What is a Low Duration Fund?
A Low Duration Fund is a type of debt mutual fund that primarily invests in money market instruments and fixed-income securities, ensuring that the Macaulay Duration of the portfolio remains between six and twelve months. These funds are ideal for investors looking for a short-term investment option with relatively lower risk compared to equity funds.
Key Features of Low Duration Funds:
- Investment Horizon - Suitable for investors with a short-term investment goal, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months.
- Risk Profile - Moderate risk level, lower than long-term debt funds but slightly higher than liquid funds.
- Returns - Potentially higher than savings accounts and liquid funds, with average returns ranging from 6.5% to 8.5%.
- Liquidity - Higher liquidity than fixed deposits, allowing investors to access funds relatively quickly.
- Taxation - Subject to debt mutual fund taxation rules, with short-term capital gains taxed as per income tax slabs and long-term gains taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
How Does a Low Duration Fund Work?
Low Duration Funds operate by strategically investing in a mix of debt securities and money market instruments to maintain a portfolio duration of 6 to 12 months. The fund manager ensures that the selected securities align with the investment objective of the fund while balancing risk and return potential.
Working Mechanism of Low Duration Funds:
- Asset Allocation - Investments are spread across government securities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, securitised debt, and permitted derivatives.
- Maturity Management - The fund manager adjusts the portfolio to maintain the mandated duration range while optimising yield.
- Risk Considerations - While the risk level is moderate, factors like credit risk and interest rate fluctuations may affect fund performance.
- Potential Returns - By taking slightly higher credit and duration risk than liquid funds, low-duration funds aim to generate superior returns over a short-term horizon.
What are the Features of Low Duration Funds?
- Moderate Risk-Reward Ratio - Balance risk and reward by investing in a mix of debt securities and money market instruments.
- Macaulay Duration of 6-12 Months - Suitable for short-term investors looking for better returns than liquid funds.
- Higher Returns Compared to Liquid Funds - Average returns generally range between 6.5% and 8.5%.
- Lower Sensitivity to Interest Rate Changes - Less affected by interest rate fluctuations due to short-term investments.
- Diversification Across Debt Securities - Includes corporate bonds, government securities, money market instruments, and securitised debt.
- High Liquidity - Investors can access funds quickly, offering flexibility and ease of redemption.
Types of Low Duration Funds
- Government Securities-Based Funds - Invest in high-quality government securities, offering low credit risk.
- Corporate Bond-Based Funds - Allocate to high-rated corporate bonds for slightly higher returns.
- Money Market Instrument-Based Funds - Invest in instruments like treasury bills, CPs, and CDs for high liquidity.
- Securitised Debt-Based Funds - Include asset-backed securities; offer diversification with consideration for credit quality.
- Hybrid Low-Duration Funds - Mix of government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments to balance risk and return.
Understanding these types of low-duration funds can help investors choose the most suitable option based on their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Who Should Invest in Low-Duration Funds?
- Investors with a short-term investment horizon - If you plan to invest for more than three months but less than a year, low-duration funds may be a suitable option. These funds generally offer higher returns than liquid or overnight funds while maintaining a relatively low risk.
- Investors seeking regular income - Low-duration funds generate returns through a combination of interest income and capital gains. By using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP), investors can create a regular income stream while managing their risk exposure.
- Investors looking for an alternative to bank deposits - Those who want better returns than traditional savings or fixed deposits may consider low-duration funds. These funds provide a balance of liquidity, low volatility, and potential for higher returns.
- Investors transitioning into equity investments - A Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) can help investors shift funds from low-duration investments into equity or hybrid funds over time. This approach helps manage risk while gradually increasing exposure to higher-return investments.
- Investors looking for a stable short-term option - Those who want to park funds temporarily before making long-term investment decisions can benefit from low-duration funds due to their moderate risk and predictable returns.
How to Invest in Low-Duration Funds?
- Select a Low-Duration Fund - Research different funds and assess their past performance, expense ratios, and risk levels. Consider your investment horizon and risk appetite before making a decision.
