FAQ's
Resisting the urge to monitor a fund’s performance with every market surge or drop is wise. When dealing with actively managed equity schemes, cultivating patience and allowing a reasonable span, typically 18 to 24 months, provides the fund the needed time to generate returns within its portfolio.
Entering the realm of mutual funds involves amalgamating your funds with those of numerous other investors. Mutual funds issue “Units” corresponding to the invested amount based on the existing Net Asset Value (NAV). Returns from mutual funds encompass dividends, interest, capital gains, or other forms of earned income. Additionally, buying and selling mutual fund units can result in capital gains or losses, akin to selling an asset for more or less than your original investment.
Here’s an alternative analogy to grasp the concept of a Mutual Fund Unit:
Imagine a shared picnic among four friends. Each contributes ₹100, but they need to buy a picnic basket worth ₹400. They pool their resources, resulting in a combined contribution of ₹400. Consequently, they are each entitled to a “Unit” of the picnic basket.
Calculating the cost per unit involves dividing the total contribution by the number of units: 400 / 4 = ₹100 per unit.
This arrangement makes each friend a unit holder in the collective ownership of the picnic basket. Similarly, mutual fund units represent shared ownership among investors, each holding a portion.
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Mutual funds offer a range of investment options tailored to various financial goals. These goals – be it retirement planning, education funding, or a major purchase – come with corresponding products designed to achieve them. The Indian mutual fund landscape is replete with schemes catering to diverse investor needs.
While mutual funds present an opportunity to tap into the growth potential of capital markets, selecting the right fund requires careful consideration. Conducting thorough research, weighing risk-return dynamics, and consulting financial experts are prudent steps. Furthermore, maximizing the benefits of mutual funds involves diversifying across different fund categories like equity, debt, and gold.
While investors of varying profiles can independently navigate the securities market, choosing mutual funds offers a comprehensive package of benefits.
Mutual Funds are suited for investors who –
- Are not well-versed in the intricacies of direct stock market investments.
- Desire to increase their wealth but lack the interest or availability to extensively research the stock market.
- Intend to invest modest sums of money.
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Given India’s robust savings culture, it becomes essential for investors to diversify beyond traditional avenues like fixed deposits and gold. Although awareness might be limited, mutual funds offer an appealing investment avenue.
- An Abundance of Choices to Select From:Mutual funds are esteemed globally due to their diverse range of investment opportunities, catering to various profiles and preferences. Broadly, Mutual fund schemes fall under the categories of ‘open-ended’ or ‘closed-ended,’ and they can be managed actively or passively.
- Open-Ended and Closed-End Funds: An open-end fund represents a mutual fund scheme accessible for subscription and redemption on any business day throughout the year. This structure is akin to a savings bank account, allowing deposits and withdrawals daily. Open-ended schemes are ongoing and lack a predetermined maturity date.
Conversely, a closed-end fund permits subscription only during its initial offer period and possesses a specified tenure and fixed maturity date, similar to a fixed-term deposit. Units of closed-end funds can solely be redeemed upon maturity, disallowing premature redemption. Consequently, these units are mandatorily listed on a stock exchange after the new fund offer, enabling investors seeking an early exit to trade their units on the exchange. - Actively Managed and Passively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds involve a mutual fund scheme wherein the fund manager proactively oversees the portfolio and maintains continuous vigilance over the fund’s holdings. The manager employs their professional judgment, supported by analytical research, to decide when and which stocks to buy, sell, or hold. In active funds, the primary goal of the fund manager is to achieve optimal returns and surpass the scheme’s benchmark.
In contrast, a passively managed fund adheres to a market index. In this case, the fund manager remains inactive and does not utilize personal judgment to make decisions regarding stock transactions. Instead, they replicate or track the scheme’s benchmark index with precision. Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) exemplify passive funds. The objective of the fund manager in a passive fund is to replicate the returns of the scheme’s benchmark index, aiming for alignment rather than outperforming the benchmark.
