Mutual Funds
The base layer of most portfolios. Pooled, professionally managed, easy to get in and out of. Comfortable and liquid, but built for the many rather than for you.
A SEBI-regulated pooled fund. It spreads money across 40 to 80 securities under strict diversification rules. The most liquid and most regulated structure in Indian investing, and the benchmark every alternative has to beat.
By Yash Jhaveri, Founder & CEO, Beyond
Beyond · JSL Wealth Management · Vadodara · ARN XXXXX
Last reviewed September 2026 · Regulatory position as at September 2026
The job it does
- Long-term compounding with full liquidity
- Disciplined investing through SIP
- A common yardstick to judge everything else against
Why people use it
- Daily NAV; redemption in 1–3 working days
- Lowest entry point of any structure
- Taxed only when you redeem — internal churn is not taxed in your hands
What can go wrong
- Wide diversification caps the upside — a 2% position doubling barely moves the fund
- Rules force at least 65% into the mandate, limiting the manager
- Many funds quietly track the index after fees
Quick answers
What is the minimum investment in Mutual Funds?
₹500 (SIP). Typical horizon 3–7+ yrs; liquidity T+1 to T+3.
How is a Mutual Fund taxed?
Equity funds: STCG 20% under 12 months; LTCG 12.5% beyond 12 months (₹1.25 L exempt/yr). Debt funds (bought after Apr 2023): slab rate.
What can go wrong with Mutual Funds?
Wide diversification caps the upside — a 2% position doubling barely moves the fund. Rules force at least 65% into the mandate, limiting the manager. Many funds quietly track the index after fees.
Can an NRI invest in Mutual Funds?
US/Canada-resident NRIs face AMC-level restrictions on many schemes (FATCA); several fund houses do accept them. Investments via NRE/NRO.
Does Mutual Funds belong in your architecture?
Seven questions narrow thirteen structures to a shortlist.
Education, not advice. We may earn referral fees when you invest through us. Full disclosures