Mutual Funds can be categorized based on their structure into three types open-ended, closed-ended, and interval funds. This categorization takes into consideration the frequency with which you can buy or sell units of the scheme. While open-ended funds are more common and popular among investors since they can be traded without restrictions, closed-ended funds are gaining traction too. Here, we will explore Closed Ended Mutual Funds and talk about the different types of closed ended funds in India along with their benefits and a lot more.
A closed ended fund is an equity or debt fund in which the fund house issues a fixed number of units at launch. Once the NFO (New Fund Offer) period ends, investors cannot purchase or redeem units of a closed ended fund. These funds are launched via an NFO and subsequently traded in the market like stock and have a fixed maturity period. While the Net Asset Value of the fund determines its actual price, the traded price can be above or below this value depending on the demand and supply of the units. In simple words, a closed ended fund ‘closes’ after the launch period until maturity. This allows the fund manager a greater degree of freedom to pursue the investment objectives of the fund.
Here is a quick look at some advantages of closed ended mutual funds:
Since in a closed ended fund, investors cannot redeem their units before the maturity date, the fund managers have a set asset base to work with. They are not worried about maintaining liquidity since there are no redemptions. This puts the fund manager in a good place to create a strategy that can help him achieve the investment objectives of the scheme.
Like equity shares, the units of closed ended schemes are sold on the stock exchange at prices determined by the demand and supply of the units of the scheme. Hence, if the demand for a particular closed ended scheme increases and the supply remains low, then the units can sell at a price much above the NAV of the scheme.
While prima facie, closed ended fund might seem illiquid since the fund house doesn’t allow redemption of units, the stock exchange offers umpteen opportunities to buy/sell the units. In fact, closed ended funds offer a high degree of liquidity to investors. You can buy or sell units of a closed ended fund from the stock exchange at the existing market prices.
Here is a quick look at some disadvantages of closed ended mutual funds:
The fund manager of a closed ended fund is in a good position to create investment strategies to help him achieve the investment objectives of the scheme. However, if we look at the performance of closed ended funds in the past, it doesn’t seem to reflect better returns as compared to open ended schemes.
Since you can purchase the units of a closed ended scheme only during the initial launch period, you need to make a lump sum investment. This increases risk. Also, many investors prefer the systematic investment plan (SIP) approach to investing as it is affordable and spreads the risk.
Typically, investors tend to analyze the performance of a mutual fund scheme over different market cycles to assess if investing in it is a good option. While this information is readily available for open ended schemes, in the case of closed ended funds, this data is not available. Hence, the performance of the fund largely depends on the decisions of the fund manager.
Closed ended funds require lumpsum investment and do not offer a redemption option until maturity. Hence, investors with an investible corpus and an investment horizon in sync with the maturity date of the scheme can opt for closed ended mutual funds. Further, the risks and returns should be assessed based on the asset allocation of the scheme specified in the offer document.
Tax on Gains
Equity and debt funds are taxed differently. Therefore, in the case of Closed Ended Mutual Funds, the tax rates depend on the percentage of investments made by the scheme in equity and debt.
Ensure that you read the offer document carefully and check the asset allocation that the scheme plans to follow to understand the tax rates.
You can invest directly with an asset management company (AMC) or with the assistance of agents and distributors. When you opt for investing in a direct plan, you will receive a higher number of units as no commission will be required to be paid to a distributor. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a closed-ended fund online through a mutual fund company’s official website.
Based on the performance over the last five years, here are the closed ended mutual funds in India:
| Name of the scheme | Returns | ||
| 1 year | 3 year | 5 year | |
| SBI Tax Advantage Fund – Series III – Regular Plan | 2.61 | 9.60 | 13.02 |
| ICICI Prudential Growth Fund – Series 2 | 3.31 | 10.98 | 12.99 |
| SBI Tax Advantage Fund – Series II | -2.26 | 9.68 | 12.88 |
| ICICI Prudential Growth Fund – Series 1 | 4.39 | 9.08 | 11.83 |
| ICICI Prudential R.I.G.H.T. Fund | -12.14 | 6.99 | 10.00 |
| Reliance FHF XXV Series 15 | 8.28 | 8.38 | 9.00 |
| HDFC FMP 793D Feb 2014 (1) Reg | 8.97 | 7.32 | 8.42 |
This list is just a compilation of best performing closed ended funds Remember, this is not a recommendation but a list of well-performing closed ended funds in India. Please invest in these funds only if the investment objective and risk profile is in alignment
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