What is a Contra Fund?
A contra fund follows a contrarian investment philosophy. Instead of following market trends, it invests in stocks and sectors that are currently out of favour among investors but have strong fundamentals and long-term potential. Contra funds are clubbed together with value funds by SEBI, meaning a fund house can offer either a value fund or a contra fund but not both.
Here are the key features of contra funds:
- Invest in undervalued stocks – These funds identify and invest in stocks that are trading at a lower price despite having strong fundamentals.
- Contrarian approach – Fund managers deliberately choose stocks that are currently underperforming but have the potential to grow.
- Long-term investment strategy – Contra funds require patience as they take time to deliver returns, often spanning several years.
- Not suitable for short-term investors – Due to their contrarian nature, these funds may not provide quick returns and are best suited for long-term investors.
How Does a Contra Fund Work?
Contra funds operate by selecting stocks that are undervalued or ignored by the market but have strong fundamentals and growth potential. The idea is to buy low and hold until the market recognises their true value, leading to substantial returns.
Here’s how they function:
- Market cycle analysis – Fund managers assess market trends and identify companies whose stocks are trading below their intrinsic value due to temporary issues.
- Long-term investment focus – These funds typically require an investment horizon of at least 5 to 7 years to generate significant returns.
- Hedging against market corrections – Since they invest in undervalued stocks, contra funds can serve as a hedge when markets are overvalued and experience corrections.
- Active fund management – The success of a contra fund largely depends on the expertise of the fund manager in selecting the right stocks at the right time.
What are the Features of a Contra Fund?
Contra funds follow a unique investment strategy, making them distinct from traditional mutual funds. Below are the key features that define contra funds:
- Identification of Undervalued Stocks - Contra funds specialise in identifying undervalued stocks that are currently overlooked by the market. Fund managers invest in these stocks with the belief that their prices will rise in the long term as market conditions improve.
- Good Returns at Lower Cost - Since these funds invest in stocks trading at a discount compared to their intrinsic value, they allow investors to enter at a lower cost. If the stocks recover as anticipated, investors can benefit from substantial gains over time.
- Hedging Against Market Corrections - Unlike conventional equity funds, contra funds often perform well when the market undergoes corrections. Because they invest in out-of-favour stocks, their downside risk during market downturns tends to be lower compared to funds investing in overvalued stocks.
- Long-Term Investment Approach - Contra funds are best suited for investors with a long-term investment horizon, typically five years or more. This is because undervalued stocks may take time to recover, and short-term fluctuations can impact performance.
- Active Fund Management - The success of a contra fund largely depends on the expertise of the fund manager. Since stock selection is based on a contrarian view, thorough research and analysis are required to make profitable investment decisions.
Types of Contra Funds
There are different types of contra funds, each catering to varying investor preferences. Below are the main types:
- Equity-Focused Contra Funds - These funds primarily invest in equity stocks that are currently underperforming but have strong fundamentals. They aim to generate long-term capital appreciation by betting on businesses expected to recover in the future.
- Debt-Oriented Contra Funds - Some contra funds allocate a portion of their investments to debt instruments alongside equities. This strategy reduces overall portfolio risk while still capitalising on contrarian investment opportunities.
- Hybrid Contra Funds - Hybrid contra funds combine equities, debt, and sometimes other asset classes like gold to provide a diversified investment approach. These funds offer a balance between risk and return, making them suitable for moderate-risk investors.
- Sectoral Contra Funds - These funds focus on specific sectors that are currently underperforming. Fund managers invest in such sectors, anticipating a recovery when market conditions improve. However, these funds carry higher risks due to their concentrated exposure to a particular industry.
- Multi-Cap Contra Funds - Multi-cap contra funds invest across companies of different market capitalisations—large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This diversification helps mitigate risk while allowing investors to benefit from a broad range of contrarian opportunities.
Who Should Invest in a Contra Fund?
Investing in contra funds requires a certain level of risk appetite and patience. Since these funds invest against market trends, they do not always provide quick returns. Here’s who should consider investing in them:
- Investors with a long-term horizon – Contra funds take time to deliver returns, so they are better suited for those with an investment timeline of at least 5 to 7 years.
- Risk-tolerant investors – Those comfortable with market fluctuations and willing to take risks for potentially higher returns.
