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Is Mutual Fund Safe Avenue to Park Money?
Investing is an art that requires a delicate balance between risk and reward. And no other investment option is more dynamic than mutual funds. Thus, as an AMFI-licensed mutual fund distributor, I am often asked, “Is mutual fund a safe avenue for investment?” It’s a query that reflects people’s natural apprehension when venturing into financial markets.
In this article, I’ll explore the safety aspects of mutual funds, debunk myths, and shed light on why they can be a secure avenue for wealth creation.
1. Mutual Funds offer Inherent diversification:
One of the fundamental pillars of safety in mutual funds lies in inherent diversification. Put, diversification is spreading investments across different assets to mitigate risk. Mutual funds excel by pooling money from numerous investors to create a diversified portfolio.
The portfolio includes an intelligent mix of stocks, bonds, and other securities, ensuring that the fortunes of individual investments don’t singularly dictate the fund’s performance. The diversification approach is akin to avoiding all your eggs in one basket – a principle that has stood the test of time in investing.
Real-Life Examples Exemplifying Mutual Fund Safety:
Let’s delve into real-life examples to understand how inherent diversification operates in mutual funds and how it enhances the overall safety of this financial tool.
Example 1: Market Volatility and Equity Funds
Consider an investor who invests directly in individual stocks, placing all their funds in a single industry. If that industry faces a downturn due to unforeseen circumstances, the investor’s portfolio will bear the full brunt of the market volatility. Contrast this with a mutual fund investor who has chosen an equity fund.
The equity fund, by design, invests in a diversified range of stocks across various sectors. Even if one sector faces challenges, the impact on the entire portfolio is cushioned by the performance of other sectors, showcasing the inherent diversification at play.
Example 2: Stability in Bond Funds During Economic Uncertainty
In times of economic uncertainty, investors often flock to safer investment options. Consider a scenario where an investor seeking safety invests solely in government bonds. While government bonds are generally considered low-risk, they are not immune to market fluctuations.
On the other hand, a mutual fund specializing in bond investments spreads its holdings across various bonds, including government and corporate bonds. This diversification shields the investor from the specific risks associated with any single bond, offering a more stable and secure investment avenue.
Statistics Reinforcing Inherent Diversification:
Statistics from the real world provide tangible evidence of how inherent diversification in mutual funds contributes to safety.
Statistical Insight 1: Performance During Market Turbulence
During periods of market turbulence, the benefits of diversification become evident. According to a study by Morningstar, a leading investment research firm, diversified equity mutual funds tend to outperform their concentrated counterparts during market downturns.
The study compared the performance of diversified and concentrated funds during the 2008 financial crisis, revealing that the former exhibited greater resilience and recovered faster.
Statistical Insight 2: Risk Reduction in Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds, typically invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments, showcase the risk-reducing power of diversification. According to data from CRISIL, a global analytical company that offers ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services, hybrid funds have historically demonstrated lower volatility than pure equity funds.
The combination of different asset classes within these funds contributes to a smoother ride for investors, emphasizing the risk-mitigating impact of diversification.
Statistical Insight 3: Consistency in Returns
Consistency in returns is a crucial indicator of the effectiveness of diversification. According to a report by the Mutual Fund Education Alliance, diversified mutual funds have shown a more consistent pattern of returns over extended periods.
Diversified portfolios exhibit consistency because they are less susceptible to the extreme fluctuations that individual stocks or assets might experience.
2. Regulatory Oversight: Role of AMFI and SEBI Watchdog
Mutual funds play a crucial role in providing safety to investors through rigorous regulatory oversight from organizations such as the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and (SEBI)-the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
This watchdog approach ensures transparency, investor protection, and the overall integrity of the mutual fund industry.
AMFI, established in 1995, is a self-regulatory organization that aims to promote healthy and ethical practices among mutual funds. It acts as a bridge between the mutual fund industry and regulators like SEBI, helping to create a more robust framework for investor protection.
