Two years of lacklustre equity returns and bouts of volatility have changed the way retail investors put money into mutual funds. Rather than trying to time the market through lump-sum investments, they are increasingly taking the systematic investment plan (SIP) route — a shift that should cheer mutual fund managers. SIPs accounted for as much as 83% of total inflows into equity schemes in FY26, up sharply from 57% in FY25 and 67% in FY24, according to data shared by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi). The trend appears to be strengthening in FY27. In August 2026, SIPs hit an all-time high of Rs 32.297 crore and contributed 89% of equity fund inflows, suggesting that investors are increasingly choosing to stagger their investments rather than commit large sums at one go.