What is a Gilt Fund?
A gilt fund is a type of mutual fund that primarily invests in government securities, also known as G-secs. These securities are issued by the Central and State Governments to meet financial obligations. Gilt funds are divided into two main categories:
- Funds that invest in government securities with varying maturities.
- Funds with a constant maturity of 10 years, requiring at least 80% of total assets to be invested in securities with a 10-year maturity period.
Unlike equity or hybrid funds, gilt funds do not carry credit risk, as they are backed by the government. However, they are highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, which impact their Net Asset Value (NAV). These funds tend to perform well when interest rates are declining and may deliver lower returns in a rising interest rate scenario.
How Does a Gilt Fund Work?
When the government needs funds for infrastructure development and other expenses, it approaches the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which acts as its banker. The RBI raises capital by borrowing from banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions. In return, the RBI issues government securities (G-secs) with fixed tenures.
Gilt funds subscribe to these government securities and hold them until maturity. When the securities reach maturity, the government repays the borrowed amount, and the gilt fund earns returns based on the interest accrued. Investors in gilt funds benefit from exposure to government-backed instruments, which offer lower credit risk. However, the performance of these funds depends on prevailing interest rates, making them more favourable during periods of declining rates.
For investors looking to invest in gilt funds, Bajaj Broking provides a seamless platform to explore and invest in various gilt fund options, ensuring efficient portfolio management tailored to different financial goals.
What are the Features of Gilt Fund?
Gilt funds come with several distinct features that make them a preferred choice for risk-averse investors. While they offer stability and low credit risk, they are also influenced by interest rate changes. Below are the key features explained in detail:
- Market Volatility - Gilt funds invest at least 80% of their corpus in government securities (G-secs) and do not have exposure to equities. This makes them immune to equity market volatility, ensuring a stable investment environment for risk-averse investors.
- Interest Rate Regime - While gilt funds are free from credit risk, they are highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Their Net Asset Value (NAV) moves inversely with interest rates. A falling interest rate regime boosts gilt fund returns, whereas rising rates negatively impact them.
- Returns - Gilt funds do not guarantee fixed returns as their performance depends on interest rate movements. In favourable market conditions with declining interest rates, they can deliver returns ranging from 10-15%.
- Expense Ratio - Like other mutual funds, gilt funds charge an expense ratio, which is a fee for fund management. This fee is deducted annually, slightly reducing the investor’s net returns.
- Maturity - Gilt funds come with varying investment horizons—short-term, medium-term, and long-term. Investors can choose a suitable tenure based on their financial goals and risk appetite.
Types of Gilt Fund
Gilt funds can be broadly classified into two types based on their investment strategy and maturity profile. Understanding these categories can help investors choose a fund that aligns with their financial goals. The two main types are:
- Gilt Funds with Different Maturities - These funds invest in government securities with varied maturities. The fund manager adjusts the portfolio by selecting bonds of different durations, depending on market conditions and interest rate trends.
- Gilt Funds with Constant Maturity of 10 Years - These funds are mandated to invest at least 80% of their corpus in government securities that have a fixed maturity of 10 years. They are suitable for investors looking for predictable long-term returns and are highly sensitive to interest rate movements.
- Invest in Gilt Funds with Bajaj Broking - Bajaj Broking provides a seamless platform for investing in gilt mutual funds. Whether you are a conservative investor seeking stability or looking to hedge against market downturns, gilt funds can be a strategic addition to your portfolio. Choose a suitable fund, assess market conditions, and align your investment with your financial goals for optimal returns.
Who Should Invest in Gilt Funds?
Gilt funds are an ideal investment option for specific types of investors, primarily those with a conservative approach. These funds cater to individuals seeking capital preservation while earning moderate returns. Below are the key investor profiles who should consider investing in gilt funds:
- Conservative Investors - Gilt funds are best suited for investors with low risk tolerance since they do not invest in high-risk instruments like corporate bonds or equities. These funds primarily invest in government securities (G-Secs), ensuring stability and security.
