BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO is Open!
Apply for the Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO through UPI in just minutes.
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

Ultra Short Duration Fund


Investors looking for a short-term investment option that balances liquidity and returns often consider ultra short duration funds. These funds aim to generate stable returns over a short investment horizon, making them Read more..a viable alternative to traditional bank deposits. They carry lower risk than equity funds while offering potentially better returns than savings accounts. Read less

Ultra Short Duration Fund List

Name
AUM
1Y Returns

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (G)

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.62%

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (IDCW-M)

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.62%

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (IDCW-Q)

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.62%

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (IDCW-M)

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.62%

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (IDCW-Q)

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.62%

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (IDCW-W) - Payout

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.60%

Tata Ultra Short Term Fund - Regular (G)

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹4971.27 cr. 7.22%

ICICI Pru Ultra Short Term Fund (IDCW-D) - Reinvestment

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹15600.96 cr. 7.80%

Tata Ultra Short Term Fund - Regular (IDCW-M) RI

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹4971.27 cr. 7.20%

Tata Ultra Short Term Fund - Regular (IDCW-W) RI

Debt|Ultra Short Duration Fund

Buy

₹4971.27 cr. 7.22%
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 11
  • >

What is an Ultra Short Duration Fund?

An ultra short duration fund is a type of debt mutual fund that primarily invests in fixed-income securities with short maturities, typically ranging from three to six months. These funds aim to provide liquidity while minimising interest rate fluctuations.

Key characteristics of ultra short duration funds include:

  • Maturity Period - Investments in debt securities maturing between three to six months.
  • Risk Profile - Lower than long-term debt funds but slightly higher than liquid funds.
  • Returns - Typically offer returns in the range of 7–9%, comparable to short-term fixed deposits.
  • Liquidity - Easy redemption with minimal impact from interest rate changes.
  • Taxation - Gains are taxed as per the holding period – short-term gains are taxed at slab rates, while long-term gains attract indexation benefits.


These funds suit investors who want short-term stability while earning reasonable returns on parked funds.

 

How does Ultra Short Duration Fund work?

Ultra short duration funds invest in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income instruments with short maturities to balance liquidity and return. These funds operate with a focus on reducing interest rate risk while offering slightly higher yields than liquid funds.

Key aspects of how ultra short duration funds work:

  • Investment Portfolio - These funds allocate capital into commercial papers, treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and short-term bonds.
  • Interest Rate Risk - Since they hold securities with short maturities, they are less affected by changes in interest rates.
  • Liquidity & Redemption - Investors can withdraw funds with minimal impact on returns, as most ultra short duration funds do not have exit loads.
  • Expense Ratio - A fee is charged by the fund house for managing investments, typically capped at 1.05% by SEBI.
  • Risk Factors -
    • Credit Risk: Risk of default by the issuer of the securities.
    • Interest Rate Risk: Potential impact of changing interest rates on NAV.
    • Liquidity Risk: Possibility of a fund house not having enough liquidity to process redemptions.


Ultra short duration funds are an ideal choice for investors seeking short-term capital appreciation with low-to-moderate risk. They also work well as an investment vehicle for systematic transfer plans (STP), allowing investors to transition funds into equity funds over time.

 

What are the Features of Ultra Short Duration Funds?

Ultra short-term mutual funds come with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for short-term investments. Below are some of the key features:

  • Debt-Oriented Investment - These funds invest in short-term fixed-income securities such as treasury bills, commercial papers, and money market instruments.
  • Macaulay Duration of 3–6 Months - The fund’s portfolio consists of securities with maturities ranging from three to six months, making them slightly riskier than liquid funds but safer than long-term debt funds.
  • Lower Interest Rate Risk - Due to the short tenure of the underlying securities, these funds are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations than longer-duration bond funds.
  • Liquidity & Flexibility - Investors can redeem their investments with ease, and many funds do not charge an exit load, offering high liquidity.
  • Moderate Returns - These funds typically generate returns in the range of 7–9%, which can be competitive with fixed deposits of similar tenure.
  • Expense Ratio Considerations - Fund houses charge a management fee (expense ratio) for overseeing the investments. As per SEBI, the maximum limit is 1.05%.
  • Taxation on Capital Gains - Returns from these funds are subject to short-term or long-term capital gains tax, depending on the holding period.

 

Types of Ultra Short Duration Funds

Ultra short-term funds can be categorised based on the type of underlying securities and risk profile. Below are the common types:

  • Government Securities (G-Secs) Ultra Short-Term Funds - These funds primarily invest in government-backed securities like treasury bills, ensuring high credit quality with minimal default risk.
  • Corporate Bond Ultra Short-Term Funds - These funds invest in corporate debt instruments, which may offer slightly higher returns but come with credit risk.
  • Money Market Instrument Funds - Comprising treasury bills, commercial papers, and certificates of deposit, these funds focus on short-term money market instruments for stability and liquidity.
  • Banking & PSU Debt Ultra Short-Term Funds - These funds invest primarily in debt instruments issued by banks, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and public financial institutions, offering relatively secure returns.
  • Credit Risk Ultra Short-Term Funds - Designed for investors willing to take on more risk, these funds invest in lower-rated debt securities for the potential of higher returns.
  • Dynamic Ultra Short-Term Funds - These funds actively manage their portfolio based on market conditions, shifting between different short-duration debt instruments to optimise returns.

