Investing Insights

ETF vs Actively Managed Mutual Funds: Key Differences Every Investor Should Know

When investing in mutual funds, investors can choose from schemes that can give market returns (benchmark index) or have the potential to outperform the market. Passive schemes, including index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), provide returns that mirror the benchmark. Active schemes have the potential to outperform the benchmark. Many investors wonder whether to choose ETF or mutual fund. In this article, we will understand what are mutual funds and ETFs, their differences, and which is better: ETF or mutual fund.

A hand adjusts percentage blocks on a yellow background under the text “Calculate Mutual Fund Return,” illustrating how mutual fund returns are calculated over time.

How are Mutual Fund Returns Calculated?

We invest in financial products to achieve our financial goals. Based on factors like how much we want to invest, for how long, and the target amount, it is the expected returns that help us understand whether we can achieve our goal. The returns can be measured using different ways like absolute returns, compounded annual growth rate (CAGR), etc. In this article, we will understand what is absolute return, CAGR, how they are calculated, and which one you should use.

Visual comparison of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap and micro-cap stocks, illustrating how mutual fund categories differ by market capitalization.

A Comparison of Small Cap, Mid Cap and Large Cap Funds

The equity mutual fund investing universe is quite vast. Many types of equity mutual funds exist based on the size or market capitalisation of the companies they invest in. These include large, mid, and small cap mutual fund schemes. In this article, we will understand what are large, mid, and small cap funds, their differences, and what you should consider before investing in them.

Illustration explaining STP in mutual funds, showing transfer from savings account and liquid fund to equity mutual fund for systematic investing.

What Is STP in Mutual Funds and Its Types

Have you recently received a lump sum as an annual bonus from the employer, maturity proceeds of a financial product, or won prize money from some competition/lucky draw? You must be wondering how to invest this money in a staggered manner while not worrying about impulsive spending. A systematic transfer plan (STP) can help you do that. In this article, we will understand what is STP in mutual fund, its benefits, how to do it, and things to consider before doing an STP.

Human and robotic hands clasped, with digital network background and text 'Robo Advisors

The Pros & Cons of Robo Advisors

Over the years, the definition of FinTech or “Financial Technology” has expanded from covering companies that supply back-end software systems to Financial Institutions to encompassing a multitude of ventures that leverage technology to disrupt existing ways of executing financial transactions or managing money.

Thematic funds vs sectoral mutual funds illustration highlighting recent inflows and investment decision factors.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds Have Seen Inflows of Rs. 55,000 Crores in the Last 6 Months: Should You Invest?

As of July 2024, sectoral and thematic mutual funds have seen more than Rs. 55,000 crore inflows in the last six months. The AMCs are on a NFO launching spree and mutual fund investors are lapping these funds. So, what are these sectoral/thematic funds, why are investors pouring so much money into these, and should you invest? Let us discuss.

the importance of understanding risk for investing strategies

How Understanding Risk Is Critical While Investing and Ways to Mitigate Risk in Investing

When it comes to investing, the risk involved and the potential reward go hand in hand. The higher the risk involved, the higher the reward expectation. However, can the risk be reduced or mitigated while keeping the reward potential still high? The answer is yes. In this article, we will understand what risk is, why understanding it is critical, and ways of mitigating it.

Hands holding blocks labelled Active and Passive mutual funds for portfolio allocation

Active and Passive Funds: How They Can Complement Your Portfolio

In the last few years, passive funds have become quite popular among investors. Some reasons for this include the number of passive funds launched by AMCs, wider awareness about them, their performance and benefits, etc.

Visual representation of NASDAQ mutual fund performance with rising stock market charts, highlighting high returns, global equity investing, and market growth trends.

NASDAQ Mutual Funds Was One of the Best-Performing Indices in 2023 With 55% Returns. Should You Invest?

In 2023, the NASDAQ 100 Index gave stellar returns of 55%, making it one of the best-performing indices amongst major global indices. Looking at the 55% eye-popping returns in 2023, many Indian investors are looking at ways of investing in the NASDAQ out of sheer FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). They expect the outperformance to continue in 2024 and beyond.

What It Takes to Build a Resilient Portfolio

The Indian stock market has been on an upward trend for nearly three years. The sharp market correction of 30% plus seen during March 2020 seems to be an event in the distinct past. However, such sharp volatility is a part and parcel of equity investing. Hence, from an investor perspective what one needs is a resilient portfolio which can weather any market disruption.

Kalpen Parekh, MD & CEO of DSP Mutual Fund, commends FinEdge’s disciplined goal-based investing approach.

Steps to Construct a Great Investment Portfolio – A Guide for Smart Investors

Living in today’s information age has its pros and cons. You have your broker, family members, friends, colleagues, and others giving you friendly investment tips. You also have TV channels, newspapers, magazines, social media and other internet channels bombarding you with investment recommendations/tips.

Piggy bank with a life jacket floating in water, illustrating the concept of a financial emergency fund.

Emergency Fund: What Is It, Why and How Much of It Should You Have?

In 2023-24, many IT companies and start-ups laid off many employees. The IT companies had to lay off people as the demand or discretionary spending pickup in their major market, i.e. the US, was not as strong as expected. The start-ups had to lay off people as they were not able to raise subsequent round(s) of funding due to the funding winter. In both scenarios, people who lost jobs were left in the lurch. As the IT and start-up sectors were going through a soft patch, it was difficult for these people to either get new jobs or at the same/better pay package.