- Investors Seeking Capital Preservation and Moderate Returns - Those looking for a safe investment avenue while still generating reasonable returns can benefit from gilt funds. Since these funds are backed by the government, they have minimal credit risk.
- Investors with Short to Long-Term Investment Horizons - Gilt funds are available in short, medium, and long-term variants. Investors can choose the appropriate option based on their financial goals and investment timeline.
- Investors Looking for Portfolio Diversification - For individuals who want to balance their portfolios with low-risk investments, gilt funds can provide a stable component alongside equities and other higher-risk assets.
- Investors Seeking Actively Managed Funds - Those who want a relatively stable return without actively monitoring the market can invest in gilt funds. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who handle the portfolio allocation on behalf of the investor.
- Investors Looking for Stability During Market Downturns - Gilt funds perform well in a declining interest rate environment. Therefore, investors who want to hedge against market fluctuations can consider these funds during economic downturns.
- High-Income Investors Seeking Tax Efficiency - Compared to fixed deposits, gilt funds offer better tax efficiency for investors in the higher-income tax bracket. Long-term capital gains on gilt funds are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits, making them a tax-efficient option.
How to Invest in Gilt Funds?
Investing in gilt mutual funds through Bajaj Broking is a simple and efficient process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Log in to Your Bajaj Broking Account
- Open the Bajaj Broking app or visit the official website.
- Enter your registered mobile number.
- Validate the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your phone.
- Enter your MPIN to securely access your account.
Note: If you do not have a Demat account with Bajaj Broking, you must open one by completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) process and submitting the necessary documents.
Step 2: Choose the Right Gilt Fund
- Navigate to the Mutual Funds section in your Bajaj Broking account.
- Use the search option to find specific gilt funds or browse through the recommended list curated by Bajaj Broking.
- Evaluate different gilt funds based on the following factors:
- Historical Performance: Analyse past returns to assess consistency.
- Tax Implications: Understand how capital gains and dividends are taxed.
- Risk Profile: Ensure the fund aligns with your risk tolerance.
- Fund Ratings: Check ratings from reputed agencies (typically on a scale of 1 to 5).
- Expense Ratio: Opt for funds with lower costs to maximise net returns.
Step 3: Make Your Investment
- After selecting a suitable gilt fund, go to the investment section.
- Decide whether to invest a lump sum amount or set up a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).
- Enter the amount you wish to invest and select your preferred payment mode: UPI (Recommended for quick transactions), Net Banking, Debit Card (if applicable)
- Confirm and place your order.
Step 4: Set Up SIP Mandate (If Applicable)
- If you choose the SIP route, establish an auto-debit mandate for future instalments.
- Ensure sufficient balance in your linked bank account for seamless monthly deductions.
Step 5: Monitor Your Investment
- Regularly track the performance of your gilt fund through the Bajaj Broking app or website.
- Adjust your investment strategy based on interest rate trends and market conditions.
Advantages of Investing in Gilt Funds
Investing in gilt funds offers several benefits, making them a preferred choice for conservative investors seeking stability and steady returns. Here are the key advantages:
- High Credit Quality - Gilt funds invest in government securities, which have the highest credit rating as they are backed by the government. This minimises the risk of default, ensuring the safety of your investment.
- Relatively Low Risk - Since these funds invest exclusively in government bonds, they are not exposed to credit risk. Investors benefit from secure returns without worrying about corporate defaults or credit downgrades.
- Portfolio Diversification - Gilt funds add a layer of stability to an investment portfolio by balancing out the risk from equities and other market-linked instruments. They serve as a hedge during volatile market conditions.
- Potential for Capital Appreciation - When interest rates decline, the price of government securities rises, leading to capital appreciation. Investors in gilt funds can benefit from this inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices.
- Liquidity - Gilt funds offer relatively high liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their units with ease. However, exit loads may apply depending on the fund’s structure.
- Transparency - Government bonds have a high level of transparency in terms of pricing and valuation, giving investors clear visibility into their investments.
