What is the Difference Between Mutual Fund and SIP?

Dec 29, 2023 By Triston Martin

Introduction

A pooled investment vehicle called a mutual fund allows investors to purchase shares in a professionally managed portfolio of stocks or bonds. After the market closes and all holdings are valued, the fund's net asset value is calculated daily. Mutual funds can be obtained through a recurring savings and investing program or a one-time, systematic investment plan (SIP).

What are Mutual Funds?

As the name suggests, purchasing a mutual fund entitles you to a portion of a pool of assets managed by an asset management company (AMC). The investor has complete control over how much money is divided among different types of funds (equities, bonds, money market, etc.). They decide for themselves based on their risk appetite and long-term financial goals.

Investing in mutual funds can diversify your portfolio across various asset types. Spreading your money out while investing will help you avoid losing everything if one of your assets experiences a slump. Diversification can help in this situation. Another advantage is having a professional manage your mutual fund's portfolio, buy and sell shares by market swings, and keep you informed of important developments.

What is SIP?

The use of a methodical investment approach The systematic investment plan (SIP) is a method for buying mutual fund shares gradually. It's only a way for regular, small investments to accumulate into a sizeable sum in a mutual fund over time.

Regular investors will gain the discipline of routinely setting money aside, whether they invest weekly, monthly, or quarterly. SIP enables people to invest regularly in reasonable amounts while ensuring that their investments align with their income and outgoings. It's imperative to be involved immediately, even if only a little.

Difference Between Mutual Funds and SIP

1. Investment Mode

Using a SIP, you make reoccurring payments over time to invest in mutual funds—this aids in creating a saving and investment regimen. A corporation that manages investments manages mutual funds and pooled investment vehicles. An asset management company (AMC) pools investor assets and uses them to buy securities like stocks, bonds, and even gold. Mutual Fund Schemes are a particular class of investment vehicle with the growth of the investor's money as its stated objective.

SIP is merely a means of investing, though. SIP enables you to make regular investments of a predetermined sum of money. It's interesting to note that the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) strategy may be applied to any investment, not just mutual funds. This includes your PPF, term deposits, and monthly purchases of 2-gram gold coins. It's as simple as setting aside particular money for investments every few months. Nevertheless, SIP is strongly advised as a way to invest in mutual funds. Let's become familiar with SIPs so we can view things more clearly.

2. Power of Compounding in SIP Investments

A client makes regular, systematic investments to increase wealth with SIP over time. SIP is often seen as a more effective way for consumers to achieve their savings and investing goals. Investors may reinvest any gains or returns from mutual funds. If an investor reinvested the money in the same plan rather than taking a withdrawal, the compounding effect might be maximized.

Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds Via SIP

By investing in a systematic investment plan (SIP), you can begin with a little sum and see a significant increase over time. It is the simplest and least complicated approach to investing in mutual funds. Additionally, it teaches people how to manage their finances properly.

Convenience

You can make deliberate, staggered investments using a SIP. It's easy because you can start investing at as low as Rs 100 each month.

Rupee Cost Averaging

You can consistently invest in equity funds with SIP without being concerned about the timing of the stock market. When participating in equity funds through the SIP, you commit to a regular investment amount independent of stock market volatility. It enables you to invest more in an equity fund during a bear market and less during an up market. It will be easier for your portfolio to withstand short-term market fluctuations if you average out your purchases of equity fund units over time.

Let's use rupee cost averaging as an example to help you better understand the idea: Let's say you choose to use a systematic investment plan to invest Rs 1000 each month into an equity fund. An equity fund's Net Asset Value (NAV) will change over time because of how quickly the stock market is moving. You won't be able to invest every month at the same NAV. Here is an illustration of how your SIP investment would appear if you set aside Rs 10,000 each month from January through June in a particular year.

Conclusion

Regularly investing the same amount of money in a mutual fund illustrates a systematic investment strategy. Making long-term commitments and agreeing to automatic withdrawals from the funding account are legal aspects of investing in a SIP. Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy used by mutual funds and SIPs to acquire more shares at reduced costs. The bulk of mutual fund companies provides SIPs.

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