Products · Mutual Funds
Mutual funds: simplified investing for diverse goals
Pool your money with other investors to collectively own a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and other securities — managed by professional fund managers. An accessible option for new and experienced investors alike.
The basics
What is a mutual fund?
A professionally managed vehicle that pools money from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets — stocks, bonds and money-market instruments. Each investor holds units reflecting their share of the fund; the unit value moves with the performance of the underlying assets.
The basics A professionally managed vehicle that pools money from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets — stocks, bonds and money-market instruments. Each investor holds units reflecting their share of the fund; the unit value moves with the performance of the underlying assets.
The case
Why invest in mutual funds?
Professional management
Experienced fund managers research, make decisions and continuously monitor the portfolio for you.
Diversification
Pooled money spreads across many securities, sectors and asset classes — significantly reducing risk versus single stocks or bonds.
Affordability
Start with relatively small amounts, often through SIPs — making diversification accessible even with limited capital.
Liquidity
Most open-ended funds let you buy or sell units on any business day at the prevailing NAV.
Variety of options
A wide range of funds for different goals, risk appetites and horizons — equity, debt, hybrid, index and more.
Convenience
Funds handle the admin — record-keeping, dividend collection and regulatory compliance.
Vocabulary
Key concepts in mutual fund investing
Net Asset Value (NAV)
The per-unit price of a fund — total assets minus liabilities, divided by outstanding units. Declared at the end of each trading day.
Asset Management Company (AMC)
The company that manages the mutual fund.
Fund Manager
The professional responsible for the fund’s portfolio and investment decisions.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Investing a fixed amount regularly (e.g. monthly) — encouraging discipline and rupee-cost averaging.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Withdrawing a fixed amount at regular intervals from your investments.
Expense Ratio
The annual fee for operating costs, as a percentage of the fund’s assets.
Entry / Exit Load
Charges when buying or selling units — many Indian funds are now “no-load”.
The menu
Types of funds
Equity funds
Invest primarily in stocks, aiming for capital appreciation.
Debt funds
Invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and government securities — aiming for stable returns and capital preservation.
Hybrid funds
Invest in a mix of equity and debt, balancing growth and stability.
Index funds
Passively managed funds that replicate a specific market index (e.g. Nifty 50).
Sectoral / thematic funds
Invest in specific sectors or themes.
Know the risks
Risks associated with mutual fund investing
Market risk
Your investment can fall if the market or underlying assets perform poorly.
Interest-rate risk
For debt funds — rate changes can affect the value of the bonds held.
Credit risk
For debt funds — a bond issuer may default on its payments.
Liquidity risk
Some funds face constraints, especially those holding illiquid assets.
Expense-ratio impact
A high expense ratio can meaningfully reduce returns over time.
No guaranteed returns
Returns are market-linked and not assured.
Your roadmap
How to get started in India
Define your goals
Decide what you’re investing for — retirement, a child’s education, a home — and your horizon.
Assess your risk profile
Understand your comfort with market fluctuations and potential short-term losses.
Research & select funds
Compare fund types, past performance, expense ratios and the manager’s track record.
Complete KYC
Finish the mandatory Know Your Customer process before investing.
Choose a platform
Invest via AMC websites, brokers, distributors or trusted online platforms.
Start investing (SIP or lump sum)
Pick a SIP for regular investing or a lump sum, based on your goals.
Monitor & review
Track your portfolio periodically and rebalance as goals or markets change.
Get started
Open your Demat & Trading account
Invest with a SEBI-registered partner in managing growth. Open your account in minutes and get guided support at every step.
Open Demat Account