Mutual Fund Returns​

When you invest in mutual funds, your primary goal is to earn returns that help you grow wealth over time. But what is the return on mutual funds, and how should investors in India evaluate it correctly? Mutual fund returns can vary based on market conditions, fund type, time horizon, and risk profile.

This blog explains mutual fund returns in simple terms, how they work, the different types of returns, how returns are calculated in mutual funds, and what the average mutual fund return in India typically looks like.

What Are Mutual Fund Returns?

Mutual fund returns represent the gain or loss on your investment over a specific period. These returns mainly come from:

• Capital appreciation - Increase in the Net Asset Value (NAV)
• Income generation - Interest earned from bonds or money market instruments
• Capital gains - Profits booked by the fund manager

It is important to note that the NAV you see is already net of fund expenses such as the expense ratio. However, returns are not net of taxes, which investors must pay separately.

The mutual fund's return rate is usually expressed as a percentage and varies depending on the fund category, time horizon, and market conditions.

What Is The Average Return of Mutual Funds?

The average mutual fund returns refer to the typical level of growth investors may expect over time, but they are not a fixed or guaranteed figure. Mutual fund returns vary based on factors such as the type of fund (equity, debt, or hybrid), market conditions, investment duration, and the level of risk taken.

Equity-oriented funds generally aim for higher growth but can fluctuate in the short term, while debt-focused funds tend to offer more stable but comparatively moderate returns. Most importantly, mutual fund returns become more meaningful when viewed over longer time periods, as staying invested helps smooth out market ups and downs and allows compounding to work in the investor’s favour.

Types of Mutual Fund Returns

Here are different types of mutual fund returns:

1. Absolute Return:

Absolute return shows the total percentage gain or loss on your investment over a specific period, without considering the time taken to earn that return. It simply compares how much you invested with the current value of your investment.

This method is easy to understand and is best suited for short-term investments, typically less than one year. However, for longer holding periods, absolute return can be misleading because it does not account for the effect of time or compounding.

Regulatory Requirement: SEBI (the regulator in India) mandates that for any period less than one year, only Absolute Returns can be advertised. For periods of more than one year, returns must be annualised (CAGR).

2. Annualised Return (CAGR):

Annualised return, commonly referred to as CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate), shows how much your investment has grown per year, assuming it grew at a steady rate. This makes it one of the most reliable ways to measure mutual fund performance over the long term.

CAGR is especially useful when comparing two or more funds held over different time periods. It provides a realistic picture of long-term growth and is the most commonly quoted return metric for mutual funds in India.

3. XIRR (For SIP Investments):

When you invest through a SIP, your money goes in at different points in time. In such cases, CAGR alone is not accurate. This is where XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return) is used.

XIRR calculates returns by considering multiple cash flows and their exact investment dates. In simple terms, it is the CAGR adapted for staggered investments like SIPs. This makes XIRR the most appropriate way to measure SIP performance and understand how your regular investments are actually growing.

4. Total Return:

Total return reflects the overall gain from a mutual fund, including both NAV appreciation and any distributions made by the fund. It gives a broader view of what the investor has earned during the investment period.

For long-term wealth creation, most investors prefer the Growth option, as it allows returns to compound within the fund and is generally more tax-efficient than distribution-based options.

5. Point-to-Point Return:

Point-to-point return measures performance between two specific dates, such as one year, three years, or five years. This method is commonly used to evaluate how a fund has performed over a defined timeframe.

While useful for analysis, point-to-point returns should always be viewed alongside longer-term performance to avoid conclusions based on temporary market movements.

6. Rolling Returns:

Rolling returns measure a fund’s performance across multiple overlapping periods, rather than a single start and end date. This helps investors understand how consistently a fund has performed across different market cycles.

Rolling returns are particularly helpful in identifying funds that deliver stable, repeatable performance, rather than those that look good only during favourable market phases.

How Are Mutual Fund Returns Calculated?

Mutual fund returns are calculated in different ways depending on how you invest (lump sum or SIP) and how long you stay invested. While the calculation methods may sound technical, the underlying idea is simple: measuring how your investment has grown over time.

Lump Sum Investments

When you invest a single amount at one time, returns are usually calculated using Absolute Return or Annualised Return (CAGR).

