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Mutual Fund Types

Low Duration Debt Fund

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund
Franklin India Low Duration Fund - Segregated PF 2 (10.90% Vodafone Idea Ltd 02Sep2023-Growth)

1Y

308.59%

3Y

16.61%

5Y

6.34%

SI

8.86%

Nav

1.36

Risk

-
Tata Mutual Fund
Tata Treasury Advantage Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Segregated Portfolio 1

1Y

154.61%

3Y

-33.27%

5Y

-14.94%

SI

-26.27%

Nav

79.24

Risk

-
SUNDARAM MUTUAL FUND
SUNDARAM LOW DURATION FUND - REGULAR PLAN - PRINCIPAL UNITS

1Y

11.76%

3Y

7.50%

5Y

5.66%

SI

0.56%

Nav

16.51

Risk

-

1Y

11.76%

3Y

7.50%

5Y

5.66%

SI

7.48%

Nav

28.84

Risk

-
SUNDARAM MUTUAL FUND
SUNDARAM LOW DURATION FUND - INSTITUTIONAL PLAN - GROWTH

1Y

11.56%

3Y

8.29%

5Y

5.82%

SI

7.23%

Nav

27.87

Risk

-

1Y

9.24%

3Y

11.59%

5Y

6.47%

SI

7.51%

Nav

28.79

Risk

Low to Moderate
Kotak Mutual Fund
Kotak Low Duration Fund Retail Plan - Regular Plan - Growth

1Y

9.21%

3Y

14.07%

5Y

8.98%

SI

8.19%

Nav

1,971.72

Risk

-

1Y

8.32%

3Y

11.22%

5Y

6.04%

SI

3.19%

Nav

1,406.92

Risk

-

1Y

8.31%

3Y

11.22%

5Y

7.05%

SI

24.02%

Nav

1,373.67

Risk

-

1Y

8.31%

3Y

11.22%

5Y

7.05%

SI

1.76%

Nav

1,377.14

Risk

-

Low Duration Funds are a type of debt mutual fund that primarily invests in high-quality debt instruments such as government securities, corporate bonds, commercial papers (CPs), and certificates of deposit (CDs). These funds maintain an average portfolio maturity between 6 and 12 months, making them suitable for investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon.

Low Duration Funds seek to provide better returns. They do this by taking on slightly higher interest rates and credit risks compared to Liquid or Ultra-Short Duration Funds. They strike a balance between safety, liquidity, and yield. This makes them a wise choice for informed investors, compared to traditional bank deposits.

How Do Low-Duration Funds Work?

Low Duration Funds are actively managed to capitalize on short-term interest rate fluctuations and accrue income. Fund managers build a diversified portfolio with debt instruments that mature in about 6 to 12 months, allowing them to respond to changing market conditions and optimize returns.

These funds benefit both from accrual income (interest from debt securities) and capital appreciation, especially during stable or gradually declining interest rate scenarios. They carry moderate credit and interest rate risk, but are still considered less volatile than long-duration or equity-based funds.

Their relatively low sensitivity to market fluctuations makes them an ideal choice for investors seeking better returns than a savings account or fixed deposit, without locking in their capital.

Who Should Invest in Low Duration Funds?

Low Duration Funds are best suited for:

  • Investors with a 6–12 month investment horizon
  • Individuals or businesses looking to park surplus cash
  • Those seeking higher post-tax returns than FDs, especially in higher tax brackets
  • Investors wanting low-to-moderate risk exposure without equity market volatility
  • Anyone planning to deploy capital for short- to medium-term financial goals

These funds work well during periods of stable or slightly rising interest rates. They are often chosen by corporate treasuries and conservative investors who still want their money to grow meaningfully in the short term.

Benefits of Investing in Low Duration Debt Funds

  • Better Returns Than Savings/FDR: Expected returns typically range between 5% and 7% per annum, depending on market conditions.
  • Moderate Risk Profile: Although not entirely risk-free, the credit and interest rate risks are relatively low and well-managed.
  • High Liquidity: Most funds offer T+1 redemption, making your money accessible when needed.
  • No Lock-In Period: Flexibility to withdraw anytime without penalties.
  • Tax Efficiency: Gains held for over 3 years qualify as long-term capital gains (LTCG) with indexation benefits, potentially reducing tax liability.
  • Active Portfolio Management: Professional fund managers adjust portfolios based on evolving market conditions to enhance returns.
  • Diversification: Exposure to multiple short-term instruments reduces concentration risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the investment horizon recommended for Low Duration Funds?
Are Low Duration Funds risk-free?
How do these funds compare with fixed deposits?
What kind of returns can I expect?
Who should invest in Low Duration Debt Funds?
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