How should one measure the performance of Mutual Fund
Understanding Net Asset Value of Mutual Funds
SIP vs Lumpsum investment
Who should invest in Mid Cap funds?
-0.09(-0.39%)
-1.25(-0.17%)
+0.25(+1.85%)
+1.70(+0.42%)
-17.50(-1.32%)
-0.05(-0.11%)
+2.00(+0.78%)
-14.90(-0.42%)
+0.02(+0.11%)
+0.19(+0.49%)
Mutual funds are pooled investment schemes where multiple investors contribute funds, which are then managed by professionals to invest in stocks, bonds, or other assets. They offer diversification, professional management, and potential long-term growth.
The best mutual fund for 2026 depends on your risk appetite and financial goals. Equity funds may be suitable for long-term growth, while debt funds provide stability. Consulting a financial advisor or comparing funds based on your financial goals, investment horizon, risk appetite, investment objective, expense ratio and other scheme-related information can help in making an informed decision.
You can start a systematic investment plan (SIP) with as little as Rs. 100 per month. There is no upper limit, and you can choose an amount based on your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance.
There are different types of SIPs, including regular SIPs, flexible SIPs (where investment amounts vary), top-up SIPs (where investment increases periodically), and perpetual SIPs (without an end date). Each type offers different benefits based on investor preferences.
A systematic investment plan (SIP) allows investors to invest a fixed amount in mutual funds at regular intervals. It may help reduce the impact of market volatility through rupee cost averaging and helps build wealth over time through disciplined investing.
SIPs are not risk-free as they are market-linked investments. However, they offer better risk mitigation through diversification and regular investing. The safety of a SIP depends on the type of mutual fund chosen—debt funds generally carry lower market volatility than equity funds, although all mutual funds are subject to market risks.
Stock investment involves buying shares of a company to gain ownership. Investors may receive dividends (if declared) and may benefit from capital appreciation, subject to market performance. In India, stocks are traded on exchanges like NSE and BSE, and investors can buy them via a Demat and trading account.
You can invest any amount provided the share price and applicable trading rules permit it.
Stocks are a market-linked investment option that may suit investors depending on their financial goals and risk appetite. However, they also carry market risks.
To buy stocks in India, you need to open a Demat and trading account with a SEBI-registered broker. After completing KYC, you can place buy orders via online trading platforms or mobile apps linked to your account.
Account opening charges and Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) vary across brokers. Many brokers offer a free Demat account opening, but maintenance charges (AMC) may apply. Some platforms provide zero AMC for the first year or waive fees if a minimum trading volume is maintained. Always check the brokerage charges before opening an account.
One major disadvantage of a Demat account is the annual maintenance charges (AMC). Also, investors may incur transaction fees on buying and selling shares. Additionally, fraudulent activities like unauthorized share transfers are risks if security measures are not followed. This can generally be mitigated by following recommended security practices.
There is no minimum balance requirement for a Demat account in India. You can keep your account empty without holding stocks, but brokers may charge an annual maintenance fee, depending on the service provider's policies.
A Demat account itself is not taxed, but the earnings from stocks (capital gains and dividends) are taxable. Capital gains and dividend income may be taxable under prevailing income tax laws. Please refer to the latest tax provisions or consult a tax advisor.
A Demat account cannot be opened by individuals who fail KYC verification, such as those without valid PAN, Aadhaar, or bank account. Minors need a guardian’s supervision, and NRIs must follow specific FEMA regulations before opening an account.
A fixed deposit (FD) is a savings scheme where you invest a lump sum amount with a bank or financial institution for a fixed tenure at a predetermined interest rate. The amount grows with interest over time, and you receive the maturity amount at the end of the term.
FDs are a good investment for risk-averse individuals looking for guaranteed returns. They offer stable interest rates and security but may not provide inflation-beating returns compared to market-linked investments like mutual funds.
FD maturity depends on the deposit amount, interest rate, tenure and compounding frequency. You can use an FD Calculator for an estimate. The formula for compound interest is A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), where P is the principal, r is the interest rate, n is the compounding frequency, and t is the tenure.
A savings plan in life insurance is a policy that combines a life cover with a savings or investment component. It helps individuals build a financial corpus over time while also providing death benefits to beneficiaries in case of the policyholder's demise.
Unlike term life insurance, which only provides a death benefit, a savings plan also helps in wealth accumulation. It may provide guaranteed returns and often includes a maturity benefit paid at the end of the policy term.
Maturity benefit: A lump sum payout is made to the policyholder if they survive the policy term.
Death benefit: In the event of the life assured’s death during the term, the beneficiary receives a sum assured or accumulated savings amount, depending on the policy type.
Premiums paid for savings plans often qualify for tax deductions, and the maturity proceeds may also be tax-exempt, depending on the policy and tax laws.
Yes, a savings plan can support short-term goals if it offers liquidity and shorter tenures. Some plans allow partial withdrawals or early maturity benefits, making them ideal for expenses like travel, education, or emergencies, while still promoting disciplined saving and offering returns with minimal risk.