 

Who should invest in Ultra Short Duration Fund?

Ultra Short Duration Funds are designed for investors who seek short-term investment options with relatively low risk and quick liquidity. These funds are ideal for:

  • Investors looking for better returns than savings accounts – If you want to park surplus funds while earning slightly higher returns than a savings account, ultra-short duration funds can be a good choice.
  • Individuals with short-term financial goals – These funds suit investors who need liquidity within three to six months, such as those planning a large purchase or an emergency fund.
  • Risk-averse investors – Conservative investors who want stable returns with minimal risk can consider these funds. They carry lower risk than equity funds while providing higher returns than fixed deposits.
  • Investors looking for a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) – If you plan to invest in equity mutual funds but want to stagger your investments, you can use ultra-short-term funds as a parking option and set up an STP.
  • Retirees seeking regular income – Individuals looking for a low-risk investment option to generate stable monthly income can allocate a portion of their retirement corpus to these funds.

 

How to invest in Ultra Short Duration Fund?

Investing in Ultra Short Duration Funds is a straightforward process. If you are using Bajaj Broking, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open a Bajaj Broking account
    • If you do not already have an account, you need to open one. This requires submitting necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, and PAN details.
  2. Research and select a fund - Before investing, evaluate different ultra-short duration funds based on:
    • Past performance – Check historical returns, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
    • Risk profile – Assess the credit quality of underlying securities and the fund’s exposure to interest rate risk.
    • Expense ratio – Lower expense ratios can help maximise your net returns.
    • Tax implications – Consider short-term and long-term capital gains tax based on your investment horizon.
  3. Choose your investment mode
    • Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) – Invest a fixed amount regularly for disciplined investing.
    • Lump sum investment – Make a one-time investment based on your financial goals.
  4. Complete the investment process
    • Log in to your Bajaj Broking account.
    • Navigate to the Mutual Funds section and select the chosen ultra-short duration fund.
    • Enter the investment amount and payment method.
    • If opting for an SIP, set up an AutoPay feature for seamless future instalments.


By following these steps, you can efficiently invest in ultra-short duration funds and optimise your short-term financial planning.

 

Advantages of Investing in Ultra Short Duration Fund

Ultra-short-term funds offer a range of benefits, making them an attractive investment option for those looking for short-term parking of surplus funds. These funds provide a balance of liquidity, stability, and returns. Below are some key advantages:

  • Higher Liquidity Than Bank Deposits - Ultra-short-term funds allow investors to withdraw funds at any time without restrictions, unlike fixed deposits or other bank deposits that may have lock-in periods or penalties for early withdrawal.
  • No Exit Load in Most Cases - Typically, ultra-short-term funds do not charge an exit load, meaning investors can redeem their units without incurring extra costs. This makes them a flexible investment option for short-term needs.
  • Minimal Interest Rate Risk for Short-Term Investments - If investors hold their investment for less than three months, the impact of interest rate fluctuations on returns is nearly zero, offering a stable investment option in volatile interest rate environments.
  • Potentially Higher Returns Than Bank Deposits - In a low-interest-rate regime, ultra-short-term funds can offer better returns than bank deposits, making them a viable alternative for short-term investments. These funds typically generate returns in the range of 7–9%.
  • Systematic Transfer Plans (STP) Available - Some fund houses allow investors to systematically transfer a fixed amount from their ultra-short-term fund to equity mutual funds. This strategy enables investors to benefit from market fluctuations by averaging out the cost of investing in equity over time.

 

Risks Involved in Ultra Short Duration Fund

Despite their advantages, ultra-short-term funds come with certain risks. Investors should be aware of the following before making an investment decision:

  • Credit Risk
    • This refers to the risk of default by the issuer of the underlying debt securities.
    • If the fund holds lower-rated securities, the chances of default increase, affecting investor returns.
    • To minimise this risk, investors should opt for funds that invest in high-rated securities.
  • Interest Rate Risk
    • The value of ultra-short-term funds fluctuates with changes in interest rates.
    • When interest rates rise, the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the fund may fall, reducing returns.
    • However, since these funds invest in short-duration instruments, they are less affected by interest rate changes compared to long-term debt funds.
  • Liquidity Risk
    • If many investors redeem their units simultaneously, the fund house may struggle to meet these redemptions, leading to liquidity issues.
    • This could impact the ease with which investors can access their funds.


Investors should carefully analyse these risks and choose funds with high-quality debt instruments to ensure stability in their short-term investments.

