#1 Duration in Mutual Funds

Generally, Fixed Deposits offer lesser returns on longer duration and mutual funds provide more. Fixed Deposits at present, provide the highest rate of interest for the period between one to two years. Mutual funds provide good returns the longer they are kept.

Short duration mutual funds

#2 Lock-ins for Investment

Fixed deposits offer lock-in periods of even less than a year (some even a few days) and can go up to a few years. In case of mutual funds, there are funds that permit a lock-in of less than a year and even of up to 5 years.

lock in mutual funds

#3 Returns for your value

While Fixed Deposits may seem like the guaranteed source of returns, mutual funds have shown high returns even in short periods and despite turbulent market conditions. Fixed deposits give a fixed amount of return, whereas, the return on mutual funds depends on market conditions. If market conditions are conducive to the specific industry where funds have been invested, you can gain a lot of money.

#4 Investment Security

Fixed deposits are believed to be more secure as they provide return irrespective of market conditions. Mutual Funds returns may suffer if the markets crash. You might see a negative return for a short-term when the market recovers, but staying invested for a longer tenure has always been beneficial to investors. In most cases, mutual fund investors benefitted even if by small amounts.

Mutual Fund Security

#5 Systematic Investment (Synvest-Ment)

Mutual funds are believed to be more liquid than Fixed Deposits. A fixed deposit can be broken by incurring a penalty, this means the interest that you would have gained is decreased. To withdraw your mutual fund investment before the lock-in period you have to pay an exit load, which is small compared to your return. Thus, you should plan such that no urgent requirement arises at least during the lock-in period.

#6 Regulatory authority

Banks handle matters regarding Fixed Deposits, whereas SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) regulates mutual funds. Banks are prone to running into losses and thus can’t offer high-interest rates. They also safeguard the interests of the public. SEBI, on the other hand, just specifies guidelines and lets things play out the way they should. They don’t function with a socialist perspective.

#7 Returns over past 5 years

Over the past 5 years, mutual funds have performed better than Fixed Deposits. All Fixed Deposits have always offered returns even if small. Mutual funds in the short-run may show some downfall, but in the long run, have outperformed other investments.

Conclusion

Both plans have their pros and cons. Investment decisions should be made depending on the requirements of the investor and other relevant circumstances.

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