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Home / Glossary / Debt Funds / Low Duration Funds

Introduction

Low duration funds are a type of debt mutual fund that primarily invests in debt and money market instruments with short-term maturities. These funds aim to provide moderate returns while maintaining relatively low interest rate risk and credit risk. This guide explores the intricacies of low-duration funds, their benefits, risks, types, and strategies for investing.

What are Low Duration Funds?

Low duration funds, also known as short-term funds, invest in debt securities that have a duration of one to three years. These funds are designed to provide investors with a balance between risk and return, making them an attractive option for those looking to invest in debt instruments with minimal interest rate risk.

How Low Duration Funds Work?

Low duration fund generate returns through interest income and capital appreciation. The fund managers invest in a mix of government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments with short-term maturities. The performance of these funds is influenced by interest rate movements, credit ratings of the securities, and overall economic conditions.

Benefits of Investing in Low Duration Funds

  1. Lower Interest Rate Risk: Since low duration funds invest in short-term debt instruments, they are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations compared to long-term debt funds. This makes them a safer investment during periods of rising interest rates.
  2. Regular Income: Low duration fund provide regular income through interest payments from the underlying securities. This makes them suitable for investors seeking a steady income stream.
  3. Moderate Returns: These funds offer moderate returns, which are typically higher than those of liquid funds but lower than long-term debt funds. They strike a balance between risk and return, making them suitable for conservative investors.
  4. High Liquidity: Low duration funds offer high liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their investments quickly without significant penalties. This is particularly beneficial for those who may need to access their funds on short notice.
  5. Tax Efficiency: Low duration fund held for more than three years qualify for long-term capital gains tax with indexation benefits, which can significantly reduce the tax liability compared to interest earned on fixed deposits.

Risks Associated with Low Duration Funds

  1. Credit Risk: Low duration funds may invest in lower-rated securities to enhance returns, which exposes them to credit risk. If the issuer defaults on its payment obligations, the fund may incur losses.
  2. Interest Rate Risk: While low duration funds have lower interest rate risk compared to long-term debt funds, they are not completely immune to interest rate fluctuations. A sudden rise in interest rates can lead to a decline in the value of the underlying securities.
  3. Liquidity Risk: During market downturns, it may be challenging to sell certain debt securities without incurring significant losses, leading to liquidity risk.
  4. Inflation Risk: Low duration funds may not always keep pace with inflation, especially in a rising inflation environment. This can erode the purchasing power of returns over time.

You may also want to know about Medium Duration Funds

Popular Low Duration Funds

Here are some popular low duration fund available in the market:

1. HDFC Low Duration Fund

HDFC Low Duration Fund invests in a mix of high-quality debt and money market instruments with short-term maturities. The fund aims to provide regular income and capital appreciation with relatively low risk.

2. SBI Low Duration Fund

SBI Low Duration Fund focuses on short-term debt instruments, aiming to provide moderate returns with minimal interest rate risk. The fund is suitable for investors looking for a balance between income and safety.

3. SBI Magnum Low Duration Fund

SBI Magnum Low Duration Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of short-term debt and money market instruments. The fund seeks to provide liquidity and moderate returns, making it suitable for conservative investors.

4. DSP Low Duration Fund

DSP Low Duration Fund invests in short-term debt securities and money market instruments. The fund aims to provide regular income and moderate returns with low interest rate risk.

5. Aditya Birla Sun Life Low Duration Fund Direct Growth

ABSL Low Duration Fund Direct Growth focuses on high-quality short-term debt instruments. The fund aims to provide capital appreciation and regular income with a moderate risk profile.

6. Franklin India Low Duration Fund

Franklin India Low Duration Fund invests in a mix of short-term debt securities and money market instruments. The fund aims to provide regular income and capital appreciation with relatively low risk.

7. Sundaram Low Duration Fund

Sundaram Low Duration Fund focuses on short-term debt and money market instruments. The fund aims to provide moderate returns and high liquidity, making it suitable for conservative investors.

You may also want to know Floater Fund

How to Invest in Low Duration Funds?

1. Define Your Investment Goals

Identify your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. This will help you choose the appropriate low-duration fund that aligns with your goals.

2. Research and Compare Funds

Evaluate various low duration fund schemes by considering factors like past performance, expense ratio, credit quality, and interest rate sensitivity. Use tools like fund fact sheets and ratings from independent agencies to make informed decisions.

3. Diversify Your Investments

Diversification helps mitigate risk. Consider investing in a mix of low-duration funds from different fund houses to spread risk.

4. Monitor Your Investments

Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your investment goals. Stay updated on interest rate trends and economic conditions that may impact your investments.

5. Seek Professional Advice

If you’re unsure about selecting the right low duration funds, consider consulting a financial advisor.

Conclusion

Low-duration mutual funds offer a balanced approach for investors seeking steady returns with reduced interest rate risk. These funds invest in short-term debt securities, making them less susceptible to market volatility. While they provide a relatively stable income stream, it’s important to understand the potential for lower returns compared to longer-duration funds.

By carefully considering factors like credit risk, liquidity, and fund management expertise, investors can select low-duration funds that align with their risk tolerance and financial objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are low duration funds?

Low duration funds are debt mutual funds that invest in short-term debt instruments with durations ranging from one to three years. They aim to provide moderate returns with lower interest rate risk.

How do low duration funds differ from liquid funds?

Low duration funds invest in debt securities with slightly longer maturities than liquid funds, which typically invest in securities with maturities up to 91 days. As a result, low duration funds offer higher returns but with slightly higher risk.

Are low duration funds suitable for conservative investors?

Yes, a low-duration fund is suitable for conservative investors seeking moderate returns with lower risk compared to long-term debt funds. They provide regular income and high liquidity.

What is HSBC low duration fund?

The HSBC Low Duration Fund is a debt mutual fund that invests in short-term debt securities. It aims to provide stable returns with minimal interest rate risk, making it suitable for investors seeking a relatively safe and liquid investment option.

How are low duration funds taxed?

Short-term capital gains (held for less than three years) are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab. Long-term capital gains (held for more than three years) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.

Can low duration funds provide higher returns than fixed deposits?

Yes, low duration funds have the potential to provide higher returns than fixed deposits due to their diversified portfolio and exposure to various debt instruments. However, they also come with market-related risks.

What is the difference between low duration funds and short duration funds?

Low duration funds invest in debt securities with durations ranging from one to three years, while short duration funds invest in securities with durations ranging from one to three years. Both aim to provide moderate returns with lower risk, but short duration funds may have slightly higher interest rate risk.

How do interest rate movements affect low duration funds?

While low duration funds have lower interest rate risk compared to long-term debt funds, they are still affected by interest rate movements. A rise in interest rates can lead to a decline in the value of the underlying securities, while a fall in interest rates can result in capital gains.

Are low duration funds liquid investments?

Yes, most low duration funds offer high liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their investments quickly without significant penalties. However, liquidity can be affected during market downturns.

What are credit risk funds?

Credit risk funds invest in lower-rated corporate bonds to generate higher returns. They come with higher credit risk but can offer substantial returns if managed well.

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