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Medium Duration Fund


Debt funds offer a wide range of options for conservative investors, helping them achieve their financial goals with relative stability. Among the various debt fund categories classified by SEBI, Medium Duration Funds provide Read more..a balance between short-term and long-term investment opportunities. These funds are designed for investors seeking stable returns over a period of three to four years while minimising risk exposure. Read less

 

Medium Duration Fund List

Name
AUM
1Y Returns

ICICI Pru Medium Term Bond Fund - Regular (G)

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹5734.45 cr. 9.74%

ICICI Pru Medium Term Bond Fund - Regular (IDCW-Q)

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹5734.45 cr. 9.94%

ICICI Pru Medium Term Bond Fund - Regular (IDCW-Q)

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹5734.45 cr. 9.94%

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan (IDCW-Q) - Reinvestment

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹2436.72 cr. 14.82%

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan (IDCW-H) - Reinvestment

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹2436.72 cr. 14.82%

SBI Magnum Medium Duration Fund (IDCW)

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹6593.25 cr. 9.81%

SBI Magnum Medium Duration Fund (IDCW) - Reinvestment

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹6593.25 cr. 9.81%

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan (G)

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹2436.72 cr. 14.82%

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan (IDCW-H) - Payout

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹2436.72 cr. 14.82%

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan (IDCW) - Payout

Debt|Medium Duration Fund

Buy

₹2436.72 cr. 14.70%
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What is a Medium Duration Fund?

Medium Duration Funds are a type of debt mutual fund that primarily invests in debt securities and money market instruments to maintain a Macaulay Duration between three and four years. This makes them suitable for investors who have a medium-term investment horizon and wish to earn returns that are generally higher than short-term debt funds but lower than long-term debt funds.

Key Features of Medium Duration Funds:

Medium Duration Funds come with a unique set of features that make them an attractive investment option. These include:

  • Maturity - The typical investment duration for these funds ranges from three to four years, balancing the risk-return profile between short-term and long-term debt funds.
  • Liquidity - Medium Duration Funds offer better liquidity than long-term funds, making it easier for investors to access their money when needed.
  • Diversification - These funds invest in a broad range of debt instruments, reducing the impact of underperformance from any single security.
  • Tax Efficiency - Capital gains from these funds are taxed at a lower rate if held for more than three years, making them a tax-efficient investment option.

 

How does Medium Duration Fund work?

Medium Duration Funds function by investing in various debt and money market instruments to align with the investment objective of the fund. The fund manager carefully selects these instruments while ensuring that the Macaulay Duration remains within the three to four-year range.

Key Aspects of How These Funds Work:

To understand how Medium Duration Funds operate, consider the following key aspects:

  • Portfolio Composition - The fund primarily invests in corporate bonds, government securities, and other fixed-income instruments, aiming to provide a stable return over the investment period.
  • Risk Management - While these funds generally have lower risk compared to equity funds, they do carry some level of interest rate risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. The selection of high-credit-rated securities can mitigate these risks.
  • Return Expectations - The average return for Medium Duration Funds typically falls within the range of 7% to 9%, depending on market conditions and fund performance.
  • Taxation Rules - If an investor redeems the fund within three years, Short Term Capital Gains (STCG) tax applies, calculated based on the investor's income tax slab. If held for over three years, the gains are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.


Medium Duration Funds serve as an excellent option for investors looking for a middle ground between short-duration and long-duration debt funds. With their moderate risk and stable returns, they can be a strategic addition to an investment portfolio aimed at achieving medium-term financial goals.

 

What are the Features of Medium Duration Fund?

Medium Duration Funds come with distinct characteristics that set them apart from other debt funds. These features help investors make informed decisions when aligning their financial goals with investment horizons.

  • Maturity - Medium Duration Funds maintain a Macaulay duration of 3 to 4 years, offering a balance between short-term liquidity and long-term stability.
  • Liquidity - These funds are more liquid compared to long-term funds, allowing investors to withdraw their investments with relative ease when required.
  • Diversification - The portfolio of Medium Duration Funds typically consists of various debt instruments, including government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments, reducing overall risk through diversification.
  • Tax Efficiency - Investments held for over three years benefit from indexation, which reduces taxable capital gains. This makes Medium Duration Funds a tax-efficient investment compared to fixed deposits of similar tenure.
  • Moderate Risk Profile - Medium Duration Funds fall between short-term and long-term debt funds in terms of risk exposure. While they are subject to interest rate fluctuations, they remain relatively stable compared to longer-duration funds.

 

Types of Medium Duration Fund

Medium Duration Funds can be further classified based on the types of instruments they invest in and their risk-return profiles. Each category offers different advantages to investors.