- Suitable for Long-Term Goals - Gilt funds are ideal for long-term investors looking for stable returns with minimal credit risk. They are particularly useful for retirement planning and wealth preservation.
- Professional Fund Management - Investing through gilt funds allows individuals to benefit from expert fund management, as professional managers at reputed institutions like Bajaj Broking make informed decisions based on market conditions.
Risks Involved in Gilt Funds
While gilt funds offer stability, they are not entirely risk-free. Investors should consider the following risks before investing:
- Interest Rate Risk - The value of gilt funds fluctuates based on changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates can lead to a decline in bond prices, negatively impacting returns.
- Market Volatility - While government bonds are considered safe, their market prices can be volatile, especially in a rising interest rate environment.
- Liquidity Risk - Although government securities are highly liquid, certain gilt funds may impose exit loads or redemption restrictions, impacting immediate access to funds.
- Inflation Risk - If inflation rises faster than the returns from gilt funds, the real value of earnings may erode over time.
- Longer Maturity Risk - Gilt funds with long-duration bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes, making them riskier in a volatile market.
- Taxation - Returns from gilt funds are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains (if held for less than three years) are taxed as per the investor’s income slab, while long-term capital gains attract indexation benefits.
Factors To Consider Before Investing in Gilt Funds
- Interest Rate Sensitivity - Gilt funds primarily invest in government securities, making them highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall, which in turn negatively impacts the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the fund. Conversely, when interest rates fall, gilt funds tend to generate better returns. Investors should carefully analyse interest rate trends before investing in these funds.
- Investment Horizon - Since gilt funds are susceptible to interest rate movements, they are best suited for investors with a medium- to long-term investment horizon. The volatility in short-term periods can be high, so investors looking for stability should remain invested for at least three to five years.
- Credit Risk - Gilt funds primarily invest in government-backed securities, meaning the risk of default is virtually non-existent. However, in the case of state government bonds, there might be minimal credit risk. Investors should verify the credit quality of the fund’s holdings to ensure alignment with their risk tolerance.
- Expense Ratio - Like all mutual funds, gilt funds charge an annual management fee known as the expense ratio. A lower expense ratio can improve returns over time. Investors should compare various gilt funds and opt for funds with cost-effective management fees to maximise gains.
- Tax Efficiency - Gilt funds can offer tax advantages, especially for high-income earners. Long-term capital gains (for investments held beyond three years) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits, making them more tax-efficient compared to traditional fixed-income instruments such as Fixed Deposits (FDs). Short-term capital gains (for investments held for less than three years) are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab.
- Liquidity Constraints - Certain gilt funds may have a lock-in period, making them illiquid. However, there are funds available without a lock-in period, providing flexibility to investors. It is essential to check the exit load and redemption terms before investing.
- Risk-Return Trade-off - Gilt funds offer moderate yet stable returns. While they typically yield higher returns than other fixed-income options like FDs and Recurring Deposits (RDs), they do not match the potential gains of equity or hybrid mutual funds. Investors should assess their risk appetite and return expectations accordingly.
- Market Timing - Understanding the economic cycle is key when investing in gilt funds. They generally perform well during recessions or when interest rates are on a downward trend. Investing during a rising interest rate regime may lead to suboptimal returns. Thus, timing entry and exit points is crucial for maximising gains.
Taxability of Gilt Funds
Understanding the tax implications of gilt funds is crucial for making informed investment decisions. The tax treatment depends on the holding period of the investment, and different rules apply to short-term and long-term capital gains. Here’s what you need to know:
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) - If an investor holds gilt fund units for less than three years, any gains realised from selling these units are classified as Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG). These gains are added to the investor’s annual taxable income and taxed as per their applicable income tax slab.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) - For investments held for more than three years, the gains are considered Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and are subject to a 20% tax rate with indexation benefits. Indexation allows investors to adjust the purchase price of the units based on inflation, effectively reducing the taxable capital gains.
