Switching mutual funds involves transferring your investment from one fund to another, either within the same fund house or to a different one. Investors may switch to better align with their goals, seek improved returns, simplify their portfolio, respond to a fund manager change, or to book profits.
There are times when you may feel the need to switch from one mutual fund scheme to another, or from a regular plan to a direct plan, to achieve your financial goals.
One thing to remember is, switching between mutual schemes is only possible withing the schemes of the same AMC or fund house. Also, switching mutual funds is not a difficult process, it involves certain factors, rules, charges, and tax implications that you should be aware of.
What is a mutual funds switch?
Mutual fund switching refers to transitioning between debt and equity funds or from regular to direct mutual fund plans to manage risk or enhance returns. Essentially, it involves moving from one mutual fund scheme to another when the current scheme underperforms. This option is commonly chosen by investors dissatisfied with their fund's performance. Additionally, investors can switch between fund houses, necessitating the redemption of units from the current house and purchasing units from the new one. However, this process incurs exit loads and capital gains payments.
How switching works?
Switching in mutual funds refers to transferring your investment from one fund to another within the same fund house. This feature is often available to investors in open-ended mutual funds and is executed using the fund house's online platform or through an agent. Switching can be partial, where a portion of your investment is shifted, or complete, where the entire investment is moved.
The switch involves redeeming units from the existing fund and reinvesting them in the selected fund. While it is seamless, the transaction is treated as a redemption followed by a purchase for taxation purposes, making capital gains tax applicable. Additionally, exit loads might apply if you switch before a specified holding period.
Switching is a strategic tool to rebalance portfolios, adjust to market conditions, or shift towards funds that better align with evolving financial goals or risk appetite.
Benefits of switching in mutual funds
Experts suggest that mutual fund switching enhances asset allocation by allowing investors to reallocate funds within or between funds, effectively reducing liability associated with underperforming assets. This strategy offers several advantages:
Enhanced performance: Investors can switch from underperforming assets to higher-performing ones, utilising metrics like CAGR and XIRR to gauge asset growth and identify long-term investments for optimal returns on maturity.
Convenient digitisation: Digital platforms facilitate seamless mutual fund switching, enabling investors to initiate switches online and directly transfer funds between schemes with ease.
How to switch mutual funds
Switching mutual funds can be done in two ways: online or offline. Here is what to do for both cases:
- Online: You can switch mutual funds online by logging in to your mutual fund account, either through the fund house’s website or a third-party platform like the one provided by Bajaj Finserv. You can then go to the transaction page, where you can buy, sell, or switch mutual fund units. You can select the ‘switch’ option and choose the fund name and the plan that you want to switch to. You can then follow the instructions on the screen and complete the switch. It may take up to four working days for the switch to reflect in your account statement.
- Offline: You can also switch mutual funds offline by visiting the nearest branch of the fund house and filling and submitting a switch form. You will have to provide details such as your folio number, fund name, plan, and option that you want to switch from and to. You can also get this done through your intermediary, such as a distributor, agent, or broker.
When should you consider a mutual fund switch?
Switching mutual funds can be a prudent decision when your financial circumstances or market conditions change. Here's when you might consider it:
1. Fund underperformance
If your mutual fund consistently underperforms its benchmark or peer funds, it may be time to switch. Analyse the fund's long-term performance before making a decision.
2. Change in financial goals
As your financial objectives evolve, your mutual fund investments should align with these changes. For example, if you shift from wealth creation to income generation, switching to a more suitable fund type might help.
3. Asset reallocation
Switching allows you to rebalance your portfolio by adjusting the proportion of equity, debt, or other asset classes to maintain your desired allocation.
4. Reduced risk tolerance
As you approach retirement or significant life events, switching to less volatile funds can reduce risks.
5. Market conditions
During economic or market shifts, switching to funds better positioned to benefit from the changes can optimise returns.
6. Fund management changes
A change in the fund manager or strategy may impact fund performance. If the new approach does not align with your investment philosophy, switching might be necessary.
7. Tax planning
Switching can also help in tax-efficient investing, like moving to equity funds for long-term capital gains benefits.
Remember, switching should be backed by research and financial planning to ensure it aligns with your overall goals.
Best practices while switching mutual funds
Switching mutual funds is a significant financial decision. To ensure it aligns with your investment strategy and objectives, follow these best practices:
1. Know your goals and risk tolerance
Clearly define your financial goals—whether wealth creation, income generation, or tax-saving. Align the switch with your risk appetite, considering factors like your age, income, and future plans. A mismatched fund choice can jeopardise your financial stability.
2. Research the new fund
Thoroughly evaluate the new fund before switching. Examine its past performance, risk-adjusted returns, expense ratio, and portfolio holdings. Ensure that the fund complements your investment strategy and has a consistent track record.
