Total Expense Ratio - Know All about Total Expense Ratio (TER) Of Mutual Funds

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 18 Oct 2019
Image
Total Expense Ratio - Know All about Total Expense Ratio (TER) Of Mutual Funds

Total Expense Ratio Know All About Total Expense Ratio of Mutual funds

If you have ever considered who pays for mutual fund advertisements, the costs of managing your mutual fund investments, operating costs of mutual fund companies and others, it's time to know about Total Expense Ratio [TER] of mutual funds.

As a mutual fund investor, you contribute towards the running costs of managing your mutual fund company, that is the AMC or the asset management company.

For example, if you have invested in an equity mutual fund, you could be paying an annual cost of approximately 2.5% of the total value of your investments. Generally, in India, equity funds charge 2.2% to 2.4% as the expense ratio. After adding all the costs together, it is known as the total expense ratio. If the TER is approximately 2.4% per annum, it is proportionately debited each day.

Typically, it is seen that if the assets of the mutual funds are small, the expense ratio could be high. For the mutual fund to meet its costs from restricted or a small asset base, it could raise the expense ratio. Similarly, if the net assets of the mutual fund are substantial, ideally the expense percentage must be slim.

In September 2018, SEBI initiated significant alterations by bringing ending down the total expense ratio of mutual funds. It also changed the process of providing commissions to distributors.


Understanding the elements of expense ratio

Numerous charges within the expense ratio are used to run a mutual fund scheme. Mutual fund investors contribute towards the expense ratio on a day-to-day basis, and complete disclosure is revealed every six months by the AMC on the deducted fees.

There are five significant components within the expense ratio. These include:

  • Management charges - This is a considerable cost and constitutes an integral portion of the TER. It is used to run the fund office, manage a mutual fund, recruit staff and more. Generally, it is a fixed cost for any mutual fund.
  • Service/GST tax - Effective from July 1, 2017, service tax has been replaced by GST, and today is an integral component of the total cost of a mutual fund. The GST of a mutual fund is approximately 18% which makes it a critical cost component for all mutual funds.
  • Transfer agent charge - Transfer agents are as crucial as registrars in equity investment. Typically, the mutual fund registrar takes care of unitholders’ services that include new investments, processing the changes in ownership, dividend reinvestment, managing accounts, redeeming accounts and more. Since mutual fund houses are unable to handle such a colossal activity on their own, two principal mutual funds transfer agents in India, known as KARVY and CAMS accomplish these activities.
  • Brokerage and statutory charges - These two types of commissions are essential in mutual funds. These fees are applied to execute transactions in equity and debt as part of an individual's portfolio management. Besides, the mutual fund house pays commissions to distributors and brokers who promote their products to investors. In this, there is an upfront brokerage to procure new investors and a trail commission to retain clients. A direct plan can help you to save on brokerage costs and hence could be 70 to 80 basis points lower than a regular plan.
  • Operating expenses - Day-to-day operations and marketing costs are also part of the TER. Fees related to advertising, brand promotion, branding, under marketing costs and hence, regardless of whether you are under a direct or regular plan, every mutual fund investor pays towards these charges.


The impact of expense ratio on fund returns

Say you have invested ₹20,000 in a mutual fund that has an expense ratio of 2%. This means you have to pay ₹400 to the fund manager, each year to manage your investment in the fund. Simply put, if the mutual fund provides you with a yield equal to 15% with a TER of 2%, your returns will be approximately 13%.

Also, the net asset value of your mutual fund is stated after taking into account all the charges and costs. Therefore, it is critical to understand the expense ratio of the mutual fund you are paying to the AMC.


Conclusion

The total expense ratio plays a significant impact on your returns, especially over the long-term. Seek the best TER for your mutual fund to maximise your gains and create wealth.




Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

PREVIOUS STORY

SIP vs. RD - Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Vs Recurring Deposit (RD)

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 18 Oct 2019

Financial planning plays an important role in today’s time. For your money to grow into wealth, it is required that you invest it in good avenues. Many individuals set aside a fixed amount every month for investment purpose. The two most popular investment avenues for investing a fixed sum of money every month are Systematic Investment Program (SIP) in Mutual Funds and Recurring Deposits (RD). In this article, you will learn about the difference between RD and SIP. Let us begin by learning the meaning of the two terms. What is SIP? Systematic Investment Plan or SIP is an investment scheme where you can invest a fixed sum of money on a monthly or quarterly basis. It is a disciplined approach of investing your money because you set aside a fixed amount of money for investment purposes. You can start SIP by selecting a mutual fund scheme. The best part of SIP is that you can start it with an amount as low as Rs. 500. Let us now learn the meaning of recurring deposit. What is Recurring Deposit? Recurring Deposit or RD is a term deposit scheme offered by the banks. In this scheme, you have to select the duration of time and amount of monthly deposit. Upon the start of the plan, you have to deposit a fixed amount of money every month during the tenure of the scheme. In general, the duration of the scheme is minimum 6 months and on completion, 3 months of addition can be made up to maximum tenure of 10 years. Recurring deposit schemes are easy on the pocket because in this scheme you get the option to select the amount and tenure for which you want to continue the scheme. Let us now learn about the SIP vs. RD. Scheme of Investment SIP is about investing in mutual fund plans where you have the option to select between debt or equity funds on the basis of your risk-taking capability. Whereas, RD is a deposit scheme that can give you a fixed rate of returns. If you are looking for more flexibility than you can opt for a flexible recurring deposit scheme.  Frequency of Investment SIP can be started with a small amount. It is your choice to invest in SIP on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. In the case of recurring deposits, you can invest a fixed amount on a monthly basis. Choice of Investment SIP gives you the option to invest as per your risk appetite. Based on your risk-taking capability you can invest in different mutual fund schemes like equity, debt, hybrid, etc. On the other hand, a recurring deposit has no investment options. To earn a fixed return, you have to invest a fixed amount of money on a monthly basis. Tenure You can opt for SIP investment for any tenure or duration of time. The minimum period of investment is 6 months. Whereas, in the case of recurring deposits, they have a fixed maturity date. The minimum period of investment is for 6 months and the maximum period up to which you can do a recurring deposit is 10 years. Return The rate of return in SIP is not fixed because their performance is linked to the market. In general, over the past 10 years, the equity mutual funds have given return of 12% to 14% per annum and debt mutual funds have given a return of 8% to 9% per annum. On the other hand, when you start investing in RD, the rate of return is already known to you. Liquidity SIP is highly liquid in nature i.e. they can be withdrawn whenever you want. However, you must remember that you would be charged an exit load on redeeming within 1 year of investment. Just like SIP, RD is also liquid in nature. RD attracts pre-withdrawal charges in case you make a withdrawal before the end of the tenure. Risk Investing in mutual funds is risky because the performance of the fund is dependent on market performance. Poor market performance can even lead to capital erosion. However, in comparison to the equity mutual funds, the debt mutual funds are less risky. On the other hand, RD is a safe investment option. This is because the funds are directly deposited into the bank and they have a fixed rate of return. Hence there is no risk of capital loss in RD. Tax Benefit The SIP investments and returns generated on it are exempt from tax only if the investment is made in Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) funds. Whereas, an investment made in the form of recurring deposit or interest earned on it is not exempt from tax. Investment Goal SIP acts as a one-stop solution to all types of investment goals. In SIP, depending on the frequency of your investment and funds selected, you can invest for short, medium or long term. On the other hand, RD investment, in general, is done for short term purposes. It cannot generate wealth like SIP. The above mentioned are a few differences between the SIP vs. RD scheme. Now the next important question that would arise in your mind is, SIP or RD which is better? Well, the answer to it is very subjective and will vary from person to person. Both the investment schemes are very different from each other and have their own benefits. Depending upon your risk appetite and tenure of the investment, you can select the right scheme for you. You can also refer to the difference between the two schemes and understand which investment option is ideal for you. The beginners or inexperienced investors often find it difficult to take the investment decisions on their own. To assist them in financial planning, IndiaNivesh Ltd. is always at their assistance. We understand your financial goals and risk appetite before suggesting you any investment plan or scheme. We provide our clients with innovative and customised financial solutions. Our aim is to exceed the expectation of client in all our endeavours. You can even open a demat account with us and trade or invest in the stock market on the basis of our regular research reports.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

