Are you new to the Stock Market? Don’t worry! Everyone was new to it at some point, but you’ve got to think about starting somewhere. And that is the first step to progress. Most importantly – how many advertisements and tags do you come across saying, “Mutual funds are subject to market risk.” A lot, right? Well, yes, it’s riskier than the traditional FD and Savings accounts. But, on the other hand, you’ll know some friends who are making good money through Mutual funds. It’s both true, but rewards come with risks, don’t they? This tiny synopsis about Mutual funds isn’t enough for you to get the whole picture. So, let’s look at a detailed guide.
What are Mutual Funds?
A Mutual fund is when a company pools money from investors in a manner of stocks, bonds, and short-term debt. These combined holdings of the mutual fund are called a portfolio. Investors today buy shares in these funds, and each share of it represents an investor’s ownership of the company.
There are always first-time jitters, and the same is with Mutual funds. It’s your money, and your concern is natural. Even while you are taking cautious steps, what matters the most is that you are taking steps. It is getting you somewhere. But, If you’re wondering, what has driven a large number of people to buy Mutual funds, this is why.
Why are Mutual Funds a Popular Choice of Investment?
- The expression do not put all of your eggs in one basket applies here. Through mutual funds, you would be diversifying your investment portfolio.
- They are also affordable – they are set relatively low for an initial investment.
- With Mutual funds, investors can easily redeem shares at any time at their current value.
Now, it can be confusing to choose the Best Mutual fund for yourself, but you first need to understand the different types of Mutual funds.
Types of Mutual Funds
Are you ready to take a look at the different types of Mutual funds available in India?
- Growth Funds
This is the most popular kind of Mutual fund, and it allows investors to participate in the Market. It is categorized as a high-risk fund, but at the same time, it has a high potential for profits. It is ideal for an investor who has a high-risk appetite. So, are you an investor who can afford to take that risk? If you are, then growth funds are for you – since they have high returns, it can be a good opportunity to grow your wealth.
- Fixed Income Mutual Funds
They are also called debt funds, and they invest the majority of money in debts. For instance, they can be coupon-bearing instruments like government securities, debentures, and much more. It is a low risk and also a low return fund. The added bonus to this type of fund is that it has a steady income, and the flow will never stop. If you are an investor who is looking for a steady income on set dates, this is a suitable choice for you. You can find the most suitable debt fund for yourself and start investing with confidence.
- Gilt Funds
These kinds of funds invest exceptionally in securities. If you prefer a risk-averse investment without credit risk, then it is perfect for you. In no time, you can be investing in a risk-free source, with the best Gilt fund.
- Money Market Funds
These liquid funds let you invest in short-term debt instruments. If you are looking for a reasonable return over a short period of time, money market funds should be first on your list. This fund can also act as a savings account alternative.
- Balanced Funds
As the name says, balanced funds are schemes that divide their investments with equity and debt. These allocations also change based on market risks, so they would be best suited for investors who want a combination of moderate returns with low risk.
- Monthly Income Plans
This fund is similar to a balanced fund, but the proportion of equity assets is quite lesser than balanced funds. These funds are also called marginal equity schemes, and they’d be suitable for you if you are a retired individual and want a regular income with no risk association.
These are not the only ways you have to choose mutual funds. There are several other attributes that you’d have to consider.
Other Key Attributes to Choose the Right Mutual Fund
A) Identify your Goals
Before you invest in a mutual fund, the first thing you will have to do is know where you want to go. Your destination is the first thing you have to consider before investing. Depending on your final goal, you can choose a fund. For instance, if you are saving for retirement, you’ll have to choose a fund that will let you be invested for the long term.
B) Know your Risk Tolerance
Before you can dive into investing in mutual funds, an important thing you can never skip is to know how much risk you can tolerate. As mentioned before, if you have a moderate risk appetite, you must be choosing a mutual fund with a moderate risk, and the same applies to high and low-risk tolerance.
C) Be Aware of the Type of Fund
You already know the type of funds. As it’s already mentioned, know-how different funds work, what they invest in, if they are long term or short term, and much more. When you know this – you have better clarity on your investment and lesser chances of having a fall.
D) Don’t Forget Fees and Loads
When you trade Mutual funds on platforms, the companies are mostly charging you fees for transactions and much more. It’s best you know how much of the money you make you are spending on fees. It also helps you to choose the right trading platform.
These are some important factors you need to know as a beginner in investing in mutual funds. But, there are several other factors, and it’s best suggested you take a crash course. It’s always good to be someone with the best expertise in unfamiliar territory.
Final Thoughts
Do you feel like it’s a daunting task to choose a mutual fund? It isn’t. Do your research. Know more. Practice. And this will clear your head, and you’d never have first-time jitters.
