What triggered the new categorization and rationalization of Mutual Fund Schemes?

In October 2017, SEBI issued the rules for categorization and rationalization of Mutual Fund Schemes (MFS). The objective is to make it easier for investors to evaluate options before taking an informed decision. It hopes to do this by having clear distinction between Funds (their asset allocation and investment strategy etc.) and better uniformity. Further, each AMC can have only one Fund per category. Simply put, you can expect more discipline in Fund Managers sticking to the category rules and better comparisons.

What are different types of Mutual Funds?

Choosing a type of Mutual Fund, that is right for you, primarily depends on following parameters:

• Investment horizon, or how long you intend to hold it
• Risk Appetite
• Investment Goal

SEBI has classified Funds into 4 broad types – Equity, Debt, Balanced/Hybrid and Solution Oriented.

In the rest of the blog-post, we will cover the different types of Equity and Solution-Oriented MFs

Equity Funds

These MFs invest majority (>70%) of their corpus (investor’s money pooled together) in stocks, with an objective of capital growth. Different Fund Managers invest in different stocks based on their outlook on those companies’ future. These are suited for investors with a long-term horizon (usually more than 5 years). These MFs include

1. Large-Cap Funds: Invest in Top 100 companies according to average market capitalisation (past 6 months). Investment in Equity & Equity-related instruments of Large-Cap companies is a minimum 80% of total assets.
2. Mid-Cap Funds: Invest in next 150 (101-250) companies according to average market capitalisation (past 6 months). Minimum investment in Equity & Equity-related instruments of Mid-Cap companies is 65% of total assets.
3. Large & Mid-Cap Funds: Minimum investment in Equity & Equity-related instruments of Large-Cap companies is 35% of total assets and minimum investment  in  Equity & Equity-related instruments of Mid-Cap companies is 35% of total assets.
4. Small–Cap Funds: Invest in companies beyond Top 250 according to average market capitalisation (past 6 months). Minimum investment  in  Equity  & Equity-related instruments of Small-Cap companies is 65% of total assets.
5. Multi-Cap Funds: Invest in stocks across Large, Mid & Small market cap. Minimum investment in Equity & Equity-related instruments is 65% of total assets.
6. Thematic Funds: Invest in stocks from a specific sector. E.g. Healthcare Fund will only invest in Healthcare/Pharma stocks. Minimum investment in Equity & Equity-related instruments of a particular sector/ particular theme is 80% of total assets.
7. Index Funds: These Funds replicate/track a particular Index, such as the Sensex or Nifty. The portfolio of such a Fund will have the same stocks, and in the same proportion as the Index. NAVs of such schemes would rise or fall in line with the rise or fall in the Index, though not by exactly the same percentage. Minimum investment in securities of a particular Index (which is being replicated/ tracked) is 95% of total assets.
8. Tax-saving or ELSS funds: Tax-saving Funds are similar to Multi-Cap MFs. They offer tax deduction, in addition to capital appreciation. However, unlike other MFs, they have a lock-in period of 3 years i.e. one cannot sell the Fund before 3 years from the investment date. Minimum investment in Equity & Equity-related instruments is 80% of total assets (in accordance with Equity Linked Saving Scheme, 2005 notified by Ministry of Finance)

Who should invest in Equity Mutual Funds?

• Equity MFs provide higher returns, but come with lot of volatility. The returns may not be linear like a Fixed Deposit. Hence, only if you have an investment horizon of at least five years or longer, you may pick Equity Mutual Funds.
• Since Equity MFs generate good returns only over long term, one may invest in these MF for long term goals like child’s education/marriage, retirement, etc.
• One must not invest aggressively in an Equity MF when market valuations are high, as there is high chance of drop in value in the short term. We have discussed this topic further in Diversification of Mutual Funds.

Solution Oriented Funds

Solution Oriented schemes are typically meant for meeting a particular financial goal in life.

These schemes don’t really offer any specific benefit as compared to the Equity Mutual Schemes. The said goals can also be met by redeeming the units of typical Equity MF Scheme (Growth-Option). Though, selling of these traditional schemes is rampant under the guise of best solution to ‘Achieving Financial Goals’, the bitter truth is that they hardly add any value to the portfolio. They also come with a 5 year lock-in.

1. Retirement Funds: There are open-ended retirement solution-oriented schemes, having a lock-in of 5 years or till retirement age (whichever is earlier).The Debt-Equity mix is likely to be like that of a Balanced Fund.(SEBI circular doesn’t mention the mandate for the asset allocation of these funds)
2. Children’s Funds: These are open-ended funds for investment for children, having a lock-in for at least 5 years or till the child attains age of majority (whichever is earlier). The Debt-Equity mix is likely to be like that of a Balanced Fund.(SEBI circular doesn’t mention the mandate for the asset allocation of these funds)

Read the next article to know “What are the Different Types of DEBT and Balanced Mutual Funds?”

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