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Types of Mutual Funds in India

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What are Mutual Funds?

Mutual funds are collective investment schemes where funds from multiple investors are pooled together to create a diversified portfolio. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who invest in various assets such as equities, bonds and other securities based on the mutual fund's specific objectives. By purchasing mutual fund units, investors gain access to a professionally managed portfolio without needing extensive capital or expertise. The value of these units, known as Net Asset Value (NAV), changes according to the fund's performance. Bajaj Broking provides easy access to a wide range of mutual fund types, accommodating investors with varied risk tolerance and financial goals. Investing in mutual funds allows individuals to enjoy benefits such as diversification, liquidity and expert management while catering to different financial objectives and time horizons.

Different Types of Mutual Funds

There are different types of mutual funds based on various factors, which help simplify investment choices. Here’s a concise breakdown:

  • Asset Class: Mutual funds can be categorised into equity funds, focusing on stocks for high returns, debt funds investing in fixed-income securities for stable returns and hybrid funds that blend both to balance growth and safety.

  • Structure: The structural characteristics include open-ended funds, allowing continuous buying and selling at NAV, closed-ended funds with a fixed number of shares traded on exchanges, interval funds that combine features of both and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that trade like stocks.

  • Investment Objective: Funds can be chosen based on goals such as growth-oriented funds for capital appreciation, income funds providing regular payouts or balanced funds seeking a mix of both.

  • Risk and Return: Different funds carry varying risk levels, from high-risk equity funds aiming for significant growth to low-risk money market funds focused on capital preservation.

  • Tax-saving Funds: Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) offer tax benefits, making them attractive for tax-savvy investors.

These categories empower investors to choose mutual funds that align with their risk tolerance and financial objectives. Bajaj Broking provides insights and a platform to explore various mutual fund types.

Types of Mutual Funds Based on Asset Class

Mutual funds can be categorised into various types based on the asset classes they invest in. Each type suits different investment objectives and risk appetites. Below are the major types explained in a pointwise manner:

  1. Equity Mutual Funds
     These funds primarily invest in stocks or equity-related instruments. They carry a balanced risk-reward ratio over the long term.

  2. Debt Mutual Funds
     These invest in fixed-income instruments like government bonds, corporate debentures, treasury bills, etc. They are relatively safer and offer regular income and a balanced growth profile.

  3. Hybrid Mutual Funds
     Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt. They aim to balance risk and reward by diversifying across asset classes.

  4. Money Market Funds
     These invest in short-term, highly liquid debt instruments like commercial papers and certificates of deposit. They are ideal for short-term investors seeking capital preservation.

  5. Commodity Funds
     These focus on investing in commodities like gold, silver, and oil, or related stocks. Gold funds are a popular example in India.

  6. Real Estate Funds
    These funds invest in real estate stocks, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), or direct property. They are suitable for investors looking for property-related exposure without direct investment.

Types of Mutual Funds Based on Structure

Different types of mutual funds can also be categorised based on their structural characteristics, providing investors with various options suited to their needs.

  • Open-Ended Funds: These funds allow for the issuance of unlimited shares, enabling investors to enter or exit at any time based on the prevailing NAV. This structure offers flexibility and easy access to funds.

  • Closed-Ended Funds: In contrast, these funds issue a fixed number of shares through an initial public offering (IPO) and are traded on stock exchanges. This structure provides limited liquidity, as investors can only buy or sell shares on the exchange, not directly from the fund.

  • Interval Funds: Combining features of both open-ended and closed-ended structures, interval funds permit purchases and redemptions at predetermined intervals, offering a compromise between liquidity and stability.

  • ETFs: These funds trade like stocks on an exchange and aim to track an index or asset class. They provide liquidity and real-time pricing, making them attractive for active investors.

Bajaj Broking offers these structural options, enabling investors to choose the mutual fund types that best fit their investment objectives and preferences.

Types of Mutual Funds Based on Investment Objectives

Different types of mutual funds cater to specific investment objectives, allowing investors to align their portfolios with their financial goals. Here are some common categories:

  • Equity Funds: These funds focus on long-term capital growth by investing primarily in shares of companies. They tend to offer higher returns but come with increased risk.

  • Debt Funds: Aimed at generating steady income, these funds invest in bonds and other fixed-income securities, making them suitable for conservative investors seeking stability.

  • Balanced Funds: Offering a mix of growth and income, balanced funds diversify investments between equities and debt, appealing to those who want a balanced approach.

  • Income Trusts: These prioritise consistent returns through investments in fixed-income instruments, ideal for investors looking for reliable income streams.

  • Growth ETFs: These funds target capital growth by focusing on high-potential assets, suitable for risk-tolerant investors.

  • Liquid Funds: Designed for safety and liquidity, liquid funds invest in short-term securities, making them a good choice for managing cash reserves.

  • Tax-Advantaged Funds (ELSS): These funds provide tax benefits while pursuing growth opportunities, making them attractive for tax-conscious investors.