Savings plans offer a mix of insurance and investment, fixed deposits provide guaranteed returns, while mutual funds are market-linked. Savings plans are more structured and offer tax benefits, whereas mutual funds offer higher returns with risk, and FDs offer safety but lower returns.
Disclaimer for Fixed Deposit
As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.
For the FD calculator, the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.
Disclaimer for Mutual Funds
*Disclaimer for Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’):
Bajaj Finance Limited ("BFL") is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India ("AMFI") as a distributor of third-party Mutual Funds (referred to as "Mutual Funds") bearing ARN No. 90319.
BFL does not:
(i) provide investment advisory services in any manner or form;
(ii) carry out customized or personalized suitability assessments;
(iii) undertake independent research or analysis, including in relation to any Mutual Fund schemes or other investments; or
(iv) provide any guarantee or assurance of returns on investment.
In addition to displaying Mutual Fund products of Asset Management Companies and/or other entities offering Mutual Fund products through permissible arrangements, certain general information sourced from third parties may also be displayed on an "as is" basis. Such information should not be construed as any solicitation, recommendation, offer, invitation, or attempt to effect transactions in securities or as the rendering of investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, including possible loss of principal, and investors should read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. The Net Asset Value ("NAV") of units issued under Mutual Fund schemes may fluctuate depending upon factors affecting capital markets and may be impacted by changes in interest rates, trading volumes, settlement periods, transfer procedures, and the performance of underlying securities. The NAV may, inter alia, be exposed to price risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and other market-related risks. Past performance of any scheme or Mutual Fund is not indicative of future performance and does not guarantee future returns.
BFL shall not be responsible or liable for any loss, damage, deficiency, or shortfall incurred by investors arising out of or in connection with any investment decision. There may be other investment avenues or products that may be more suitable for an investor. The final investment decision shall at all times remain solely with the investor, and BFL shall not be liable for any consequences arising therefrom.
Investment by persons residing outside the territorial jurisdiction of India shall be subject to applicable laws, regulations, and eligibility criteria governing such investments.
Disclaimer on Risk & Rating
Investors are advised to evaluate a scheme not solely on the basis of the Product Labelling or Risk & Rating but also with reference to other quantitative and qualitative factors, including scheme performance, portfolio composition, investment objectives, fund management, and the asset management company. Investors should consult their professional advisors if they are uncertain about the suitability of any scheme before investing.
Disclosure
Bajaj Finance Limited ("BFL") is a distributor of Mutual Funds and holds AMFI Registration Number (ARN) 90319. BFL receives commission in connection with the distribution of Mutual Fund products in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
The Mutual Fund products displayed on the webpage/App are the products (including the products of Bajaj Finance Asset Management Limited (BFSAMC) which a group company of BFL) offered through Bajaj Financial Securities Limited ("BFSL"), which is a group company of BFL. Any such arrangement is undertaken on an arm's length basis without any conflict of interest and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations. BFL acts solely as a distributor of Mutual Fund products and does not provide investment advisory services, undertake suitability assessments, or guarantee the performance or returns of any Mutual Fund scheme.
**Disclaimer: For Bajaj Financial Securities Limited ('BFSL'):
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Mutual Funds are not Exchange traded products, and we are just acting as distributor and the disputes with respect to the distribution activity, would not have access to Exchange investor redressal forum or Arbitration mechanism.
Visit https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer for complete disclaimer.
Securities market Products/services are made available only at the discretion of BFSL and subject to the individual contractual terms and conditions of the respective Securities market products/services. You shall be the sole owner of any decision to invest in any BFSL's Securities market products/services.
Securities market products/services may be withdrawn or amended at any time by BFSL without notice and your recourse in such case would be directly to reach out BFSL at connect@bajajfinserv.in or 1800 833 8888."
Disclaimer for Stocks Trading
*Disclaimer for Bajaj Finance Limited ('BFL'):
Stock trading business is carried by Bajaj Financial Securities Limited ("BFSL"), a broker and Depository Participant registered with Securities Exchange Board of India and offers various products/services related to Securities market (Securities market products/services). BFL merely facilitates display of data shared by BFSL on its webpage/mobile application. Such data received from BFSL, or any of its service providers is on "as is" basis. BFL does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding accuracy, completeness of such data displayed herein.
When you opt to avail the Securities market products/services of BFSL by clicking on the BFSL weblink/mobile app, you will be redirected to BFSL's web page/mobile app for initiation and completion of the transaction. You are supposed to exercise independent diligence by reading all the related documents carefully before deciding to invest in Securities market Products/services.
BFL is a Non-Banking Financial Company carrying the business of acceptance of deposits and providing lending solutions to Retail and Corporate customers. BFL does not offer nor advice on Securities market products/services and shall not be liable or responsible for any of your investment decision."
**Disclaimer: For Bajaj Financial Securities Limited
Investments in securities market are subject to market risk, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Brokerage will not exceed the SEBI prescribed limit. All leveraged intraday positions will be squared off the same day. There is no restriction on withdrawal of unutilized margin amount. Trade Recommendations are research-calls provided under the SEBI Research Analyst guidelines.
Visit https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer for complete disclaimer.
