What is a Multi Asset Allocation Fund?
Multi-asset funds, often known as asset allocation funds, are a relatively new type of mutual fund in India. Although many fund managers and advisors often refer to them as asset allocation funds, they are technically known as multi-asset funds. Multi-asset funds invest in different asset classes. These schemes often invest in asset classes: equities, debt, and gold. Fund houses have recently begun expanding their portfolios with additional asset classes including global equity. As a result, this fund wants to build a portfolio that includes multiple asset classes. Both the SIP and lump sum investment options are available when investing in Multi-Asset Allocation Funds.
A multi asset fund is required by SEBI regulations to place at least 10% of its assets in three or more asset classes. Consequently, this product offers exposure to a diverse portfolio to investors. Furthermore, as long as the 10% criterion in three asset classes is adhered to, SEBI does not place any limits. Accordingly, a fund manager may decide to invest in small-, large-, or mid-cap equities depending on the goal of the fund.
In these kinds of funds, the fund manager of the fund house is crucial. Based on the state of the markets and the economy, they will decide how much money to invest in various asset classes. For instance, the fund manager will raise equities exposure while decreasing exposure to debt instruments if the stock market is rising. If the fund manager, on the other hand, has a pessimistic view of the economy, he or she might boost exposure to associated gold securities while decreasing allocation to equities or debt instruments.
Taxation on Multi-Asset Allocation Funds
The exposure to the equity or debt asset classes determines whether multi-asset allocation funds are taxed. The program is subject to taxation similar to an equity mutual fund if the equity exposure exceeds 65%. If not, it is taxed in the same way as a debt mutual fund.
Who Should Invest in Multi Asset Allocation Funds?
Multi-Asset funds make investments in securities from various asset classes. As a result, investing in these funds requires a long time horizon or one of at least three years. Investors who aren’t willing to take on more risk might consider this fund. Additionally, this is for investors who want steady returns on their assets.
An investor might get a diversified fund portfolio by investing in multi-asset allocation funds. Therefore, portfolio diversification greatly reduces associated risks while generating consistent returns. Additionally, it assists in distributing the risk associated with investing in a single asset class. Even when some asset classes are performing worse than usual, investors still receive a consistent stream of income. The equity exposure in this scheme also provides capital gains over the long term. Before investing in multi-asset allocation funds, the investor should generally review their portfolio.
Major advantages
- Diversification: Multi-asset allocation funds have the key benefit of allowing investors to diversify their portfolios by incorporating many asset classes. This supports consistent growth for investors throughout several market cycles. Additionally, it lessens the portfolio’s total risk.
- Rebalancing a portfolio: Rebalancing your portfolio is crucial because it makes sure that your assets are receiving returns across a variety of asset classes. As a result, rebalancing and asset reallocation are handled by the multi-asset allocation fund. This is the secret to having a robust portfolio that can withstand market ups and downs.
- Readymade Portfolio: Typically, a professional may build a portfolio of investments that is highly diversified. A multi-asset allocation fund provides investors with a well-balanced portfolio while taking into account risk and reward. Additionally, through a single type of fund, investors can profit from investing across asset classes.
List of Best Multi Asset Allocation Fund
| Scheme | 5-Year Return | AUM(INR) (Cr) |
| Quant Multi Asset Fund | 20.22% | 412.74 |
| ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund | 13.77% | 14,501.25 |
| Axis Triple Advantage | 11.61% | 1,751.40 |
| HDFC Multi Asset Fund | 10.86% | 1,596.03 |
| SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund | 9.67% | 587.66 |
Source: AMFI (data as of 19/10/2022)
Conclusion
Although these schemes invest in a variety of asset classes, they don’t really provide you with a solution to your asset allocation needs. This is due to the fact that mutual funds are created as a standard product for all retail investors, thus they cannot provide you with individualized answers. You are fortunate if the scheme’s allocation matches your allotment. Adhere to the plan. Do not, however, believe that these plans will automatically handle your asset allocation.
Last but not least, avoid using these schemes for quick investments. Consider investing with a long investment horizon of at least five to seven years and treat it as an equity program. And over time, anticipate a slightly lower return than your pure stock mutual funds.
FAQs
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Where do multi asset funds invest?
The allocation of Multi-Asset Funds is contingent on the asset classes in which the fund invests. The fund also determines the percentage allocation to each asset class and the threshold that will trigger the transfer of funds from one asset class to another.
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