Money Market Mutual Funds

Yes, Money Market Mutual Funds are relatively safer. These funds mainly invest in high-quality short-term debt instruments that are relatively of low risk. In India Money market is subject to interest rate risk, default risk, credit risk, and reinvestment risk. The interest rate might go up, and the price or asset value of the underlying security may go down or vice versa. The issuers of these securities might default on the payments. The fund manager might invest in risky securities for a higher return and asset. Hence, MMMF is not entirely risk-free.

The average return on money market funds based on the top performing funds in the last 3 years is 5% to 7%. Fund managers may decide to invest in securities with higher risk for higher returns. However, before investing in a money market fund, an investor must consider other factors as well. Such factors are consistency in delivering returns, relative size i.e. AUM, track record for analysis, past performance of the fund managers, expense ratio, taxation, and so on. The average returns of any specific fund must be the sole criteria for investing.

The main advantage of a money market account is generating higher returns compared to a savings account or fixed deposit. The investment horizon is short and does not exceed 1 year. The risk of the investment is reduced by investing in high-quality instruments that tend to be more stable with market fluctuation. The return from these funds, though not entirely risk-free, is predictable. Independent agencies rate money market mutual funds, making it easy for investors to pick funds. Investors with surplus money can invest in these funds for short term needs.

In India Money market is subject to interest rate risk, default risk, credit risk, and reinvestment risk. The interest rate might go up, and the price or asset value of the underlying security may go down or vice versa. The issuers of these securities might default on the payments. The fund manager might invest in risky securities for a higher return and asset. Hence, MMMF is not entirely risk-free. The investment in MMMF comes with a cost. The fund house charge an expenses ratio on the NAV. SEBI has capped the expense ratio for the fund house to protect the interest of investors.

The minimum balance for a money market account is much higher than a normal savings account. The minimum balance should be maintained above Rs 100,000 to take advantage of high interest rate. Also keeping the balance above the minimum required will benefit from waving the monthly fees.

A money market account is a type of bank account, owned and personally managed by the account holder. While a money market fund is a type of investment where the asset is pooled by multiple investors and managed only by the fund manager. Money market funds were introduced to overcome the strict requirements of owning a personal money market account. These funds are an investment vehicle to encourage the retail investors to invest in the money market in India.

Money market is a good idea for investors who have surplus cash in their savings account and will be able to maintain a minimum balance required by the account. Money market generates higher returns than savings account or fixed deposit, yet, it comes with relatively higher risk and returns are not guaranteed. Money market mutual funds do not suit all investors. There are certain things an investor has to consider before picking these funds to park the surplus money.

Although it seems impossible to lose money in a money market fund considering the quality of securities and the investment duration, you may not generate from the fund the expected returns since they are not guaranteed. You can lose money if the fund is experiencing high monthly fees against low interest along with a decline if the asset value of the underlying security.

The benchmark for money market funds is based on the interest rate of the money market. It should be evaluated against the quality of securities, the expected interest rates and duration of the investment

In India Money market is subject to interest rate risk, default risk, credit risk, and reinvestment risk. The interest rate might go up, and the price or asset value of the underlying security may go down or vice versa. The issuers of these securities might default on the payments. The fund manager might invest in risky securities for a higher return and asset. Hence, MMMF is not entirely risk-free.

Yes, money market funds pay dividends in the form of earnings. These dividends are not eligible for tax deduction. An investor must pay the income tax on such earnings in the form of dividends.

You get your money out of a money market fund in a very short time. Although this will be subject to an exit load. The process of redeeming the investment may not take longer than one day to few days. Within 2 days to 4 days the redemption value will be credited to your registered savings bank account.

Yes, the returns earned from a money market fund is taxable. The tax on capital gains depends on the holding period of the investment. For any investment redeemed before 36 months of investing, STCG tax is levied. STCG tax is based on the tax slab of the investor. LTCG tax is levied if the investing period exceeds 36 months, and the rate of tax is 20% after indexation. However, from April 1st 2023, no LTCG benefit for debt funds. Capital gains will be taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab rate.

Money market in India is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. RBI is the biggest regulator in the market and powers over all Indian banks with the right to set structures and guidelines for all types of investment vehicles.

Money markets are safer than shares (stocks) as money markets are selective to high-quality securities and based on short duration, on the other hand, stocks are more volatile and the asset value can experience a strong increase or decline. Returns from the money market are less than stocks but the risk of the investment is much less compared to the stock market.