 

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Ultra Short Duration Fund

Before investing in ultra-short-duration funds, it is essential to evaluate key factors that can impact returns and overall investment suitability. Here are some important aspects to consider:

  • Risk and Return - Ultra-short funds carry three common risks associated with debt funds.
    • Credit Risk - The risk of default by the issuer of the underlying debt securities.
    • Interest Rate Risk - The impact of fluctuating interest rates on the fund’s value.
    • Liquidity Risk - The possibility of the fund house not having sufficient funds to meet redemption requests.
  • Expense Ratio - Since the returns from these funds are lower than equity funds, investors should aim to minimise costs. The expense ratio is a fee charged by the fund house for managing the investments, and selecting a fund with a lower expense ratio can help maximise returns.
  • Investment Plan - Clearly defining investment objectives, financial goals, and risk appetite is crucial before choosing a scheme. These funds are designed for conservative investors who seek low-risk returns with quick liquidity.
  • Financial Goal Alignment - Investors with short-term financial goals or those using a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) can benefit from these funds. The slightly longer duration compared to liquid funds allows for better planning of short-term financial needs.
  • Fund Consistency - Selecting funds with high-rated securities helps in minimising credit risks. Additionally, assessing the performance of the fund across different interest rate cycles can ensure stability. A well-managed fund should perform optimally even during changing interest rate environments.

 

Taxability of Ultra Short Duration Fund

Taxation is an important consideration when investing in ultra-short-duration funds. The tax treatment depends on the duration for which the investment is held.

  • Capital Gains Taxation:
    • Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If the investment is held for less than three years, the gains are added to the investor’s total income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab.
    • Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If the investment is held for three years or more, the gains are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits or 10% without indexation.
  • Dividend Taxation:
    • Dividends received from ultra-short-duration funds are added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab.
    • A 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applicable on dividend amounts exceeding ₹5,000 in a financial year.


Understanding the tax implications can help investors make informed decisions and optimise their post-tax returns.

 

Popular Ultra Short Duration Funds in India

Ultra-short-duration funds are a preferred choice for investors seeking liquidity, low risk, and moderate returns over short periods. Below is a comparison of the top five ultra-short-duration funds based on their asset under management (AUM), expense ratio, and absolute returns over three and six months.

Fund Name

AUM (in ₹ crores)

Expense Ratio (%)

Absolute Returns – 3M (%)

Absolute Returns – 6M (%)

Aditya Birla SL Savings Fund

16,348.76

0.34

1.97

3.95

Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund

7,695.11

0.38

1.88

3.87

Tata Ultra Short Term Fund

3,961.05

0.29

1.88

3.83

Mirae Asset Ultra Short Duration Fund

1,616.27

0.22

1.85

3.83

Invesco India Ultra Short Duration Fund

1,423.75

0.24

1.84

3.78

Note: The above-mentioned funds are for informational purposes only and are not recommendations. The funds are based on 3-month absolute returns as of 8th January 2025, which are subject to change frequently. Check out real-time data on Bajaj Broking.

Aditya Birla SL Savings Fund

The Aditya Birla SL Savings Fund, with an AUM of ₹16,348.76 crore, offers stable returns through short-duration investments. It has a competitive expense ratio of 0.34% and delivered absolute returns of 1.97% over three months and 3.95% over six months. Managed by Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, a joint venture of Aditya Birla Group and Sun Life Financial, the fund leverages extensive market expertise. It is ideal for investors seeking liquidity and steady income over short time horizons.

Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund

The Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund, managing ₹7,695.11 crore in assets, provides reliable short-term investment options. With an expense ratio of 0.38%, it recorded absolute returns of 1.88% in three months and 3.87% in six months. Operated by Nippon India Mutual Fund, a leader with ₹4,15,316.08 crore in AUM, the fund focuses on generating steady income with low risk, making it suitable for conservative investors.

Tata Ultra Short Term Fund

The Tata Ultra Short Term Fund, with an AUM of ₹3,961.05 crore, offers consistent returns of 1.88% over three months and 3.83% over six months. It has an expense ratio of 0.29%, reflecting its cost-efficiency. Managed by Tata Asset Management, which has over 25 years of experience, the fund provides a secure and liquid investment avenue for individuals seeking stability and moderate returns over shorter durations.

Mirae Asset Ultra Short Duration Fund

The Mirae Asset Ultra Short Duration Fund, handling ₹1,616.27 crore in assets, provides competitive returns with absolute gains of 1.85% in three months and 3.83% in six months. Its low expense ratio of 0.22% enhances cost-effectiveness. Managed by Mirae Asset Global Investments, a key player in the Asian financial markets, the fund is tailored for investors seeking short-term returns with high liquidity and low risk.

Invesco India Ultra Short Duration Fund

The Invesco India Ultra Short Duration Fund, managing ₹1,423.75 crore in assets, is a reliable choice for short-term investments. It offers absolute returns of 1.84% over three months and 3.78% over six months, with a low expense ratio of 0.24%. Operated by Invesco, a global investment firm with a presence in 25 countries, the fund is ideal for investors seeking steady income and enhanced liquidity over shorter periods.

Frequently Ask Questions

No Data Found

search icon
banner-icon

Start your SIP with just ₹100

Choose from 4,000+ funds on Bajaj Broking

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Start your SIP with just ₹100

Choose from 4,000+ funds on Bajaj Broking

+91

|