Mutual Funds

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Mutual funds are market-linked, traditional investment instruments offering diversified options for long-term wealth creation and preservation through professionally managed portfolios.

Over the past 20 years, mutual funds have evolved from a niche financial instrument to a popular investment choice for many. Managed by seasoned professionals with specialized research teams, mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets. Today, they are widely recognized as a smarter alternative to letting cash sit idle in a savings account, making them a cornerstone of personal investing. Key benefits of investing in Mutual funds are: 

Advantages of Investing in Mutual Funds

Types of Mutual Funds

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity funds are mutual fund schemes that primarily invest in equities (shares of various companies) and equity-related instruments, aiming for long-term growth while aligning with the investment objectives of the underlying scheme. These funds are excellent investment option, offering the potential for long-term wealth creation. SEBI defined categories for equity funds include:
  • Multi Cap Funds: Invests across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks with a minimum of 25% in each category, offering a diversified equity portfolio.
  • Flexi Cap Funds: Invests across all market capitalizations without any set limitations, providing maximum flexibility.
  • Large Cap Funds: Allocates at least 80% of total assets in large-cap companies, offering relative stability.
  • Large & Mid Cap Funds: Invests a minimum of 35% each in large-cap and mid-cap companies, balancing stability and growth.
  • Mid Cap Funds: Allocates at least 65% of total assets in mid-cap companies, aiming for higher growth potential with moderate risk.
  • Small Cap Funds: Invests at least 65% of total assets in small-cap companies, targeting high growth but with higher risk.
  • Dividend Yield Funds: Focuses on companies with high dividend yields, maintaining a minimum of 65% in dividend-yielding stocks, providing regular income along with capital appreciation.
  • Value Funds: Invests in undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals, focusing on long-term capital appreciation.
  • Contra Funds: Invests in underperforming stocks expected to rebound, taking a contrarian approach.
  • Focused Funds: Concentrates investments in up to 30 stocks, aiming for higher returns through high-conviction investments.
  • Sectoral/Thematic Funds: Invests in specific sectors or themes (e.g., technology, healthcare) to capitalize on sector-specific growth.
  • ELSS Funds: Equity Linked Savings Scheme with a 3-year lock-in period, offering tax benefits under section 80C.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities and money market instruments, providing stability and relatively higher returns with minimal risk while aligning with the investment objectives of the underlying scheme. They are a stable investment avenue that can help generate wealth through regular income and capital appreciation. SEBI-defined categories for debt funds include:
  • Overnight Funds: Invests in overnight securities with a maturity of one day, providing high liquidity with minimal risk.
  • Liquid Funds: Invests in short-term instruments with maturities up to 91 days, offering liquidity with slightly higher returns than savings accounts.
  • Ultra Short Duration Funds: Invests in instruments with a duration of 3-6 months, providing liquidity and steady returns.
  • Low Duration Funds: Focuses on instruments with a duration of 6-12 months, balancing liquidity and return potential.
  • Money Market Funds: Invests in money market instruments with maturities up to one year, offering stability and easy access.
  • Short Duration Funds: Invests in instruments with a duration of 1-3 years, balancing risk and return.
  • Medium Duration Funds: Focuses on instruments with a duration of 3-4 years, offering moderate returns with low risk.
  • Medium to Long Duration Funds: Invests in instruments with a duration of 4-7 years, providing higher returns with moderate risk.
  • Long Duration Funds: Invests in instruments with a duration greater than 7 years, targeting higher returns with higher risk.
  • Dynamic Bond Funds: Actively manages the portfolio based on interest rate movements, offering flexible returns.
  • Corporate Bond Funds: Invests at least 80% of total assets in high-quality corporate bonds, providing higher returns with moderate risk.
  • Credit Risk Funds: Invests at least 65% of total assets in lower-rated corporate bonds, targeting higher returns with increased risk.
  • Banking and PSU Funds: Invests at least 80% of total assets in bonds issued by banks and public sector undertakings, providing safety and moderate returns.
  • Gilt Funds: Invests in government securities, offering safety with minimal credit risk.
  • Gilt with 10-year constant duration Funds: Invests in government securities with a constant duration of 10 years, providing stability with interest rate risk.
  • Floater Funds: Invests in floating-rate instruments, providing returns linked to market interest rates.

Hybrid Mutual Funds

Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equities and debt securities to balance growth and income. The debt portion provides stability, while the equity portion aims for wealth growth. SEBI-defined categories for hybrid funds include:
  • Conservative Hybrid Funds: Primarily invest in debt instruments, with a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 25% in equities, providing steady income with moderate growth.
  • Balanced Hybrid Funds: Allocate 40-60% to equities, with the remaining in debt instruments, balancing risk and return.
  • Aggressive Hybrid Funds: Invest a minimum of 65% in equities, with the balance in debt instruments, targeting higher growth. These funds qualify for a 5% long-term capital gains tax on gains exceeding Rs 1 lakh, making them more tax-efficient compared to other debt funds.
  • Dynamic Asset Allocation/Balanced Advantage Funds: Adjust the allocation between equity and debt dynamically based on market conditions, providing flexibility and balance.
  • Multi Asset Allocation Funds: Invest in at least three asset classes (e.g., equities, debt, gold), providing diversification and balance.
  • Arbitrage Funds: Exploit price differences between equity and derivative markets, generating returns with minimal risk.
  • Equity Savings Funds: Combine equity, debt, and arbitrage opportunities, aiming for moderate returns with lower volatility.

Solution Oriented Funds

Solution Oriented Funds are designed to meet specific future financial needs, such as funding children’s education, marriage, or planning for retirement. These funds come with a minimum lock-in period of five years, ensuring long-term commitment to achieving your financial goals.

Other Funds

Other fund types include:
  • Index Funds: These funds mirror a market index and are passively managed, resulting in lower fees. They aim to replicate the performance of the chosen index.
  • Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs track various assets and trade like stocks on exchanges. They are held in Demat mode and offer liquidity and flexibility.
  • Fund of Funds (FoFs): FoFs invest in units of other mutual funds, providing diversification with regulated expenses.
  • Gold ETFs: Backed by physical gold, these ETFs offer electronic holding, safety, and liquidity, along with tax benefits for long-term holdings.
  • International Funds: These funds invest in global markets, offering diversification and the potential benefits of currency appreciation against the Indian Rupee.

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AMFI Registration No. (ARN): 303789 | Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read the scheme information and other related documents carefully before investing.