read more

NEXT STORY

Open Ended Mutual Funds – Meaning, Advantages & Disadvantages

Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 18 Oct 2019

What Is Open Ended Mutual Fund? Investing in open ended mutual funds can be ideal for novices and experienced investors alike. Understanding how it works, and knowing about its advantages and disadvantages can help you make the right investment decision. Understanding Open Ended Mutual Funds Typically, every mutual fund gets launched through a New Fund Offer [NFO]. Hence, if you have applied for a mutual fund during the NFO period, you could get fund units at the NFO price. However, after the NFO ends, the mutual fund is officially launched as an open-ended fund. By investing in an open-ended mutual fund, you can enter and exit the fund at any time. On the other hand, a close ended fund does not permit investors to enter or exit after the NFO period has ended, that is until maturity. Mutual funds are a type of open-ended fund. It's NAV changes every day due to stock market movement and the bond prices of the fund scheme. You can buy an open-ended mutual fund at its Net Asset Value (NAV) that is based on the fund’s underlying securities. Open ended fund investments are valued at fair market value that is also known as the closing market value of listed securities. Unlike close ended funds, open ended mutual funds do not have a fixed period for maturity. An open-ended mutual fund does not trade in the open market, and neither does it have a limit on how many units can be issued. Such funds typically invest in equity or stock markets. They are known as open ended funds because there is no lock-in time for such investments. Hence, you can cancel your investment at any time after investing in this fund type. For instance, on any working day, during business hours, you can request your AMC to make a fresh purchase or redeem your mutual fund units. Generally, such a request is executed on the previous days NAV or the present days NAV depending on the time of submission. Advantages of open-ended funds Easy liquidity - You can redeem your units of an open-ended mutual fund at any time based on your requirement and convenience. As compared to other forms of long-term investments, you receive the flexibility of redeeming your open-ended mutual fund scheme at the current net asset value. Transparency - You can view the historical performance of an open-ended mutual fund, unlike that of a close ended fund. In a close ended fund, there is no availability of track record and hence the performance of the fund over various market cycles is not revealed to investors. Thus, an open-ended fund can be a well-informed and wise investment decision. Systematic Investment Plan - A viable investment option for a majority of salaried class investors, open ended mutual funds are ideal because of the Systematic Investment Plans offered in it. Close ended funds call for lump sum investment and can be a risky approach for new investors. On the other hand, you can initiate a Systematic Investment Plan in an open-ended fund of your choice without having to worry about making lump sum investments. Disadvantages Experiences market volatility - Even though open ended funds have a highly diversified portfolio managed by the fund manager, they can still experience market risks. The NAV of an open-ended mutual fund could fluctuate based on how the underlying benchmark moves. Solely reliant on the fund manager - As a mutual fund investor, you do not get to have a say in determining the asset composition of your mutual fund. Instead, a fund manager who is highly qualified with requisite expertise in mutual fund management undertakes all decisions concerning the choice of securities in the mutual fund scheme. Conclusion New investors who are looking to understand the stock market can opt for open ended mutual fund schemes. Similarly, if you desire an annual return of 15 to 20%, open funds can be an ideal choice. Typically, all open-ended mutual funds are managed by professionals and experts in their field. Given that the NAV is updated on a daily basis and the fund is highly liquid, investing in open ended mutual funds can be advantageous. Because open ended funds focus on liquidity and transparency, it can be an ideal match for long-term and medium-term goals.Disclaimer: Investment in securities market / Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

read more

Are you Investment ready?