- Investors who understand market cycles – Individuals who can analyse stock fundamentals and market corrections to identify undervalued stocks.
- Those looking for diversification – Investors who wish to hedge their portfolio against market corrections can consider allocating a portion of their funds to contra investments.
- Patient investors – Contra funds require discipline and the ability to stay invested even when short-term market trends seem unfavourable.
Since these funds invest in undervalued stocks that may take time to recover, they are not suitable for conservative investors or those with short-term financial goals.
How to Invest in a Contra Fund?
Investing in a contra mutual fund is a simple process, especially with a Bajaj Broking account. Follow these steps to start your investment journey:
- Open an account – If you don’t have a Bajaj Broking account, open a demat account by providing the required documents.
- Research and choose a contra fund
- Look for funds that match your investment goals and risk appetite.
- Analyse past performance, sectors, and companies the fund invests in.
- Check the fund’s risk level, expense ratio, and ratings.
- Select an investment mode – Decide whether to invest via a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or a lump sum.
- Make your investment
- Log in to your Bajaj Broking account.
- Go to the Mutual Funds section and find the selected contra fund.
- Enter your investment amount and select your payment method.
- Set up AutoPay (if applicable) – If investing through SIP, enable AutoPay for seamless future instalments.
With the right research and a long-term approach, contra funds can be a valuable addition to an investor’s portfolio.
Advantages of Investing in Contra Funds
Investing in contra funds comes with several advantages, especially for long-term investors who are willing to take calculated risks. Below are the key benefits of investing in contra funds:
1. Identification of Undervalued Stocks - Contra funds specialise in spotting undervalued stocks that are overlooked by the broader market. These stocks often have strong fundamentals but are currently out of favour. By investing in these companies at a lower price, investors can benefit when their true value is realised.
2. Potential for Higher Returns - Since contra funds invest in stocks that have the potential for a turnaround, they can generate substantial returns in the long run. Once the market corrects itself, these undervalued stocks often outperform, offering attractive gains.
3. Hedging Against Market Trends - One of the unique aspects of contra funds is that they do not follow prevailing market trends. Instead, they take positions against market sentiment, which can help investors hedge their portfolios during market downturns. This strategy can be beneficial when markets are overvalued.
4. Diversification Benefits - Contra funds invest in sectors and stocks that are not currently favoured by the market, offering a unique diversification advantage. This strategy ensures that investors have exposure to different types of stocks, reducing overall risk.
5. Strong Performance in Market Recoveries - When the market rebounds from a downturn, the undervalued stocks in a contra fund’s portfolio can experience a sharp rise in value. This makes contra funds a suitable option for those willing to wait for long-term growth.
6. Investment Based on Value Strategy - Contra funds follow a disciplined value-investing approach. They invest in stocks trading below their intrinsic value, aiming to generate long-term wealth. Investors who understand this investment philosophy can benefit significantly over time.
Risks Involved in Contra Funds
While contra funds offer several benefits, they also come with certain risks that investors should be aware of. Here are the key risks associated with contra investing:
- Opportunity Cost - Contra funds may take a long time to generate returns, and in some cases, the stocks selected may not recover as expected. If the companies do not bounce back, investors could face losses instead of gains.
- Market Volatility - Since these funds invest in undervalued and underperforming stocks, they are more exposed to market fluctuations. Short-term investors may find it challenging to deal with the volatility.
- Fund Manager's Expertise - The success of contra funds heavily depends on the expertise of the fund manager. A poor selection of stocks or an incorrect assessment of market trends can lead to underperformance.
- Long-Term Commitment Required - Contra funds require patience, as the strategy focuses on long-term gains. Investors looking for quick profits may not find these funds suitable.
- Possibility of Sustained Underperformance - Some stocks in the fund’s portfolio may continue to remain undervalued for an extended period or may never recover. This could lead to moderate to high losses even when the broader market performs well.
Understanding these risks is crucial before investing in contra funds. It is advisable to research thoroughly and consider your investment horizon and risk appetite before making a decision.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Contra Fund
Before investing in a contra mutual fund, it's essential to evaluate various factors to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk appetite. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
Investment Horizon
- Contra funds require a long-term investment commitment, typically five years or more.
- Since they invest in undervalued stocks that take time to recover, short-term investors may not benefit.
Market Performance is Irrelevant
- Unlike other equity funds, contra funds do not follow market trends.