  • Government Bond-Focused Medium Duration Funds - These funds predominantly invest in government securities, making them a safer choice for conservative investors who seek stability and predictable returns.
  • Corporate Bond-Focused Medium Duration Funds - These funds allocate a significant portion of their investments to corporate bonds, offering higher potential returns while carrying a slightly higher credit risk.
  • Dynamic Medium Duration Funds - These funds actively manage their portfolios based on market conditions, adjusting allocations between government and corporate securities to optimise returns.
  • Credit Risk Medium Duration Funds - These funds invest in lower-rated corporate bonds to generate higher yields. While they offer attractive returns, they come with increased credit risk and potential volatility.
  • Inflation-Indexed Medium Duration Funds - These funds aim to protect investors from inflation by investing in bonds and securities linked to inflation indices, ensuring that returns are not eroded by rising prices.


Investors should assess their risk tolerance and investment horizon before choosing a Medium Duration Fund that best aligns with their financial objectives.

 

Who Should Invest in Medium Duration Funds?

Medium Duration Funds are best suited for investors who seek a balance between returns and risk over a medium-term investment horizon. These funds typically invest in debt instruments with maturities ranging from three to four years. If you are considering investing in Medium Duration Funds, here are some factors to keep in mind:

  • Conservative Investors with a Medium-Term Horizon - These funds are ideal for investors looking for stability with moderate returns over a 3–4 year period.
  • Alternative to Fixed Deposits - Investors seeking better tax efficiency and potentially higher returns than traditional bank fixed deposits may find Medium Duration Funds attractive.
  • Moderate Risk Appetite - These funds carry lower risk compared to long-duration debt or equity funds but higher risk than short-duration funds.
  • Diversified Investment Portfolio - Medium Duration Funds invest in a variety of debt instruments, including corporate bonds and government securities, making them a suitable choice for those looking to diversify their fixed-income portfolio.
  • Tax Efficiency - Investors in higher tax brackets can benefit from indexation if they hold their investments for more than three years, reducing their taxable gains.


These funds are not suitable for investors looking for short-term liquidity or those who cannot tolerate fluctuations in returns due to interest rate changes.

 

How to Invest in Medium Duration Funds?

Investing in Medium Duration Funds is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Research and Select a Fund
    • Compare different Medium Duration Funds based on past performance, risk levels, and portfolio composition.
    • Check the fund’s expense ratio, as higher expenses can reduce your overall returns.
    • Evaluate credit ratings and interest rate sensitivity to match your risk tolerance.
  2. Choose the Investment Mode
    • Decide whether you want to invest via a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or a lump sum investment.
    • SIPs allow for gradual investment, reducing market timing risk, whereas a lump sum investment may be suitable for those with a ready corpus.
  3. Complete KYC Formalities
    • Ensure you have the necessary documents, such as PAN, Aadhaar, and a bank account, to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
  4. Make Your Investment
    • Use an online platform or visit an authorised service centre to submit your application form and payment details.
    • Once your investment is processed, you will receive fund unit details and confirmation.
  5. Monitor Your Investment
    • Track fund performance regularly to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.
    • Reassess your investment strategy based on interest rate movements and market conditions.


By following these steps, you can invest in Medium Duration Funds efficiently and align your investments with your financial objectives.

 

Advantages of Investing in Medium Duration Funds

Medium Duration Funds offer a balance between risk and return, making them an attractive option for conservative investors. Here are some of the key advantages:

Higher Tax-Efficient Returns - Medium Duration Funds provide an excellent alternative to fixed deposits for investors with a three-year horizon. If the investment is held for more than three years, the tax on capital gains is significantly reduced due to indexation benefits. This results in a lower effective tax rate compared to traditional fixed deposits.

Moderate Risk with Better Returns - Although Medium Duration Funds carry a slightly higher interest rate risk compared to short-term debt funds, they remain lower in risk compared to long-term debt or equity funds. These funds are designed for investors aiming to achieve stable returns over a medium-term horizon while maintaining a relatively low-risk profile.

Balanced Portfolio Diversification - Medium Duration Funds invest in a mix of corporate bonds and government securities with varied credit ratings. This diversified investment approach helps spread risk while still providing potential for higher returns.

Suitable for 3-4 Years Investment Horizon - For investors with a medium-term financial goal of 3-4 years, Medium Duration Funds present a better option than both short-term and long-term funds. The fund managers carefully allocate investments in securities with varying durations to optimise returns within this timeframe.

 

Risks Involved in Medium Duration Funds

Like all investments, Medium Duration Funds come with certain risks. It is essential for investors to be aware of these risks before making investment decisions.

  • Interest Rate Risk - The value of debt funds is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Medium Duration Funds, being exposed to longer market durations than short-term funds, are more sensitive to these fluctuations. A rise in interest rates can lead to a decline in fund value.
  • Credit Risk - These funds may invest in lower-rated securities to generate higher returns. If the issuing entity defaults or faces financial instability, the value of the investment may decline.
  • Liquidity Risk - Some Medium Duration Funds may carry liquidity risks if they hold securities that are not easily tradable. This can impact an investor’s ability to redeem their investment when needed.
  • Market Conditions - The performance of Medium Duration Funds is influenced by economic conditions, inflation rates, and fiscal policies. Changes in these factors can impact returns and volatility in the debt market.


