Money Market Funds

A money market fund is a type of mutual fund that has relatively low risks compared to other mutual funds and most other investments and historically has had lower returns.
What are Money Market Funds
4 mins read
07-October-2024

Money market funds are a type of mutual fund that invests in low-risk, short-term debt like government securities and commercial paper. These investments typically mature within a year, minimising the impact of interest rate changes and making them a good option for parking your cash.

Various money market fund types offer several advantages. First, they are known for their stable share price due to the short maturities. Second, they are highly liquid, allowing you to easily access your cash whenever needed. Finally, depending on the specific fund, the income generated may be tax-exempt, further boosting your returns.

What is a money market?

The money market refers to a segment of the financial market where short-term borrowing and lending of funds take place. It deals with instruments that have a maturity period of up to one year. The money market serves as a crucial component of the overall financial system, facilitating liquidity management for institutions and offering a platform for governments, corporations, and financial institutions to meet their short-term funding needs.

What are money market mutual funds?

A money market fund is a type of mutual fund that carries lower risks compared to most other mutual funds and investments, though it typically offers lower returns as well. Money market funds provide investors with an opportunity to earn slightly higher returns than traditional savings accounts or fixed deposits, while still maintaining a high level of liquidity and safety.

History of money market funds

In India, the concept of money market funds traces back to 1985 when the money market settlement fund was established to diversify stock investments and enhance liquidity in the financial system. However, it wasn't until the significant financial reforms of the 1990s that money market funds gained widespread attention. These reforms brought about extensive changes to financial policies and regulatory frameworks, ushering in a new era of liberalisation and modernisation. As part of these reforms, the management of liquid cash in investment markets underwent a transformation, laying the groundwork for the introduction of money market funds. This new category of mutual funds provided fund managers with opportunities to develop diversified and low-risk investment platforms, catering to the needs of traditional investors. The introduction of various financial instruments such as treasury bills, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and forward contracts aimed to bolster monetary security policies and promote stability in the investment landscape.

How do money market funds work?

Money market funds pool money from multiple investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of money market instruments. These funds aim to maintain stability in their net asset value (NAV) and provide investors with a source of income through interest earned on their investments. The returns from money market funds are typically higher than traditional savings accounts, making them an attractive option for parking surplus funds temporarily.

What are the types of money market funds?

Some of the common types of money market funds are:

Treasury Bills (T-Bills)

T-Bills are short-term government securities issued to raise funds and typically have maturities ranging from a few days to one year, offering a secure investment option.

Commercial Papers (CPs)

CPs are unsecured, short-term debt instruments issued by corporations to meet their immediate funding needs, often providing higher yields to investors.

Certificate of Deposits (CDs)

CDs are time deposits offered by banks and financial institutions with fixed terms and interest rates, making them a safe and predictable investment choice.

Repurchase Agreements (Repos)

Repos involve the sale of securities with an agreement to repurchase them at a specified future date, serving as a short-term collateralized borrowing mechanism in financial markets.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an example of a money market fund?

There are various types of money market funds. An example of a money market fund is the Nippon India Money Market Fund. It invests in short-term, low-risk debt instruments and offers liquidity to investors.

What is a 1 year return on a money market fund?

Returns fluctuate, but money market funds typically offer low returns compared to other investments.

How do I choose a money market fund?

Consider factors like expense ratio (fees), investment strategy (tax-exempt vs. taxable), and minimum investment amount. Research and compare different funds before choosing.

What is the safest type of money market fund?

Government money market funds in India are generally considered the safest. They invest in government securities and have minimal credit risk.

What is the minimum balance for a money market fund?

Minimum balances vary by fund. Some funds may require as little as Rs. 1,000, while others might have higher thresholds.

What distinguishes a money market mutual fund from a stock fund?

Money market mutual funds primarily invest in short-term, low-risk debt securities like treasury bills, whereas stock funds invest in stocks, which carry higher risk but also potential for higher returns.

How does a bond mutual fund differ from a money market fund?

Bond mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of bonds with varying degrees of risk and maturity periods, while money market funds invest in short-term, low-risk debt securities like treasury bills and commercial paper.

What risks are associated with money market funds?

Risks of money market funds include interest rate risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk, although they are generally considered lower-risk investments compared to stocks or bond funds.

Why should one consider investing in money market funds?

Investors opt for money market funds due to their liquidity, stability, and potential for modest returns, making them suitable for short-term cash management and capital preservation.

Do money market funds pay interest daily?

Yes, money market funds typically pay interest daily, with the interest accrued being added to the fund's net asset value (NAV) on a daily basis.

What is a money market fund?

A money market fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in short-term, high-quality debt securities, such as government bonds, treasury bills, and commercial paper. It aims to provide investors with high liquidity and minimal risk, while offering modest returns.

Is a money market fund a good investment?

Money market funds can be a good investment for those seeking safety, liquidity, and stable returns. They are suitable for parking cash temporarily or for conservative investors, though they typically offer lower returns compared to other investment options.

What is the difference between money market and mutual fund?

Money market funds are a subtype of mutual funds focusing on short-term, low-risk debt securities. In contrast, mutual funds can invest in a broader range of assets, including equities, bonds, and other securities, and can vary significantly in risk and return profiles.

How to buy money market funds?

You can buy money market funds through financial institutions, such as banks or brokerage firms. To purchase, open an account, select the desired fund, and transfer the investment amount. Ensure you review the fund’s details, including its expense ratio and minimum investment requirements.

Are money market funds taxable?

Yes, money market funds are generally taxable. The income earned from these funds is typically subject to income tax. However, some money market funds that invest in municipal securities may offer tax-free income, depending on the investor’s jurisdiction.

Can I sell my money market fund?

Yes, you can sell your money market fund at any time. Money market funds are designed to provide high liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their shares easily, typically without penalties, and receive the current value of their investment.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is an NBFC offering loans, deposits and third-party wealth management products.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any financial advice. The content herein has been prepared by BFL on the basis of publicly available information, internal sources and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, BFL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed. 

This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Hence, User is advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting independent financial experts, if any, and the investor shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.