What is a Short Duration Fund?
A short duration fund is a type of mutual fund that primarily invests in debt securities with relatively short maturities. These funds typically have a duration ranging from one to three years, offering a moderate-risk investment option compared to long-term bond funds.
Short duration funds are sometimes referred to as short-term bond funds due to their investment strategy. They generate income by investing in money market instruments such as treasury bills, commercial papers, certificates of deposits, and government bonds. The goal is to provide investors with steady returns while managing interest rate fluctuations.
How Does a Short Duration Fund Work?
Short duration funds operate by strategically investing in short-term fixed-income securities, ensuring stability and liquidity for investors. Here’s how they work:
- Investment in Short-Term Securities – Fund managers allocate investments in government and corporate bonds, treasury bills, and money market instruments with short maturities (typically between 15 days to 91 days).
- Interest Rate Sensitivity – These funds aim to minimise interest rate risk by maintaining a lower duration, making them less volatile compared to long-term debt funds.
- Income Generation – Investors earn returns primarily from interest income generated by the underlying debt instruments. Some funds also distribute periodic dividend payments.
- Capital Appreciation – While short-duration funds are primarily income-generating, they may offer capital appreciation when bond prices rise due to falling interest rates.
What are the Features of Short Duration Fund?
Short duration funds come with several unique features that make them an attractive investment option for investors seeking stability and returns over a short-term horizon. Below are the key features of short duration funds:
- Lower Interest Rate Risk - Short duration funds are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations compared to long-duration bond funds. This means that when interest rates rise, the decline in bond prices is less pronounced for short-duration funds, making them a safer option for conservative investors.
- Potential for Higher Returns - While short duration funds offer stability, they also provide better returns than money market funds or ultra-short duration funds. This makes them a suitable choice for investors looking for a balance between safety and potential earnings.
- Income Generation - These funds generate income primarily through interest payments from the underlying debt instruments. Investors can receive this income in the form of periodic dividend payouts or as accumulated returns over time.
- Diversification - Short duration funds invest in a mix of government and corporate bonds, treasury bills, and money market instruments. This diversification helps in reducing overall risk while ensuring steady returns.
- Liquidity - Investors can redeem their investments in short duration funds relatively easily. The liquidity of these funds ensures that investors can exit their positions without facing significant market impact or loss.
- Tax Efficiency - Short duration funds may be more tax-efficient than traditional savings accounts or fixed deposits. Gains from these funds are taxed based on the holding period, with indexation benefits available for long-term holdings exceeding three years.
Types of Short Duration Fund
Short duration funds can be categorised into different types based on their investment strategies and risk levels. Below are the common types of short duration funds:
- Government Bond Short Duration Funds - These funds primarily invest in government bonds with short maturity periods. Since government bonds have negligible credit risk, they provide a stable and secure investment avenue.
- Corporate Bond Short Duration Funds - These funds focus on high-quality corporate bonds with short maturities. They may offer slightly higher returns compared to government bond funds but come with a marginally higher credit risk.
- Floating Rate Short Duration Funds - Floating rate short duration funds invest in bonds with variable interest rates. These funds adjust their returns based on prevailing market interest rates, making them suitable for investors seeking protection against interest rate fluctuations.
- Credit Risk Short Duration Funds - These funds invest in lower-rated corporate bonds to provide higher returns. While they carry increased credit risk, they also offer greater earning potential for investors with a higher risk appetite.
- Banking & PSU Short Duration Funds - These funds primarily invest in debt instruments issued by banks, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and financial institutions. They are relatively low-risk and offer stable returns.
- Ultra-Short Duration Funds - Ultra-short duration funds have an even shorter maturity period than standard short duration funds, usually ranging between three to six months. They offer high liquidity and are ideal for investors looking for quick returns with minimal risk.
- Dynamic Bond Short Duration Funds - These funds adjust their investment portfolio based on changing interest rate scenarios. They provide flexibility to fund managers to modify the duration of investments based on market conditions, optimising returns while managing risk.
Who Should Invest in Short Duration Funds?
Short-duration funds are suitable for a variety of investors depending on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. If you fall into any of the following categories, short-duration funds may be a good option for you:
- Income-Oriented Investors – If you are looking for consistent returns from your investments, short-duration funds can be appealing. These funds typically offer better returns than savings accounts or money market funds, making them a suitable choice for generating income.
- Risk-Averse Investors – If you prefer a balanced approach that provides safety while also offering potential gains, short-duration funds can be an ideal investment. They are less susceptible to interest rate fluctuations compared to longer-term bond funds, making them a good option for conservative investors.
- Investors with Short- to Medium-Term Goals – If you are saving for a short- to medium-term financial goal, such as a child’s education or a down payment on a home, short-duration funds provide a balance between capital preservation and potential returns.
