Are you looking to invest in the stock market but feel overwhelmed by the risks involved? You are not alone! Many investors seek equity exposure without diving headfirst into high-risk wagers. This is where Index Nifty Funds come into play, offering a balanced approach to investing in top-performing ...read more
In today’s financial landscape, understanding the nuances of various investment strategies is essential. With two primary approaches — active and passive investing — it's crucial to know which aligns best with your financial goals.
Active investing involves selecting individual stocks. Passive investing, on the other hand, simply tracks a benchmark index — this is done via Nifty Index Funds and other options. This approach not only reduces the unsystematic risk but also eases the burden of constant monitoring.
What is Nifty? |
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Nifty is a prominent stock market index created by the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). Designed to present an overall view of the performance of the major listed companies, it encompasses various indices — the widely recognised NIFTY 50, NIFTY NEXT 50, and others. Nifty has over 350 different indices that track the movement of stocks by looking at the average and market value of companies from various sectors. Nifty uses a method called free-float market capitalisation to calculate its indices. |
You can find various types of Nifty Index Funds to tailor your portfolio as per your risk tolerance and investment goals —
An Index Nifty 50 Fund invests in the companies that make up the Nifty 50 Index, which includes the 50 largest companies in India by market capitalisation. As well-established leaders in their sectors, they are often referred to as blue-chip companies.
Nifty 50 companies are known for their strong profitability and track record of providing good returns to shareholders — both through regular dividends and capital appreciation.
This fund closely mirrors the performance of the index, allowing you to gain exposure to the Indian stock market without the need to buy individual stocks.
Here is the list of best Nifty 50 Index Mutual Funds based on the expense ratio and annualised return of the past 3 years —
Nifty 50 Index Funds Name | Expense Ratio (%) | Annualised Return (3 yrs) |
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UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund | 0.18 | 12.68% |
ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund | 0.35 | 12.44% |
Nippon India Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan - Growth | 0.56 | 12.04% |
Bandhan Nifty 50 Index Fund | 0.1 | 12.75% |
Tata Nifty 50 Index Fund | 0.2 | 12.67% |
DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund | 0.18 | 12.66% |
Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty 50 Index Fund | 0.2 | 12.60% |
Kotak Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct - Growth | 0.15 | 12.62% |
Nifty Index Funds offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for many investors —
Risk Optimisation | These funds mirror the Nifty 50 Index, providing exposure to a diversified portfolio of large-cap stocks across various sectors. This diversification minimises your risk, as poor performance in one sector is less likely to significantly impact your overall investment. |
Consistent Returns | These funds have the potential for steady growth as they are built on the performance of established companies known for profitability. This stability can lead to more reliable returns over time. |
Elimination of Bias | Unlike actively managed funds, Index Nifty Funds rely on an objective approach. The stocks are selected based on their representation in the index, removing any type of bias from investment decisions. |
Diversification | By investing in a range of companies from different sectors, Nifty Index Funds help spread out risk while also letting you enjoy returns from different industries. |
Low-Cost Investment | Index Nifty Funds are passively managed, resulting in lower management fees and expense ratios — often capped at 1% as per regulations. This cost-effectiveness can enhance your overall returns. |
Flexibility | As an investor, you can choose to invest a lump sum or opt for a systematic investment plan (SIP |
With an SIP, you can start investing with as little as INR 500 (approx. AED 22) at regular intervals.
To invest in an Index Nifty Fund, you have two straightforward routes. Let’s discuss each one in more detail —
Step 1: Open a Trading and Demat Account
Register for a trading and Demat account with a reputable stockbroker.
Step 2: Complete the Application
To complete your KYC process, fill out the application form by providing personal and professional information. Upload the necessary documents, such as your —
Step 3: KYC Verification
Your stockbroker will process your application. You will then be notified of your successful KYC verification.
Step 4: Access Your Trading Platform
After the application process is completed, you’ll receive a user ID and password. Use these credentials to log into your stockbroker's trading platform.
Step 5: Select a Nifty Index Fund
Navigate to the fund section of the trading interface and choose a particular index fund for Nifty.
Important: It’s advisable to research the fund’s performance and track record before making a selection. Review all scheme documentation thoroughly.
Step 6: Make Your Investment
Once you’ve selected a particular Index Nifty Fund, you have two options: start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for regular investments or purchase units outright with a lump sum payment.
Note: These steps are mainly for purchasing ETFs. However, many platforms also have their portals to invest in Mutual Funds as well.
These steps are primarily for investing in mutual funds directly —
Through an AMC’s Website
Top AMC Sites in India Include |
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Nifty Index Mutual Funds invest at least 95% of their money in the Nifty 50 Index. Due to this, they are considered equity-oriented mutual funds for tax purposes. This means they follow the same tax rules as other equity funds.
So while you can certainly benefit from the growth potential of the overall stock market, you will also need to pay tax at the same rate.
Here are the new tax rules for index funds in 2024 —
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) |
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Nifty 100 includes the top 100 companies, focusing on measuring the performance of large-cap companies. The Nifty 500 includes the top 500 companies in India, providing a broader view of the market. Nifty 100 effectively tracks the combined performance of the Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50 indices.
Nifty Index Funds are suitable for long-term investors looking for a low-cost way to invest in the stock market. If you prefer a hands-off approach, consider passive funds to mirror the index. If you want a fund manager to actively choose stocks, opt for an active fund, keeping in mind the higher expense ratios.
Yes, Nifty 50 Index Funds can be a good investment choice for those seeking to participate in the financial markets without the complexity of picking individual stocks. They provide balanced exposure to the top 50 companies, making them suitable for long-term investments.
Nifty 50 Index Funds offer lower risk through diversification across 50 large-cap companies, requiring minimal active management. Additionally, they are accessible, allowing investors to gain exposure to major companies with a relatively small capital investment.