- Their performance depends on stock selection rather than overall market movements.
- Investors must be prepared for potential underperformance even in a rising market.
Risk Profile
- Contra funds carry higher market risks as they invest in stocks currently out of favour.
- They suit aggressive investors who understand market cycles and have a high-risk tolerance.
- Due to potential volatility, these funds may not be ideal for conservative investors.
Fund Manager’s Expertise and Research
- The success of a contra fund heavily depends on the fund manager’s ability to identify undervalued stocks.
- Investors should research the fund manager’s track record and past fund performance before investing.
Diversification Strategy
- While contra funds offer portfolio diversification, they should not dominate an investment portfolio.
- Investors should limit their contra fund allocation to 10-35% of their investable corpus, depending on their risk appetite.
Taxability of Contra Funds
Understanding the taxation of contra funds is crucial for optimising returns and planning tax liabilities. These funds follow the same tax rules as other equity mutual funds.
Dividend Taxation
- Dividends earned on contra funds are added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab.
- A 10% TDS is deducted on dividend amounts exceeding ₹5,000 in a financial year.
Capital Gains Taxation
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If contra fund units are sold within one year, a 15% tax applies on the gains, regardless of the investor’s tax slab.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Gains of up to ₹1 lakh in a financial year are tax-free. Any amount exceeding ₹1 lakh is taxed at 15%, without the benefit of indexation.
Proper tax planning can help investors optimise returns when investing in contra funds.
Popular Contra Funds in India
Contra mutual funds follow a contrarian investment strategy, focusing on undervalued stocks with potential for long-term growth. Below is a comparison of the top three contra funds in India based on key performance metrics:
Top 3 Contra Funds to Invest in India
Fund Name
| AUM (in ₹ crores)
| CAGR 3Y (%)
| CAGR 5Y (%)
| Expense Ratio (%)
|
SBI Contra Fund
| 41,906.90
| 23.76
| 30.20
| 0.57
|
Invesco India Contra Fund
| 18,018.85
| 20.97
| 23.91
| 0.52
|
Kotak India EQ Contra Fund
| 4,034.33
| 21.57
| 23.28
| 0.56
|
The listed funds are for informational purposes only and not recommendations. Based on a 5-year CAGR as of 6 January 2025, these figures are subject to frequent changes. For real-time updates, visit Bajaj Broking.
SBI Contra Fund
SBI Contra Fund is a prominent investment option with an AUM of ₹41,906.90 crore, demonstrating robust growth over the years. The fund achieved a 3-year CAGR of 23.76% and a 5-year CAGR of 30.20%, reflecting its strong performance. Managed by SBI Funds Management Ltd., the fund benefits from their extensive 30 years of fund management expertise.
The expense ratio is a competitive 0.57%, making it an appealing choice for investors seeking value-driven growth. Its strategic contra investment approach identifies undervalued opportunities, capitalising on market inefficiencies. This fund can be ideal for long-term investors with a high-risk appetite who aim to diversify their portfolios and generate substantial returns over time.
Invesco India Contra Fund
Invesco India Contra Fund, with an AUM of ₹18,018.85 crore, offers a well-managed contra investment strategy to investors. It has delivered a 3-year CAGR of 20.97% and a 5-year CAGR of 23.91%, showcasing consistent performance. The expense ratio is 0.52%, inclusive of GST, which ensures cost efficiency for investors.
Redemption within one year incurs an exit load of 1% for units exceeding 10% of the investment. This fund focuses on identifying mispriced assets and tapping into potential growth opportunities for long-term value creation. It suits investors looking for disciplined investment management and aiming to achieve wealth appreciation through a contrarian approach.
Kotak India EQ Contra Fund
Kotak India EQ Contra Fund is a notable choice in the contra investment category, managing an AUM of ₹4,034.33 crore. The fund has achieved a 3-year CAGR of 21.57% and a 5-year CAGR of 23.28%, demonstrating its potential for delivering steady returns. Managed by Ms Shibani Kurian since 2019, it benefits from her expertise in navigating market opportunities.
With an expense ratio of 0.56%, the fund remains competitively priced. It employs a contrarian strategy to invest in undervalued stocks, leveraging opportunities that traditional investment styles may overlook. This fund can be ideal for investors with a long-term horizon seeking to diversify their portfolios while taking advantage of unique market dynamics.