Bajaj Broking assists in exploring these mutual fund types, simplifying the process of aligning investments with individual goals.

Modes of Mutual Fund Investment

Investors can choose from different investment modes based on their convenience, risk appetite, and investment goals. The following table outlines the key modes of mutual fund investment along with their descriptions and suitability:

Mode of Investment

Description

Ideal For

Lump Sum

A one-time investment of a fixed amount in a mutual fund scheme

Investors with surplus funds

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

Regular, small investments over time (monthly/quarterly)

Salaried individuals, long-term investors

STP (Systematic Transfer Plan)

Transfers fixed amount from one fund to another regularly

Those shifting from debt to equity gradually

SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan)

Allows periodic withdrawals from mutual fund investments

Retirees seeking regular income

Dividend Reinvestment

Dividends declared are reinvested in the same scheme

Long-term investors

Direct Plan

Investments made directly with AMC without distributor’s help

Informed investors who want to save costs

Regular Plan

Investment through intermediaries with added expense ratio

New investors needing guidance

Schemes Based on the Maturity Period

Mutual fund schemes in India are often categorised based on their maturity periods, which determine how long the investments are held. This classification helps investors align their fund choices with their investment horizons and liquidity needs. Broadly, these include open-ended, close-ended, and interval schemes. Open-ended schemes offer flexibility and liquidity, while close-ended schemes are locked for a specific period and may be listed on exchanges. Interval schemes combine features of both by allowing transactions only during specific intervals.

Open Ended Scheme

Open-ended mutual fund schemes allow investors to enter or exit at any time, without a fixed maturity date. These funds are ideal for investors who value liquidity and flexibility. NAVs are published daily, and fund houses issue new units or redeem existing ones based on demand. Investors can invest or withdraw whenever they want, making them a suitable choice for long-term wealth creation. Open-ended funds are available across all asset classes like equity, debt, and hybrid. They are managed actively or passively, depending on the scheme’s structure and objective.

Close Ended Scheme

Close-ended mutual fund schemes come with a fixed maturity period, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years. Investors can subscribe only during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period, and units are then listed on stock exchanges for trading. These funds offer limited liquidity as redemptions are allowed only after maturity or by selling on the exchange. Fund managers can manage assets without worrying about unpredictable redemptions, which may offer more stability in portfolio construction. These are suitable for investors with a defined investment horizon and a willingness to stay invested until maturity.

Interval Scheme

Interval schemes blend features of both open-ended and closed-ended funds. These funds allow purchase or redemption only during specific time intervals decided by the fund house. Outside these periods, the fund remains closed to transactions. This hybrid model gives fund managers more control over cash flows and portfolio management. Such schemes often invest in fixed-income instruments and are ideal for conservative investors who are comfortable with limited liquidity. The structure is suitable for investors seeking moderately liquid investments without frequent market involvement, especially in short to medium-term horizons.

Types of Mutual Funds Based on Principal Investments

Mutual funds can also be classified based on their investment strategy or principal focus area. This classification helps investors choose a fund type that matches their investment objective and risk profile.

  1. Equity Schemes
     Focus mainly on investing in listed equity shares across sectors or market capitalisations. They offer capital appreciation over the long term but come with higher risk.

  2. Debt Schemes
     Invest in fixed-income securities such as bonds, debentures, and treasury bills. They aim for capital preservation and regular income with lower risk.

  3. Hybrid Schemes
     These invest in both equity and debt to balance risk and reward. Hybrid funds are suitable for moderate-risk investors seeking a balanced portfolio.

  4. Solution Oriented Schemes
     Tailored for specific financial goals like retirement or child’s education. These come with long-term lock-in periods and offer disciplined investment paths.

  5. Other Schemes
     Include index funds, ETFs, Fund of Funds, and sectoral/thematic funds. These schemes provide niche investment opportunities or passive strategies for various investor profiles.

Equity Schemes

Scheme Type

Description

Suitable For

Large Cap Funds

Invest in top 100 companies by market capitalisation

Stable long-term growth

Mid Cap Funds

Invest in mid-sized companies ranked 101–250 by market cap

Higher returns with moderate risk

Small Cap Funds

Invest in companies beyond the top 250

High growth potential, high risk

Multi Cap Funds

Invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks

Diversified equity exposure

ELSS (Tax Saving Funds)

Equity Linked Saving Scheme with 3-year lock-in for tax benefits under Section 80C

Tax-saving with equity exposure

Debt Schemes

Scheme Type

Description

Suitable For

Liquid Funds

Invest in short-term instruments up to 91 days

Parking surplus funds

Ultra Short Duration

Invest in instruments with 3–6 months duration

Short-term capital preservation

Short Duration Funds

Invest in instruments with 1–3 years average maturity

Moderate duration, low risk

Gilt Funds

Invest only in government securities

Risk-averse, long-term investors

Credit Risk Funds

Invest in lower-rated instruments for higher yield

High-risk, return-seeking investors

Hybrid Schemes

Scheme Type

Description

Suitable For

Aggressive Hybrid Funds

Invest ~65–80% in equity, rest in debt

Moderately high-risk investors

Conservative Hybrid Funds

Invest ~75–90% in debt, rest in equity

Conservative investors

Balanced Advantage Funds

Dynamic allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions

Market-timing investors

Arbitrage Funds

Use price differences in cash and derivatives markets to generate low-risk returns

