Mutual funds are distinguished from other types of investment vehicles in that they do not operate on the principle that “one size” should “fit all.” Rather, they provide opportunities for investing to individuals who fit into a variety of age groupings, income levels, risk aversions, and other categories. Both individuals who have spent time trading on the financial markets before and those who have recently made the decision to go on a financial path might benefit from investing in mutual funds. Investing in mutual funds may provide investors with a number of advantages; the following is a summary of some of the more common ones.
When an individual invests in mutual funds, the funds’ holdings are likely to be diversified over a number of different types of assets. Because of this, diversification may help investors spread their risk throughout their whole portfolio.
The performance of a mutual fund is actively managed by teams of experienced fund managers, who are responsible for managing the investments that make up a mutual fund. They work toward the goal of achieving prospective returns that are proportional to the degree of risk that a mutual fund scheme entails. Because of the inherently unstable nature of market conditions, returns cannot be guaranteed.
It is a requirement that all mutual fund houses, which are required to be registered with and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), make available to the general public all of the information that pertains to the various mutual fund schemes that they provide. Because of this, understanding mutual funds is made easier, and prospective investors are given the opportunity to conduct research on the funds before making a purchase.
While certain types of mutual funds might provide investors with liquidity options that they might find useful, other types of mutual funds can provide investors the opportunity for their investments’ principal to grow.
In addition, several types of mutual fund schemes provide tax advantages and other benefits.
Investors in mutual funds may be able to enter (buy) and exit (redeem) a scheme at any time of their choosing, subject to the payment of an exit load (if applicable) and the potential for tax ramifications.
The SIP, or Systematic Investment Plan, is a method of investing in mutual funds that enables individuals to begin investing with a sum as low as INR 100. This fact lends credence to the idea that investments made through mutual funds are reasonably priced.
When it comes to selecting an investment in a mutual fund, it might be beneficial for investors to take into consideration the following factors:
Financial objectives (both short-term, medium-term and long-term in nature)
Risk appetite (willingness and ability to take risk)
Time horizon (the amount of time required to achieve their goals)
After the investor has recognised and gained an understanding of the aforementioned elements, they will be able to fit those criteria into a mutual fund scheme that is appropriate for them. In order to make wise choices about their investments, investors always have the option of seeking the advice of a financial adviser.
An project aimed at educating investors.
Learn more about the Know Your Customer (KYC) need and how to fulfil it by going to www.icicipruamc.com/note. This is a one-time requirement that must be met in order to invest in mutual funds. Only registered mutual funds, the information about which can be checked on the SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html, should be transacted with by investors. Investors can contact the Asset Management Companies (AMCs) and/or the Investor Relations Officers if they have any questions, concerns, or other issues that need to be resolved. If an investor is unhappy with the solutions provided by an asset management company (AMC), they have another option: they may file a complaint online at https://scores.gov.in. The SCORES site makes it possible for you to file an online complaint with SEBI and then check the progress of that complaint afterwards.