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What is Open Ended Mutual Fund?

 

Have you been wondering what is open ended mutual fund? Open ended mutual funds are one of the most flexible and widely preferred investment options in India. These funds allow investors to buy and sell units at any time, offering liquidity and ease of access. Since there is no maturity period, investors can stay invested as long as they choose.

The Net Asset Value (NAV) of open ended mutual funds is updated daily, reflecting the performance of the underlying securities. This ensures transparency and helps investors make informed decisions. Given the freedom to redeem units on any working day, open ended funds are a popular choice for both new and seasoned investors.

Understanding Open Ended Mutual Fund

An open-ended mutual fund is a type of investment scheme that allows investors to purchase and redeem units at any time. Unlike closed-ended funds, which have a fixed maturity period, open ended mutual funds offer continuous entry and exit options. This flexibility makes them highly liquid and accessible for investors.

The units of an open-ended fund are bought and sold at the prevailing NAV, which is determined based on the performance of the fund’s underlying assets. Since these funds do not have a lock-in period (except for tax-saving schemes like ELSS), they provide the flexibility to invest and exit at will.

Open ended mutual funds can be purchased either during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period or after the NFO closes. Investors can also opt for a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), which allows them to invest a fixed amount regularly in the scheme.

Pros of Open Ended Mutual Funds

Open ended mutual funds offer several advantages that make them an attractive investment option. Some key benefits include:

High Liquidity

One of the biggest advantages of open ended mutual funds is liquidity. Investors can redeem their units on any working day, ensuring quick access to their money. This feature is especially useful for individuals who might need funds at short notice.

Compared to other investment options that impose a lock-in period, open ended mutual funds allow investors to maintain liquidity while earning returns. This makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer flexibility in their investment portfolio.

Performance Across Various Market Phases

Open ended funds provide valuable insights into their performance over different market cycles. Since investors can enter or exit at any time, they can analyse historical data to understand how the fund has fared during bullish and bearish phases.

This information helps investors align their investments with their financial goals. By studying past trends, they can identify whether the fund’s strategy matches their risk appetite and long-term objectives.

SIP Availability

Investors in open ended mutual funds can opt for a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). A SIP allows them to invest a fixed amount regularly, making it easier to build wealth over time. This option is particularly suitable for salaried individuals or those who prefer investing in smaller amounts.

SIPs also offer the benefit of rupee cost averaging. Since investments are spread over time, investors buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices rise. This strategy helps mitigate the impact of market volatility.

Cons of Open Ended Mutual Funds

While open ended mutual funds offer many advantages, they also come with certain drawbacks. Thus, understanding what is open ended mutual fund is crucial. Key limitations include:

High Volatility

The NAV of open ended mutual funds fluctuates based on the performance of the underlying securities. Since these funds are market-linked, they are subject to volatility, which can affect the returns.

Although fund managers try to mitigate this risk through diversification, investors should be aware that market fluctuations can impact their investments. It is essential to assess risk tolerance before investing in such funds.

Huge Inflows and Withdrawals

Open-ended schemes are susceptible to large inflows and withdrawals. When investors redeem a significant number of units suddenly, the fund manager may be forced to sell assets at unfavourable prices, which could lead to losses for the remaining investors.

Similarly, large inflows may require investing in assets quickly, which can sometimes lead to a mismatch between the fund’s strategy and the current market scenario. These factors can affect the overall performance of the fund.

Risks in Cash Flow

Open ended mutual funds are also exposed to cash flow risks. The daily fluctuations in NAV, driven by market volatility, can impact the fund’s ability to maintain a stable portfolio.

If a significant portion of the fund’s assets is liquidated during a market downturn, it may affect the fund’s capacity to generate consistent returns. This makes it essential for investors to carefully consider market conditions and investment horizons before committing to open ended funds.

How to Invest in Open-Ended Mutual Funds?

Investing in open ended mutual funds is a straightforward process that offers flexibility and convenience. Since these funds do not have a maturity period, you can invest at any time, either during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period or after it closes. During the NFO period, units are allotted at a fixed price, while post-NFO, units are allotted based on the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV).

You can invest either through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or by making a lump sum investment. SIPs are a great option if you prefer to invest small amounts regularly. Lump sum investments, on the other hand, are ideal for those who want to invest a larger corpus at once. Always read the Scheme Information Document (SID) carefully before making an investment decision.

Steps to Follow for Smooth Open-Ended Mutual Funds Redemption

Redeeming units from an open-ended mutual fund is simple and convenient. However, following the correct steps ensures that the process is smooth and hassle-free.

  1. Check the NAV and Exit Load

    Before redeeming units, check the current NAV of the scheme. Additionally, check whether there is an exit load applicable if you redeem units before a specific period. Exit loads can reduce your overall returns.

  2. Submit Redemption Request

    You can place a redemption request through the online platform where you made the initial investment. Alternatively, you can submit a physical request at the fund house or through a registered distributor. The units are redeemed based on the prevailing NAV on the day of the request.

  3. Understand Tax Implications

    Gains from open ended mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax. The tax rate depends on whether the fund is classified as an equity or debt fund. Check the asset allocation of your scheme to assess the applicable tax rates before redeeming.

The redemption proceeds are usually credited to your registered bank account within a few working days. Reviewing the scheme’s exit load structure and tax implications helps avoid unexpected deductions.

Key Difference Between Open-Ended & Close-Ended Funds

Open-ended and closed-ended mutual funds differ primarily in terms of liquidity, investment flexibility, and entry/exit options. The table below highlights the main differences:

Feature

Open-Ended Mutual Funds

Closed-Ended Mutual Funds

Liquidity

Highly liquid – buy/sell any time

Locked-in period until maturity

Maturity Period

No fixed maturity

Defined maturity period

NAV Basis

Units bought/sold at NAV

Traded on stock exchanges

Entry/Exit Flexibility

Available anytime

Only during NFO period

SIP Availability

Available

Not available

Exit Load

May apply if redeemed early

No exit load post-maturity

Risk Factor

Subject to market volatility

Less exposure to frequent inflows/outflows

Understanding these differences helps investors choose the fund type that best suits their financial goals and investment preferences.

Who Should Consider Investing in an Open-Ended Mutual Fund?

Open ended mutual funds are ideal for investors looking for flexibility, liquidity, and transparency. Since these funds allow investors to buy and sell units at any time, they are well-suited for individuals who prefer easy access to their funds.

These funds are also a good choice for those with a long-term investment horizon. Whether you choose a SIP or a lump sum investment, open ended funds help diversify your portfolio while offering the flexibility to redeem units when needed. However, investors should assess their risk appetite before investing, as these funds are subject to market volatility.

Taxation on Gains from Open-End Funds

Gains from open ended mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax, and the tax treatment varies based on whether the fund is classified as an equity or debt fund. The classification depends on the percentage of the scheme’s investments allocated to equity or debt instruments.

  • Equity Funds:

If a fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity, it is considered an equity fund.

  • Short-term capital gains (if held for less than one year) are taxed at 15%.

  • Long-term capital gains (if held for more than one year) above ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10% without indexation benefits.

  • Debt Funds:

 If a fund invests 65% or more in debt instruments, it is treated as a debt fund.

  • Gains from debt funds are taxed at slab rates if held for less than three years.

  • Long-term gains (held for more than three years) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.

To avoid unexpected tax deductions, investors should carefully review the asset allocation and tax implications before investing in or redeeming open ended mutual funds.

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