SEBI, on the other hand, is the primary regulatory authority overseeing and monitoring the securities market in India, including mutual funds. Together, these organizations establish guidelines, monitor compliance, and take corrective actions to safeguard investor interests.
Evaluation of New Schemes:
One key aspect of regulatory oversight is the stringent due diligence conducted by these bodies before approving a new mutual fund scheme.
This process involves evaluating the fund’s investment objective, risk factors, and financial viability. A real-life example is the Franklin Templeton debt fund crisis in 2020.
The sudden winding up of six debt schemes by Franklin Templeton shocked the market and raised questions about the efficacy of regulatory oversight. SEBI swiftly probed the matter, examining the decision-making process and potential lapses.
This incident highlighted the importance of stringent scrutiny before allowing new mutual fund schemes and the need for continuous monitoring.
Mandatory Disclosures and Transparency:
Regulatory oversight also extends to the disclosure and transparency requirements imposed on mutual funds. AMFI and SEBI mandate that fund houses provide accurate and timely information to investors.
The fund managers must promptly communicate any changes in the fund’s portfolio, fund managers, or any material developments to the investors.
This transparency will ensure investors receive accurate and up-to-date data and information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions.
In 2018, SEBI introduced a standardized format for the monthly disclosure of portfolio and risk measures by mutual funds. This move aimed to enhance transparency and enable investors to compare different funds easily.
The disclosure norms have since evolved, focusing on providing more granular details, including exposure to other sectors and the portfolio’s credit quality. This transparency helps investors assess the risk of a particular mutual fund and make informed investment choices.
Checks on Fraudulent Behaviour
Another critical aspect of regulatory oversight is monitoring mutual fund activities to prevent fraudulent or unethical practices. SEBI has the authority to conduct inspections and investigations, ensuring compliance with regulations.
In 2014, SEBI penalized JP Morgan Asset Management India for violating mutual fund norms in the Amtek Auto case. The fund house had delayed the redemption of its debt funds, leading to investor losses.
The regulatory intervention demonstrated the commitment to safeguarding investor interests and also maintaining the integrity of the mutual fund industry.
Regulatory Oversight Resulting in Mutual Fund Growth
Statistics further underscore the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety of mutual fund investments and how it helped it grow exponentially in India.
According to SEBI’s annual fiscal year 2020-21 report, the assets under management (AUM) or total investments in mutual funds in India reached Rs. 31.43 lakh crore, reflecting these funds’ significant role in the financial landscape. The report also highlighted SEBI’s continuous efforts to enhance the regulatory framework, focusing on investor protection, risk management, and technological innovation.
3. Professional Management: A Safety Assurance
One of the key features that make mutual funds a safer option for investors is the element of professional management. Professional Fund managers analyze, strategize, and execute investment decisions to manage mutual funds.
Contrasts this with individual investors who may need more resources, time, or expertise to navigate the complexities of financial markets.
Professional fund managers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They continuously monitor market trends, economic indicators, and company performance, leveraging their expertise to make informed investment choices.
This commitment to research and analysis allows mutual fund managers to identify opportunities and mitigate risks, helping investors navigate the unpredictable nature of financial markets.
Real-World Example of the Impact of Professional Management
One real-life example that illustrates the impact of professional management is the success story of the Vanguard 500 Index Fund. Launched in 1976, this mutual fund has become a staple in many portfolios, particularly for those seeking exposure to the broader U.S. stock market.
The fund holds a diversified portfolio of the 500 largest U.S. companies to replicate the performance of the S&P 500 index. Jack Bogle, the founder of Vanguard Group, recognized the importance of providing investors with a low-cost, passively managed fund that could deliver market returns over the long term.
Through professional management, the Vanguard 500 Index Fund has consistently tracked the performance of the S&P 500, offering investors a convenient way to gain exposure to the U.S. stock market without the need for active stock picking.
Therefore, it is clear that professional management expertise can provide investors with a dependable and consistent investment option.