• Absolute return compares your invested amount with the current value and shows the total gain or loss. It is commonly used for short-term investments.
• CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) shows the average yearly growth of your investment over a period of more than one year. It smoothens out market ups and downs and gives a realistic picture of long-term performance.

CAGR Formula:

[(Ending Value / Beginning Value)^(1 / Number of Years)] - 1

SIP Investments

In a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), money is invested at regular intervals, and each instalment is invested at a different NAV. Because of these multiple cash flows, simple CAGR does not work well.

For SIPs, returns are calculated using XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return). XIRR takes into account:

• The amount invested each time
• The exact date of each investment
• The final value of the investment

In simple terms, XIRR is the CAGR adapted for multiple investments and is the most accurate way to measure SIP returns.

What does the Return Number Represent?

The returns shown by mutual funds are based on NAV movement, which already factors in fund expenses like the expense ratio. However, these returns are not adjusted for taxes or inflation. The actual return an investor earns depends on the applicable tax rules and the impact of rising prices over time.

Understanding how mutual fund returns are calculated helps investors compare funds correctly, evaluate performance fairly, and avoid unrealistic expectations based on headline numbers alone.

Mutual Fund Returns by Fund Type

Mutual fund returns vary significantly based on the type of fund, as each category invests in different asset classes and follows a distinct risk–return approach. Understanding this helps investors align expectations with their financial goals and risk tolerance.

1. Equity Mutual Funds:

Equity mutual funds invest primarily in shares of companies. Since stock markets tend to fluctuate in the short term, equity fund returns can be volatile over shorter periods. However, over the long term, equity funds have the potential to deliver higher growth by benefiting from economic expansion and corporate earnings.

These funds are best suited for long-term goals such as retirement, children’s education, or wealth creation, where investors can stay invested through market cycles and allow compounding to work in their favour.

2. Debt Mutual Funds:

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income instruments such as government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. Their returns are generally more stable compared to equity funds, as they are driven by interest income and bond prices rather than market sentiment.

Debt funds are suitable for investors with a lower risk appetite or for short- to medium-term goals where capital preservation and predictable returns are important.

3. Hybrid Mutual Funds:

Hybrid mutual funds invest in a combination of equity and debt instruments. The proportion of equity and debt varies depending on the fund’s strategy, which in turn influences its return potential and risk level.

By balancing growth-oriented equity with relatively stable debt, hybrid funds aim to provide moderate returns with controlled volatility. They are often chosen by investors who want exposure to equities but are not comfortable with full equity risk.

Factors Affecting Mutual Fund Returns

Several interconnected factors influence mutual fund returns. Understanding these helps investors set realistic expectations and evaluate fund performance more effectively:

• Market Conditions: Overall market performance plays a major role in returns. Equity funds are affected by stock market movements, while debt funds respond to changes in interest rates and credit conditions. Short-term volatility can impact returns, particularly in equity-oriented funds.
• Asset Allocation: The proportion of equity and debt within a fund significantly affects return potential. Higher equity exposure offers greater growth potential with higher fluctuations, while debt-heavy funds focus more on stability with lower return expectations.
• Investment Horizon: Time is a key driver of mutual fund returns. Longer holding periods help smooth market ups and downs and allow compounding to work effectively. Short-term investments may experience higher unpredictability.
• Expense Ratio: The expense ratio represents the cost of managing the fund. Since returns are reported after expenses, higher costs can reduce net returns. Even small differences in expense ratios can impact long-term wealth creation.
• Fund Manager’s Strategy: Decisions related to stock selection, sector exposure, and risk management directly influence fund performance. A consistent and disciplined investment approach helps deliver stable returns across market cycles.
• Taxation and Inflation: Returns are quoted before tax, but actual gains depend on applicable tax rules. Inflation further reduces purchasing power, making both factors essential when evaluating real investment returns.

Mutual Fund Returns Over Time

Mutual fund returns should always be evaluated over longer periods. Short-term performance can fluctuate sharply, especially in equity funds. Historically, investors who stayed invested through market cycles benefited from compounding.

This is why comparing annualised returns vs absolute returns is essential when analysing long-term performance.

