Mutual Fund investments have become one of the most attractive financial vehicles in India. Mutual funds invest in a variety of asset classes such as stocks, bonds, equities, and money market instruments. Mutual funds are also for beginners who are about to start their financial journey. People can also begin investing with a small amount. But what are the factors and mutual funds investment strategies that you should look for before investing? In this blog, we’ll discover these aspects.
What are Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds pool money gathered from numerous investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets. The fund is managed by an expert fund manager who makes the decisions on behalf of the investors. When an investor invests in a mutual fund, he buys shares of that particular fund, which represent a portion of the total assets held by the fund. The value of an investment is entitled to the performance of the assets in the fund’s portfolio.
How to choose a Mutual Fund?
You need to select the best mutual fund that fits your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Here are some guidelines that can help you out.
- Define your goals: Are you looking for long-term growth? Your financial goals will determine the types of funds you should consider.
- Know your risk appetite: Some fund types are highly volatile, while others are less risky comparatively. You should know how much risk you are willing to take.
- Check the fund’s performance: Although past performances of a fund do not ensure future returns, it could be a guideline as to how the fund performed for various periods of market conditions.
- Consider fees: Learn about the fund’s expense ratio and all other fees that might be associated with a fund. High fees can hamper your returns over time. So, choose your mutual fund considering the fees and expenses.
- Consider the fund’s holdings: Every fund has a few or numerous underlying assets. Make sure they are in line with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
What are the types of mutual funds and their advantages? Explained in a blog. Click here to know.
Why should you invest in Mutual Funds?
There are various factors why mutual funds are an attractive option for beginners:
- Professional Management: A professional fund manager manages investment when you invest in a mutual fund. They conduct research, keep an eye on the market, and make necessary adjustments to the fund’s holdings to optimize returns.
- Diversification: One of the key benefits of mutual funds is diversification. You gain access to a broad array of securities, which helps in mitigating the risk while you invest in mutual funds. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who may lack the time or knowledge to create a diversified portfolio independently.
- Affordability: Many mutual funds allow you to start investing with a relatively small initial investment. This makes them an easily available option for new investors. You can often begin investing in various funds with as little as ₹100 or ₹500, respectively.
- Liquidity: Most of the mutual funds are liquid; this means you can typically buy or sell shares on any business day at the fund’s NAV price. This provides flexibility if you need to access your funds.
- Variety of Options: There are numerous types of mutual funds tailored to meet different investment objectives. Whether you’re seeking growth, income, or a combination of both, you’re likely to find a mutual fund that aligns with your goals.
Final Thoughts
Mutual funds can be a good choice for beginners for their diversification, professional management, liquidity, and affordability. It enables you to invest in a wide range of securities without requiring you to pick any individual stock or bond. However, it is advisable to look for solicited advice from you to start your mutual fund investment journey.