What is XIRR in Mutual Funds & How to Calculate XIRR?

What is XIRR?

Importance of XIRR in a Mutual Fund

A modified version of IRR, XIRR, is necessary for investing in mutual funds. It is because, using it, investors can compute the right results from the data showing uneven cash flow intervals. Let us dive deeper into its importance in mutual funds:

1. For Accurate Return Calculation

XIRR calculates actual portfolio returns considering exact dates for investment and withdrawals instead of relying on simple returns.

2. For Redemption Purposes

XIRR considers the redemptions, performs correct return measurements, and provides timely measurement of fund performances to investors.

3. For Return Measurement of Various Mutual Funds

XIRR helps compare the performance of various mutual funds with different kinds of investments and holdings.

Why Does XIRR in a Mutual Fund Make Sense?

XIRR in a mutual fund is crucial because this metric gives the actual return value for multiple investments and withdrawals and more accurately determines returns, unlike CAGR or simple averages presupposing a singular investment.

It allows for every exact date of the cash flow for a realistic investment review. Let's explain this with the help of an example:

Suppose an investor has invested in the following mutual fund investments:

Month Amount
January ₹10,000
March ₹5,000
June ₹7,000

  • The simple average or CAGR calculation would miss the timing of these investments and give a misleading result.
  • XIRR adjusts for these variations by evaluating returns based on the duration each amount remains invested.

For example, if the fund is delivering high growth between March and June, the March invested ₹5,000 is better off than the ₹10,000 invested before March. Thus, XIRR correctly weighs cash flows so that the return rate indicated would reflect real-world investment performance.

What is a Good XIRR in Mutual Funds?

In mutual funds, a good XIRR depends upon three main factors: type of fund, market, and investor-related variables such as timeline and objectives. Here is an ideal XIRR percent in a mutual fund:

Fund Type Description
Equity Funds Good XIRR is 12% to 15% or more, reflecting much higher returns potential over the long term.
Debt Funds Given their conservative nature, XIRR of 6% to 8% is solid.
Hybrid Funds A return of 8% to 10% is generally considered good.

Generally, a good XIRR outperforms inflation and aligns with the investor's financial goals over the desired time horizon.

What is the Formula for Calculating XIRR in Mutual Funds?

How to Calculate XIRR in Mutual Funds?

XIRR can be calculated in MS Excel using the XIRR function. To do this, you must enter the transaction amount and its dates. Here is the step-by-step process to calculate it:

  • Step 1: Enter Transactions and Dates: 
    • In Column A, enter the transaction dates (investment and redemption dates).
    • In Column B, enter the corresponding amounts for each transaction. Use negative values (since it's an outflow) for investments or purchases, and for the redemption amount, use the positive value.
  • Step 2: Add the Final Investment Value: In the last row of Column B, enter the current value of the investment (e.g., redemption amount).
  • Step 3: Apply the XIRR Function: Use the XIRR function to calculate the return in an empty cell. The formula for it is =XIRR(values, dates). After entering, press Enter to get the XIRR.

Here's an example to understand its calculation better:

Let's assume you start an SIP of ₹10,000 on January 10, 2023, and continue to invest the same amount every month on the same date. Your investment matures on December 10, 2023, and you receive ₹1,30,000.

Here's how you'd structure the data in Excel:

Date Transaction Amount (₹)
10-Jan-23 -10,000
10-Feb-23 -10,000
10-Mar-23 -10,000
10-Apr-23 -10,000
10-May-23 -10,000
10-Jun-23 -10,000
10-Jul-23 -10,000
10-Aug-23 -10,000
10-Sep-23 -10,000
10-Oct-23 -10,000
10-Nov-23 -10,000
10-Dec-23 130,000

Steps in Excel:

  • Column A (Dates): Enter the transaction dates as shown above.
  • Column B (Transaction Amounts): Enter the amounts as negative for investments and positive for the redemption value.
  • In an empty cell, enter the formula: =XIRR(B1:B12, A1:A12)*100
  • Press Enter to get the XIRR value, representing the annualised return for the cash flows. Multiply by 100 to convert it to a percentage. You'll get the XIRR value of 18.4%.

This process calculates your SIP return accurately, considering the timing of each investment and the final redemption amount.

What are the Points to Remember While Calculating XIRR?

What are the Advantages of Using XIRR in Mutual Funds?

The XIRR account takes care of the timing of every cash flow, providing a relatively comprehensive picture of the investment's performance. The main benefits of using XIRR in mutual funds are as follows:

1. Accurate Measurement of Returns

XIRR considers the exact dates of cash flows, so it is more reliable than simple average returns or CAGR.

2. Handles Multiple Investments

Unlike traditional methods, XIRR efficiently manages multiple investments and withdrawals simultaneously.

3. Real-time Performance

The XIRR considers the real-time market fluctuations for every investment. Hence, it gives an actual measure of returns.

4. Perfect for SIPs

XIRR calculates staggered investment more accurately, thus making it ideal for SIPs.

5. Helps Fund Comparison

Investors can compare mutual funds fairly despite investment size and date variations.

