As the name suggests, Multi-asset allocation funds aka multi-asset funds or asset allocation funds, are mutual funds which invest money in a mix of different asset classes and provide diversification via investing in single funds only.
A multi asset scheme uses balanced approach and reduces buyer worries of equity market turbulence or low return of debt securities. The investor can get a moderate return from multi asset fund.
Multi Asset allocation Fund meaning, a fund which invest in at least three asset classes with a minimum allocation of 10% in each class. The three most important asset classes are Equity, debt and gold including exchange traded funds (ETFs).
These asset classes can include:
- Equities (Stocks): Investments in company stocks, which represent ownership in businesses. Equities offer potential for capital appreciation but can also be volatile.
- Fixed-Income Securities (Bonds): Investments in debt instruments issued by governments, municipalities, and corporations. Bonds provide regular interest payments and are generally considered less risky than stocks.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid and low-risk investments like money market instruments. These provide stability and can be readily converted to cash.
- Alternative Investments: These can include real estate, commodities, precious metals, hedge funds, and other non-traditional assets. They may offer diversification benefits and returns that are not closely correlated with traditional assets.
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How do Multi-asset allocation funds work?
Every kind of asset class- equity, debt, liquid, commodity has its own uptrend cycle. In certain market situations equity performs better, while other times it may give low or negative returns. Similar is the case with debt and commodities too.
But for a change, multi asset allocation fund, invests in all these categories together. Which may also means that multi asset funds is deemed to be an allrounder and perform moderately in every market condition.
Here equity helps in potential wealth creation, Gold supports in market uncertainties by acting as a hedge against inflation.At the same time debt may offer stability to the portfolio.
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Benefit of investing in Multi Asset Funds
1.Low Volatility –
Since Multi-asset allocation funds distribute money across various categories together thus it offers balanced risk and return of an investment portfolio.As in a market downtrend not all asset classes underperform.
2. Diversification –
The goal of a multi asset fund is to achieve a level of diversification that can potentially mitigate the impact of poor performance in any single asset class. This diversification can help reduce the overall volatility of the fund and provide a smoother investment experience.
Additionally different asset classes are less likely to move in same direction simultaneously and since these funds include different asset classes with lower correlation these funds aims to reduce risk
3. Taxation-
Multi allocation funds do not come with the mandate of investing 65% funds in either equity class or fixed income class, therefore the taxation may differ from scheme to scheme. The investor has to check taxation of individual multi-asset funds with the help of detailed scheme information.
The multi asset allocation funds can have equity or debt taxation.
4. Convenience
One can invest in equity, fixed income and gold through one single fund.
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Who should invest in multi asset allocation funds?
The multi asset allocation mutual funds are deemed to be suitable for low risk takers who want to enjoy the steady returns from their Investments.
These funds shows a steady income flow even if any of the asset class underperform then usual.
Investors can choose multi-asset allocation funds based on their risk tolerance, investment objectives, and time horizon.
These funds may be appropriate for investors who desire a professionally managed, more diversified approach to investing without having to control each individual asset allocation themselves.