Mutual Fund Basics

Everything you need to know about mutual funds - from basics to advanced strategies for wealth creation.

Types of Mutual Funds

Understanding different fund categories to make informed investment decisions

Large Cap Equity Funds

Invest in top 100 companies by market cap for stable growth

Suitable for conservative equity investors seeking steady returns

Risk Level:
Medium to High
Return Potential:
High
Time Horizon:
5+ years
Mid Cap Equity Funds

Invest in mid-sized companies with high growth potential

Higher volatility but potential for superior returns

Risk Level:
High
Return Potential:
Very High
Time Horizon:
7+ years
Small Cap Equity Funds

Invest in small companies with explosive growth potential

Highest risk-reward ratio, suitable for aggressive investors

Risk Level:
Very High
Return Potential:
Very High
Time Horizon:
10+ years
Liquid Funds

Invest in very short-term securities, alternative to savings account

High liquidity with better returns than savings account

Risk Level:
Very Low
Return Potential:
Low
Time Horizon:
1 day to 3 months
Debt Funds

Invest in bonds and fixed-income securities for stable returns

Suitable for conservative investors seeking regular income

Risk Level:
Low to Medium
Return Potential:
Moderate
Time Horizon:
1-3 years
Hybrid Funds

Balanced mix of equity and debt for moderate risk-return

Perfect for balanced portfolio approach

Risk Level:
Medium
Return Potential:
Moderate to High
Time Horizon:
3-5 years
ELSS Tax Saver Funds

Equity funds with tax benefits under Section 80C

Tax deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh with 3-year lock-in period

Risk Level:
High
Return Potential:
High
Time Horizon:
3+ years (lock-in)
Index Funds

Passively managed funds that track market indices

Low cost, diversified exposure to entire market

Risk Level:
Medium to High
Return Potential:
Market Returns
Time Horizon:
5+ years
Sectoral/Thematic Funds

Invest in specific sectors like IT, pharma, banking

High concentration risk but potential for exceptional returns

Risk Level:
Very High
Return Potential:
Very High
Time Horizon:
5+ years

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about mutual fund investing

Investment Strategies

Different ways to invest in mutual funds based on your goals and risk appetite

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

Invest fixed amount regularly regardless of market conditions

Benefits:

  • Rupee cost averaging
  • Disciplined investing
  • Lower risk

Best For:

All investors, especially beginners

STP (Systematic Transfer Plan)

Transfer fixed amount from one fund to another regularly

Benefits:

  • Gradual exposure
  • Risk management
  • Flexibility

Best For:

Conservative investors wanting equity exposure

SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan)

Withdraw fixed amount regularly from your investments

Benefits:

  • Regular income
  • Tax efficiency
  • Liquidity

Best For:

Retirees or those needing regular income

Lump Sum Investment

Invest large amount at once when markets are favorable

Benefits:

  • Full market exposure
  • Higher returns potential
  • Simple

Best For:

Experienced investors with market timing skills

Key Takeaways

Essential points to remember for successful mutual fund investing

Do's
  • Start investing early to benefit from compounding
  • Diversify across different fund categories
  • Invest regularly through SIP for rupee cost averaging
  • Review and rebalance portfolio annually
  • Stay invested for long term to ride market volatility
Don'ts
  • Don't panic and redeem during market downturns
  • Don't invest all money in one fund or category
  • Don't time the market for entry and exit
  • Don't ignore expense ratios and fund performance
  • Don't invest without understanding your risk appetite