Interval Funds - Meaning, Features and Taxation

Interval Funds - Meaning, Features and Taxation

May 10, 2023

5 Minutes

Interval Funds Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to Investing

Mutual funds offer a plethora of choices, and one intriguing category is Interval Funds. Categorized by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), these funds introduce a unique investment approach. This guide delves into the world of Interval Funds, shedding light on their types, benefits, and more.

Understanding Interval Funds:

Interval Funds, a distinctive category, can invest in equity, debt instruments, or both. Unlike open-ended funds, their units are redeemable or purchasable only at specific intervals declared by the fund house. This hybrid model combines features of both open-ended and closed-ended funds.

Operational Mechanism of Interval Mutual Funds:

  1. Limited Redemption Intervals:

    • Investors can buy or sell units only during specified intervals, providing stability to the fund manager in crafting a strategic investment plan.

  2. Similarities with Closed-ended Funds:

    • Resemble closed-ended funds where frequent buying or selling of units is restricted.

  3. Listed Schemes:

    • Some interval funds might be listed on stock exchanges, adding an additional dimension to their accessibility.

Suitability of Interval Mutual Funds:

Ideal for investors seeking unconventional assets and having short-term financial goals with low-to-moderate risk tolerance. Interval funds often delve into unique assets like commercial property, forestry tracts, and business loans.

Key Features of Interval Funds:

  1. Risk and Returns:

    • High illiquidity due to redemption restrictions during non-interval periods. Returns typically range from 6-8% over a five-year period.

  2. Investment Horizon Alignment:

    • Suited for investors aligning their investment horizon with the fund's maturity date. Most schemes are debt-oriented, appealing to those with lower risk tolerance.

  3. Taxation Rules:

    • Taxation varies based on the fund's asset allocation:

      • Equity Fund Taxation: If 65% or more is invested in equity and equity-related instruments.

      • Debt Fund Taxation: If at least 65% is invested in debt instruments.

Note: Careful reading of the offer document is essential to understand the tax implications based on the scheme's planned asset allocation.

Who Should Consider Investing in Interval Funds:

  1. Investors Seeking Unconventional Assets:

    • Well-suited for those looking to diversify portfolios with unique, less conventional assets.

  2. Short-Term Financial Goal Pursuers:

    • Ideal for investors with short-term financial goals aligned with the fund's redemption intervals.

  3. Low-to-Moderate Risk Tolerance:

    • Appeals to individuals comfortable with lower-to-moderate risk exposure.

Conclusion:

Interval Funds present a distinctive avenue for investors seeking diversity and short-term returns. While they carry inherent risks, their illiquid nature and unique asset investments can be advantageous for those with the right risk tolerance and investment horizon. As with any investment, careful consideration of your financial goals and risk appetite is crucial before venturing into Interval Funds.

Interval Funds Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to Investing

Mutual funds offer a plethora of choices, and one intriguing category is Interval Funds. Categorized by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), these funds introduce a unique investment approach. This guide delves into the world of Interval Funds, shedding light on their types, benefits, and more.

Understanding Interval Funds:

Interval Funds, a distinctive category, can invest in equity, debt instruments, or both. Unlike open-ended funds, their units are redeemable or purchasable only at specific intervals declared by the fund house. This hybrid model combines features of both open-ended and closed-ended funds.

Operational Mechanism of Interval Mutual Funds:

  1. Limited Redemption Intervals:

    • Investors can buy or sell units only during specified intervals, providing stability to the fund manager in crafting a strategic investment plan.

  2. Similarities with Closed-ended Funds:

    • Resemble closed-ended funds where frequent buying or selling of units is restricted.

  3. Listed Schemes:

    • Some interval funds might be listed on stock exchanges, adding an additional dimension to their accessibility.

Suitability of Interval Mutual Funds:

Ideal for investors seeking unconventional assets and having short-term financial goals with low-to-moderate risk tolerance. Interval funds often delve into unique assets like commercial property, forestry tracts, and business loans.

Key Features of Interval Funds:

  1. Risk and Returns:

    • High illiquidity due to redemption restrictions during non-interval periods. Returns typically range from 6-8% over a five-year period.

  2. Investment Horizon Alignment:

    • Suited for investors aligning their investment horizon with the fund's maturity date. Most schemes are debt-oriented, appealing to those with lower risk tolerance.

  3. Taxation Rules:

    • Taxation varies based on the fund's asset allocation:

      • Equity Fund Taxation: If 65% or more is invested in equity and equity-related instruments.

      • Debt Fund Taxation: If at least 65% is invested in debt instruments.

Note: Careful reading of the offer document is essential to understand the tax implications based on the scheme's planned asset allocation.

Who Should Consider Investing in Interval Funds:

  1. Investors Seeking Unconventional Assets:

    • Well-suited for those looking to diversify portfolios with unique, less conventional assets.

  2. Short-Term Financial Goal Pursuers:

    • Ideal for investors with short-term financial goals aligned with the fund's redemption intervals.

  3. Low-to-Moderate Risk Tolerance:

    • Appeals to individuals comfortable with lower-to-moderate risk exposure.

Conclusion:

Interval Funds present a distinctive avenue for investors seeking diversity and short-term returns. While they carry inherent risks, their illiquid nature and unique asset investments can be advantageous for those with the right risk tolerance and investment horizon. As with any investment, careful consideration of your financial goals and risk appetite is crucial before venturing into Interval Funds.

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