Low-risk short-term investors

Solution Oriented Schemes

Scheme Type

Description

Suitable For

Retirement Funds

Designed for long-term retirement planning with lock-in till retirement age

Investors with retirement goals

Children’s Funds

Focus on wealth creation for child’s future education/marriage

Parents investing for long-term goals

Other Schemes

Scheme Type

Description

Suitable For

Index Funds

Replicate benchmark indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex

Passive investors

ETFs

Traded on stock exchanges, mimic index or commodity performance

Real-time traders or passive investors

Fund of Funds

Invest in other mutual fund schemes

Diversification seekers

Sector/Thematic

Invest in specific sectors like IT, Pharma, or themes like ESG or infrastructure

Sector-focused high-risk investors

Benefits of Mutual Funds

Mutual fund types offer numerous benefits, including:

  1. Diversification: Spread investments across various assets to minimise risks.

  2. Professional Management: Benefit from the expertise of experienced fund managers.

  3. Liquidity: Easy buying and selling of units at NAV, ensuring quick access to funds.

  4. Affordability: Low entry requirements make investing accessible to everyone.

  5. Risk Management: Diversification and expert management reduce risks effectively.

  6. Flexibility: A wide variety of mutual funds to suit different goals and risk appetites.

  7. Regulatory Control: Market regulations provide investor protection and transparency.

  8. Potential for Higher Returns: By investing in equities and other growth-oriented assets, mutual funds can offer higher returns over the long term compared to traditional savings options.

  9. Convenience: Mutual funds simplify the investment process, allowing investors to manage their portfolios through online platforms, making it easier to track performance and make adjustments.

  10. Tax Benefits: Certain mutual funds, such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), offer tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, providing an additional incentive for investors.

Bajaj Broking enables investors to access these benefits by offering a range of mutual fund types.

Conclusion

Mutual funds provide a versatile and professionally managed investment avenue for achieving various financial goals. By exploring different types of mutual funds based on asset class, structure, and investment objectives, investors can choose suitable options that match their risk tolerance and growth aspirations. Bajaj Broking offers a reliable platform for selecting and investing in mutual fund types, ensuring investors have the necessary guidance to build a diversified and profitable portfolio. Understanding these mutual funds simplifies the decision-making process, empowering investors to confidently navigate their financial journeys. Additionally, with the right information and support, investors can optimise their returns while effectively managing risk, making mutual funds an attractive choice for both novices and seasoned investors.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of mutual funds available in India?

Answer Field

In India, there are several different types of mutual funds available, each designed to meet various investment needs. These include equity funds, debt funds, hybrid funds, liquid funds and more. Each category serves unique purposes, allowing investors to choose according to their financial goals and risk tolerance.

What is the best type of mutual fund?

Answer Field

Determining the best type of mutual fund depends on individual investment goals, risk appetite and time horizon. For aggressive growth, equity funds are often preferred, while debt funds are ideal for conservative investors seeking stability. Understanding different types of mutual funds helps in selecting the one that aligns with your financial objectives.

What are the main categories of mutual funds?

Answer Field

The main categories of mutual funds include equity funds, which focus on capital appreciation; debt funds, which prioritise income; and hybrid funds, which combine both strategies. Additionally, liquid funds provide high liquidity and sectoral funds focus on specific industries. These different types of mutual funds cater to diverse investor needs.

How do equity mutual funds differ from debt mutual funds?

Answer Field

Equity mutual funds primarily invest in stocks, aiming for high returns through capital appreciation. In contrast, debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds, focusing on providing steady income with lower risk. Understanding these different types of mutual funds can guide investors in making informed choices based on their risk profiles.

What are hybrid mutual funds?

Answer Field

Hybrid mutual funds invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments, providing a balanced approach to risk and return. They offer the potential for capital growth while also aiming for income stability. By understanding different types of mutual funds, investors can better match their portfolios with their financial objectives.

Are sectoral or thematic funds different from other mutual funds?

Answer Field

Yes, sectoral or thematic funds focus on specific sectors or themes, such as technology, healthcare or sustainability, unlike other mutual funds that may offer broader market exposure. These different types of mutual funds carry unique risks and rewards, making them suitable for investors with specific market insights or convictions.

How do open-ended and closed-ended mutual funds differ?

Answer Field

Open-ended mutual funds allow investors to buy and sell units at any time based on the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV), providing liquidity. In contrast, closed-ended mutual funds have a fixed number of shares issued through an IPO and are traded on exchanges, which limits liquidity. Understanding these different types of mutual funds can help investors choose based on their liquidity needs.

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The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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