Mutual Funds

What is a Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is a professionally managed investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. With a predefined investment objective, mutual funds help individual investors participate in markets that might otherwise be out of reach due to limited time, knowledge, or capital.

Over the past two decades, mutual funds in India have grown in popularity as a reliable route to long-term wealth creation. Today, they are widely recognized as a smarter alternative to traditional savings options like bank fixed deposits or savings accounts.

If you’re looking to grow your money steadily over time, especially through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), mutual funds offer a convenient, transparent, and well-regulated solution.

Mutual Fund Meaning – Simplified

In simple terms, a mutual fund is a basket of securities—such as stocks and bonds—managed by expert fund managers. You, as an investor, can earn returns through:

  • Dividends and Interest Income: Mutual funds generate income through dividends from stocks and interest from bonds, which is distributed to investors.
  • Capital Gains: If the fund sells securities that have appreciated in value, those profits are distributed to investors as capital gains.
  • Net Asset Value (NAV) Appreciation: When the underlying securities in the fund increase in value, the NAV of the mutual fund units rises, giving you the opportunity to sell your units at a profit.

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Why Invest in Mutual Funds? – Key Benefits

Mutual funds are an excellent choice for both new and experienced investors. Here’s why:

Professional Fund Management:

Your money is managed by qualified and experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on deep research and market insights. This gives even small investors access to expert-level portfolio management.

Diversification of Risk:

Mutual funds invest in a wide range of securities, which spreads your risk across sectors and asset classes. Even if one investment underperforms, the impact on the overall fund is minimized.

Cost-Efficiency & Economies of Scale:

Due to large-scale transactions, mutual funds benefit from lower brokerage and transaction fees—savings that are passed on to investors.

High Liquidity:

Mutual fund units can typically be bought or sold on any business day at the fund’s prevailing NAV. This means you can access your money relatively quickly when needed.

Convenience & Simplicity:

Getting started with mutual fund investing is easy. With low minimum investment requirements and seamless digital onboarding, you can begin your wealth-building journey from the comfort of your home.

Who Should Invest in Mutual Funds?

Whether you’re a first-time investor, a young professional starting with SIPs, or a seasoned investor looking to balance your portfolio, mutual funds offer options tailored to your risk appetite and financial goals.

Explore a wide range of funds, including:

  • Equity Mutual Funds (ideal for long-term capital growth)
  • Debt Mutual Funds (for stable returns with lower risk)
  • Hybrid Funds (a mix of equity and debt)
  • Tax-Saving ELSS Funds (under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act)

Classification of Funds:

CategoryType of Mutual FundDescriptionIdeal For
1. Based on StructureOpen-Ended FundsUnits can be bought or sold anytime; no fixed maturity.Investors seeking flexibility.
Close-Ended FundsFixed maturity; units can be bought during the NFO period only.Long-term planners; limited liquidity.
Interval FundsHybrid structure—open only during specific intervals.Investors with semi-liquid needs.
2. Based on Asset ClassEquity Mutual FundsInvest primarily in stocks; higher return potential with higher risk.Long-term capital growth seekers.
Debt Mutual FundsInvest in bonds, treasury bills, and money market instruments.Conservative investors seeking stability.
Hybrid Mutual FundsInvest in a mix of equity and debt instruments.Balanced risk-return profile.
Solution-Oriented FundsDesigned for long-term goals like retirement or child’s education.Goal-based investors.
Commodity FundsInvest in commodities like gold, silver, etc.Diversifiers and inflation hedgers.
Real Estate Funds (REITs)Invest in commercial or residential real estate assets.Investors seeking real estate exposure.
3. Based on Investment GoalGrowth FundsReinvest profits to generate capital appreciation over time.Long-term investors.
Income FundsFocus on generating regular income through interest and dividends.Retirees or those seeking steady income.
Liquid FundsInvest in short-term instruments with high liquidity and low risk.Emergency fund parking.
Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS)Equity-linked savings scheme offering tax deduction under Section 80C.Tax-saving and wealth-building combo.
4. Based on SpecialtyIndex FundsTrack a specific market index like Nifty 50 or Sensex.Passive investors.
Sectoral/Thematic FundsInvest in specific sectors (e.g., IT, Pharma) or themes (e.g., ESG).High-risk, high-reward seekers.
Fund of Funds (FoFs)Invest in other mutual fund schemes.Diversified portfolio builders.
International FundsInvest in global markets and international companies.Investors seeking global exposure.