6. Redemption Impact

XIRR also accounts for redemption, showing redemptions' impact on all returns.

Limitations of XIRR in Mutual Funds

The XIRR implementation is constrained under various conditions because its intrinsic assumptions do not apply well to fully real-world investment scenarios. Here are some key limitations:

1. Assumes Reinvestment of Returns

XIRR assumes that returns are reinvested at the same rate. This may not be practical in the real world.

2. Sensitive to Cash Flow Timing

The return calculation is very sensitive to the dates of cash flows. Therefore, entries must be made with precision.

3. Difficulty for New Investors

XIRR is challenging for new investors to calculate using Excel or financial calculators until they gain experience.

4. Ignore Market Conditions

XIRR only considers cash flows and ignores market conditions and other external factors that affect the performance of funds.

5. Include Taxes and Fees

XIRR does not account for taxes, exit loads, or fees, which affect actual investor returns over time.

XIRR vs IRR

Although both terms seem very similar, they differ in specific terms. IRR gives perfect results for structured investments wherein the cash flows happen at regular periods, but XIRR manages cash flow timelines that are not periodic. The key differences between XIRR and IRR have been given below in the following table:

Feature XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return) IRR (Internal Rate of Return)
Definition It calculates returns for cash flows that occur at irregular time intervals. Calculates returns assuming cash flows occur at equal time intervals.
Application Used for investments with multiple transactions at different times, like SIPs, mutual funds, or real estate investments. Suitable for projects or investments where cash flows are evenly spaced, like fixed deposits or corporate finance projects.
Time Consideration It considers the real date of cash flow, thereby increasing its accuracy. It considers that equal time lags exist between cash flows, which may not be the case in real life.
Formula Used =XIRR(values, dates, guess) NPV= CF1/(1+ r)1 + + CF2/(1+ r)2+ CF3/(1+ r)3+ ……… + CFn/(1+ r)n - CF0

 

In conclusion, both XIRR and IRR help evaluate investment returns, but XIRR is more practical for real-life investments like mutual funds, where cash flows are irregular. In contrast, IRR is better suited for structured investments with equal cash flow intervals. Investors should choose the right metric based on their investment structure for an accurate performance assessment.

FAQs about XIRR in Mutual Fund

1. What is the full form of XIRR?

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XIRR stands for Extended Internal Rate of Return.

2. What is XIRR in a mutual fund?

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XIRR calculates the annualised return of a mutual fund investment that involves multiple cash flows at irregular intervals, such as SIPs and redemptions.

3. What are the benefits of using XIRR in mutual funds?

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The benefits of XIRR include:

  • Provides accurate annualised returns for investments with multiple transactions.
  • It helps compare different mutual funds effectively.
  • Accounts for the timing of investments and withdrawals.

Why is XIRR important in mutual funds?

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Since mutual fund investments often occur at different times (like SIPs), XIRR considers the exact investment dates to give a realistic picture of returns.

What is the formula to calculate XIRR?

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The formula to calculate XIRR is =XIRR(values, dates, guess)

Where,

  • values = Cash flows (investment amounts and redemptions)
  • dates = Corresponding transaction dates

What is a good XIRR in mutual funds?

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A good XIRR in mutual funds is 12-15% for equity funds and 6-9% for debt funds.

What is the difference between XIRR and absolute return?

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The difference between XIRR and Absolute return is that XIRR calculates annualised returns considering the time value of money. In contrast, absolute return calculates the total return over the investment period without annualisation.

Are XIRR and CAGR the same?

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No, CAGR and XIRR are not the same. CAGR assumes a single lump-sum investment, while XIRR factors multiple cash flows at different times.

What are the limitations of XIRR?

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The limitations of XIRR include:

  • Assumes reinvestment of returns at the same rate.
  • Sensitive to cash flow dates.
  • Doesn't account for taxes and fees.

Can XIRR go negative?

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Yes, If the investment value falls significantly below the invested amount, XIRR can be negative.

Is 12% XIRR good?

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Yes, 12% XIRR is considered suitable for equity mutual funds over the long term.

What does 20% XIRR mean?

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A 20% XIRR means that considering all inflows and outflows, your investment has grown at an annualised rate of 20%.

What does 10% XIRR mean?

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A 10% XIRR means your investment has yielded an average annual return of 10%, adjusted for cash flow timings.

Is XIRR better than CAGR?

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Yes, XIRR is better for SIPs and multiple transactions. However, CAGR is sufficient for lump-sum investments.

Can XIRR be converted to CAGR?

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No, XIRR considers multiple cash flows, while CAGR assumes a single investment. So it cannot be converted.

Is XIRR compounded annually?

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Yes, as XIRR is an annualised compounded return, it is a better measure for long-term investments.

Can I enter all cash outflows as positive values while calculating with XIRR in a mutual fund?

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No, you must enter all cash outflows as negative values while calculating with XIRR in a mutual fund.

Does XIRR use the concept of compounding?

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Yes, XIRR in mutual funds uses the concept of compounding by calculating the returns based on the actual cash flow dates. Thus ensuring more accurate growth projections.

Disclaimer

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  • This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
  • All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
  • Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.

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