*All fields are mandatory

related stories view all

  • Value Investing - What is Value Investing & its Fundamentals
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 15 Jan 2020

    Value investing is the dark horse of stock markets. And this dark horse has created huge wealth for none other than Warren Buffet. Read on to know what value investing is, and what are the critical factors in this strategy. All that glitters is not gold and all that is gold does not always glitter. This holds true for investment decisions as well and forms the core principle of value investing. What is Value Investing? The value investment strategy was popularised by Benjamin Graham along with David Dodd after successfully surviving the period of the great depression. It involves proactively identifying stocks which are trading at a significantly lower value than their intrinsic value. Intrinsic Value refers to the true value of a stock. The two factors behind value investing are market price and value. Price is the amount you pay, and the value is what you get in return. Value investing believes that the stock market does not always remain in an efficient or balanced state. It sometimes overreacts to events such as political announcements, organisational restructuring, economic conditions and results in stock price fluctuations which do not correspond to the company’s actual worth or long-term fundamentals. Hence, there is a good probability that there are undervalued or overvalued stocks in the market. Value Investing and Behavioral Finance Value Investing and Behavioral Finance are two sides of the same coin. Value investing aims to exploit irrational or impulsive behaviour of investors. Emotions heavily influence investment-related decisions. Greed, fear, peer-pressure lead to poor investment decisions. This creates a huge potential for dispassionate or objective investors. Value investors do not get carried away by market sentiments or herd mentality, instead, they look at the real value of a stock in the long run. They also do not fall into a “growth trap” without actually understanding the history or behaviour of stocks. Fundamentals of Value Investing1. Find the intrinsic value Investors who follow value investing strategy are more interested in a stock’s intrinsic value and not just the current market price. There are multiple ways and valuation methods that are used to identify the intrinsic or true value of a stock. Such as discounted cash flow analysis, dividend discount model, Earning per Share valuation, etc. There is also a formula coined by Benjamin Graham to arrive at the true value of a stock. It is:  Intrinsic Value = Earnings Per Share (EPS) multiplied by (8.5+ Twice the growth rate of the company in the coming 7-10 years).  This formula has been now tweaked to reflect the current market conditions correctly. It is now:  Intrinsic Value = [Earnings Per Share (EPS) multiplied by (8.5+ Twice the growth rate of the company in the coming 7-10 years) multiplied by 4.4] divided by current corporate bond (AAA) yield.  4.4 in the above formula referred to the minimum rate of return in the USA in the year 1962. For the purpose of valuation of Indian stocks, 4.4 should be replaced by the corporate bond yield in the same year in India. When the stock’s market value goes below the calculated intrinsic value, investors purchase those stocks. Then they sit back and relax till the time the market corrects itself and the stock price reaches its actual value.  2. Margin of Safety Margin of Safety enables value investors to manage risks and avoid losses. It is also the key element which distinguishes value investing from mere speculation. It refers to the difference between the stock’s current market price and its intrinsic value. Higher the gap, greater is the safety margin. By investing in a stock with an adequate security margin, investors know that any negative event or volatility will not adversely impact the value of the investment. 3. Don’t follow the crowd Value investing is not for those who like to follow the herd. Value investors focus on stocks which are overlooked or avoided by others because of their low valuations but are inherently solid stocks.   Are there risks in Value Investing? Yes. Just like all the other things in our life, there are risks involved in Value Investing as well. One of the biggest risks is falling into Value Traps. All cheap stocks do not translate into good investment decisions. Value traps are stocks which seem to cheap due to low PE multiple or cash flows, but never go up in value. It is important to do full due- diligence before investing. This includes not just financial metrics, but also qualitative aspects such as quality of management, stability, competition, etc. Final Words Value investing is a proven strategy for wealth appreciation in the long run. But it can be an intimidating way of investing without the right support. A partner like IndiaNivesh can make the process smooth and more fruitful for investors. IndiaNivesh is a reputable financial service provider which offers a wide range of services related to Broking, Institutional equities, strategic investments, wealth management, investment banking and corporate finance. With their in-depth understanding of the Indian markets, the organisational experience of three centuries and cutting-edge technological tools, they help investors make well-informed and profitable decisions.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

    read more
  • Online Trading – 5 Essential Tips for Trading Online in 2020
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 14 Jan 2020

