TYPES OF MUTUAL FUNDS.

TYPES OF MUTUAL FUNDS.

TYPES OF MUTUAL FUNDS-

Types of mutual funds =Schemes ( technical term.)

Investments got variety of options for choosing schemes in mutual funds depending upon a requirement. Mutual funds schemes are classified as:-

Schemes related to Maturity Period

1. Open Ended Scheme:

These schemes do not have any fixed period. These are available for purchase on continuous basis. The value of units are declared on daily basis and accordingly investors can buy and sell these units at NAV (Net assets Value) related prices. It ensures high level of liquidity.

2. Close ended scheme:

These types of schemes usually have the maturity period of 5-7 years. Only subscription is available at the time of launch of the Scheme. Investors can invest in the scheme at the time of Initial public issue and when units of scheme are listed on stock exchange then they can buy or sell them. In order to provide an exit route to the investors, some close-ended funds give an option of selling back the units to the mutual fund through periodic repurchase at NAV related prices. SEBI Regulations stipulate that at least one of the two exit routes is provided to the investor i.e. either repurchase facility or through listing on stock exchanges. These mutual funds schemes disclose NAV generally on weekly basis.

Schemes related to Investment Objective

1. Growth/Equity Oriented Scheme:

 Investing in these generally has high risks as the investor invests high part of their corpus in equity funds. So, the capital appreciation is from medium to long term. There are certain options available for investors like dividend option, capital appreciation etc. and according to their preference investors choose them. Options are available already in application form. They can even change their options later on. This scheme is good for investors seeking for long term appreciation of capital.

2. Income/Debt Oriented Fund:

From the word income it is clear that this scheme is made to provide regular and steady income to the investors. Investments are made in bonds, corporate debentures and other money market instruments. They are less risky in comparison to equity oriented schemes. So, any fluctuations in the equity market will not affect these funds. NAV of these funds will be affected due to change in prevailing interest rates in the country. When interest rate falls, NAV increase in short run and vice versa.

3. Balanced Fund:

 These are the mixture of both equity and debt income sources. So as to ensure growth and regular income, investors can put their money in some proportion of debt and equity. At least 40-60% is invested in equities and debt by the investors. The fluctuations in the share prices of stock market affect these funds.

4. Money Market or Liquid Fund:

 These ensure liquidity and easy preservation of capital and that’s why they are also called Income Funds. These schemes generally invest in short term instruments such as treasury bills, certificate of deposits, call money, government securities etc. Returns on these instruments are moderate and involves fluctuations as compared to others.

5. Gilt Funds:

These are usually comprises of government securities and they have no risks. NAV fluctuates due to change in interest rates and other economic factors.

6. Index Fund:

These funds are linked to specific index. These funds replicate the portfolio of Index that is listed on BSE sensitive Index, S&P NSE 50 index (Nifty), etc. Funds mobilized under these schemes are invested in the securities of companies included in the index of any exchange. 

7. Tax saving schemes:

 Certain mutual funds schemes offer tax rebate on investments made in equity shares under section 88 of income tax act. Income may be periodically distributed depending on surplus. Subscriptions made Upto Rs.10000 are eligible for tax rebate under section 88 for such scheme. The investment of the scheme includes investment in equity, preference shares and convertible debentures and bonds to the extent 80-100% and rest in money market instruments.