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Hybrid Mutual Funds: Types and Who Should Invest in Them?
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Disclaimer: This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time. The above information is for general understanding and reference. This is not legal advice or tax advice, and users are advised to consult their tax advisors before making any decision or taking any action.
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Today, traditional savings accounts yield minimal returns and trading in the stock market can be difficult. Thus, one option that balances safety and growth potential is the Hybrid Mutual Fund. Mutual funds aggregate money from several participants to invest in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets.
They offer a convenient way for individuals to access professional fund management and a diversified investment portfolio without needing hands-on management. Now comes the question what is a hybrid fund? A hybrid mutual fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in more than one asset class, such as equity and debt.
These funds are designed to provide an investing option to investors with a moderate risk tolerance. The goal is to build a balanced portfolio with growth and yielding assets. But only this much information is not sufficient to invest in these funds. Thus, read ahead to explore what are hybrid mutual funds, their features, popular types of hybrid funds, and more.
What are the Features and Benefits of Hybrid Mutual Funds?
Hybrid mutual funds offer several features. Some of them are:
1. Higher Returns and Diversification
Hybrid Mutual Funds invest in equity and debt, striving for better hybrid fund returns than traditional options like fixed deposits. This diversification harnesses the growth potential of equities while maintaining stability through debt instruments.
2. Lower Risk Through Asset Balancing
These funds balance risk by combining the high-return nature of equity with the lower-risk characteristics of debt. This equilibrium leads to reduced volatility compared to investing solely in equities.
3. Stability and Risk Management
Hybrid Mutual Funds are designed to provide stability in returns. Equities are known for their volatility, while debt instruments offer stability. By combining both, these funds aim to create a more stable investment option while effectively managing risk.
4. Enhanced Diversification
Hybrid funds provide a convenient way to access multiple asset categories within a single investment, reducing the need for managing multiple investments separately.
5. Active Risk Management
These funds employ active portfolio diversification and asset allocation strategies to effectively manage risk by balancing investments in different asset classes.
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Best Performing Hybrid Mutual Funds
There are several top hybrid mutual funds. They are:
Types of Hybrid Funds
There are several types of hybrid Funds. Some of them are:
A. By Equity-Debt Allocation
Equity-debt allocation refers to the proportion of a fund’s assets invested in equities (stocks) and debt (bonds). The allocation can be aggressive (more equities) or conservative (more debt), depending on the fund’s investment strategy.
1. Aggressive Hybrid
These funds invest a larger portion (65-80%) in equities and the rest in debt instruments. They aim for higher hybrid fund returns but come with higher risk.
2. Equity Savings
These funds invest in equities, arbitrage, and debt. They aim to provide stable returns with lower risk.
3. Conservative Hybrid
These funds invest a larger portion (75-90%) in debt instruments and the rest in equities. They aim for stable returns with lower risk.
B. By Solutions
These funds aim to provide specific solutions or benefits to investors. They are of the following types:
1. Dynamic Asset Allocation
These funds adjust the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.
2. Multi-Asset Allocation
These funds invest in more than two asset classes, such as equity, debt, and gold.
3. Retirement Solutions
These funds aim to provide a retirement corpus by investing in equity and debt.
C. Others
Additional hybrid fund types include:
1. Arbitrage
These funds exploit price differences in different markets for the same asset to generate returns.
2. Hybrid FoF (Fund of Funds)
These funds invest in other mutual funds, providing diversification across fund houses and strategies.
How Does a Hybrid Mutual Fund Work?
A hybrid mutual fund invests in both equity and debt securities. The equity portion generates returns when the equity markets are doing well, and the debt portion provides a cushion for when the market is underperforming. It aims to offer long-term capital appreciation through equity and short-term stability and regular income through debt. The fund manager always maintains the appropriate asset allocation ratio based on the fund's objective and the market outlook.
Who Should Invest in Hybrid Mutual Funds?
Hybrid mutual funds are suitable for investors seeking a balanced mix of stocks and bonds in a single investment vehicle. They are ideal for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios while managing risk. These funds are well-suited for conservative investors who prefer a moderate risk profile, as they provide exposure to equities for potential growth and bonds for stability.
Additionally, those with a medium to long-term investment horizon can benefit from the combination of asset classes. Investors should assess their risk tolerance and financial goals before considering hybrid funds to ensure they align with their investment objectives.
How to Invest in Hybrid Mutual Funds Online?
Investing in mutual funds is a strategic way to accumulate wealth and meet financial objectives. You can do so by following these simple steps:
1. Define Goals
Identify your financial targets, such as retirement planning, home purchase, or wealth creation. Clear goals aid in choosing a suitable investment.
2. Choose Appropriate Funds
Mutual funds vary in risk and return potential. Identify your risk tolerance and select funds that align with your profile.
3. Open an Account
You’ll need an investment account, which can be opened through brokerage firms or online platforms. Complete your KYC process before investing.
4. Diversify Investments
Spread your investments across multiple funds and asset classes to reduce risk and maintain a balanced hybrid fund portfolio.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Hybrid Fund in India
Before investing in hybrid funds in India, consider these key factors:
1. Risk-Return Evaluation
The risk in hybrid funds corresponds to the asset allocation in the portfolio. Analysing the scheme’s portfolio provides insight into potential risks.
2. Selecting the Appropriate Hybrid Fund
When selecting a hybrid fund, consider your risk tolerance, financial objectives, and investment timeframe. If you require regular income, a debt-oriented hybrid fund may offer better returns than a pure debt fund due to the equity component.
3. Fund Manager’s Track Record
The fund manager’s expertise and track record play a crucial role in the fund's performance. Examine the historical performance of other investment funds overseen by the same individual to gain insights into their investment approach and track record of success.
Conclusion
It is also important to evaluate the consistency of their returns, risk management, and ability to adapt to changing market conditions. However, it’s crucial to remember that past performance does not guarantee future results, and other factors, such as market conditions and economic variables, can influence fund performance. Thus, you must thoroughly research and then invest the money.
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