Best Motilal Oswal Equity Mutual Funds

Established in 2008, Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund provides investment solutions that assist retail investors in financial planning and wealth creation. For the quarter ending March 2021, the asset management company (AMC) has a QAAUM of approximately Rs. 25,763 crore. It offers more than 20 mutual fund schemes, including debt funds, hybrid funds, and the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds. 

Equity funds are mutual fund schemes that primarily invest in equity and equity-related instruments. As per the guidelines provided by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), these funds must allocate at least 65% of the assets in stocks. The rest of its portfolio comprises debt and money market securities.

These funds may focus on specific sectors, market capitalisation or follow a particular investing strategy. Based on these aspects, equity schemes are categorised into various types, for example, value funds, large-cap funds, sectoral or thematic funds, etc.

Taxability

The returns earned on these funds are taxed based on how long an investor holds his/her units.

Short-term Capital Gains: If an investor redeems the units in the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds one year from the date of purchase, Short-term Capital Gains Tax of 15% is applicable on such gains. 

Long-term Capital Gains: If investors redeem their holdings after one year from the date of purchase, returns of up to Rs. 1 lakh are tax-free. However, any amount exceeding Rs. 1 lakh attracts a Long-term Capital Gains Tax at the rate of 10%.

TDS: Investors have to pay a TDS at 10% if their dividend income exceeds Rs. 5000 in a year.  

The performance of equity funds is affected by market volatility. As a result, the risk level associated with even the top Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds is known to be considerably higher than other types of schemes. 

Factors to Consider Before Investing

The fund house offers a wide range of equity funds to fulfil the financial goals of individuals. However, one must keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to investing. Hence, it's imperative to consider certain things to find the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual fund for them. Let's find out a few of them.   

Investment objective: The investment objective of all individuals is not identical. One may want to earn high returns in a short period, while another may seek stability. In such cases, the approach of an investor needs to be different. Hence, individuals need to check whether their investment goal is in line with the fund's objective. 

Risk appetite: As mentioned earlier, equity funds are associated with high risk as their NAV is impacted by the price fluctuations of the underlying stocks. Hence, investors must assess their own risk profile before allocating their savings to any of the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds 2023.  

Expense ratio: This is a charge that a fund house imposes on an investor; it covers the portfolio management expenses. This fee is calculated as a percentage of a fund's total assets, and it includes administrative and operating costs like the fund manager's salary. The expense ratio has a direct impact on the returns. Investors can look at the expense ratios of the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds before investing. 

Past performance of the fund: The historical returns generated by a fund do not determine the scheme's future performance. However, it conveys vital information to an investor, for example, how they performed in various market conditions in the past, the efficiency of the fund manager, etc. 

Experience of the fund manager: A fund's performance is directly dependent on how well a fund manager manages the portfolio. He/she uses advanced risk management techniques besides doing thorough research and analysis to take vital buy-and-sell decisions. A fund manager with a proven track record is likely to be accustomed to the various challenges in a dynamic economic environment. This makes it imperative for investors to consider this aspect when weighing the pros and cons of the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds. 

Exit load: Exit load is a penalty that an AMC levies on investors if they redeem their units, fully or partially, in a scheme before completing a pre-specified period. This charge is imposed to discourage investors from exiting a scheme prematurely. The exit load differs from one type of equity fund to another. Investors need to know the charges before subscribing to a scheme. 

Direct/regular plan: Investors can choose either a direct or regular plan for parking assets in equity funds. The former is offered by an AMC directly; there are no intermediaries involved. Nevertheless, to opt for a regular plan, an investor has to make the transaction via brokers distributors and pay them applicable commissions. That's why regular plans report a higher NAV and s have a lower expense ratio in comparison to regular plans. 

SIP/lump sum: For individuals interested in purchasing units in mutual funds, there are two routes of investment: lump sum and systematic investment plan (SIP). By choosing to allocate funds via the first mode, they can invest the entire amount available with them all at once. However, if they opt for a SIP, they can purchase units in the best Motilal Oswal equity mutual funds by making fixed monthly/quarterly/yearly payments. 

One must keep in mind that the minimum amount required for a lump sum investment is Rs. 1,000. On the flip side, to start an SIP, one needs at least Rs. 500. Investors must analyse the pros and cons of each of these two investment routes before parking their savings in a scheme.