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Investing in mutual fund schemes comes with inherent risks that investors should be aware of. While mutual funds offer the potential for returns, they are not guaranteed or assured products. Here are some standard risk factors associated with investing in mutual funds:
- Market Risk: Investment in mutual fund units involves various risks, including trading volumes, settlement risk, liquidity risk, and default risk. Fluctuations in the price, value, and interest rates of the securities in the fund’s portfolio can lead to potential losses.
- Volatility: The value of investments in mutual fund schemes may go up or down due to changes in the prices of the underlying securities. The NAV of the scheme can fluctuate based on broader equity and bond market movements.
- Past Performance: The past performance of a mutual fund scheme is not indicative of its future performance. Investments are subject to market risks, and historical returns do not guarantee similar results in the future.
- Equity Investments: Investing in equity and equity-related instruments involves risks, and investors should only invest if they can afford the risk of possible loss of principal. Equity shares can be volatile and susceptible to daily price fluctuations.
- Liquidity Risk: Investments in equities may face liquidity restrictions due to trading volumes and settlement periods. Unforeseen circumstances could lead to extended settlement periods, impacting the ability to sell investments and potentially resulting in losses.
- Event Risk: Specific events related to companies or sectors can lead to price risk. Factors such as corporate developments or sector-specific news can impact the value of investments.
- Credit Risk: Debt securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on time. Market perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness and general market liquidity can also affect the value of debt securities.
- Interest Rate Risk: Fixed-income securities’ market value is inversely related to interest rate movements. Rising interest rates can lead to falling prices while decreasing rates can result in price appreciation.
- Spread Risk: Changes in credit spreads on corporate bonds due to market conditions can affect the value of debt securities in the portfolio.
- Liquidity Risk for Debt Securities: Liquidity risk refers to the ease with which debt securities can be sold at or near their valuation. Tight liquidity conditions can impact the selling process and lead to higher impact costs.
- Counterparty Risk: Counterparty failure to fulfill transaction obligations can lead to losses. This risk pertains to the counterparty’s inability to deliver securities or make payments as agreed.
- Prepayment and Reinvestment Risk: Prepayment risk arises when borrowers pay off loans sooner than the due date, affecting the average maturity of assets. Reinvestment risk occurs when interest rates on coupon payment dates differ from the original coupon, impacting realized yields.
It’s important to note that every mutual fund scheme carries its own set of risks depending on its investment objectives and portfolio composition. Investors should thoroughly read the scheme-related documents and prospectus to understand the specific risks associated with the scheme they intend to invest in. Additionally, consulting with financial advisors can help investors make informed decisions based on their risk tolerance and investment goals.
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) represents a method offered by Mutual Funds for investing, where individuals commit to regularly investing a fixed sum into a mutual fund scheme at predetermined intervals—such as monthly—instead of making a lump-sum investment all at once.
The SIP contribution can start from as low as ₹500 per month, mirroring the concept of a recurring deposit, wherein a fixed amount is deposited each month.
SIP offers a user-friendly avenue for mutual fund investment, employing standing instructions to debit the investor’s bank account each month. This eliminates the need for writing checks for each investment installment.
SIP’s popularity is soaring among Indian mutual fund investors due to its merits in terms of Rupee Cost Averaging and disciplined investing, all while sidestepping market volatility and the intricacies of market timing. Within the sphere of long-term investments, mutual funds’ Systematic Investment Plans serve as the optimal entry point. Unlock financial growth with ease—choose SIPs through Investorsarthi, your trusted investing partner.
The principle of “Buy low and sell high” seems prudent for garnering satisfactory investment returns. Nonetheless, executing this strategy proves challenging, even for seasoned investors. The intricacies of markets, be it debt or equity, involve various interconnected factors.
SIP, as a straightforward approach to long-term investing, involves adhering to a fixed investment sum for a defined duration, irrespective of market conditions. This approach steers clear of the impulse to halt investments in a declining market or excessively invest in a bullish market.
An essential benefit of long-term investments resides in the concept of compounding, which stands as one of the most significant mathematical revelations.
To simplify, compounding takes place when the interest or income earned on an investment is reinvested in the original corpus. The cumulative corpus continues to earn, fostering a gradual accumulation of funds, which multiplies over time.