How to Invest in Short Duration Funds?
Investing in short-duration funds through Bajaj Broking is a simple process. Follow these steps to get started:
- Log in to Your Bajaj Broking Account
- Visit the Bajaj Broking website or app and log in using your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP for verification and use your credentials to access your account.
- If you do not have a Demat account, you can open one by completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) process and submitting the required documents.
- Choose the Right Short Duration Fund
- Navigate to the mutual fund section of Bajaj Broking.
- Search for the specific short-duration fund you want to invest in or explore recommendations based on your financial goals.
- Evaluate the fund’s past performance, tax implications, asset allocation, and the sectors it invests in.
- Use available tools like return calculators to estimate potential earnings.
- Check the fund’s risk level and compare it to your risk appetite.
- Review fund ratings and the expense ratio to understand investment costs.
- Invest in the Selected Fund
- Once you have selected your fund, proceed to the investment section.
- Decide whether you want to invest a lump sum amount or opt for a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for regular contributions.
- Enter the amount you wish to invest and select your preferred payment method (UPI, net banking, etc.).
- If opting for SIP, you can set up a mandate for automatic future instalments for seamless investing.
By following these steps, you can easily invest in short-duration funds and start building your wealth while managing risk effectively.
Advantages of Investing in Short Duration Funds
Short duration funds offer several advantages, making them a preferred investment choice for individuals seeking stable returns with moderate risk. Here are some key benefits of investing in short duration funds:
- Higher Yield Than Money Market Funds - Short duration funds typically offer higher yields compared to money market funds or savings accounts. This makes them an attractive option for investors looking for better returns while maintaining a low-risk profile.
- Lower Interest Rate Risk - Unlike long-duration bond funds, short duration funds are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Their shorter maturity period helps mitigate interest rate risks, making them a suitable option, especially when interest rates are expected to rise.
- Potential for Higher Returns - While offering stability, short duration funds also provide relatively higher returns compared to ultra-short-duration funds or money market instruments. This makes them an effective investment option for those seeking a balance between safety and yield.
- Income Generation - Short duration funds generate regular income for investors through interest payments received from underlying debt instruments. Investors can opt for periodic dividend payouts or allow the income to be reinvested for compounded growth.
- Reduced Volatility - Compared to longer-duration bond funds, short duration funds exhibit lower price volatility. While they are not completely immune to market fluctuations, they offer a degree of stability, making them ideal for risk-averse investors.
- Tax Efficiency - Short duration funds can be more tax-efficient compared to fixed deposits. If held for over three years, they qualify for long-term capital gains tax benefits, including indexation, which reduces overall tax liability.
Risks Involved in Short Duration Funds
While short duration funds provide a balanced investment approach, they are not entirely risk-free. Here are some key risks associated with these funds:
- Interest Rate Risk – Short duration funds are exposed to interest rate fluctuations. If interest rates rise, the prices of existing bonds in the fund’s portfolio may decline, leading to potential capital losses. However, the risk is lower compared to long-duration bond funds.
- Credit Risk – These funds invest in various debt securities, including corporate bonds. There is a risk that the issuers of these securities may default on interest or principal payments, impacting the fund’s performance.
- Liquidity Risk – While generally considered liquid, certain bonds in the fund’s portfolio may become less liquid in adverse market conditions. This could make it challenging for the fund manager to sell them at favourable prices.
- Market Risk – Economic downturns or financial market instability may impact the performance of short duration funds, causing fluctuations in returns.
- Inflation Risk – While short duration funds provide moderate returns, inflation may erode the real value of returns over time, especially if interest rates remain low.
- Tax Implications – Investors should consider the tax treatment of these funds. Short-term capital gains (if held for less than three years) are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab, which may reduce net returns.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Short Duration Fund
Before investing in short duration funds, it is essential to evaluate various factors to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk appetite. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
- Define Your Investment Goals and Time Horizon
- Short duration funds are ideal for those looking for investment options between 1 to 3 years.
- Investors should determine whether they seek short-term income, capital preservation, or a combination of both before committing funds.
- Analyse Your Risk Appetite
- While short duration funds are relatively low-risk compared to long-duration bond funds, they are not entirely risk-free.
- Investors must assess their risk tolerance and be prepared for potential fluctuations in returns due to interest rate movements.
- Understand the Fund’s Investment Strategy
- Different short duration funds may have varying allocations in government bonds, corporate debt, and money market instruments.
- Reviewing the fund’s investment strategy helps investors select a scheme that matches their risk-return preferences.
- Review the Fund’s Performance and Holdings
- Evaluating past performance can provide insights into how the fund has managed interest rate fluctuations.
- Analysing the fund’s holdings, including the quality of debt instruments, ensures that investments are in credible securities with minimal credit risk.