- Tax on Dividends - If an investor receives dividends from their gilt mutual fund, the dividend amount is treated as part of their taxable income and taxed at their respective income tax slab rate. Additionally, if the dividend amount exceeds Rs. 5000 in a financial year, a 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applied.
- Comparing with Fixed Deposits - Gilt funds offer a tax-efficient alternative to Fixed Deposits (FDs) for high-income earners. While FD interest is taxed at the investor’s slab rate, gilt funds provide indexation benefits on long-term holdings, making them more attractive for wealth preservation and growth.
- Tax Implications for Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) - If an investor chooses to invest in gilt funds via a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), each instalment is treated as a separate investment with its own holding period. Gains on SIP investments held for less than three years are taxed as STCG, whereas those held for more than three years qualify for LTCG taxation.
Popular Gilt Funds in India
Gilt funds are mutual funds that invest exclusively in government securities, making them a preferred choice for risk-averse investors. Below is a table showcasing the top gilt mutual funds in India based on their 5-year CAGR as of January 8, 2025.
Fund Name
| AUM (in ₹ crores)
| CAGR 3Y (%)
| Expense Ratio (%)
| CAGR 5Y (%)
|
Edelweiss Government Securities Fund
| 172.66
| 6.94
| 0.47
| 7.89
|
ICICI Pru Gilt Fund
| 6,780.56
| 7.57
| 0.56
| 7.86
|
Kotak Gilt Fund-PF & Trust
| 4,441.90
| 7.26
| 0.47
| 7.76
|
DSP Gilt Fund
| 1,781.58
| 7.33
| 0.57
| 7.76
|
Kotak Gilt Fund (Q-IDCW)
| 4,441.90
| 7.26
| 0.47
| 7.76
|
Note: The above funds are listed for informational purposes only and are not recommendations. Investors should check real-time data before making any decisions.
Edelweiss Government Securities Fund
With an AUM of ₹172.66 crore, this fund is ideal for conservative investors seeking stability through government securities. Its 3-year CAGR stands at 6.94%, while its 5-year CAGR is 7.89%. The fund's Sharpe ratio of 2.52 indicates strong risk-adjusted returns. The average maturity of 21.7 years reflects its preference for long-duration securities.
ICICI Pru Gilt Fund
This fund, managing an AUM of ₹6,780.56 crore, offers stable returns through government securities. With a 3-year CAGR of 7.57% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.86%, it has demonstrated consistent performance. A Sharpe ratio of 3.04 highlights its excellent risk-adjusted returns. Its average maturity of 6.51 years provides a balanced duration strategy.
Kotak Gilt Fund – PF & Trust
With an AUM of ₹4,441.90 crore, this fund is structured for institutions like provident funds and trusts. It has delivered a 3-year CAGR of 7.26% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.76%. The fund maintains a Sharpe ratio of 1.98 and an average maturity of 26.86 years, making it a suitable option for long-term investors.
DSP Gilt Fund
This fund, with an AUM of ₹1,781.58 crore, focuses solely on government securities. It has generated a 3-year CAGR of 7.33% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.76%, ensuring steady returns. Its Sharpe ratio of 2.32 indicates good risk-adjusted performance, while an average maturity of 30.66 years shows its emphasis on long-duration holdings.
Kotak Gilt Fund (Q-IDCW)
Managing an AUM of ₹4,441.90 crore, this fund is designed for investors seeking stable returns with quarterly dividends. With a 3-year CAGR of 7.26% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.76%, it ensures consistent growth. Its Sharpe ratio of 1.97 reflects strong risk-adjusted performance, while an average maturity of 26.86 years highlights its long-term focus.
Conclusion
Gilt funds provide a safe investment avenue with low credit risk and moderate returns, making them an attractive option for conservative investors. However, they are highly sensitive to interest rate movements. Before investing, it is crucial to assess personal risk tolerance, investment goals, and tax implications. By carefully timing entry and exit, investors can make the most of gilt funds while maintaining a stable financial portfolio.