What is Mutual Fund Investment? Meaning, Benefits, Types, Best Mutual Funds (Read Now!)
Imagine missing out on profits just because you’re under informed about one concept?
Though it sounds scary, it’s the reality for many of us. Mutual fund investment can be a profitable exercise for people.
But they are often daunted by the question what is mutual fund investment.
That’s why mutual funds have become like the overlooked heroes of the financial realm, offering a smart and collective approach to investing.
To begin with, let’s answer in simple terms what is mutual fund investment.
What is Mutual Fund Investment?
Think of it like this: a group of friends coming together to buy a box of chocolates, but here, the “box” is a mutual fund, and the “chocolates” are various assets it contains.
Each friend chips in, and in return, they get “units” that represent their share in the fund. The cost of each unit, or the Net Asset Value (NAV), is determined by dividing the total investment by the number of units.
Mutual funds pool the money of numerous investors who share common financial goals.
These funds are managed by skilled Fund Managers who invest the collected money in a way that aligns with the fund’s objectives, be it growth, income, or a mix of both.
In return, the fund house charges a fee, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Also Read: Investing for Beginners: Learning ABCs of Investing From Scratch [Ultimate Guide]
Benefits of Mutual Fund Investment
Despite India’s remarkable culture of saving and wealth creation, mutual funds are often underutilised due to a lack of awareness among investors.
But, they offer an extensive range of benefits that cater to various investment goals.
- One of the fantastic benefits of mutual funds is that they provide access to the upswings in financial markets.
- They offer a diverse set of products that encompass equity, debt, and gold.
- Whether you are saving for retirement, a child’s education, or other goals, there’s a mutual fund scheme for you.
However, choosing the right mutual fund can be challenging.
Now let’s see how you can find the best mutual fund because that’s what’s going to give you a well-rounded approach to your knowledge on what is mutual fund investment.
Choosing the Right Mutual Fund
While choosing the right mutual fund, it’s essential to consider
- The fund’s risk-return profile
- Your investment horizon
- Your financial planning and goals
Seeking guidance from a professional investment advisor or conducting thorough research can help you make informed decisions.
Now let’s look at the types of mutual funds for helping you choose which one’s the best for you.
Also Read: What is Financial Planning? Your Best 10-Step Approach to Making a Financial Plan
Types of Mutual Funds
Within the universe of mutual funds, you’ll find a wealth of choices, including:
- Stock Funds
- Bond Funds
- Index Funds
- Balanced Funds
- Money Market Funds
- Income funds
- International/Global Funds
- Specialty Funds
- Exchange-traded Funds
Each type serves different purposes and aligns with investors’ unique goals. Let’s see each of them to fully understand what is mutual fund investment.
1. Stock Funds
Picture a fund that’s all about investing in stocks or equities. These can vary based on the size of companies they focus on – small, mid, or large-cap.
They can also take different investment approaches, like aggressive growth, income-oriented, or value.
Some may even invest in foreign stocks. You can think of these as your stock market superheroes.
2. Bond Funds
These funds primarily focus on fixed-income assets, like government bonds, corporate bonds, or other debt instruments.
The income generated from these investments is distributed to the shareholders. They’re often seen as your steady income providers.
3. Index Funds
Imagine funds that follow the path of popular market indices, like the S&P 500.
They require less research and tend to have lower costs, making them a favorite among cost-conscious investors.
4. Balanced Funds
These funds blend various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments.
They’re like your asset allocation champions, reducing risks across different investments.
5. Money Market Funds
The safe, low-risk, short-term investments make up the money market. You won’t get high returns, but it’s like a security blanket for your money, with a return better than your regular bank savings.
6. Income Funds
Just as the name suggests, these funds are all about providing you with a steady income stream.
They majorly invest in government and high-quality corporate debt and aim to provide you with a regular cash flow.
Perfect for conservative investors and retirees.
7. International/Global Funds
Here, we step beyond our home borders. International funds invest solely in assets outside your home country.
Global funds, on the other hand, can go anywhere globally.
These are like your international explorers, seeking opportunities worldwide.
8. Specialty Funds
These are like the specialists of the investment world, targeting specific sectors or regions.
Sector funds focus on particular industries like technology, healthcare, or financials. Regional funds zoom in on specific geographic areas.
And socially responsible funds are the ethical investors, often avoiding “sin” industries and supporting green technologies.
9. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
These aren’t quite mutual funds, but they share similarities. ETFs are like the agile athletes in the investment arena.
They’re traded on stock exchanges, can be bought and sold throughout the trading day, and often come with lower fees.
Each of these mutual fund types caters to various investment needs and risk appetites.
So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the game, mutual funds open the door to a captivating world of finance.
And that’s why you must have a complete understanding of what is mutual fund investment.
With professional management, diversification, and a long-term perspective, mutual funds are your companions on this exciting financial adventure.
