Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments, providing stability as well as growth potential. With proper research and planning, hybrid funds can be powerful wealth creation tools for Indian investors. Here is a step-by-step guide to building wealth with the top hybrid mutual funds in India:
Understanding hybrid funds
Hybrid mutual funds invest in a combination of equity and debt. They aim to provide higher returns than pure debt funds, with lower volatility compared to pure equity funds. The equity component provides growth potential while the debt portion lends stability.
Hybrid funds come in different variants based on equity-debt allocation:
- Aggressive hybridfunds: Invest 65-80% in equities and 20-35% in debt.
- Equity savings funds: Invest 15-50%in equities and 50-85%in debt.
- Balanced advantagefunds: Invest 30-80% in equities and 20-70% in debt.
- Conservative hybrid funds: Invest 10-25% in equities and 75-90% in debt.
Choosing the right variant depends on your risk appetite and investment horizon. Aggressive hybrids carry higher risk but generate higher returns over the long term.
Choosing the right hybrid funds to invest in
Focus on these factors while selecting hybrid funds to invest in mutual funds:
- Returns: Analyse the past 3/5/10-year returns to gauge performance.
- Risk-return ratio: Evaluate the returns generated relative to the risk taken.
- Asset allocation: Review the equity-debt mix and the fund manager’s flexibility to change it according to market conditions.
- Fund management: Consider the experience and track record of the fund management team.
- Costs: Compare expense ratios and choose funds that include lower costs.
- Portfolio holdings: Review the underlying stocks and bonds held by the hybrid fund.
- Ratings: Prefer funds that have a 4-star rating and above by leading rating agencies.
Starting your SIPs in hybrid funds
A systematic investment plan (SIP) is the easiest way to start investing in mutual funds. Compared to lump sum investments, SIPs spread your purchases over time, averaging out market ups and downs.
Follow these tips for optimal hybrid fund SIP returns:
- Start investing early: The earlier you start your SIPs, the more time your funds have to grow.
- Try and increase SIP payments: Increase SIP amounts gradually to accumulate higher units when market valuation is attractive.
- Consolidate multiple SIPs: Consolidating multiple SIPs into one or two funds can help improve your returns.
- Avoid redeeming SIPs during a market downfall: Do not redeem your SIPs when the market is down. Stay patient and allow units to accumulate.
Here are some common SIP mistakes to avoid:
- Starting too many SIPs: stick to 1 or 2 funds. Too many funds dilute returns.
- Irregular SIP payments: Ensure you never miss an SIP instalment.
- Not increasing SIP investments: Raise your SIP payments by 10-20% annually to combat inflation.
- Stopping SIPs midway: Stay invested for the full planned tenure to achieve the target corpus.
- Not monitoring your SIPs: Review your SIP funds periodically to monitor their performance. Make changes if required.
By starting early, choosing the right funds, avoiding mistakes, and maximising returns using the above-mentioned tips, your hybrid fund SIP can deliver excellent wealth creation over the long term. So, stay focused on your goals and be patient.
