clients that these companies could turn around soon. Many investors who were waiting for the election results, are running out of patience because of dimming hopes of rebound in the portfolio.