- Consider Expense Ratios and Exit Loads
- Expense ratios impact overall returns, making it important to compare costs among similar funds.
- Some funds may have exit loads for early withdrawals, so investors should review the terms before investing.
- Assess Liquidity Needs
- While short duration funds offer a degree of liquidity, certain instruments within the portfolio may be less liquid during market downturns.
- Investors should ensure their liquidity requirements align with the investment horizon of the chosen fund.
- Tax Implications
- Investors should be aware of the tax treatment of short duration funds, particularly the distinction between short-term and long-term capital gains taxation.
Taxability of Short Duration Fund
Understanding the tax implications of short duration funds is crucial before making an investment decision. Here is a breakdown of how these funds are taxed in India:
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)
- If an investor holds units of a short duration fund for less than three years, any profits earned are considered short-term capital gains (STCG).
- STCG is taxed as per the investor’s applicable income tax slab rate.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
- If the investment is held for more than three years, gains are classified as long-term capital gains (LTCG).
- LTCG on debt mutual funds, including short duration funds, is taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
- Tax Efficiency Compared to Fixed Deposits
- Short duration funds offer tax advantages over fixed deposits, particularly for investors in higher tax brackets.
- The indexation benefit available on LTCG helps reduce taxable gains, resulting in lower tax outgo.
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)
- Unlike fixed deposits, where TDS is deducted if interest income crosses a threshold, mutual funds do not deduct TDS on capital gains.
- Investors must declare gains in their tax returns and pay applicable taxes.
- Dividend Taxation
- Dividends from mutual funds are added to the investor’s income and taxed at their respective income tax slab rate.
- Investors in higher tax brackets may find growth-oriented schemes more tax-efficient than dividend options.
Popular Short Duration Funds in India
Short-duration funds are an attractive investment option for those looking for stable returns with moderate risk over a short investment horizon. These funds primarily invest in high-quality debt securities and money market instruments, ensuring liquidity and stability. Below is a table highlighting the top short-duration funds in India based on their 3-year CAGR as of January 8, 2025:
Top 5 Short Duration Funds to Invest in
Fund Name
| AUM (in ₹ crores)
| Expense Ratio (%)
| CAGR 3Y (%)
| Absolute Returns 1-Year (%)
|
Bank of India Short Term Income Fund
| 84.91
| 0.45
| 14.21
| 9.89
|
ICICI Pru Short Term Fund
| 19,700.32
| 0.45
| 7.41
| 8.53
|
Aditya Birla SL Short Term Fund
| 8,598.66
| 0.38
| 7.11
| 8.8
|
UTI Short Duration Fund (Q-IDCW)
| 2,610.25
| 0.43
| 6.84
| 8.47
|
Axis Short Duration Fund
| 8,878.51
| 0.36
| 6.84
| 8.7
|
Note: The above-mentioned funds are for informational purposes only and are not recommendations. Returns are based on data as of January 8, 2025, and are subject to change.
- Bank of India Short Term Income Fund
- Offers a yield to maturity of 7.17% with an expense ratio of 0.45%.
- Provides a Sharpe ratio of 2.72, indicating moderate risk-adjusted returns.
- Managed by Bank of India Investment Managers with over 14 years of experience.
- Minimum lump sum investment required: ₹5000.
- No exit load, ensuring easy liquidity.
- ICICI Pru Short Term Fund
- Provides a yield to maturity of 7.79% and a Sharpe ratio of 6.60, indicating strong risk-adjusted returns.
- Managed by ICICI Prudential AMC, a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Plc.
- Invests in debt and money market instruments, balancing returns and stability.
- Minimum lump sum investment required: ₹5000.
- No exit load.
- Aditya Birla SL Short Term Fund
- Features an expense ratio of 0.38% and a yield to maturity of 7.65%.
- Offers a Sharpe ratio of 6.04, ensuring favourable risk-adjusted returns.
- Managed by Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, a joint venture between Aditya Birla Group and Sun Life Financial.
- Minimum lump sum investment required: ₹5000.
- No exit load.
- UTI Short Duration Fund (Q-IDCW)
- Provides a yield to maturity of 7.51% and has an expense ratio of 0.43%.
- Its Sharpe ratio of 6.75 indicates excellent risk-adjusted performance.
- Managed by UTI AMC, investing in short-duration debt instruments.
- Minimum lump sum investment required: ₹5000.
- No exit load, ensuring flexibility.
- Axis Short Duration Fund
- Offers a yield to maturity of 7.52% and has an expense ratio of 0.36%.
- Boasts a Sharpe ratio of 6.41, indicating good risk-adjusted returns.
- Managed by Axis AMC, a subsidiary of Axis Bank.
- Minimum lump sum investment required: ₹5000.
- No exit load.