Suppose you start investing ₹2000 every month in a mutual fund that generates an average annual return of 10%. Over a period of 20 years, your consistent commitment to investing adds up.
Initially, your investment may seem modest. In the first year, you’ve invested ₹24,000. By the end of the second year, you’ve invested ₹48,000. As the years roll on, your investment grows, and the magic of compounding starts to take effect.
At the end of 20 years, your total investment of ₹480,000 has blossomed into an impressive ₹17.71 Lakhs! This remarkable transformation showcases the incredible potential of disciplined, long-term investing and the compounding effect that steadily builds your wealth over time. Your initial investment has grown almost fourfold due to the power of consistent contributions and compounding returns.
- Retirement Fund: These funds come with a lock-in of at least 5 years or until retirement age, whichever is earlier.
- Children’s Fund: Similar to retirement funds, this category has a lock-in of at least 5 years or until the child attains the age of majority, whichever is earlier.
- Index Funds/ETFs: These funds involve a minimum of 95% investment in securities of a particular index.
- Fund of Funds (Overseas/Domestic): These funds necessitate a minimum of 95% investment in the underlying fund(s).
Hybrid funds blend equities and debt securities in their portfolios. By investing in both asset classes, they strive to strike a balance between growth and income.
- These funds aim to achieve stability in returns through regular income earned from debt instruments.
- The proportion of equity and debt in the portfolio is outlined in the Scheme Information Document.
- Aggressive Hybrid Funds are suitable for investors aiming for growth with moderate stability.
- Conservative Hybrid Funds are appropriate for conservative investors seeking enhanced returns with minor exposure to equity.
- The risk and return profile is influenced by the equity allocation; higher equity allocation implies greater risk.
A multi-asset fund provides investors with exposure to a wide range of asset classes, thereby offering a diversification level commonly linked with institutional investing. These funds have the flexibility to invest in various traditional strategies such as equities and fixed income, as well as index-tracking funds, financial derivatives, and even commodities like gold.
This diverse investment approach empowers portfolio managers to potentially find a balance between risk and reward. It enables them to deliver consistent, long-term returns to investors, especially during periods of market volatility. Arbitrage Funds execute the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset to capitalize on price differences in various markets or forms.
An ETF represents a tradable security that mirrors the performance of an index, commodity, bonds, or a collection of assets, akin to an index fund.
- ETFs are officially listed on stock exchanges.
- In contrast to conventional mutual funds, ETFs are traded like ordinary stocks on a stock exchange. The ETF’s trading price undergoes fluctuations throughout the day, similar to regular stocks, due to buying and selling activities on the exchange.
- Ownership of ETF units is mandatory in Demat form.
- ETFs are managed passively, implying that the fund manager undertakes minimal, periodic adjustments to ensure alignment with the chosen index.
- Because ETFs replicate an index without attempting to surpass it, they incur reduced administrative expenses compared to actively managed portfolios.
- Opting for ETF units constitutes an investment in the collective market itself, as opposed to an ‘active’ fund managed by a portfolio manager.
- ETFs are well-suited for investors aiming to attain returns akin to an index’s performance while maintaining liquidity comparable to stocks.
In accordance with the guidelines set forth by SEBI regarding the Categorization and Rationalization of schemes in October 2017, mutual fund schemes are distinctly categorized as follows:
- Equity Schemes
- Debt Schemes
- Hybrid Schemes
- Solution Oriented Schemes – Tailored for Retirement and Children’s Financial Goals
- Other Schemes – Index Funds & ETFs and Fund of Funds
Within the Equity category, specific definitions have been outlined for Large, Mid, and Small-cap stocks. A notable adjustment has been made to the nomenclature of schemes, especially those in the debt domain, aligning names with the risk level of the underlying portfolio. For instance, the previously designated ‘Credit Opportunity Fund’ has been rebranded as the “Credit Risk Fund.”
Furthermore, Balanced or Hybrid funds have been methodically segmented into three sub-categories: conservative hybrid fund, balanced hybrid fund, and aggressive hybrid fund. This division underscores the diverse risk and reward profiles associated with each variant.
