What is a Multi Asset Allocation Fund?
A Multi Asset Allocation Fund is a mutual fund that strategically invests in at least three asset classes to balance risk and returns. These asset classes generally include:
Equities
Provide long-term growth potential
Debt Instruments
Offer stability and consistent income
Gold and Commodities
Serve as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns
As per SEBI regulations, these funds must allocate a minimum of 10% to each asset class they invest in. The allocation among asset classes is dynamically adjusted based on market conditions and the fund manager’s outlook.
Unlike traditional balanced funds, which typically invest only in equities and debt, multi asset allocation funds provide broader diversification, reducing volatility while ensuring a mix of income generation and capital appreciation.
How Does a Multi Asset Allocation Fund Work?
Multi Asset Allocation Funds function by strategically investing in multiple asset classes to optimise returns while managing risk. Their working mechanism is based on three key investment principles:
1. Asset Diversification
These funds allocate investments across equity, debt, and commodities, ensuring that market downturns in one asset class do not significantly impact the overall portfolio. Equities drive growth, debt provides stability, and commodities act as a hedge against market uncertainties.
2. Dynamic Portfolio Rebalancing
Fund managers regularly rebalance asset allocation based on market conditions, economic trends, and investment opportunities. If equity markets are rising, they may increase stock exposure; during uncertain times, they may shift towards debt or gold for stability.
3. Risk Mitigation
By spreading investments across different asset classes, these funds help reduce overall portfolio risk. Each asset class responds differently to economic cycles, ensuring that the portfolio remains resilient in fluctuating market conditions.
What are the Features of Multi Asset Allocation Funds?
1. Diversification Across Multiple Asset Classes
These funds invest in at least three asset classes, ensuring that investors benefit from a mix of equity growth, debt stability, and commodity hedging.
2. Balanced Risk-Return Approach
Unlike single-asset class funds, multi asset allocation funds provide moderate risk exposure by balancing investments between high-risk and low-risk instruments.
3. Dynamic Asset Allocation
Fund managers actively adjust allocations based on changing market conditions, economic indicators, and global trends to optimise returns.
4. Inflation Protection
By investing in commodities like gold and real estate, these funds help protect against inflation and economic downturns.
5. Professional Fund Management
Expert fund managers analyse market conditions and adjust allocations to enhance risk-adjusted returns, offering a structured and strategic investment approach.
Types of Multi Asset Allocation Funds
1. Equity-Dominant Multi Asset Funds
These funds allocate a higher portion to equities while balancing risk through exposure to debt and commodities. They are suitable for investors looking for growth with moderate risk.
2. Debt-Focused Multi Asset Funds
These funds prioritise debt instruments for capital preservation and stability, while maintaining some exposure to equities and commodities for additional growth opportunities.
3. Balanced Multi Asset Funds
These funds maintain an equal proportion of equity, debt, and commodities, ensuring a well-rounded approach to risk management and capital appreciation.
4. Commodity-Driven Multi Asset Funds
These funds invest significantly in commodities such as gold, silver, or real estate investment trusts (REITs), making them attractive for investors seeking inflation protection and economic stability.
Who Should Invest in Multi Asset Allocation Funds?
1. Investors Seeking Portfolio Diversification
Multi Asset Allocation Funds provide exposure to multiple asset classes, making them suitable for investors who want a balanced investment approach without excessive risk.
2. Moderate Risk Investors
These funds are suitable for investors with moderate risk appetite, as they offer equity market exposure while incorporating debt and commodities for stability.
3. Long-Term Investors
Investors with a long-term investment horizon can benefit from the compounding effect of equity growth while managing risks through debt and commodities.
4. Conservative Investors Looking for Stability
Investors who prefer less volatile investment options but still want exposure to equities can consider these funds due to their diversified nature.
Multi Asset Allocation Funds provide a structured investment option that balances growth, stability, and risk management. Their ability to dynamically shift allocations makes them an attractive choice for investors looking for a well-diversified and tax-efficient investment strategy.
How to Invest in Multi Asset Allocation Funds?
Investing in multi asset allocation funds involves a structured approach to selecting and managing investments across multiple asset classes such as equity, debt, and commodities. These funds are ideal for investors looking for diversification and balanced risk management. Below are the steps to invest in multi asset allocation funds:
Step 1: Choose the Right Fund
Investors should research and compare different multi asset allocation funds based on factors such as historical performance, asset allocation strategy, risk level, and expense ratio. Reviewing fund objectives, portfolio composition, and management style helps in selecting the right fund that aligns with financial goals.
Step 2: Open an Investment Account
To invest in mutual funds, investors must have a demat account or a mutual fund account with a SEBI-registered broker or asset management company. Completing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, including identity and address proof, is mandatory for new investors.
Step 3: Select the Investment Mode
Investors can choose between lump sum investment, where a one-time amount is invested in the fund, or a systematic investment plan (SIP), where a fixed amount is invested at regular intervals (monthly or quarterly). SIPs help mitigate market volatility and allow for disciplined investing.
Step 4: Make the Investment
Once the fund is selected, investors can make payments through net banking, UPI, or other online payment methods. Most mutual fund platforms offer a seamless investment process through their websites or mobile applications.
Step 5: Monitor Fund Performance
After investing, it is essential to track the fund’s performance periodically. Reviewing the asset allocation, returns, and overall market trends ensures that the fund remains aligned with investment goals. If required, investors can rebalance or switch funds based on financial objectives and market conditions.