- Check Fund Details - Analyse the fund’s portfolio composition, tax implications, and expected returns. Many funds provide historical data and risk ratings to help investors make informed choices.
- Decide on Investment Type - Choose between a lump sum investment or a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), depending on your financial goals. SIPs allow for disciplined investing with smaller, regular contributions, while a lump sum may be suitable for those with a one-time investment amount.
- Complete KYC Requirements - Before investing, ensure that you have completed Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities, including identity and address verification.
- Invest and Monitor Performance - Once invested, regularly review your fund’s performance and make adjustments if needed. Consider reinvesting or shifting funds based on changes in financial goals and market conditions.
Advantages of Investing in Low-Duration Fund
- Moderate Risk Level - Low-duration funds carry a moderate level of interest rate risk compared to long-term debt funds. Since these funds invest in instruments with short maturities, they are less affected by fluctuations in interest rates, offering a stable investment avenue.
- Higher Returns Compared to Savings Accounts - Investors looking for a short-term investment option that offers better returns than a savings bank account can benefit from low-duration funds. These funds generally yield higher returns than liquid and overnight funds while maintaining reasonable liquidity.
- Regular Income Generation - Low-duration funds provide a steady income stream through a combination of interest earnings and capital gains. Investors can also opt for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to receive periodic payouts, making them a suitable choice for those looking for regular income.
- Liquidity and Accessibility - Unlike fixed deposits, which may have a lock-in period, low-duration funds offer high liquidity. Investors can redeem their holdings easily when required, making them a practical choice for short-term financial goals.
- Ideal for Short-Term Investment Goals - For investors with a time horizon of six months to one year, low-duration funds provide an ideal investment vehicle. These funds allow individuals to park surplus funds temporarily while earning reasonable returns with relatively low risk.
- Diversification Benefits - Investing in low-duration funds helps diversify a portfolio, especially for investors who predominantly hold equity-based investments. By including debt instruments with a short maturity, these funds provide stability and reduce overall portfolio volatility.
Risks Involved in Low-Duration Fund
- Credit Risk - Low-duration funds may invest in securities with varying credit ratings. If the fund holds lower-rated instruments, there is a possibility of default, affecting the investor’s returns.
- Interest Rate Risk - Though relatively lower than long-duration funds, low-duration funds are still subject to interest rate fluctuations. An increase in interest rates may lead to a temporary dip in the fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV).
- Liquidity Risk - Some underlying securities in a low-duration fund’s portfolio may be illiquid, making it difficult for the fund manager to sell them at the desired price, especially during market volatility.
- Inflation Risk - Inflation may erode the real value of returns earned from low-duration funds. If inflation rates are higher than the returns generated, the purchasing power of the investment may decline.
- Expense Ratio Impact - Fund management fees and other administrative expenses, collectively known as the expense ratio, can affect overall returns. Higher expense ratios may reduce the gains from investing in these funds.
Factors To Consider Before Investing in Low Duration Funds
- Risk Profile - Low-duration funds come with three primary risks—liquidity risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk. The level of risk depends on the quality of securities within the fund. Higher credit quality securities reduce risk, whereas lower-rated instruments may enhance returns but come with increased credit risk.
- Expense Ratio - Mutual funds charge an expense ratio to cover the costs of fund management. A higher expense ratio can eat into your returns. It is advisable to compare funds and choose one with a reasonable expense ratio to maximise potential gains.
- Investment Horizon - Low-duration funds are best suited for short-term investments, typically ranging from six to twelve months. Investors must assess whether their investment timeline aligns with the fund’s duration to optimise returns.
- Return Potential - While low-duration funds generally offer better returns than savings accounts, they may not outperform other fixed-income instruments over the long term. Evaluating historical performance and expected returns is crucial before making an investment decision.
- Tax Efficiency - Tax implications play a significant role in determining overall returns. Understanding the taxation of low-duration funds will help investors make informed choices, especially when considering short-term versus long-term capital gains.