Categories of Equity Funds
An Equity Scheme entails a fund that:
- Primarily channels investments into equities and equity-related instruments.
- Aims for long-term growth, though it may experience short-term volatility.
- Caters to investors with a higher risk appetite and a more extended investment horizon.
The fundamental objective of an equity fund is usually to achieve long-term capital appreciation. Such funds might specialize in specific market sectors or adopt distinct investment styles, such as focusing on value or growth stocks.
| Type of Equity Mutual Fund | Investment Principal |
|---|---|
| Multi Cap Fund | At least 65% investment in equity & equity-related instruments. |
| Large Cap Fund | Minimum 80% investment in large-cap stocks. |
| Large & Mid Cap Fund | At least 35% investment in large-cap stocks and 35% in mid-cap stocks. |
| Mid Cap Fund | At least 65% investment in mid-cap stocks. |
| Small Cap Fund | Minimum 65% investment in small-cap stocks. |
| Dividend Yield Fund | Primarily invests in dividend-yielding stocks, with at least 65% in stocks. |
| Value Fund | Adheres to a value investment strategy, with at least 65% in stocks. |
| Contra Fund | Adopts a contrarian investment approach, involving at least 65% in stocks. |
| Focused Fund | Concentrates on a limited number of stocks (maximum 30), with at least 65% invested in equity & equity-related instruments. |
| Sectoral/Thematic Fund | Minimum 80% investment in stocks from a specific sector or theme. |
| ELSS | Contains at least 80% of stocks in accordance with the Equity Linked Saving Scheme, 2005, as notified by the Ministry of Finance. |
(Also referred to as Diversified Equity Funds) – These funds, also known as Multi Cap Funds, allocate investments across diverse sectors and market segments. This diversification strategy mitigates the risk of overexposure to a few select stocks, sectors, or segments.
Sectoral funds are investments that zero in on specific sectors of the economy, such as infrastructure, banking, technology, pharmaceuticals, and more.
- As these funds concentrate solely on a single sector, their lack of diversification translates to increased risk.
- The timing of investments in such funds is crucial due to the cyclical nature of sector performance.
Examples of Sector-Focused Funds:
- Funds dedicated to the Pharma & Healthcare Sector.
- Funds targeting the Banking & Finance Sector.
- Funds focused on FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) and related sectors.
- Funds centered on Technology and related sectors.
- Thematic funds select stocks from industries aligned with a specific theme, like Infrastructure, Service industries, PSUs, or MNCs.
- These funds offer more diversification compared to Sectoral Funds, leading to lower risk.
- Contra funds adopt a contrarian stance on the market.
- They invest in underperforming stocks and sectors at low prices, with the anticipation of long-term growth.
- Contra fund portfolios include defensive and undervalued stocks that have experienced negative returns during bear markets.
- These funds come with the risk of misjudging trends, as accurately catching early trends is challenging in each market cycle. Typically, contra funds underperform in bullish markets.
- As per SEBI guidelines, a fund house can offer either a Contra Fund or a Value Fund, not both.
- Debt funds, also known as income funds, primarily invest in bonds and other debt securities.
- They involve short and long-term securities issued by government bodies, public financial institutions, and companies.
- Investments encompass – Treasury bills, Government Securities, Debentures, Commercial paper, Certificates of Deposit, and more.
- Debt funds offer the potential for generating income while preserving capital.