Securities market Products/services are made available only at the discretion of BFSL and subject to the individual contractual terms and conditions of the respective Securities market products/services. You shall be the sole owner of any decision to invest in any BFSL's Securities market products/services.
Securities market products/services may be withdrawn or amended at any time by BFSL without notice and your recourse in such case would be directly to reach out BFSL at connect@bajajfinserv.in or 1800 833 8888.
Disclaimer for Savings Plan
*T&C Apply. Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Life Insurance Limited (Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Axis Max Life Insurance Limited(formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited.), Bajaj General Insurance Limited(Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company Limited, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure & policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also distributor of other third-party products from Assistance service providers such as CPP Assistance Services Private Limited, Bajaj Finance Health Limited. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, value added services etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective Insurance company or the respective Assistance provider company.
Note- While we have made all the efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective products sales brochure and policy/membership wordings before concluding sales.
**Above illustration considering Male | Standard Life | Premium Amount ₹834 | Premium Payment mode - monthly mode | Age 18 years | Sum assured is 10 times of Annualized premium. | Policy term 20 years| Premium payment term 10 years| Sum Assured on Death (at inception of the Policy) ₹ 1,00,080 | Premium shown above is exclusive of any extra Premium, rider Premium, Goods & Service tax/any other applicable tax levied, subject to changes in tax laws if any | Assuming the policy holder survived till end of policy term.
***Get ₹ 1 lakh sum assured starting Rs. 646 monthly
Healthy male, age 18 years, Premium excl. tax. This is for PPT: 7 & PT: 15.
1 lakh sum assured is the guaranteed maturity benefit at the end of 15 years after paying all the premiums for 7 years.
1 lakh death benefit if the customer dies during the policy tenure while the policy is in active status.
1. Provided all due premiums have been paid and the policy is in force
2. Conditions Apply-The Guaranteed benefits are dependent on policy term, premium payment term availed along with other variable factors. For more details please refer to sales brochure.
3. Tax benefits as per prevailing tax laws in India. You are requested to consult your tax consultant and obtain independent advice for eligibility before claiming any benefit under the policy.
`Above illustration is for Bajaj Allianz Life LongLife Goal III is A Unit-linked Non-Participating Whole Life Insurance Plan (UIN:116L203V01) considering Male aged 25 years | Standard Life | Policy term (PT) - 20 years | Premium Payment Term (PPT) - 10 years | Maturity Age- 85 | Total premiums paid Rs. 3,00,000 | Monthly Premium Payment Mode | Sum Assured Rs. 2,10,000 | Incase of unfortunate death during the 7th policy year, death benefit payable at 4% and 8% will be Rs. 2,56,878. This illustration is considering investment in "Pure Stock Fund - ULIF02721/07/06PURESTKFUN116” through Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy and Goods & Service Tax (GST) of 18%.
LongLife Goal III
Assumed investment return on 20nd Policy Year CAGR*
Rs. 3,65,12,889 @ 8%*
Rs. 1,70,40,944 @ 4%*
*`To be paid as a percentage of annualized premium and is paid at the end of every 5years starting from 10th policy year.
``Tax benefits as per prevailing Section 10(10D) and Section 80C (under old tax regime) of the Income Tax Act shall apply. You are requested to consult your tax consultant and obtain independent advice for eligibility before claiming any benefit under the policy
^Returns less than or equal to 1 year are absolute. Returns greater than 1 year are compounded annualised growth rate (CAGR), Past performance is not indicative of future performance
^^ Above illustration is for Bajaj Allianz Life Goal Assure IV is A Unit-linked Non-Participating Individual Life Savings Insurance Plan (UIN: 116L204V01) considering Male aged 25 years | Standard Life | Policy term (PT) - 20 years | Premium Payment Term (PPT) - 20 years | Total premiums paid Rs. 50,40,000 | Monthly Premium Payment Mode | Sum Assured Rs. 25,20,000 | Incase of unfortunate death during the 7th policy year, death benefit payable at 4% and 8% will be Rs. 25,20,000. This illustration is considering investment in "Pure Stock Fund - ULIF02721/07/06PURESTKFUN116” through Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy and Goods & Service Tax (GST) of 18%.
Goal Assure IV
Assumed investment return on 20nd Policy Year CAGR*
Rs. 1,01,94,963 @ 8%*
Rs. 66,47,741 @ 4%*
`^ Above illustration is for Bajaj Allianz Life Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal V is A Unit-linked Non-Participating Individual Life Savings Insurance Plan (UIN: 116L201V01) considering Male aged 25 years | Standard Life | Policy term (PT) - 32 years | Premium Payment Term (PPT) - 20 years | Total premiums paid Rs. 24,00,000 | Monthly Premium Payment Mode | Sum Assured Rs. 12,00,000 | Incase of unfortunate death during the 7th policy year, death benefit payable at 4% and 8% will be Rs. 12,00,000. This illustration is considering investment in "Pure Stock Fund - ULIF02721/07/06PURESTKFUN116” through Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy and Goods & Service Tax (GST) of 18%.
Assumed investment return on 32nd Policy Year CAGR*
Rs. 1,02,38,401 @ 8%*
Rs. 42,75,402 @ 4%*
