What are Equity Mutual Funds & How it Works?

What are Equity Mutual Funds?

How Do Equity Mutual Funds Work?

Different Types of Equity Funds

There are different types of equity funds, each of which offers a unique underlying portfolio with varying levels of risk. These funds can be broadly classified into the following:

Types of Equity Funds Details
Small-cap Funds Small-cap equity funds predominantly invest in the stocks of small-cap companies. These are the companies that have a market capitalization of less than ₹100 crore, with a ranking of or below 251. Although volatile, a small-cap equity fund ensures significant returns in the long run.
Mid-cap Funds This type of equity fund invests in stocks of mid-cap companies, which are listed between 101-250th according to market capitalization. Mid-cap funds tend to offer higher returns than large-cap funds, albeit at a higher risk. Moreover, these funds are less risky as compared to small-cap funds.
Large-cap Funds In the case of large-cap funds, the investment is made in the top 100 companies as per the market capitalization. As a result, this kind of fund generally offers sustainable and stable returns over a period of time. Additionally, large-cap funds involve lower risk than mid-cap funds, which is reflected in their returns.
Multi-cap Funds As the name suggests, multi-cap funds invest in various large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. As they invest in enterprises across market capitalizations and sectors, they allow the benefit of portfolio diversification. Furthermore, multi-cap equity funds reduce the amount of associated risk of an investment.
Thematic Equity Funds These equity funds invest in the securities of particular sectors, such as banking services, information technology, pharma, etc. So, their performance depends on the overall performance of the funds’ respective sectors. In addition, they come with higher risks and offer higher returns.
Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) This is a fund that primarily invests in equity or equity-related instruments while offering tax benefits to investors. Investments in ELSS qualify for deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Moreover, ELSS investments are subject to a lock-in period of 3 years.

Benefits of Investing in Equity Funds

Several features of equity funds can be attractive to potential investors. Discussed below are the benefits of equity mutual funds:

1. Professional Management

Equity funds are managed by experienced fund managers. These individuals conduct thorough market research, analyze the performance of various companies, and invest in high-performing stocks that can guarantee maximum returns.

2. Portfolio Diversification

As mentioned earlier, equity funds enable investors to invest in various stocks. Therefore, they can effectively diversify their portfolio, which helps them spread the risk of equity investments across various instruments.

3. Easy Investment TooI

Investment through the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) method enables investors to invest weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly with a minimum amount of ₹500. The low investment amount allows investors to try their hand at equity-based investments.

Who Should Invest in Equity Funds?

How to Invest in Equity Funds?

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Equity Funds

There are certain points that investors must consider before investing in an Equity mutual fund.

1. Investment Objective

Before investing in an equity mutual fund, investors must assess their requirements and the relevance of the scheme. It is the investment objective that helps to decide the level and type of return in the fund and the risk associated with it.

2. Risk Reward Ratio

Risk Reward Ratio (RRR) is the return that investors earn against the money they have risked and invested in the market. This ratio helps to assess the maximum return an investor can receive and the maximum risk they have to take. Here, investors must align RRR with their investment risk tolerance.

3. Returns and Past Performance

Funds that have offered consistent annual performance or have effectively beaten the index are usually the first preferences of investors.

4. Time Horizon

The investment time horizon plays a significant role in deciding the level of risk an investor is willing to take. Investors who have an investment horizon exceeding five years can find equity funds a best bet.

5. Expense Ratio

The expense ratio is another important factor that investors must consider. The expense ratio is a fee that every fund house levies for managing the fund. It increases the total investment cost, hence, investors must have a clear knowledge of this.

6. Experience of Fund Manager

Having knowledge about the qualifications and past performance of a fund manager is important as you will be trusting your hard-earned money with somebody else. An ideal fund manager must have a stable and reliable fund management policy and philosophy.

FAQs about Equity Funds

How are equity mutual funds taxed in India?

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Short-term capital gains on the redemption of equity fund units within a period of 1 year are taxed at a rate of 20%. On the other hand, long-term capital gains up to ₹1 lakh earned on the sale of units after a holding period of 1 year are tax-exempt. Long-term capital gains over this limit are taxable at a rate of 12.5%.

Who regulates equity funds in India?

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The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates equity funds and all mutual fund-related activities.

Who should ideally invest in an equity fund?

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Equity funds can be a sound investment option for individuals who have a tolerance for high risk and an ability to digest losses.

What is an equity mutual fund?

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An equity mutual fund is a type of mutual fund that primarily invests in stocks. These funds pool money from many investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of equities, which can include shares of companies from various sectors.

What are the types of equity funds?

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The following are the different types of equity mutual funds:

  1. Small-cap Funds
  2. Mid-cap Funds
  3. Large-cap Funds
  4. Multi-cap Funds
  5. Thematic Equity Funds
  6. ELSS Funds

Who should invest in equity mutual funds?

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Equity mutual funds are suitable for investors looking for long-term growth and willing to accept higher volatility in exchange for the potential for higher returns.

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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