Debt Mutual Funds:

TypeDescriptionInvestment HorizonRisk LevelBest Suited For
Liquid FundsInvest in very short-term instruments (up to 91 days) for high liquidity.1 day to 3 monthsLowEmergency fund, short-term parking
Ultra Short Duration FundsDuration of 3–6 months; slightly higher returns than liquid funds.3 to 6 monthsLow to ModerateConservative short-term investors
Short Duration FundsInvest in instruments with 1–3 year maturity.1 to 3 yearsModerateInvestors seeking better returns than FDs
Corporate Bond FundsMinimum 80% in high-rated corporate bonds.2 to 4 yearsModerateIncome-seeking investors
Gilt FundsInvest in government securities only (no credit risk).3 to 5 yearsModerate to HighRisk-averse with long-term horizon
Dynamic Bond FundsFund manager actively changes duration based on interest rate outlook.Medium to Long TermVariesInterest rate speculators
Credit Risk FundsInvest in lower-rated corporate bonds for higher yields.3+ yearsHighAggressive debt investors
Banking & PSU FundsInvest in debt instruments of banks, PSUs, and financial institutions.2 to 5 yearsLow to ModerateSafe, consistent returns
Money Market FundsInvest in money market instruments with up to 1-year maturity.6 to 12 monthsLowCapital preservation, short-term

Hybrid Mutual Funds:

TypeDescriptionEquity AllocationRisk LevelBest Suited For
Aggressive Hybrid FundPredominantly equity (65–80%) + some debt.HighModerate to HighGrowth with some stability
Conservative Hybrid FundPrimarily debt (75–90%) + limited equity exposure.LowLow to ModerateIncome seekers with some growth
Balanced Hybrid FundEqual investment in equity and debt (40–60%).MediumModerateBalanced risk-return expectations
Dynamic Asset Allocation / BAFAsset mix changes dynamically based on market valuation.VariesModerateThose who prefer auto-balancing
Multi Asset Allocation FundInvests in at least 3 asset classes (equity, debt, gold, etc.).DiversifiedModerate to HighDiversification seekers
Equity Savings FundCombines equity, arbitrage, and debt to reduce volatility.Low to MediumLow to ModerateConservative equity exposure

Equity Mutual Funds:

TypeDescriptionMarket Cap FocusRisk LevelBest Suited For
Large Cap FundsInvest in top 100 companies by market capitalization.Large CapModerateStable, long-term investors
Mid Cap FundsInvest in 101st to 250th ranked companies.Mid CapModerately HighAggressive growth seekers
Small Cap FundsInvest in companies ranked beyond 250 in market cap.Small CapHighHigh-risk, high-return investors
Multi Cap FundsInvest across large, mid, and small cap stocks.All CapsModerate to HighDiversified equity exposure
Flexi Cap FundsDynamic allocation across any market cap without restrictions.All CapsModerate to HighFund manager-driven strategy seekers
ELSS (Tax Saving Funds)Eligible for 80C tax benefit, 3-year lock-in.Mostly EquityModerate to HighTax savers + long-term investors
Sectoral/Thematic FundsFocused on specific sectors like Pharma, Tech, Banking.Sector SpecificVery HighExperts or thematic belief investors
Contra FundsInvest against market trends expecting long-term reversal.ContrarianHighContrarian, long-term investors
Value FundsFollow value investing approach—undervalued stocks.Undervalued StocksModerate to HighValue investing believers
Focused FundsInvest in a concentrated portfolio (max 30 stocks).AnyHighHigh conviction, high risk investors

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At Avidity Services, our goal is to make mutual fund investing in India simple, transparent, and rewarding.
Whether you’re saving for your child’s education, your dream home, or planning for retirement, we’re here to help you invest confidently.

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