| Type of Debt Funds | Investment principal |
|---|---|
| Overnight Fund | Invests in overnight securities with a maturity of 1 day. |
| Ultra Short Duration Fund | Invests in debt and money market instruments with a Macaulay duration of the portfolio between 3 months and 6 months. |
| Low Duration Fund | Involves investments in Debt & Money Market instruments with a Macaulay duration portfolio ranging from 6 months to 12 months. |
| Money Market Fund | Focuses on investments in Money Market instruments having a maturity of up to 1 Year. |
| Short Duration Fund | Invests in Debt & Money Market instruments with a Macaulay duration of the portfolio between 1 year and 3 years. |
| Medium Duration Fund | Includes investments in Debt & Money Market instruments with a Macaulay duration of the portfolio ranging from 3 years to 4 years. |
| Medium to Long Duration Fund | Involves investments in Debt & Money Market instruments with a Macaulay duration portfolio ranging from 4 to 7 years. |
| Long Duration Fund | Engages in investments in Debt & Money Market Instruments with a Macaulay duration of the portfolio exceeding 7 years. |
| Dynamic Bond Fund | Adjusts the portfolio’s securities duration based on interest rate expectations. Duration is extended if interest rates are projected to decrease and vice versa. |
| Corporate Bond Fund | Invests a minimum of 80% in corporate bonds rated AA+ and above. |
| Credit Risk Fund | Allocates at least 65% to corporate bonds rated AA and below. |
| Banking and PSU Fund | Commits a minimum of 80% to Debt instruments from banks, Public Sector Undertakings, Public Financial Institutions, and Municipal Bonds. |
| Gilt Fund | Invests a minimum of 80% in G-secs (Government Securities) across various maturities. |
| Gilt Fund with 10-year Constant Duration | Invests at least 80% in G-secs to achieve a portfolio Macaulay duration of 10 years. |
| Floater Fund | Allocates a minimum of 65% to floating rate instruments, including swaps/derivatives to convert fixed rate instruments to floating rate exposures. |
Dynamic Bond funds adjust the duration of the securities within the portfolio in accordance with the anticipated movements in interest rates. If there’s an expectation of declining interest rates, these funds extend the duration of the portfolio; conversely, if interest rates are projected to rise, the duration is reduced. This strategy allows dynamic bond funds to optimize their performance in response to changing market conditions.
Floating rate funds invest in bonds with periodically reset interest rates to match current market rates, significantly reducing interest rate risk.
- Debt funds, also known as income funds, primarily invest in bonds and other debt securities.
- They involve short and long-term securities issued by government bodies, public financial institutions, and companies.
- Investments encompass – Treasury bills, Government Securities, Debentures, Commercial paper, Certificates of Deposit, and more.
- Debt funds offer the potential for generating income while preserving capital.
Hybrid Fund Categories per SEBI Guidelines on Categorization and Rationalization of Schemes
| Type of Hybrid Fund | Investment principal |
|---|---|
| Conservative Hybrid Fund | This category entails an allocation of 10% to 25% in equity & equity-related instruments, along with 75% to 90% in debt instruments. |
| Balanced Hybrid Fund | In this category, the allocation ranges from 40% to 60% in equity & equity-related instruments, and 40% to 60% in debt instruments. |
| Aggressive Hybrid Fund | An allocation of 65% to 80% in equity & equity-related instruments is coupled with 20% to 35% in debt instruments. |
| Dynamic Asset Allocation or Balanced Advantage Fund | These funds dynamically manage investments, with allocations ranging from 0% to 100% in equity & equity-related instruments, and 0% to 100% in debt instruments. |
| Multi Asset Allocation Fund | This category involves investing in a minimum of 3 asset classes, with at least 10% allocation to each asset class. |
| Arbitrage Fund | Arbitrage strategy guides this category, with a minimum of 65% investment in equity & equity-related instruments. |
| Equity Savings | This category comprises equity and equity-related instruments (minimum 65%), debt instruments (minimum 10%), and derivatives (minimum for hedging, as specified in the SID). |
Index funds construct a portfolio that replicates a particular market index. The holdings within the portfolio and their allocation weights precisely match those of the chosen index. The fund manager refrains from rebalancing the portfolio based on personal market or sector opinions.
Index funds follow a passive management approach, wherein the fund manager undertakes minor, periodic adjustments to maintain alignment with the index. Consequently, an index fund delivers returns and risks in line with the represented index.
The fees associated with an index fund are restricted to a maximum of 1.5%, promoting cost-effectiveness for investors.
Investors are provided with the assurance of being well-informed about the constituent stocks forming the portfolio, as the index’s composition is publicly disclosed and transparent.