3. Check tax implications
Switching mutual funds triggers capital gains taxation. For equity funds, short-term gains are taxed at 15%, and long-term gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh are taxed at 10%. For debt funds, gains are taxed based on your income slab for short-term and 20% with indexation for long-term.
4. Asset allocation review
Ensure that the switch supports your desired asset allocation. If your equity exposure is already high, moving to another equity fund might increase portfolio risk unnecessarily.
5. Sector exposure
Avoid over-concentration in specific sectors. Assess how the new fund’s holdings align with your current portfolio to maintain diversification and mitigate risks.
6. Correlation analysis
Evaluate the correlation between the new fund and your existing investments. A low-correlation fund can enhance diversification, while high-correlation funds may increase risk without adding significant value.
7. Transaction timing
Switch funds strategically to minimise exit loads or maximise tax benefits. Avoid switching during market highs or lows to prevent adverse timing effects.
8. Read the prospectus
The prospectus provides crucial insights into the fund’s objectives, strategies, risks, and costs. Understanding these aspects ensures that the new fund aligns with your expectations.
9. Consult a financial advisor
Seek professional advice to evaluate whether switching is the right choice. An advisor can provide personalised recommendations based on your financial situation, ensuring that the switch is in your best interest.
By following these practices, you can optimise your portfolio while avoiding unnecessary risks and costs associated with switching. Always prioritise long-term financial objectives over short-term market trends.
Tax implications of switching between mutual funds
Switching between mutual funds is a taxable event, as it is considered as a redemption and a fresh investment. The tax liability depends on the type and duration of the fund that you switch from and to.
Here are the tax rates applicable for different types of funds:
- Equity funds: These are funds that invest at least 65% of their assets in equity and equity-related instruments. If you switch from an equity fund before one year, you will have to pay short-term capital gains tax at 20%. If you switch after one year, you will have to pay long-term capital gains tax at 12.5% on the gains exceeding Rs. 1.25 lakh in a financial year. You will also have to pay securities transaction tax (STT) at 0.001% on the redemption value of the equity-oriented fund.
- Debt funds: These are funds that invest predominantly in debt and money market instruments. If you switch from a debt fund before three years, you will have to pay short-term capital gains tax as per your income tax slab. If you switch after three years, you will have to pay long-term capital gains tax at 20% with indexation benefit, which adjusts the cost of acquisition of the fund units as per the inflation rate.
- Hybrid funds: These are funds that invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. The tax treatment of hybrid funds depends on their asset allocation. If the fund invests more than 65% in equity, it is treated as an equity fund for tax purposes. If the fund invests less than 65% in equity, it is treated as a debt fund for tax purposes.
When can you switch mutual funds?
You may consider switching mutual funds under the following conditions:
- If your financial objectives shift.
- If your current mutual fund may underperform.
- If you want to opt for a different asset category.
- If you want to switch from a regular to a direct mutual fund plan.
- If you might contemplate moving to a different asset management company (AMC)
Rules for switching mutual funds
Here are some guidelines to consider before proceeding with a mutual fund switch:
- Determine switch type: Decide whether to switch within the same scheme or to a different one.
- Check requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum investment criteria for intra-scheme switches.
- Prepare for costs: Be ready for potential exit loads and capital gains taxes.
- Initiate inter-scheme switch: Sell your current fund and apply for redemption.
- Tax consideration: Understand that mutual fund capital gains are taxed, with short-term gains at 15% and long-term gains at 10%.
- Account for lock-in periods: Note any lock-in periods, such as the three-year lock-in for Equity Linked Savings Schemes, which restricts switching before completion.
Factors to consider before switching in mutual funds
- The reason for switching:You should have a clear and valid reason for switching mutual funds, such as change in your risk profile Switching mutual funds without a proper reason can hamper your long-term returns and increase your costs.
- The exit load and capital gains tax: When you switch from one mutual fund scheme to another, or from a regular plan to a direct plan, it is considered as a redemption and a fresh investment. Therefore, you may have to pay an exit load, which is a percentage of the Net Asset Value (NAV) deducted by the fund house if you exit before a specified period. You may also have to pay capital gains tax on the profits you make from the switch, depending on the type and duration of the fund.
- The suitability of the new fund: You should do a thorough research on the new fund that you want to switch to, and check its past performance, risk-return profile, expense ratio, portfolio composition, fund manager’s track record, and consistency. You should also compare it with other similar funds in the category, and ensure that it matches your risk appetite, investment objective, and time horizon.
List of low risk mutual funds to invest in 2024
- Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund
- ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund
- Kotak Bluechip Fund
- Nippon India Large Cap Fund
- HDFC Index Fund-NIFTY 50 Plan
Conclusion
Switching mutual funds can be a smart move if done for the right reasons and at the right time. However, investors should be careful about the exit load, capital gains tax, and suitability of the new fund before making the switch.
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