Advantages of Investing in Multi Asset Allocation Funds
Diversification Across Asset Classes
Multi asset allocation funds invest in a combination of equities, debt instruments, and commodities like gold. This diversified approach helps mitigate risk as different asset classes react differently to market conditions, ensuring that losses in one segment can be offset by gains in another.
Balanced Risk-Return Profile
By allocating assets across different classes, these funds provide a balance between risk and returns. Equities offer capital appreciation, debt ensures stable income, and commodities act as a hedge against inflation, making the portfolio resilient in volatile market conditions.
Dynamic Portfolio Management
Fund managers actively monitor market trends and economic factors to adjust asset allocation dynamically. This flexibility ensures that investments remain well-positioned across varying economic cycles and market fluctuations.
Hedge Against Inflation
Investing in commodities like gold provides a hedge against inflation, as the value of commodities tends to rise when the purchasing power of money declines. This helps maintain the portfolio’s overall value over the long term.
Professional Fund Management
Experienced fund managers with market expertise handle investment decisions, ensuring an optimised portfolio allocation that aligns with prevailing market conditions. This benefits investors who may not have the expertise or time to manage their investments actively.
Tax Efficiency - Since these funds typically maintain a higher allocation towards equities, they are taxed as equity funds, making them more tax-efficient compared to traditional debt funds. Investors can benefit from lower tax rates on long-term capital gains.
Risks Involved in Multi Asset Allocation Funds
Market Risk
The equity component of the fund is subject to stock market fluctuations, which may impact overall returns.
Interest Rate Risk
The debt portion of the portfolio is affected by changes in interest rates, which can impact bond yields and fund performance.
Liquidity Risk
Some asset classes, such as real estate or commodities, may face liquidity constraints, making it difficult to sell assets at favourable prices.
Fund Manager Risk
The fund's performance heavily depends on the fund manager’s expertise in making asset allocation decisions. Poor decisions may negatively affect returns.
Economic and Political Risk
External factors such as changes in government policies, inflation rates, and geopolitical developments can influence market performance and asset returns.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Multi Asset Allocation Funds
Investment Objective and Financial Goals
Investors should evaluate their investment goals, whether they are seeking long-term capital appreciation, wealth preservation, or stable income. Multi asset allocation funds are suited for investors looking for a mix of growth and stability.
Risk Tolerance
These funds carry varying levels of risk depending on the proportion of equity, debt, and commodities in the portfolio. Investors should assess their risk tolerance before choosing a fund, ensuring that the asset allocation aligns with their comfort level.
Fund Manager’s Track Record
Since multi asset allocation funds require active management, reviewing the fund manager’s track record in handling asset allocation and generating risk-adjusted returns can provide insights into the fund’s potential performance.
Expense Ratio and Fund Costs
Higher expense ratios can reduce overall returns. Comparing expense ratios across different funds is crucial to ensure that the management fees do not erode profits.
Market Conditions and Asset Class Performance
Understanding how different asset classes perform in various economic cycles helps investors make informed decisions. Multi asset allocation funds are suitable for those who want a well-rounded investment strategy that adapts to changing market conditions.
Taxability of Multi Asset Allocation Funds
The taxation of multi asset allocation funds depends on their asset composition. These funds are generally treated as equity funds if they maintain at least 65 percent exposure to equities.
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)
If the investment is held for less than one year, capital gains are taxed at 15 percent.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
If the investment is held for more than one year, capital gains above ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10 percent without indexation benefits.
Tax Treatment for Debt-Oriented Multi Asset Funds
If the fund holds less than 65 percent in equities, it is taxed as a debt fund. Short-term capital gains (for holdings under three years) are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab, while long-term capital gains are taxed at 20 percent with indexation benefits.
Dividend Taxation
Dividends from these funds are added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab. A 10 percent tax deducted at source (TDS) applies if the dividend amount exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year.
Popular Multi Asset Allocation Funds in India
Below is a table showcasing some of the popular multi asset allocation funds along with their key details:
Fund Name
| AUM (₹ Cr.)
| 3Y CAGR (%)
| Expense Ratio (%)
|
Quant Multi Asset Fund
| 3,201.26
| 19.47
| 0.61
|
ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund
| 51,027.46
| 18.66
| 0.72
|
UTI Multi Asset Allocation Fund
| 4,962.80
| 18.24
| 0.42
|
HDFC Multi Asset Fund
| 3,843.90
| 13.45
| 0.79
|
SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund
| 6,983.14
| 14.99
| 0.54
|
Quant Multi Asset Fund has an AUM of ₹3,201.26 crore and has delivered a three-year CAGR of 19.47 percent. It follows a dynamic investment strategy and has an expense ratio of 0.61 percent, making it a cost-efficient choice for investors looking for balanced growth.
ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund is one of the largest funds in this category, with an AUM of ₹51,027.46 crore. It has provided a three-year CAGR of 18.66 percent, with an expense ratio of 0.72 percent. The fund dynamically adjusts asset allocation to optimise returns across market cycles.
UTI Multi Asset Allocation Fund has an AUM of ₹4,962.80 crore and a three-year CAGR of 18.24 percent. With an expense ratio of 0.42 percent, it offers a diversified investment approach while maintaining cost efficiency.
HDFC Multi Asset Fund manages assets worth ₹3,843.90 crore and has generated a three-year CAGR of 13.45 percent. It follows a moderate risk strategy and has an expense ratio of 0.79 percent.
SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund has an AUM of ₹6,983.14 crore, delivering a three-year CAGR of 14.99 percent. The fund maintains a diversified portfolio with an expense ratio of 0.54 percent.