An ended new fund offer (NFO) starts a scheme that stays open for buying and selling after the offer period ends. A closed-ended NFO sells units during the offer and then holds the money until the scheme ends. The main difference is how easy it is for an investor to get out what price they get when they leave and if they can keep adding money over time.
Ended NFOs and closed-ended NFOs are different in how the units are priced after the launch. An ended scheme sells and buys back units at the net asset value (NAV). A closed-ended scheme lists on a stock exchange. The price there can be higher or lower than the NAV.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Open-ended NFO | Closed-ended NFO |
|---|---|---|
| Offer period | for a short time up to 15 days maximum | Open for a short time up to 15 days maximum |
| Buying after the NFO | Possible at the NAV once the scheme reopens within five business days of receiving the units | Not possible from the fund since units are only sold during the NFO |
| Exiting | Redemption at the NAV less any exit load | Selling on the stock exchange where the units are listed or waiting until the end |
| Tenure | No set end date | Set time period listed in the scheme details |
| Price after launch | NAV calculated each business day | Market price on the exchange which can be different from the NAV |
| Systematic investment plan (SIP) | Available after the scheme reopens | Not available |
| Liquidity | High, based on redemptions at NAV | Depends on how many people trade the units on the exchange |
Benefits of each type
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Open-ended | Units can be sold at NAV after the scheme reopens. More money can be added anytime. A SIP can run for years. |
| Closed-ended | The set time allows the fund manager to keep investments until they mature without dealing with redemptions. This suits strategies with investments that match the maturity or are not easy to sell. |
Risks of each type
| Type | Risks |
|---|---|
| Open-ended | A scheme has no history. Large redemptions might force the fund manager to sell. An exit load could apply for redemptions. |
| Closed-ended | Units can only be sold on the exchange. Trading might be low. The price might be lower than the NAV. If no one buys the money stays locked in until the end. |
What happens after the units are given out
The units or a refund arrive within five business days of the NFO closing. An ended scheme then opens again for buying and selling within five days of getting the units. A closed-ended scheme lists its units on the stock exchange. SEBI requires the NFO money to be used within 30 business days of getting the units. A one-time extension is possible through the Investment Committee.
Questions to ask before choosing
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the money needed before the closed-ended time ends? | An exit before the end depends on finding a buyer on the exchange at a price. |
| Is an investment planned? | Only a open-ended scheme allows a SIP after the NFO. |
| Does the NFO offer something that existing funds in the category do not? | An existing fund has a history. An NFO with ₹10 per unit has none. ₹10 Is the face value, not a discount. |
| What do the scheme details and the exit load say? | They explain the time the plan, the costs and any charge for leaving |
What investors should take from this
Open-ended schemes offer flexibility and a clear way to get money back. Closed-ended schemes give up that flexibility for a set time and a way to sell on the exchange. The choice depends on how the money can stay invested and if more money will be added later. The scheme details should be checked carefully.
Kuvera provides mutual funds. Its guide on how to invest in an NFO explains the steps for either type.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between ended and closed-ended NFOs?
An ended scheme allows buying and selling after the NFO. A closed-ended scheme only sells units during the NFO. Lists them on an exchange.
2. Can a SIP be started in a closed-ended fund?
No. Closed-ended schemes only sell units during the NFO. There are no purchases.
3. How can units of a closed-ended fund be sold?
On the stock exchange where they are listed. The price can be different from the NAV.. Wait until the end.
4. How long does an NFO stay open?
Up to 15 days. A longer time is allowed for some equity linked savings schemes.
5. Which is safer ended or closed-ended?
Neither is safer by structure. The risk depends on what the scheme invests in. The structure decides the way to exit. Ended schemes can be sold at NAV. Closed-ended schemes depend on the exchange.