    Technological advancements and digitalisation have changed the online arena for every business, and the online share trading is no exception to the trend. Over the last few years, online trading has become very popular, especially amongst the millennials and generation Y. Prevalence of smartphones, lower costs, opportunity to earn extra income, low entry barriers, ease of access, etc has had a profound impact on online trading. Even though online stock trading today is huge, and many people are motivated to explore online trading for a rewarding career, by no figment of imagination it should be assumed that it is easy, and they can become financially self-sufficient in a short period. Here are 5 essential online trading tips to help improve your chances of success in your endeavours as a trader-1. Do the research and gain relevant information about the markets The economic conditions are constantly changing and it has a significant impact on the stock markets. To be successful in online share trading you have to do your research, collect relevant information and be updated about matters relating to markets. With information being available at the click of a button, it is easy to get access to information from various sources. Keeping your eyes and ears open about the official announcements being made, reading up market-related articles and financial publications can help you ace the game of online stock trading and avoid making whimsical trade calls.  2. Get acquainted with the trading terminologies and tools Getting yourself familiar with various terminologies and trading tools beforehand is extremely important so that you do not falter when you start trading. Clearing your basics about the important workings, different types of trades, important terms are critical. If you are not clear about the basics, then you may end up placing a wrong order. Once you are trading online, you are investing real capital and you cannot undo the trade. So, it is essential that you must be familiar with the features and the functions of the trading platform which you are going to use. Practice trading on dummy versions to get a hang of the trading interface before you can start with online trading. Once you have enough practice you will not be flustered and confused at the time of real trading. 3. Start with small capital and practice risk management There are infinite opportunities in the trading world and you do not want one experience to be the deciding factor for you. As online trading is risky, you should always make a small start in the beginning and invest little capital. Even the most successful traders do not put their entire investible surplus for trading but use only the capital which they have to spare after they have put aside for their long-term goals such as retirement. So, invest only the capital which you can afford to lose and which will not affect your financial planning. Another important thing to keep in mind at the time of executing trades is that the risk associated with trading is high and hence you should take adequate measures to minimise risk. Setting a stop-loss to your order will automatically stop a trade if the losses hit a particular mark and help minimise your losses. 4. Be patient and disciplined Online trading is a great way to make an income and many have successfully made a career out of it. If the success stories of other traders have motivated you to take the plunge, then, let’s be honest, online trading is risky and not for the light-hearted. Moreover, it is not something you can master overnight or become rich overnight on a single trade. To be successful, you need to have the right mindset and should be disciplined in your approach. Make a trade plan and stick to it. Trading out of impulse or greed will not help you become successful but following a plan and trading when you see opportunities can help you achieve the desired results. 5. Select the right broker and trading platform Last but not least, choosing the right broker and opening the best trading account online is important, and hence you should be careful about your selection. Choose a trading platform that best meets your needs and has a user-friendly interface. You should be comfortable using their software. Your success rate would be greatly affected by the timely execution of your orders. Other aspects to consider are a level of customer service and satisfaction, market reputation and competitive fee structure.   Conclusion With the above essential online trading tips, you can give your income a boost. We at IndiaNivesh have one of the best online trading platforms at the most competitive price and also offer expert advisory and research to meet your investment needs.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

    read more
  • Tips on Investing Money in Mutual Funds
    Posted by Mehul Kothari | Published on 20 Nov 2019