Statistical Data Supporting the Impact of Professional Management
Statistics further support the effectiveness of professional management in mutual funds. According to a study organized by the Investment Company Institute (ICI), as of 2020, there were approximately 9,509 mutual funds in the United States, collectively managing over $22 trillion in assets. These funds cover various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and money market instruments.
The sheer magnitude of assets under management highlights the trust investors place in mutual funds and their professional managers to make sound investment decisions on their behalf.
Role of Professional Management in Navigating Financial Crisis:
Another compelling illustration of professional management’s impact is the success of bond funds during challenging economic periods. After the 2008 global financial crisis, bond funds, managed by experienced professionals, played a crucial role in providing stability and income to investors.
As interest rates dropped, bond prices rose, and professional managers adeptly navigated the bond markets to capitalize on these trends.
PIMCO Total Return Fund, managed by the renowned bond investor Bill Gross, is a notable example. During the financial crisis, the fund outperformed its peers, showcasing the value of active management in fixed-income investments.
By strategically adjusting the fund’s portfolio composition in response to market conditions, Gross demonstrated how professional expertise can be a crucial driver of success, especially during economic uncertainty.
4. Different Types of Mutual Funds: Providing Safety in Investment
We have already discussed the inherent diversification that most mutual fund schemes provide by default by holding multiple shares or bonds in their portfolio.
Interestingly, the mutual fund adds another layer of diversification through types of mutual fund schemes, thus further contributing to the safety of mutual funds. Each type of mutual fund scheme is distinct and meets investors’ specific needs and risk appetites.
Look at major types of mutual fund schemes from a safety perspective.
Equity Mutual Funds: The Growth Engine
Equity mutual funds are the most well-known type, allowing investors to own shares in a diversified portfolio of stocks. While stocks inherently carry a level of risk, equity mutual funds spread this risk across various companies and sectors.
For instance, a technology-focused equity mutual fund might include shares from different tech companies, reducing the impact of a downturn in any single stock. In real life, this diversification played a crucial role during the global financial crisis 2008.
Investors in well-diversified equity mutual funds experienced a softer blow than those heavily invested in individual stocks, as the broader portfolio helped mitigate losses.
Debt Mutual Funds: Stability in Income
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds, and other short and long-term debt instruments. Investors seeking stable income and capital preservation can consider these funds since they are lower-risk than equity funds.
In economic uncertainty, debt mutual funds can provide a safety net. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is a pertinent example.
As the global economy faced unprecedented challenges, debt mutual funds demonstrated their resilience by offering stability and consistent returns, buffering against the volatility experienced in equity markets.
Hybrid Mutual Funds: Balancing Act
Hybrid mutual funds, or balanced funds, combine equity and debt instruments in a single portfolio. This strategy aims to strike a delicate balance between capital appreciation and income generation.
The flexibility of adjusting the debt-equity ratio allows these funds to attune to changing market conditions.
During periods of market volatility, such as the trade tensions in 2019, hybrid mutual funds showed their versatility. Investors benefited from a mix of asset classes, reducing the overall risk and providing a more stable return profile.
Index Funds: Riding Market Trends
Index funds mirror a specific market index, like the S&P 500, by keeping the same stocks in their kitty in the same proportions. This passive investment strategy provides diversification by design, as the fund automatically adjusts its holdings based on the index it tracks.
Real-life events, like the economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis, showcased the resilience of index funds. Investors in funds tracking major indices benefited from the overall market rebound, avoiding the risks associated with individual stock selection.
Sectoral Mutual Funds: Focused Opportunities
Sectoral mutual funds concentrate on specific sectors, such as technology, healthcare, or energy. While these funds are more niche and carry a higher risk than their peers, at the same time, they also offer the potential for higher returns.
The technology boom in the early 2000s saw sectoral mutual funds in tech companies surge, providing substantial gains for investors who identified and capitalized on the trend. However, it’s essential to approach sectoral funds cautiously, as their success heavily depends on the chosen sector’s performance.
