What is a Liquid Fund?
A liquid fund is a category of mutual fund that invests in short-term debt instruments and money market securities. As per SEBI regulations, these funds can only hold assets with a maturity of up to 91 days. The investments typically include:
- Government securities
- Treasury bills
- Certificates of deposit
- Commercial papers
- Repurchase agreements (Repo)
The returns of a liquid fund are determined by the market value of its underlying assets. Due to the short-term nature of the investments, liquid funds are less volatile compared to other debt funds, making them a stable choice for investors seeking quick liquidity with relatively lower risk.
How does a Liquid Fund work?
Liquid mutual funds operate by investing in highly liquid, short-term debt instruments. Their primary objective is to provide liquidity while generating stable returns. These funds maintain a low-risk profile by investing in high-quality securities with short maturities.
Key aspects of how liquid funds function:
- Short Maturity Period - Liquid funds invest in securities with a maximum maturity of 91 days, reducing exposure to interest rate fluctuations.
- Steady Returns - The short tenure of holdings minimises price volatility, ensuring more predictable returns. Historically, liquid funds have delivered returns in the range of 7%-9%, higher than traditional savings accounts.
- Quick Redemption - Most liquid funds allow withdrawal requests to be processed within one working day, offering near-instant liquidity. Some funds even provide an instant redemption facility for a limited amount.
- Low Cost - These funds charge a small expense ratio, with SEBI capping the maximum at 1.05%. Many liquid funds operate at an expense ratio lower than 1%, making them cost-effective investment options.
For investors looking for a secure, short-term investment vehicle, liquid funds offer flexibility, liquidity, and better returns than bank savings accounts. Platforms like Bajaj Broking make investing in liquid funds seamless, allowing investors to manage their surplus cash efficiently.
What are the Features of Liquid Fund?
Liquid funds come with a range of features that make them an attractive investment option for individuals seeking stability, liquidity, and low-risk returns. Below are the key features of liquid funds:
- Returns - Liquid funds generally offer higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts. Although their returns can fluctuate based on market conditions, historically, liquid debt funds have generated returns in the range of 7%-9%, making them a more rewarding short-term investment.
- Financial Goals - These funds are ideal for investors looking to build an emergency fund or park surplus cash for short durations. They provide better returns than a savings account while ensuring easy accessibility when required.
- Investment Horizon - Liquid funds offer flexibility in terms of holding period. Investors can choose to hold their funds for as little as a few days or extend their investment for months, depending on their financial needs.
- Costs (Expense Ratio) - Like all mutual funds, liquid funds charge a small management fee, known as the expense ratio. SEBI has set the upper limit for the expense ratio at 1.05%, ensuring cost-effectiveness for investors. Most liquid funds operate below this limit, making them a low-cost investment option.
With these features, liquid funds are an efficient and flexible investment choice for individuals looking for stable returns and quick access to funds.
Types of Liquid Fund
Liquid funds primarily invest in short-term debt and money market instruments, ensuring high liquidity and low risk. Below are the key types of securities that liquid funds invest in:
- Treasury Bills (T-Bills) - Issued by the Government of India, treasury bills are short-term securities with maturities ranging from 91 days to 1 year. They offer high security as they are backed by the government, making them a preferred choice for liquid funds.
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs) - These are fixed-term deposits issued by banks and financial institutions. CDs offer stable returns and low credit risk, making them a reliable component of liquid funds.
- Commercial Papers (CPs) - Issued by corporations, commercial papers are short-term unsecured debt instruments. They offer higher returns compared to T-bills and CDs but carry a slightly higher credit risk.
- Government Securities (G-Secs) - Liquid funds may also invest in short-term government bonds, which provide security and stability due to their sovereign backing.
- Repurchase Agreements (Repo) - Also known as repos, these are short-term borrowing instruments where securities are sold and repurchased at a fixed price. They provide liquidity to liquid funds while maintaining low risk.
These different instruments collectively ensure that liquid funds remain stable, liquid, and low risk, making them an ideal choice for investors looking for short-term investment solutions.
Who Should Invest in Liquid Fund?
Liquid funds are suitable for investors who:
- Have a short investment horizon – These funds are ideal for individuals looking to invest surplus cash for a few days to a few months.
- Want higher returns than savings accounts – Liquid funds typically offer better returns than bank deposits while maintaining liquidity.
- Need an emergency fund – These funds can serve as a contingency reserve with quick accessibility.