    Mutual Funds are the cynosure of the financial world. And rightly so! These investment havens pool in money from multiple investors and then invest the corpus across asset categories in line with the scheme’s objective. They are a great option for retail investors who would otherwise find it difficult to get exposure to such varied investment opportunities. What makes Mutual Funds a good investment tool? ·         Professional Management The USP of Mutual Funds is that they are managed by a team of experts. They are equipped with the necessary resources and information to continuously monitor the markets, analyze market trends and conduct in-depth research. As a result, the fund managers can devise the best investment strategy for the investors and guide them regarding the best mutual funds to invest in. ·         Financial Discipline One of the common problems faced by investors is that they lack the rigour or discipline to stick to their financial resolutions. Mutual Funds take care of this issue easily. Systematic Investment Plans ensure that investors continue to invest regularly. ·         Flexibility Mutual Funds offer a great deal of flexibility to investors. You can choose the frequency of contribution as well as opt to increase or reduce the investment amount as per cash flows. ·         Affordable Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) facility makes Mutual Funds affordable to everyone. One can start mutual fund investments with just Rs. 500. That is basically the cost of one pizza these days! They are perfect for novice investors who are overwhelmed or scared of equities but still want some exposure. ·         Tax savings ELSS are tax-saving Mutual Funds. Investment in these mutual funds qualifies for tax deductions (till Rs. 1.5 Lakhs) as per Section 80C. Owing to their potential of higher returns and shorter lock-in period, as compared to other tax-saving alternatives, ELSS have become a preferred choice for many investors.   Mutual Fund investment tips Now that you know what makes Mutual Funds a great investment tool, here are some mutual fund investment tips to help you make the most out of your hard-earned money. ·         Set a goal It is rightly said that “Dreams do not come true. Goals do”. The same rationale applies to investments too. Investments bring the best results when they have a purpose. So, the first step in mutual fund investments should be setting an investment goal. You should consider factors like budget, investment horizon, financial ambitions and most importantly your risk appetite.  ·         Select the right fund type When it comes to mutual fund investments, one size does not fit all. Just because your friend is investing in a fund does not mean it will benefit you as well.  Mutual Funds invest across a range of asset classes. Hence deciding which mutual fund to invest in can be slightly tricky. It is important to choose a scheme that is in sync with your needs and risk profile. For instance, if you are an experienced investor and can afford to take risks, you can easily go for equity funds. However, if you are a novice then most mutual fund tips for beginners will suggest going for debt or balanced funds. It is important to understand the risk-return relationship inherent in each asset category before making a decision. Rule of thumb being – higher the risk, higher the return! The asset allocation should be in sync with your risk appetite. Also, ask yourselves why you are investing in mutual funds. Is it to save taxes? Then ELSS Funds are your best bet. If you have a short investment horizon and want a fund type with high liquidity, then you can go with Liquid Funds. ·         AMC Credibility Check The right fund house can not only help you decide which mutual fund to invest in but optimize the potential of your overall portfolio. It is important to look at factors such as the credentials of the fund managers, expense ratio, components of the portfolio and AUM (Assets Under Management) of the Fund House. ·         Diversification is the key You should not put all your eggs in the same basket. Diversification across asset categories and investment styles is important. It helps to lower the risk quotient as it gets spread over different investments. Even if one fund underperforms, the other can compensate for it. The value of the entire portfolio is not at risk. ·         SIPs vs Lump-sum One of the best mutual fund tips for beginners is choose the SIP way. Especially if you are venturing into equity or equity oriented mutual funds. A SIP will allow you to spread out your investments over a longer duration of time. You will invest at different points in the market cycle and hence even out the associated risk. Also, the power of rupee-cost averaging in SIPs helps to generate higher returns in the long-term. ·         KYC KYC has become a necessity these days. Government of India has mandated KYC for most of the financial transactions including mutual fund investments. So, ensure that you have documents such as PAN Card, valid address proof, etc. before you venture into mutual fund investments. ·         Have a long-term view Mutual Funds are like a committed relationship and not a one-night stand. You need to remain invested for a longer duration in order to get the best rewards. Especially in the case of equity funds. This is because markets tend to be volatile in the short run but tend to move up in the long-term. The best combination is to invest in a mix of debt and equity to get best of both the worlds. Debt Funds would help to lower the overall risk of the portfolio and could help meet emergency fund requirements in the short run. While your equity funds work on wealth appreciation in the long run. ·         Ask the Expert Just like KBC, Mutual Funds also come with a helpline – Ask the Expert! There are so many options available in Mutual Funds. It can become rather overwhelming for a new investor to select the right mutual fund to invest in. A professional expert will not only help to select the right funds and schemes but will also constantly monitor the market on your behalf. One such expert is IndiaNivesh. They offer a wide variety of financial solutions related to broking and distribution, strategic investments, institutional equities, corporate advisory, investment banking and private wealth management. The team at IndiaNivesh has a combined experience of more than 300 years. With their cutting-edge technological and research capabilities, competent team and “client-first” approach, you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.   Final Words Now that the mystery is solved about how you can select the best mutual funds to invest in, what are you waiting for? Especially when you know that you have a guide like IndiaNivesh available at the click of a button.Disclaimer: "Investment in securities market and Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing."

    read more