Mutual funds offer decent long-term returns due to the power of compounding. They are considered safer when compared to direct stocks because experienced fund managers appointed by Asset Management Companies (AMCs) manage the funds. But mutual funds carry some risk as they depend on market performance.
However, when it comes to investing, new investors always question the right time to invest in mutual funds. Investment in mutual funds doesn’t follow hard and fast rules, so there is no best time. You can start investing in mutual funds anytime, depending on your investment capabilities and risk appetite.
Understanding the mutual funds
Mutual funds pool investments from various individual and institutional investors with similar investment objectives and are professionally managed by fund houses or Asset Management Companies (AMC). An AMC hires professionally experienced fund managers to oversee your investments and employ them in purchasing capital assets.
Mutual funds invest in several securities, including stocks, bonds, etc., and it helps diversify your portfolio to minimize risks and augment returns. Over the past few decades, individuals have preferred mutual fund investments over traditional investment instruments to increase wealth.
However, new investors may need clarification about the right time to invest in mutual funds. To plan efficiently, they must outline their investment capabilities and risk appetite.
When is the best time to invest in mutual funds?
Due to their flexibility, mutual funds have gained immense popularity among investors from all age groups. The major reasons for the wide acceptance of mutual funds are the various categories to invest in and diverse risk profiles. It suits investors with different risk appetites; aggressive and defensive investors can find a suitable mutual fund.
Once you have decided to invest in mutual funds, you need to understand a few investment technicalities to know the best time to invest in mutual funds. Purchasing capital when the market hits bottom or when the bond returns are high is the ideal scenario. But it would help if you also considered the returns through compounding over a long duration. Thus, the perfect time to invest in mutual funds varies depending on the investor and the market performance.
Factors to help determine the right time to invest in mutual funds
Investment practices for experienced investors come down to a few basic rules that can help you identify the right time to invest in mutual funds and ensure decent returns. The following are the common factors that can help determine the best time to invest in mutual funds:
- Market position
Market position is vital to consider while investing. When the market hits a low, it tries to recover the losses, and that is the best time to invest as you get capital gains during the period. However, aggressive investors willing to face high risk can invest any time as they will experience all cycles and corrections while receiving the returns.
- Risk appetite
High-risk investments deliver higher returns on investments in comparison to low-risk instruments. For instance, an FD or PPF is a secured investment that provides assured returns as it is free from the market index. However, the returns on these instruments are nominal.
On the other hand, high-risk instruments such as stocks and equities provide significant returns.
- Return on investment
High-risk instruments provide better ROIs (Return on Investments). If you wish to take high risks, you can invest in equities. Instead of keeping your funds in a savings account, you can invest in a lump sum in mutual funds or start a SIP if you wish to invest every month. Whatever method you choose, you need to stay invested for 3-5 years to witness a significant capital rise.
- Investment tenure
Whether new or experienced, any investor needs to outline their investment objective and goals and fix their investment tenure. You can invest for a shorter duration and earn a short-term capital gain or stay invested for longer tenure and earn long-term capital. Due to the power of compounding, long-term investments accrue better returns in mutual funds. However, investment tenure varies depending on your financial goals and objectives.
Mutual funds are preferred due to their flexibility and a wide variety of investment categories. Investors seeking low and high risks from all ages and experience can find a suitable fund to invest in. Moreover, they can consider the above factors to determine the right time to invest in mutual funds.
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