Indian investors can choose amongst exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other category/ sub-category of mutual funds when building an investment portfolio. Both provide professionally managed portfolios along with the advantages of diversification. But they differ from each other in terms of the mechanism, the way you invest, and even the way you monitor their performance.
It is important to understand the difference between ETFs and mutual funds to choose the best that meets your investment strategy and risk appetite. To help you in making an informed choice, this article shall compare the characteristics of both investment vehicles.
What is a Mutual Fund?
A mutual fund is an investment product that is handled professionally, where the money from a group of investors is pooled and invested in various securities – stocks, bonds, money market instruments, or a combination of these. Investors are allocated the fund's units that represent their share in the composition of the fund.
The unit price is also referred to as the Net Asset Value (NAV) of a mutual fund which is available daily. It is determined at the close of the trading day. Whether you invest in a lump sum or through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), the transaction will be done at the end-of-day NAV, subject to conditions like availability of funds, etc.
The different types of mutual fund schemes that exist include equity schemes, debt schemes, hybrid schemes, sector/thematic schemes, solution schemes, etc. Each offers to address particular investment needs and risk appetites.
What is an ETF?
An ETF, the name itself suggests, is a fund that is listed on a stock exchange. Like mutual funds, ETF funds also collect investor’s money and invest the same in a basket of securities – typically to match a particular index like the Nifty 50 or the BSE Sensex. Unlike mutual funds, however, ETFs are units that are listed on the stock market in real time, while the market is open for trading, just like individual shares.
ETF funds are thus able to provide the flexibility for intraday trading that mutual funds cannot. To invest in ETFs, a Demat account along with a trading account is required. The price of an ETF changes throughout the day, depending upon supply and demand in the fluctuating market, and therefore provides the investor with greater control over the timing of entry and exit from the market.
How ETFs Differ from Mutual Funds: A Comparison Feature-for-Feature
Here’s a clear breakdown of how these two popular investment options differ:
| Parameter | Mutual Funds | ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Method | Bought directly through the AMC, distributors, or online mutual fund platforms | Bought and sold on stock exchanges via brokers or trading platforms |
| Pricing Mechanism | Priced at end-of-day NAV | Priced continuously during market hours based on real-time market price |
| Investment Platform | Available through AMC websites or fintech apps | Requires a Demat and trading account |
| Expense Ratio | High | Comparatively Low |
| Liquidity | High | High |
| Brokerage Costs | None (except exit loads, if applicable) | Brokerage fees apply similar to stock transactions |
| Fund Type | Can be active or passive | Passive only, index-tracking funds |
| Taxation | Taxed as per equity/debt holding type and tenure | Same as mutual funds for similar holding patterns |
| NAV Transparency | Available after at the end of day | Real-time pricing and valuation |
| Minimum Investment | Defined minimum amount (e.g., ₹500 for SIP) | Cost of one unit, which is often affordable |
Key Differences Explained in Detail
Process of investment
Mutual fund investment is readily accessible to the investor. No Demat account is required – only PAN card, being KYC compliant, and a bank account. ETFs necessitate both a trading account and a Demat account. This extra requirement may keep some retail investors away from ETFs despite their lesser costs.
Pricing and Valuation
The most significant operational variance is the pricing. Mutual funds are priced once at the end of the day. Whenever you put in the order, you receive the NAV at the end of the day. ETFs are traded and sold in real time, like stocks. That is, you can purchase or sell them at any point of the market hours, and the price you receive is based on real-time demand/supply.
Cost Structure
Mutual fund expenses are generally higher, particularly for actively managed mutual funds. Examples of these include fund management fees, administrative fees, and distributor commissions. ETFs tend to have lower expense ratios since they are passively managed and do not actively select securities.
Transparency and Liquidity
The NAV of mutual funds is updated at the close of the trading day ETF funds provide better real-time disclosure. They have live NAV updates published on their websites, and their prices are available in real time.
Liquidity in mutual fund is market closure based, but ETFs provide intraday liquidity, which is appropriate for traders or individuals who want to enter or close positions quickly.
When to Use a Mutual Fund
Mutual funds are a good alternative if:
- You are a beginner and require a disciplined investment strategy that is SIP friendly.
- You like long-term systematic investing without concerning yourself about timing the market.
- You neither have nor wish to have a Demat account.
- You are seeking actively managed funds with the possibility of delivering better returns compared to benchmark indices.
There are also customised portfolios like hybrid, multi-cap, and thematic schemes offered by mutual funds that are handled professionally by fund managers who adopt strategies based on the situation in the market.
When should you choose an ETF?
ETF funds would be more desirable if:
- You have experience with stock broking sites and already have a Demat account.
- You prefer having greater control over pricing and implementation.
- You are a cost-conscious investor seeking low-cost, index-oriented investment options.
- You appreciate transparency, real-time tracking, and flexibility in the trades.
They are also a good choice for long-term investors who wish to track a market index passively, without the influence of fund manager or style drift.
What Do Experts Say
There is no single silver bullet for everyone. Some seasoned investors combine mutual fund and ETF fund options in their portfolios, to enjoy the best of both worlds for both active and passive exposure. For example, you may invest in a flexi-cap or a large-cap mutual fund for active strategies, but cross-hold an ETF tracking the Nifty 50 for passive, low-cost market exposure.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, depending upon your investment expertise, technical proficiency, investment objectives, risk appetite and time frame.
Conclusion
However, the decision to invest in either a mutual fund or an ETF isn't whether one is superior to the other, but which suits your profile/portfolio and investment strategy best. Although both try to potentially grow wealth based on probable returns from the markets, their ways of functioning, liquidity, fees, and flexibilities are very different.
ETFs provide transparency, minimal costs, and direct oversight. However, they demand knowledge of platforms. Mutual funds, on the other hand, provide investable schemes readily available, automatisation through SIPs, and the potential to beat markets using active management.
No matter what you choose to do, you should evaluate your targets, read scheme documents thoroughly, and if necessary, seek the advice of a SEBI-registered financial consultant.
Disclaimers:
- An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative by Tata Mutual Fund
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Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.
