Invest in Low Risk Mutual Funds – Meaning, Benefits and Types (2024)

Low riskmutual funds are investment options with minimal risk when compared to high-risk equity schemes.Low risk mutual funds are majorly debt funds that invest across government schemes, money market instruments, etc. These funds prioritise capital preservation and aim to provide stable returns with minimal exposure to market volatility. They primarily invest in debt securities, money market instruments, government bonds, and other fixed-income assets, which are considered less risky than equities or high-risk investments.In this article, you will get to know about the low risk mutual funds in detail, its features and advantages, types, risk associated with it, the taxation process and many more.

What are low risk mutual funds?

Mutual funds with low risk provide relatively stable returns, although they aren't entirely risk-free. Despite this, they offer higher returns and are more tax-efficient than traditional investments like fixed deposits, making them suitable for investors cautious about risks.

Among low-risk mutual funds,debt funds invest in money market instruments and government bonds, lowering the associated risk. Various categories exist within debt funds, including liquid funds, dynamic bond funds, gilt funds, and ultra-short-term funds.

Debt funds typically carry some level of interest rate and credit risk. However, selecting bonds with higher ratings helps mitigate these risks.

Due to their minimal risk and focus on providing optimal returns, these funds serve as a favorable option for parking surplus funds over short durations.

Features of low-risk mutual funds

• Minimal risk: One of the biggest advantages of these funds is that they face minimal risk. Credit risk is eliminated for these options. Additionally, interest rate fluctuations do not hamper returns from these instruments. In most cases, low-risk funds also manage to offset the effects of inflation.
• Capital preservation: Inflation can erode the value of money over time, making capital preservation a crucial concern for investors. These funds invest in high-quality assets, prioritizing the safety and security of capital.
• Capital appreciation: While the primary goal of any investment is capital appreciation, these funds strike a balance by selecting highly-rated debt and money market assets. This approach aims to ensures a secure investment environment and provides moderate and stable low-risk returns.
• Lower volatility: These funds veer away from equities and instead opt for more secure assets with pre-defined coupon rates and maturity dates. As a result, these funds exhibit lower volatility and are favourable for risk-averse investors.
  

Advantages of low-risk mutual funds

• Stable returns:Low risk mutual funds offer more or less stable returns. However, this doesn’t mean that the schemes are risk-free.Low risk funds offer higher returns and are comparatively more tax-efficient than traditional investments like fixed deposits.
• Asset allocation: Index funds closely track a benchmark’s Total Return Index (TRI) and invest in various equities, as well as debt instruments. As an index fund invests your money in all the securities that are tracked by the index, it offers a pre-mature diversified portfolio. However, for short-term investments, a significant portion of the corpus is allocated to debt instruments and money market-related assets. This strategic asset allocation ensures both diversification and adherence to investment guidelines.
  
• Fulfilment of short-term goals: They are suitable for short-term financial objectives like saving for a vacation or buying a car.
• Minimal risk: These funds prioritise capital preservation, ensuring that the investment remains relatively stable.
• Source of regular income: Some low-risk funds provide regular dividends, offering investors a steady income stream.
• Tax savings for certain income slabs: Investors in low-risk funds may benefit from tax advantages, especially in certain income tax brackets.
• Higher returns compared to fixed deposits: While low-risk, they often offer better returns than traditional fixed deposits over the long term.
• Enhanced liquidity: Investors can easily redeem their investment in low-risk mutual funds, providing flexibility in managing their finances.

Types of low risk mutual funds

When it comes tolow-risk mutual funds, these investment options are designed to provide stability and minimal risk while aiming for steady returns. Let’s explore some types of low-risk mutual funds:

1. Arbitrage funds: These funds take advantage of price differences between the cash and futures markets. They invest in both equity and debt instruments, aiming for low volatility and consistent returns. Some notable arbitrage funds include:

• Invesco India Arbitrage Fund: With a 1-year return of8.4%, this fund focuses on arbitrage opportunities.
• Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund: Similar to the Invesco fund, it also targets arbitrage opportunities and has delivered a 1-year return of8.4%.
• Tata Arbitrage Fund: Another reliable choice with a 1-year return of8.3%.

2. Overnight funds: These funds invest in very short-term debt instruments with maturities of one day. They aim for safety and liquidity. Examples include:

• Bank of India Overnight Fund: A low-risk option with a 1-year return of6.9%.
• Mirae Asset Overnight Fund: Offers stability with a 1-year return of6.8%.
• Axis Overnight Fund: Also falls in the low-risk category with a 1-year return of6.8%.

3. Liquid funds: These funds invest in highly liquid money market instruments. They are suitable for short-term parking of surplus funds. While they are low risk, they offer slightly better returns than traditional savings accounts.

