What is a Medium to Long Duration Fund?
A Medium to Long Duration Fund is a type of debt mutual fund that invests in fixed-income securities, ensuring that the Macaulay Duration of the fund’s portfolio remains between four and seven years. These funds aim to provide consistent returns over a medium to long-term horizon while managing interest rate risks effectively.
Investors seeking a steady income stream with relatively lower volatility than equity investments may find these funds suitable. However, since these funds have a longer duration, they are more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.
How does a Medium to Long Duration Fund work?
Medium to Long Duration Funds work by investing in a mix of fixed-income securities with varying maturities. The fund manager strategically selects a combination of government bonds, corporate bonds, and other debt instruments to align with the fund's investment objective.
- Interest Rate Sensitivity - Since these funds have a longer duration, changes in interest rates impact their Net Asset Value (NAV). If interest rates rise, bond prices fall, reducing NAV. Conversely, falling interest rates increase NAV.
- Income Generation - These funds earn interest income from debt instruments, providing a stable source of returns.
- Capital Appreciation - If interest rates decline, bond prices increase, leading to potential capital gains for investors.
What are the Features of a Medium to Long Duration Fund?
Medium to Long Duration Funds come with distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other debt funds. Below are their key features:
- Portfolio Duration - These funds maintain a portfolio duration between four and seven years, making them suitable for medium to long-term investors.
- Diversification - Investments are spread across various fixed-income instruments such as government securities, corporate bonds, and debentures, reducing credit risk.
- Liquidity - While these funds have a medium to long investment horizon, investors can generally buy or sell units on any business day, ensuring a degree of liquidity.
- Regular Income - Investors can expect periodic interest income from the underlying securities, making these funds suitable for those seeking stable cash flows.
- Capital Appreciation - Falling interest rates may lead to an increase in bond prices, resulting in capital gains apart from interest income.
Types of Medium to Long Duration Fund
Medium to Long Duration Funds can be categorised based on the type of debt instruments they invest in. Each type carries unique risk and return characteristics, allowing investors to choose based on their financial goals.
- Government Bond Funds - These funds primarily invest in government securities, offering lower credit risk and stable returns. They are ideal for risk-averse investors seeking safety and predictability.
- Corporate Bond Funds - Investing in high-rated corporate bonds, these funds offer higher yields than government securities but come with some credit risk.
- Dynamic Bond Funds - These funds do not have a fixed maturity profile and actively adjust their portfolio based on interest rate movements, making them more flexible but slightly volatile.
- Credit Risk Funds - These funds invest in lower-rated corporate bonds to generate higher returns. They come with a higher risk of default but can offer better yields in a favourable market.
Investing in Medium to Long Duration Funds can be a strategic choice for those looking for a balance between risk and return. However, investors must assess their investment horizon, risk tolerance, and interest rate trends before making a decision.
Who Should Invest in Medium to Long Duration Fund?
Medium to long duration funds are suitable for investors with a time horizon of 4 to 7 years. These funds offer a balance between income generation and potential capital appreciation. If you are considering investing in such funds, assess whether your financial goals align with the characteristics of these funds.
These funds may be suitable for:
- Conservative Investors - If you prefer stable returns with lower volatility than equity investments, medium to long duration funds can be a viable option.
- Retirees - Those looking for a steady income stream without exposure to high-risk instruments may find these funds beneficial.
- Investors with Specific Financial Goals - If you are saving for a child’s education, a home purchase, or any financial goal with a 4–7 year timeframe, these funds may help meet your objectives.
- Regular Income Seekers - Medium to long duration funds generate income through interest payments, providing a consistent cash flow for investors.
Before investing, consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives to determine if these funds align with your needs.
How to Invest in Medium to Long Duration Fund?
Investing in a medium to long duration fund is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth investment journey:
Step 1: Open an Investment Account
- If you do not already have a mutual fund investment account, start by selecting a trusted financial institution or mutual fund platform to create an account.
- Provide the necessary documents, including identification and address proof, to complete the account setup.
Step 2: Research and Select a Fund
- Identify medium to long duration funds that align with your financial goals and risk appetite.
- Assess key factors such as historical performance, credit rating of underlying securities, interest rate trends, and fund manager expertise.
Step 3: Choose Investment Mode
- Decide whether you wish to invest through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or a lump sum investment.
- SIP allows for disciplined investing with regular contributions, while a lump sum investment provides immediate capital deployment.