- Want a temporary parking option – Investors who are unsure where to invest can use liquid funds as a holding option before transferring funds into long-term investments.
- Prefer low-risk investments – Liquid funds are relatively stable and less volatile than equity funds, making them suitable for risk-averse investors.
If you’re looking for a safe and flexible short-term investment, liquid funds can be a great choice.
How to Invest in Liquid Fund?
Investing in liquid funds is simple and hassle-free, especially with Bajaj Broking. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open a Bajaj Broking Account - If you don’t have an account, you can easily open one online by submitting the required documents.
Step 2: Choose the Right Liquid Fund - Consider the following factors when selecting a liquid fund:
- Past Performance – Compare how the fund has performed over short periods.
- Expense Ratio – Opt for a fund with a lower expense ratio to maximise your returns.
- Risk & Credit Rating – Look at the credit quality of the securities in the fund’s portfolio.
- Liquidity Needs – Choose a fund that aligns with your withdrawal flexibility requirements.
Step 3: Decide on Investment Mode
- SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) – Invest a fixed amount regularly.
- Lump-Sum Investment – Invest a one-time amount based on your financial goals.
Step 4: Complete Your Investment
- Enter the amount you want to invest.
- Choose the preferred payment method.
- If investing through SIP, set up AutoPay for hassle-free instalments.
With Bajaj Broking, investing in liquid funds is quick, efficient, and convenient, ensuring you make the most of your idle cash.
Advantages of Investing in Liquid Fund
Liquid funds offer several benefits, making them a preferred investment option for individuals looking for stability, liquidity, and low risk. Below are the key advantages of investing in liquid funds:
- Low Risk - Liquid funds are a low-risk debt investment as they primarily invest in short-term, high-quality securities. This ensures that the principal remains secure while offering steady returns. Unlike long-term debt funds, liquid funds are less affected by interest rate fluctuations, making them a stable option across different market conditions.
- Low Cost - Since liquid funds require minimal active management, their expense ratio is relatively low compared to other mutual funds. As per SEBI regulations, the maximum expense ratio for liquid funds is 1.05%, with many funds operating at even lower costs. This cost efficiency ensures that investors retain more of their earnings.
- Flexible Holding Period - Investors can hold liquid funds for as long as they want, providing complete flexibility. While there is a small exit load for redemptions within seven days, after that, no penalties are charged. This makes liquid funds an ideal option for both short-term and medium-term investors.
- Quick Redemption - Liquid funds provide fast access to funds, with redemption requests typically processed within one working day. Some funds even offer instant withdrawals, ensuring immediate liquidity for urgent financial needs.
With these benefits, liquid funds are an excellent choice for individuals looking for a low-risk investment with stable returns and easy access to their money.
Risks Involved in Liquid Fund
Although liquid funds are relatively safer compared to equity and long-term debt funds, they are not completely risk-free. Here are some risks investors should be aware of before investing:
- Interest Rate Risk – The value of a bond is inversely related to interest rates. If interest rates increase, bond prices may fall, impacting liquid fund returns. However, since liquid funds invest in short-term securities, this risk is relatively low.
- Inflation Risk – While liquid funds offer better returns than savings accounts, they may still fail to outpace inflation over the long term. This can erode purchasing power over time.
- Credit Risk – Although liquid funds invest in high-quality securities, there is still a risk of default if an issuer fails to repay its debt. If a security's credit rating drops, it can negatively impact the fund's NAV (Net Asset Value).
Despite these risks, liquid funds remain one of the most secure and flexible investment options for those looking to park their money for short durations.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Liquid Fund
Before investing in a liquid fund, it is essential to evaluate key factors to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk appetite. Below are some crucial aspects to consider:
- Risk Factor - While liquid funds are less risky than equity-oriented funds, they are not completely risk-free. Factors such as credit rating downgrades of underlying securities can impact the Net Asset Value (NAV), though fluctuations are generally minimal.
- Investment Purpose - Liquid funds are suitable for short-term investments, such as parking surplus funds or building an emergency corpus. They provide better returns than savings accounts while ensuring easy liquidity when needed.
- Expense Ratio - Every mutual fund, including liquid funds, charges a small management fee called the expense ratio. Since liquid funds typically offer stable returns, a lower expense ratio is preferable to maximise gains.
- Credit Risk and Fund Selection - Even though liquid funds invest in high-quality debt instruments, credit risk still exists. A sudden drop in the credit rating of securities held by the fund can affect returns. It is advisable to review the credit quality of underlying investments before choosing a liquid fund.