Sub Categories of Mutual funds:
There are more subcategories when it comes to types of mutual funds. For instance, to classify equity mutual funds, one can categorize them according to their sizes, such as large-cap, medium-cap, small-cap, multi-cap, and Flexicap funds.
However, for brevity, I have only listed the broader types, but if you are interested in knowing more about other subcategories of mutual fund types, read my detailed article titled: How do mutual funds work: Beginner’s guide.
Furthermore, there are distinct categories of mutual funds known as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). To understand how they are similar yet different from other mutual funds, read my detailed essay on Mutual Funds vs. ETFs.
Finally, though ULIPs are primarily an insurance product, they are similar to mutual funds. So, there are some correlations and investment symphony between the two. You can explore my article on Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) for more details.
5. Historical Performance: A Testament to Stability
The historical performance of mutual funds is a testament to their stability and reliability as an investment option. Over the years, mutual funds have weathered various economic downturns, demonstrating resilience and an ability to recover.
For instance, during the global financial crisis 2008, mutual funds showcased their strength in diversification. According to data from Lipper, a Thomson Reuters company providing financial information, most diversified equity mutual funds are recovered significantly faster than individual stocks.
This historical resilience during challenging times underscores the safety net mutual funds offer investors.
Risk-Adjusted Returns: Balancing Act in Volatile Markets
One of the key factors contributing to the safety of mutual funds is their emphasis on risk-adjusted returns. While all investments carry some risk, mutual funds employ strategies to balance risk and reward effectively. Risk-adjusted returns consider the risk level associated with an investment and evaluate the returns generated according to that risk.
According to a study by Morningstar, a leading investment research firm, mutual funds, on average, have exhibited superior risk-adjusted returns compared to individual stocks.
This ability to navigate volatile markets and deliver consistent returns, adjusted for risk, showcases the prudence and safety measures embedded in the mutual fund investment approach.
Long-Term Growth and Consistency: Building Wealth Sustainably
Mutual funds are a haven for long-term growth and wealth accumulation investors. Consistency in returns over extended periods is a hallmark of mutual fund performance. According to the Investment Company Institute (ICI) report, the average annual return for equity mutual funds over the past 20 years has been around 10%.
This sustained growth, even considering market fluctuations, highlights the ability of mutual funds to yield not only inflation-beating returns but also generate wealth over the long term. Thus, mutual funds have historically been investors’ safe and fruitful bet.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, given the right approach and understanding, “Is mutual fund safe for investment?” can be answered with a resounding yes.
With their regulatory oversight, professional management, liquidity advantages, and tax efficiency, mutual funds present a compelling case for safety in the investment realm. The historical performance, risk-adjusted returns, and various types of mutual funds further bolster their credibility.
For every investor with different risk appetites and financial goals, mutuals have something to offer. If you are in the game for the relatively long haul, your investment is safe and has the potential to yield bumper returns.
Finally, I want to emphasize that mutual funds are not just safe, but also well-regulated investment instruments. This should give you a sense of security and confidence in your investment decisions. If you invest for prolonged periods of time, you can accumulate considerable wealth. However, to ensure the safety and security of your family, it’s important to focus on disciplined mutual fund investment and choose the right term insurance cover to avoid any financial contingency.
To learn about other benefits of mutual fund investments, kindly read my article on the seven advantages of mutual funds for investors.
For personalized guidance or to address any investment query, contact us at info@worthymba.com. Let’s embark on a journey of wealth creation and financial security together. Remember, the safety of your investments begins with knowledge and strategic planning. Happy investing!
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Kartikay Ungrish is the Founder-director of Worthy Education Academy & Worthy Financial Services. He is a UGC NET-qualified Assistant Professor of Management, A MBA, a licenced mutual fund distributor, and a financial advisor. He helps people build wealth through prudent investments in mutual funds and other financial products. Start by creating your free wealth management account with him as your financial advisor. Contact for more details.