Step 4: Determine Investment Amount and Payment Method
- Input the amount you wish to invest and select your preferred payment method.
- For SIP investments, set up an auto-payment option to ensure timely future contributions.
Step 5: Complete the Investment
- Confirm your investment details and proceed with the transaction.
- Monitor your investment periodically and make adjustments based on market conditions and personal financial goals.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly invest in a medium to long duration fund and work towards achieving your financial objectives.
Advantages of Investing in Medium to Long Duration Fund
Medium to long duration funds offer several benefits that make them a compelling choice for investors. Let’s explore some key advantages:
- Portfolio Diversification - Investing in medium to long duration funds can help diversify your investment portfolio. These funds allocate capital across different debt instruments, reducing overall risk exposure.
- Higher Returns than Fixed Deposits (FDs) - Compared to bank fixed deposits with similar tenures, these funds may provide higher returns, making them an attractive choice for investors seeking better yield opportunities.
- Potential for Capital Appreciation - Since these funds invest in bonds with varying maturities, they can benefit from price appreciation when interest rates decline, adding to the overall return potential.
- Regular Income Generation - These funds generate income through interest payments from the underlying debt securities, making them a reliable source of periodic income for investors.
- Professional Management - Experienced fund managers actively monitor and adjust the portfolio to optimise returns while managing risk, providing investors with a professionally managed investment avenue.
Risks Involved in Medium to Long Duration Fund
While medium to long duration funds come with various advantages, they also carry certain risks. It is essential to understand these risks before making an investment decision:
- Interest Rate Risk - Since these funds invest in bonds, their performance is sensitive to interest rate movements. A rise in interest rates can lead to a decline in bond prices, impacting the fund’s net asset value (NAV).
- Credit Risk - There is a risk that the bond issuer may default on interest payments or fail to repay the principal amount, leading to a loss in the fund’s value.
- Inflation Risk - If inflation rises faster than the interest earned by the fund, the real value of returns may decrease over time.
- Market Risk - Broader economic and geopolitical factors can impact the performance of debt securities within the fund’s portfolio.
- Liquidity Risk - While these funds offer liquidity, selling units during unfavourable market conditions may result in lower returns due to reduced demand for certain bonds.
By carefully assessing these risks and aligning them with your risk tolerance, you can make an informed decision when investing in medium to long duration funds.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Medium to Long Duration Funds
Investing in medium to long duration funds requires careful assessment to ensure they align with your financial objectives and risk tolerance. Here are the key factors to consider:
Investment Horizon - Before committing to a medium to long duration fund, it is crucial to assess your investment horizon. These funds typically have a maturity period of 4 to 7 years or more. If you require liquidity or expect returns within a shorter timeframe, such as 2 to 4 years, these funds may not be the right choice. Matching your investment horizon with the fund's duration helps optimise returns and manage risks effectively.
Risk Tolerance - Your risk appetite plays a significant role in determining whether these funds are suitable for you. Medium to long duration funds are exposed to two primary risks:
- Interest Rate Risk - These funds are highly sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall, negatively impacting the fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV). Conversely, falling interest rates can lead to capital appreciation but may reduce future income.
- Credit Risk - If the issuer of a bond defaults on interest or principal payments, it can adversely affect the fund’s performance. Opting for funds with a strong credit rating can help mitigate this risk.
Financial Goals - A clear understanding of your financial goals is essential when selecting an investment. Are you investing for wealth creation, regular income, or capital preservation? Medium to long duration funds typically generate returns through interest income and potential capital appreciation. If your goal is stable returns with moderate risk exposure, these funds may be a suitable option.
Interest Rate Outlook - Monitoring economic conditions and interest rate trends is crucial before investing. Since medium to long duration funds are highly sensitive to interest rate movements, understanding market trends can help you make informed investment decisions. If interest rates are expected to decline, these funds may offer better returns. However, during periods of rising interest rates, returns may be negatively impacted.
Fund Manager’s Track Record - A well-managed fund can significantly influence investment outcomes. Research the experience and past performance of the fund manager before making a decision. A fund manager with a proven track record of managing interest rate volatility and credit risks is preferable.
Expense Ratio - Every mutual fund charges an expense ratio, which represents the annual fee deducted from your returns. A high expense ratio can erode your gains over time. Comparing the expense ratios of similar funds can help you select a cost-effective option that maximises returns.