By understanding these risks, investors can make informed decisions and choose funds that align with their risk appetite and financial goals.

 

Factors To Consider Before Investing in Medium Duration Funds

Before investing in a medium duration fund, it is essential to evaluate key factors that influence its risk and return profile. Below are some important aspects to consider:

  • Risk vs Returns - Medium duration funds, like other debt funds, carry risks such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. Investors should carefully analyse the fund’s portfolio, ensuring it consists of high-rated debt securities to minimise credit risk. Reviewing past performance can also offer insights into its stability.
  • Expense Ratio - The expense ratio is a crucial factor in debt funds since they generally provide moderate returns. A high expense ratio can eat into potential gains, reducing the overall profitability of the investment. Investors should compare expense ratios across funds before making a choice.
  • Investment Goals and Horizon - Each investor has unique financial objectives and risk tolerance. Medium duration funds are ideal for those with a 3–4 year investment horizon. Before investing, it is advisable to assess personal financial goals and align them with the expected returns from these funds.
  • Tax Efficiency - Medium duration funds offer tax benefits when held for over three years, as they qualify for indexation benefits on long-term capital gains. This makes them more tax-efficient than traditional fixed deposits of similar tenure.

 

Taxability of Medium Duration Funds

The taxation of medium duration funds depends on the holding period of the investment. Below are the key tax implications:

  • Dividends - Any dividends earned on medium duration funds are added to the investor’s total income and taxed according to their respective income tax slab. If the dividend amount exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year, a 10% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is applicable.
  • Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) - If the investment is redeemed within three years, the gains are considered short-term and are taxed according to the investor’s income tax slab.
  • Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) - If the investment is held for more than three years, the capital gains are taxed at 20% with the benefit of indexation. Indexation helps reduce the taxable amount by adjusting for inflation, making long-term investments in these funds more tax-efficient compared to a three-year fixed deposit.

 

Popular Medium Duration Funds in India

When considering medium duration funds for investment, it is essential to compare key metrics such as Assets Under Management (AUM), past performance, and expense ratios. Below is a comparison of five popular medium duration funds in India:

Fund Name

AUM (in ₹ crores)

CAGR 3Y (%)

Expense Ratio (%)

CAGR 5Y (%)

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan

2,004.00

14.73

0.85

12.08

Axis Strategic Bond Fund

1,986.47

7.35

0.45

7.8

ICICI Pru Medium Term Bond Fund

5,694.00

7.22

0.74

7.7

SBI Magnum Medium Duration Fund

6,566.93

6.89

0.69

7.47

Kotak Medium Term Fund

1,816.29

7.28

0.67

7.33

Note: The above-mentioned funds are for informational purposes only and not recommendations. The rankings are based on a 5-year CAGR as of January 8, 2025, and are subject to change.

Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan

The Aditya Birla SL Medium Term Plan, managing an AUM of ₹2,004 crore, delivers strong returns with a 3-year CAGR of 14.73% and a 5-year CAGR of 12.08%. It has a competitive expense ratio of 0.85%, making it a compelling choice for medium-term investors. Managed by Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, a joint venture combining local and global expertise, this fund is designed to optimise risk-adjusted returns through a diversified debt portfolio.

Axis Strategic Bond Fund

The Axis Strategic Bond Fund, with an AUM of ₹1,986.47 crore, offers steady returns through strategic debt investments. It has a 3-year CAGR of 7.35% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.8%, with an expense ratio of just 0.45%. Managed by Axis AMC, backed by the robust support of Axis Bank, this fund aims to deliver consistent returns while maintaining portfolio stability.

ICICI Prudential Medium Term Bond Fund

The ICICI Prudential Medium Term Bond Fund, managing ₹5,694 crore in assets, provides consistent performance with a 3-year CAGR of 7.22% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.7%. Its expense ratio of 0.74% ensures competitive cost management. Operated by ICICI Prudential AMC, a leader in the Indian mutual fund space, the fund focuses on generating stable income by investing in quality debt instruments.

SBI Magnum Medium Duration Fund

The SBI Magnum Medium Duration Fund, with an AUM of ₹6,566.93 crore, offers reliable returns for medium-term investors. It boasts a 3-year CAGR of 6.89% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.47%, supported by an expense ratio of 0.69%. Managed by SBI Funds Management, with over 30 years of experience, this fund leverages the expertise of the State Bank of India lineage to deliver stable and consistent returns. It is an attractive option for those seeking moderate risk with predictable returns.

Kotak Medium Term Fund

The Kotak Medium Term Fund, managing an AUM of ₹1,816.29 crore, ensures steady performance with a 3-year CAGR of 7.28% and a 5-year CAGR of 7.33%. It maintains an expense ratio of 0.67%, offering cost-effective medium-term investment opportunities. Managed by Kotak Mahindra AMC, known for its strong market presence and investor-centric approach, this fund is designed for investors looking for stable returns with moderate risk exposure.

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