Risks Associated With Mutual Fund Returns

While mutual funds are a regulated and transparent investment option in India, their returns are not guaranteed. Here are some of the risks associated with mutual fund returns:

1. Market Risk: Market risk refers to the possibility of losses due to fluctuations in financial markets. Equity mutual funds are especially exposed to this risk, as stock prices can rise or fall based on economic conditions, corporate performance, or global events. Short-term market movements can significantly impact returns, even if the fund is fundamentally strong.

2. Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk mainly affects debt mutual funds. When interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds tends to fall, which can reduce debt fund returns in the short term. Conversely, falling interest rates generally support better bond prices and improved returns.

3. Credit Risk: Credit risk arises when a bond issuer fails to pay interest or repay the principal on time. Debt funds that invest in lower-rated securities may offer higher return potential, but they also carry a higher risk of default, which can negatively impact returns.

4. Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk occurs when a fund is unable to sell its investments easily without affecting prices, especially during stressed market conditions. This can impact the fund’s ability to meet redemption requests and may lead to temporary volatility in returns.

5. Volatility and Risk-Adjusted Returns: Not all risks show up as losses; some appear as frequent ups and downs in returns. High volatility can be uncomfortable for investors, even if long-term returns are reasonable. This is why experienced investors focus on risk-adjusted returns, which measure how much return a fund delivers relative to the level of risk taken.

Taxes and the “Real” Return

Your actual return is what you keep after tax and inflation.

1. Equity Fund Taxation (India):

• LTCG: 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh (holding period > 1 year)
• STCG: 20% (holding period ≤ 1 year)

2. Debt Fund Taxation:

Returns are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab, regardless of holding period (as per 2023–24 rules).

Real Return Concept

If a debt fund earns 7% and inflation is 6%, your real return is only 1%. This is why equity exposure is necessary for long-term wealth creation.

How to Improve Mutual Fund Returns?

While investors cannot control market movements, they can take several practical steps to improve their mutual fund returns over time:

• Invest for the Long Term: Staying invested for longer periods allows compounding to work and helps reduce the impact of short-term market volatility, especially in equity funds.
• Use SIPs to Manage Volatility: SIPs enable regular investing across market cycles, helping average purchase costs and reducing the risk of poor market timing.
• Choose the Right Fund Category: Select funds based on your goals, time horizon, and risk appetite. Choosing the wrong fund type can hurt returns, even in favourable markets.
• Prefer Low-Cost Options: Lower expense ratios, such as those in direct plans, can significantly improve long-term returns through better compounding.
• Stay Diversified: Diversifying across fund categories and asset classes helps manage risk and leads to more stable returns over time.
• Avoid Frequent Churning: Frequent switching based on short-term performance can harm returns and increase tax costs. Review investments periodically, not constantly.

Common Myths About Mutual Fund Returns

Many misconceptions around mutual fund returns can lead investors to unrealistic expectations or poor investment decisions. Clearing these myths helps investors approach mutual funds with the right mindset.

Myth 1: Mutual Funds Guarantee Returns

Mutual funds do not offer guaranteed returns. Their performance depends on market conditions and the type of assets they invest in. While long-term investing can improve the chances of positive outcomes, returns are never assured.

Myth 2: Higher Past Returns Mean Better Future Returns

A fund that has performed well in the past may not necessarily continue to do so. Market conditions change, and past performance should be used only as a reference, not a promise of future results.

Myth 3: One-Year Returns Are Enough to Judge a Fund

Short-term returns can be misleading, especially for equity funds. Mutual funds should be evaluated over longer periods and across market cycles to understand their true performance.

Myth 4: IDCW (Dividend) Options Give Extra Income

IDCW payouts are not additional profits; they are distributions from the fund’s own gains. In the current tax regime, the Growth option is often more efficient for long-term wealth creation.

Myth 5: Higher Returns Always Mean Better Funds

Funds that deliver high returns may also carry higher risk and volatility. Focusing only on returns without considering risk can lead to uncomfortable investment experiences. Risk-adjusted performance is a more meaningful way to assess mutual funds.

Conclusion

Understanding mutual fund returns is essential for making informed investment decisions. Knowing the types of return, how the mutual fund's return rate is calculated, and how taxes and inflation affect your gains helps set realistic expectations.

Rather than chasing short-term numbers, investors should focus on long-term goals, risk-adjusted performance, and disciplined investing. When used correctly, mutual funds can be a powerful tool for building wealth in the Indian market.