4. Ultra-short duration funds: These funds invest in debt securities with maturities slightly longer than overnight funds. They aim for stability and moderate returns.

5. Low duration funds: These funds invest in debt instruments with a slightly longer duration than ultra-short duration funds. They strike a balance between safety and returns.

6. Money market mutual funds: These funds invest in short-term money market instruments like treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit. They are highly liquid and low risk.

How low risk mutual funds can offer high returns

Creating a low-risk portfolio in mutual funds involves the fund manager's primary goal of preserving capital. This is achieved by selecting assets with strong fundamentals and low volatility, which could include stocks, debt instruments, or other assets. Such portfolios act as a shield against market volatility, ensuring more stable returns compared to riskier investments. Over the long term, this strategy may lead to better returns.

Low-risk mutual funds typically invest in high-rated or low-volatility securities, minimising the risk while offering relatively stable returns. Despite market volatility, these funds can provide better returns over time. Additionally, low-risk debt funds offer indexation benefits, making them a tax-efficient investment option that can help investors save on taxes and enhance returns based on their tax bracket.

Index funds are often considered low-risk options that enable investors to capitalise on overall market growth. These funds offer the potential for high returns without exposing investors to the risks associated with specific sectors or industries. Furthermore, as passively managed funds, index funds eliminate the risk of any erroneous decisions by fund managers, providing investors with added peace of mind.

For whom are low risk mutual funds suitable?

Low riskmutual funds are well-suited for a variety of investors who prioritise safety and stability in their investment choices. Here are some groups of people who may find low-risk mutual funds particularly beneficial:

1. Conservative investors: Individuals who are risk-averse and prefer to preserve their capital rather than seeking high returns may opt for low-risk mutual funds. These funds offer stability and security, making them suitable for conservative investors.
2. Retirees: Retired individuals often prefer investments that provide a steady income stream without significant fluctuations in value.Low risk mutual funds, such as bond funds or money market funds, can offer retirees the assurance of regular income while minimizing the risk of losing their savings.
3. Short-Term goal seekers: Investors with short-term financial goals, such as saving for a vacation, purchasing a car, or building an emergency fund, may find low-risk mutual funds appropriate. These funds provide a balance between safety and potential returns, making them ideal for achieving short-term objectives without exposing the capital to significant risk.
4. First-Time investors: Those who are new to investing and are still learning about financial markets may prefer low-risk mutual funds as a starting point. These funds offer simplicity, stability, and ease of understanding, providing novice investors with a comfortable entry into the world of investing.
5. Income seekers: Investors who prioritise regular income over capital appreciation may choose low-risk mutual funds that focus on generating dividends or interest income. These funds can serve as a reliable source of income, especially during retirement or when supplementing other sources of revenue.

Taxation on low-risk mutual funds

The tax implications of investing in mutual funds depend on the type of mutual fund, holding period, and the investor’s income tax bracket.
Here are the essential factors that affect the taxes levied on mutual funds:

• Fund types: Taxation rules differ based on the type of mutual fund. E.g., debt mutual fund, hybrid mutual fund, etc.
• Dividend: A part of the profit distributed amongst investors by mutual fund houses is called dividend.
• Capital gains: When investors sell their capital assets at a higher price than its total investment amount, the profit is termed as capital gains.
• Holding period: Time between the date of the purchase and sale of mutual fund units. As per the income tax regulations of India, if you hold your investment for an extended period, you will be liable to pay a low tax amount. Thus, the holding period influences the tax rate payable on your capital gains. The higher your holding period, the lesser tax you are liable to pay.

Dividends earned from mutual funds are also taxable.As per the amendments made in the Union Budget 2020, dividends offered by any mutual fund scheme are taxed in the classical manner.
Here’s a detailed look at the tax rates on capital gains from mutual funds:

Step-by-step guide foe investing in low-risk mutual funds

Step1: Do research and assess risk - Start by exploring various low-risk mutual funds to grasp their investment approaches, past performance, fees, and asset types. Evaluate your risk tolerance and financial goals to ensure alignment with chosen funds.

Step 2: Set-up your account and pick funds - Open an account with a brokerage firm to begin investing in mutual funds. Select funds that match your risk tolerance and objectives, considering factors like fund size and manager experience.

Step 3: Determine your investment amount - Decide on the sum you want to invest, considering any minimum investment requirements some funds may have.

Step 4: Buy shares - Once your account is active, you can purchase shares of selected funds. You can either make a lump sum investment or opt for regular contributions through low-risk SIPs.

Step 5: Stay informed - Regularly monitor the performance of your chosen funds. While low-risk funds aim for stability, it is essential to periodically review your investments and make adjustments if needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, low-risk mutual funds are an excellent investment option for conservative investors who prioritise stability over high returns. By investing in these funds, investors can enjoy steady returns while minimising their exposure to market risks.

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