What does fund of funds mean?
What are fund of funds schemes? Simply put, they are a type of mutual fund scheme that invests in other mutual fund schemes. Hence, instead of holding a portfolio of equities or bonds, the fund manager of a fund of funds scheme holds the portfolio of other mutual funds. A certain FoF might invest in a mutual fund scheme that is part of the same mutual fund house or part of another mutual fund house. The portfolio of an FoF scheme is created with the goal of suiting a variety of investors across varying risk profiles and financial goals.
The primary aim is to allow investors to receive the opportunity to benefit from the tool of diversification since they get to invest in a slew of mutual fund categories. FoFs can be overseas as well as domestic in nature. With foreign FoFs, the fund manager opts to invest in the units of an offshore mutual fund scheme. The fund manager ensures that the target mutual fund’s risk profile as well as investment philosophy match with the mutual fund’s mandate. The goal of most FoF schemes is to begin the process of wealth creation in the long run.
Who is a Fund of Funds scheme for?
Now that we understand what is a fund of funds in mutual funds schemes, the next question we should address is it. FoF schemes make for a great bet for small investors whose goal is not to take on a high degree of risk. Diversification present in the funds part of the basket enables FoF investors to lower the degree of risk. FoFs also make for a great investment tool when it comes to medium-term investments for investors who have a small number of funds available to invest each month. To add to this, investors with an investment horizon that exceeds five years can also consider investing in FoF schemes.
Types of Funds of Funds in India
There are many different types of fund of funds schemes available to invest in India. Some of these are as follows:
Gold Fund of Funds:
A gold fund of funds scheme will invest in multiple different forms of gold through their basket of mutual funds investments. This includes investing in mutual funds that invest in physical gold, as well as the funds that invest in stocks of gold mining companies.
Multi-Manager Fund of Funds:
A multi-manager fund of funds is one where a basket of professionally managed mutual funds are all invested into and combine to form a single investment portfolio.
Asset Allocation Fund of Funds:
These types of fund of funds invest in a variety of asset classes. They can range from commodities and metals to classic equity-oriented and debt-oriented mutual fund schemes. One can opt for such funds based on their financial goals, and risk profile.
International Fund of Funds:
These are investments in international mutual fund schemes that mainly comprise the shares or bonds in global companies.
What to consider before investing in Fund of Funds schemes?
The principle that drives fund of fund schemes is that of maximum benefit that is derived out of single yet diversified investment options. Ensure that you weigh the pros as well as cons of a mutual fund scheme before you make your decision to invest in it. Make sure to select a fund manager that is experienced, and aware of our tolerance to risk, tax implications, transactional timelines, and more. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in fund of fund schemes.
Pros of investing in fund of funds schemes:
Ease of handling:
With just one net asset value to track in a single portfolio, fund of funds schemes are incredibly easy to track as well as manage.
Tax-friendly:
When you invest in fund of funds schemes with the goal of rebalancing your assets, there is to be no taxation on the capital gains earned from this internal transaction. Henceforth, when your fund of funds are rebalanced such that you get to maintain your desired allocation between debt and equity, no taxation on capital gains will be applied.
Professional Fund Management Services:
Before you opt to venture out in individual mutual funds investments, investing in a fund of funds scheme can enable you to invest in professionally managed mutual fund schemes.
Option for those with limited capital:
A fund of funds scheme allows investors possessing only a limited degree of wealth to participate in diversifying their underlying assets. It would, otherwise, be difficult for such investors to assess underlying assets individually.
Credible Portfolio Managers:
Since the fund of funds schemes require the fund managers’ background to be verified and checked, you can rest assured that your investment is in capable hands.
Cons of investing in fund of funds schemes:
Tax implications:
If you opt to sell your fund of funds mutual funds scheme before 36 months are crossed, short-term capital gains tax will be applied based on your income tax slab. In case you opt to sell your fund of funds scheme after 36 months are crossed, a 20% long-term capital gains tax is levied with indexation.
High-expense ratio:
Just as any mutual fund scheme does, the FoF schemes also incur expenses. However, unlike other mutual fund schemes, there is excessive cost levied on these types of schemes. Besides the administrative and general management fees, there will usually be an added expense for the underlying funds. Although the FoF ratio tends to be just 1% for investors, you are still required to pay this amount on each fund that is owned by the FoF scheme.
Over-diversification:
Since FoF schemes invest in multiple different funds which further invest in a slew of securities, one can potentially own the same securities and stocks through different funds. This ultimately reduces the potential for diversification of the mutual fund scheme.
The Takeaway
Fund of Funds schemes are a great option for those who have limited capital, are looking to instantly diversify their portfolio, and wish to foray into the world of mutual fund investing for the first time. These types of schemes, however, do have their drawbacks in the form of a higher expense ratio and potential over-diversification. It is vital one conduct all of the necessary research so they can make an informed investment.
