New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- Diwali is considered an auspicious time to start new investments, plan for long-term wealth creation and put your finances in order. Several investors start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in small-cap, mid-cap, flexi-cap or large-cap mutual funds or invest in stocks during the special 'Muhurat trading session.'

The special Muhurat trading session will be held on 8 November, with a pre-open session from 2:05 PM to 2:20 PM and a normal/regular trading session from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. This will mark the beginning of Samvat 2083.

Here are five mutual fund metrics that evaluate a scheme's cost, risk, consistency and potential to generate long-term returns.

Investors should not select a mutual fund based on a single ...