Taxability of Medium to Long Duration Funds
Understanding the tax implications of medium to long duration funds is vital for effective financial planning. Here is a breakdown of the tax treatment for these funds:
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)
- If you redeem your investment within 36 months, any profit earned is classified as short-term capital gain (STCG).
- STCG is taxed at your applicable income tax slab rate.
- This means the tax rate varies depending on your overall income and tax bracket.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
- If you hold your investment for 36 months or longer, any profit earned falls under long-term capital gain (LTCG).
- LTCG is taxed at a flat rate of 20%.
- Investors can benefit from indexation, which adjusts the purchase price of the investment for inflation, reducing the taxable gain and thereby lowering the tax burden.
Taxation of Dividends
- Any dividends received from medium to long duration funds are added to your taxable income.
- These dividends are taxed based on your income tax slab rate.
- As a result, investors in higher tax brackets may face a significant tax liability on dividend income.
By understanding the tax implications, you can strategically plan your investments in medium to long duration funds to optimise returns while managing tax liabilities efficiently.
Popular Medium to Long Duration Funds in India
Medium to long-duration funds are debt funds that invest in bonds and other fixed-income instruments with medium to long-term maturities. These funds aim to provide stable returns while managing interest rate risks. Below is a comparison of the top medium to long-duration funds in India based on AUM, expense ratio, yield, and past performance.
Top Medium to Long Duration Mutual Funds
Name of the Fund
| AUM (₹ Cr)
| Expense Ratio
| Average YTM
| Category YTM
| CAGR 5Y
| CAGR 10Y
|
ICICI Pru Bond Fund
| 3,085.06
| 0.62%
| 7.27%
| 7.20%
| 7.25%
| 7.78%
|
Aditya Birla SL Income Fund
| 2,185.07
| 0.74%
| 7.33%
| 7.20%
| 7.25%
| 7.51%
|
Kotak Bond Fund
| 2,065.88
| 0.70%
| 7.10%
| 7.20%
| 7.42%
| 7.48%
|
SBI Magnum Income Fund
| 1,854.90
| 0.77%
| 7.57%
| 7.20%
| 7.35%
| 8.03%
|
HDFC Income Fund
| 863.39
| 0.80%
| 7.09%
| 7.20%
| 6.45%
| 6.71%
|
The funds listed above are ranked by AUM as of January 2025 and are for informational purposes only.
ICICI Pru Bond Fund
- The ICICI Pru Bond Fund has the highest AUM among the 5 funds at ₹3,085.06 crore.
- It has an expense ratio of 0.62%, the lowest in the list.
- The average YTM is 7.27%, slightly above the category YTM of 7.20%.
- Over the past 5 years, the fund has delivered a CAGR of 7.25%, ranking 4th among its peers.
- The 10-year CAGR stands at 7.78%, making it the 2nd best-performing fund in this category over the long term.
Aditya Birla SL Income Fund
- The Aditya Birla SL Income Fund has an AUM of ₹2,185.07 crore and an expense ratio of 0.74%.
- It has an average YTM of 7.33%, which is above the category YTM of 7.20%.
- Over the past 5 years, the CAGR is 7.25%, ranking 3rd in its category.
- Over 10 years, the fund has generated a CAGR of 7.51%, ranking 4th in long-term performance.
Kotak Bond Fund
- The Kotak Bond Fund has an AUM of ₹2,065.88 crore and an expense ratio of 0.70%.
- Its average YTM is 7.10%, slightly below the category YTM of 7.20%.
- Over 5 years, the fund has delivered a CAGR of 7.42%, the highest among the 5 funds.
- Over 10 years, the fund’s CAGR is 7.48%, ranking 3rd in the list.
SBI Magnum Income Fund
- The SBI Magnum Income Fund has an AUM of ₹1,854.90 crore and an expense ratio of 0.77%.
- It has the highest average YTM of 7.57%, well above the category YTM of 7.20%.
- The 5-year CAGR is 7.35%, ranking 2nd among the funds.
- Over 10 years, the fund has delivered a CAGR of 8.03%, making it the best performer in the long term.
HDFC Income Fund
- The HDFC Income Fund has the lowest AUM among the 5 funds at ₹863.39 crore.
- It has the highest expense ratio of 0.80%.
- The fund’s average YTM is 7.09%, the lowest in the list and below the category YTM of 7.20%.
- Over 5 years, the CAGR is 6.45%, ranking the lowest among the funds.
- The 10-year CAGR stands at 6.71%, also the lowest in long-term performance.