- Investment Horizon - Liquid funds are ideal for investors with a short-term investment horizon (up to 3 months). However, they can also be used for longer durations, depending on your financial strategy.
Considering these factors can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right liquid fund to meet your investment objectives.
Taxability of Liquid Fund
Liquid fund investments are subject to capital gains tax and dividend tax, depending on how long the investment is held and the type of returns earned. Here's a breakdown of the tax implications:
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)
- If an investor redeems their liquid fund within 3 years, the gains are classified as short-term capital gains (STCG).
- STCG is taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
- If the investment is held for more than 3 years, the gains are treated as long-term capital gains (LTCG).
- LTCG is taxed at 20% with indexation benefits, which adjusts the purchase price for inflation before computing tax.
- Dividend Taxation
- Any dividends earned from liquid funds are added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed according to their income tax slab.
- Additionally, a 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applicable if the dividend payout exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year.
By understanding the taxability of liquid funds, investors can make better financial decisions while optimising their tax liabilities.
Popular Liquid Funds in India
Investors looking for short-term investment options with higher liquidity and minimal risk often turn to liquid funds. Below is a comparison of some of the top-performing liquid funds in India, based on 5-year CAGR as of January 8, 2025.
Top 5 Liquid Mutual Funds in India
Fund Name
| AUM (in ₹ crores)
| CAGR 3Y (%)
| Expense Ratio (%)
| CAGR 5Y (%)
|
Quant Liquid Plan
| 1,756.22
| 6.46
| 0.25
| 5.78
|
Mahindra Manulife Liquid Fund
| 1,157.76
| 6.57
| 0.16
| 5.48
|
Edelweiss Liquid Fund
| 5,489.08
| 6.54
| 0.08
| 5.48
|
Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund
| 39,882.67
| 6.56
| 0.21
| 5.48
|
Union Liquid Fund
| 3,742.53
| 6.54
| 0.07
| 5.47
|
Note: The above-mentioned funds are for informational purposes only and are not investment recommendations. These figures fluctuate regularly, so investors should check with Bajaj Broking for real-time updates before making decisions.
Individual Analysis of Top 5 Liquid Funds
Below is a detailed look at each of these top-performing liquid funds, highlighting their key features and advantages.
1. Quant Liquid Plan
- Returns: 3-year CAGR of 6.46%, 5-year CAGR of 5.78%
- AUM: ₹1,756.22 crore
- Expense Ratio: 0.25%
- Fund Manager: Managed by Quant Money Managers Limited, overseeing ₹95,237.34 crore across 27 schemes
- Why Consider It? A disciplined and innovative approach to liquidity management makes it a strong option for investors seeking stability and quick access to funds.
2. Mahindra Manulife Liquid Fund
- Returns: 3-year CAGR of 6.57%, 5-year CAGR of 5.48%
- AUM: ₹1,157.76 crore
- Expense Ratio: 0.16%
- Fund Manager: Mahindra Asset Management Company, managing ₹28,468.23 crore across 23 schemes
- Why Consider It? Offers stable returns with minimal risk, making it a good option for investors looking for liquidity and cost-efficiency.
3. Edelweiss Liquid Fund
- Returns: 3-year CAGR of 6.54%, 5-year CAGR of 5.48%
- AUM: ₹5,489.08 crore
- Expense Ratio: 0.08% (one of the lowest)
- Fund Manager: Edelweiss Asset Management, managing ₹1,05,310.95 crore across 50 schemes
- Why Consider It? With its low expense ratio and strong fund management, this fund is an excellent choice for cost-conscious investors.
4. Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund
- Returns: 3-year CAGR of 6.56%, 5-year CAGR of 5.48%
- AUM: ₹39,882.67 crore (largest among the top 5)
- Expense Ratio: 0.21%
- Fund Manager: Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, managing ₹3,66,430.62 crore across 95 schemes
- Why Consider It? A well-established and large fund, offering a balance of stability, liquidity, and competitive returns.
5. Union Liquid Fund
- Returns: 3-year CAGR of 6.54%, 5-year CAGR of 5.47%
- AUM: ₹3,742.53 crore
- Expense Ratio: 0.07% (lowest among the top 5)
- Fund Manager: Union Asset Management Company, managing ₹19,230.94 crore across 27 schemes
- Why Consider It? Provides steady returns with one of the lowest expense ratios, making it a cost-effective liquid fund option.