6 Benefits of Investing in Debt Mutual Funds

When it comes to investing, those who are comfortable with putting money in the financial market flock towards equities. On the other hand, risk-averse investors lean towards traditional avenues such as fixed deposits, public provident funds, and insurance policies.

As a result, retail investors can overlook debt mutual funds, despite their many advantages. Being relatively stable compared to equity investments while offering better growth potential than some traditional savings avenues, debt mutual funds can be a valuable addition to a financial plan.

This article tells you more about debt mutual funds and the benefits they can offer.

What are debt mutual funds?

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities such as bonds, treasury bills, certificates of deposit, commercial papers, etc. These securities are issued by entities such as governments and corporations to raise capital (hence the name ‘debt’). Investors lend money to the issuer and, in return, are offered periodic interest payments and the principal amount at maturity. Returns are earned through these interest payments and the potential appreciation of the value of these securities. These funds are managed by professional fund managers.

Starting an SIP in debt funds

Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in debt funds can be a wise decision. Also, with the help of an SIP calculator, you can project the potential future value of your investments. This can help you align your investments with your financial goals. The SIP calculator can also provide insights into how your regular contributions can grow over time, helping in informed decision-making and ensuring your investments serve your long-term objectives effectively.

Benefits of debt mutual funds

Potential for steady returns: While they may not have the same return potential as equities, debt mutual funds can potentially provide steady returns and relative stability of capital, which is suitable for conservative investors. If the entity repaying the debt pays the interest on schedule, it can result in a predictable income stream. However, as with any mutual fund scheme, there are market risks, including the risk of default by the bond issuer.
Liquidity: Most debt mutual funds offer high liquidity. Investors can redeem their units whenever they need funds, and the money is usually credited to their account within a few working days. This makes debt mutual funds a flexible investment option, as you can access your money when needed.
Diversification: Debt mutual funds allow investors to diversify and reduce overall portfolio risk as these funds are less affected by market volatility compared to equity funds. This diversification is the key to building a resilient portfolio capable of weathering different market conditions and achieving sustainable growth over time.
Professional management: Debt mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make informed decisions about investment strategies and portfolio allocations. These managers have expertise in assessing credit risks, selecting suitable securities, and optimizing returns while managing risk. They closely monitor market conditions, interest rate movements, and economic trends to make timely adjustments that optimize investor returns and align with fund objectives. This proactive approach not only enhances the potential for steady income generation but also provides investors with access to diversified portfolios that are actively managed to navigate varying market conditions effectively.
Variety: Debt mutual funds come in various types, catering to different investment needs and risk profiles. For example, liquid and overnight funds are among the least risky options, with better return potential than savings accounts and suitable for short-term parking of funds. Long-duration funds can be suitable for an investment horizon of three-to-five years and can offer better return potential than traditional investment avenues in favourable market conditions. They also offer higher liquidity than provident funds, fixed deposits, and insurance policies.
Regular income: Debt funds can be suitable for those looking for an income stream from their investments, such as retirees. This is because they earn interest income through their underlying securities (subject to credit risk and other market risks).

Risks involved in debt funds

While debt mutual funds offer numerous benefits, it is important to understand the risks associated with such investments, which are as follows:

Interest rate risk: The value of debt funds can fluctuate with changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds falls, which can negatively impact the fund’s returns. When interest rates fall, the value of existing bonds rises, which can enhance return potential.
Credit risk: This is the risk of the issuer defaulting on interest or principal payments. It is therefore important to assess the credit quality of the debt issuers before investing.
Inflation risk: Debt fund returns may not always keep pace with inflation. Long-term investors, in particular, should consider this aspect and can consider hybrid mutual funds that combine both debt and equity.
Liquidity risk: Some debt securities might be difficult to sell quickly, which can impact the fund’s ability to meet redemption requests.
Reinvestment risk: This is the risk that income generated from the fund’s holdings, such as interest payments or maturing bonds, will need to be reinvested at lower interest rates than the original investments. This can impact the overall returns of the fund, especially in a declining interest rate environment.

Thus, debt mutual funds can be a suitable investment option for those seeking to blend modest return potential with liquidity and relative stability of capital. They entail lower risk compared to equities and better return potential than traditional investment avenues, especially in favourable market conditions.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.