Taxability of Low Duration Funds
- Dividend Taxation - Any dividends received from low-duration funds are added to the investor’s total taxable income and taxed as per their applicable income tax slab. Additionally, if the dividend amount exceeds Rs. 5,000 in a financial year, a 10% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is applicable.
- Capital Gains Tax - Taxation of capital gains from low-duration funds depends on the holding period of the investment.
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) - If the investment is held for 36 months or less, the gains are classified as short-term capital gains. These are added to the investor’s total income and taxed according to the applicable income tax slab rate.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) - If the investment is held for more than 36 months, the gains qualify as long-term capital gains. LTCG on debt funds is taxed at 20% with the benefit of indexation, which adjusts the purchase price for inflation, effectively reducing the taxable gain.
Understanding the taxation rules is essential for optimising post-tax returns and selecting the right investment strategy. Investors should evaluate their tax liabilities and investment tenure before committing to low-duration mutual funds.
Popular Low-Duration Funds in India
Low-duration mutual funds are an excellent option for investors looking to earn stable returns while maintaining liquidity. These funds typically invest in short-term debt instruments, offering a balance between risk and reward. Below is a table summarising some of the top-performing low-duration funds in India based on key financial metrics.
Top 5 Low-Duration Funds in India
Fund Name
| AUM (in ₹ crores)
| Expense Ratio (%)
| CAGR 3Y (%)
| CAGR 5Y (%)
|
JM Low Duration Fund
| 229.93
| 0.35
| 6.49
| 9.64
|
UTI Low Duration Fund (M-IDCW)
| 2,864.59
| 0.38
| 6.57
| 7.20
|
Aditya Birla SL Low Duration Fund
| 11,710.61
| 0.42
| 6.91
| 6.70
|
HDFC Low Duration Fund
| 18,121.99
| 0.45
| 6.84
| 6.69
|
Kotak Low Duration Fund
| 11,928.37
| 0.42
| 6.80
| 6.64
|
Note: The above-mentioned funds are for informational purposes only and are not recommendations. The data is based on a 5-year CAGR as of 8 January 2025 and is subject to change.
Detailed Overview of Popular Low-Duration Funds
Below is a breakdown of five low-duration funds, highlighting their key features and benefits:
- JM Low Duration Fund
This fund is designed to offer stable returns with minimal risk. With an expense ratio of 0.35%, it ensures cost-effective management. The fund’s yield to maturity (YTM) of 7.67% and Sharpe ratio of 10.59 indicate strong risk-adjusted returns. Additionally, it has no exit load, ensuring liquidity and flexibility for investors. - UTI Low Duration Fund (M-IDCW)
Focused on income generation, this fund invests in short-term debt securities. With an expense ratio of 0.38% and YTM of 7.68%, it aims to deliver stable returns. The Sharpe ratio of 10.48 showcases its efficient risk management. Investors benefit from no exit load, making it an attractive option for conservative investors. - Aditya Birla SL Low Duration Fund
This fund prioritises capital preservation and consistent returns through short-duration debt securities. The expense ratio stands at 0.42%, with a YTM of 7.66% and Sharpe ratio of 10.71. Its no exit load policy makes it a flexible investment choice for short-term financial goals. - HDFC Low Duration Fund
Providing a stable income stream through debt securities, this fund has an expense ratio of 0.45% and a YTM of 7.88%. With a Sharpe ratio of 11.25, it offers competitive risk-adjusted returns. The absence of an exit load ensures easy accessibility for investors. - Kotak Low Duration Fund
This fund is a strong choice for those looking for reliable income through short-term debt instruments. It has an expense ratio of 0.42%, a YTM of 7.85%, and an impressive Sharpe ratio of 11.41. Additionally, the no exit load feature enhances its appeal for liquidity-focused investors.
Investors seeking short-term returns with manageable risks may find these funds to be a suitable alternative to traditional savings accounts and fixed deposits. However, always consider individual risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.