Best low risk mutual funds are investment options that focus on capital preservation and stable returns by primarily investing in debt securities, government bonds, and money market instruments. These funds are designed to minimize exposure to market volatility, making them suitable for conservative investors or those with a lower risk appetite. By prioritizing safety over aggressive growth, low risk mutual funds offer a reliable avenue for steady wealth accumulation with reduced potential for significant losses.
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Top performing plans˜ with High Returns**
Invest ₹10K/month & Get ₹1 Crore returns*
Fund Name | Category | 1Y Returns | Fund Size(in Cr) |
Mirae Asset Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 8.0% | ₹3,111 |
Tata Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 8.1% | ₹12,789 |
Quant Overnight Fund | Debt | 6.7% | ₹139 |
Invesco India Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 8.0% | ₹19,675 |
Bank of India Overnight Fund | Debt | 6.7% | ₹41 |
Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 8.1% | ₹60,373 |
Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 8.0% | ₹14,003 |
Aditya Birla Sun Life Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 8.0% | ₹14,236 |
Nippon India Arbitrage Fund | Hybrid | 7.8% | ₹13,733 |
Axis Overnight Fund | Debt | 6.7% | ₹6,348 |
Mirae Asset Arbitrage Fund aims to generate both capital appreciation and steady income by strategically capitalizing on arbitrage opportunities within the equity markets' cash and derivative segments, as well as those existing solely within the derivatives market. A portion of the portfolio is also allocated to debt and money market instruments.
AUM: ₹3,111.29Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹5,000
3 Year Returns: 7.38%
Tata Arbitrage Fund seeks to deliver reasonable returns to investors by primarily focusing on arbitrage opportunities arising between the cash and derivatives segments of the equity markets. The remaining portion of the fund is invested in debt and money market instruments.
AUM: ₹12,789.92Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹5,000
3 Year Returns: 7.46%
Quant Overnight Fund aims to generate returns by investing predominantly in debt and money market instruments that have an overnight maturity period, focusing on short-term opportunities.
AUM: ₹139.18Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹5,000
3 Year Returns: NA
Invesco India Arbitrage Fund's core objective is to generate income by leveraging arbitrage opportunities that arise from pricing discrepancies between the cash and derivatives markets.
AUM: ₹19,675.15Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹1,000
3 Year Returns: 7.68%
Bank of India Overnight Fund seeks to provide income aligned with low risk and high liquidity by investing in overnight securities, which are characterized by a residual maturity of just one business day.
AUM: ₹41.29Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹5,000
3 Year Returns: 6.42%
Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund aims to generate income by exploiting arbitrage opportunities that emerge from pricing anomalies between the spot and futures markets. Additionally, surplus cash may be strategically deployed in fixed-income instruments.
AUM: ₹60,373.17Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹100
3 Year Returns: 7.57%
Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund seeks to generate income by primarily investing in arbitrage opportunities found in both the cash and derivative segments of the equity markets, including those solely within the derivative segment. The remaining assets are allocated to debt and money market instruments.
AUM: ₹14,003.17Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹100
3 Year Returns: 7.50%
Aditya Birla Sun Life Arbitrage Fund aims to generate income through significant investments in equity and equity-related instruments. The fund intends to capitalize on price differentials and mispricing of stocks or indices across various market segments, specifically the cash and futures markets.
AUM: ₹14,236.09Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹1,000
3 Year Returns: 7.39%
Nippon India Arbitrage Fund seeks to generate income by taking advantage of potential arbitrage opportunities existing between the cash and derivative markets, as well as within the derivative segment itself. The fund also invests in debt securities and money market instruments.
AUM: ₹13,733.37Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹5,000
3 Year Returns: 7.36%
Axis Overnight Fund seeks to provide reasonable returns consistent with very low interest rate risk and a high degree of liquidity. This is achieved through primary investments in overnight securities that have a maturity or residual maturity of one business day.
AUM: ₹6,348.03Cr
Minimum SIP Amount: ₹500
3 Year Returns: 6.38%
If you hold your investment in low risk mutual funds for more than 3 years, the gains are classified as long-term capital gains and taxed at a flat rate of 20% after applying indexation benefits. Indexation adjusts the purchase price for inflation, reducing the taxable gains and thus the tax burden.
If you sell your units before completing 3 years, the gains are considered short-term capital gains. These gains are added to your total income and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab rate, which could be higher than LTCG tax rates.
Unlike some other investment avenues, TDS is not deducted at source on gains from low risk mutual funds, making the process simpler for investors.
Below are the reasons why you should consider the best low risk mutual funds for investing:
The foremost feature is the protection of the principal amount. These funds primarily invest in high-quality debt instruments such as government securities, treasury bills, and AAA-rated corporate bonds to minimize the risk of loss.
Unlike equity funds, low risk mutual funds offer more predictable returns by focusing on fixed-income securities, thus reducing exposure to market volatility.
The portfolio composition of these funds ensures minimal fluctuations in net asset value (NAV), providing a smoother investment experience even during turbulent market conditions.
Many low risk mutual funds, such as liquid funds and money market funds, offer quick redemption options, making them suitable as a low risk investment option for parking funds temporarily or building an emergency corpus.
These funds cater to investors with investment tenures ranging from a few days (overnight funds) to a few years (short-term debt funds), allowing flexibility based on individual financial goals.
By investing across various debt instruments and issuers, these funds reduce concentration risk and enhance portfolio stability.
Some low risk mutual funds also serve as tax saving mutual funds, offering benefits under sections like 80C, thus acting as a tax saving investment option while maintaining low risk.
While traditionally associated with moderate returns, certain low risk funds like dynamic bond funds or short-term debt funds can offer relatively higher returns without significantly increasing risk, fitting the profile of a low risk high return mutual fund.
They provide the best investment plan for conservative investors who prioritize safety over aggressive growth.
Suitable for retirees, first-time investors, or anyone seeking to balance risk and return.
They offer an alternative to traditional fixed deposits with potentially better post-tax returns and greater liquidity.
Low risk mutual funds are designed to offer investors a secure and stable investment avenue with minimal exposure to market volatility. Here are the key benefits of investing in the best low risk mutual funds:
These funds prioritize safeguarding the principal amount, making them ideal for conservative investors who want to avoid significant losses.
By investing primarily in high-quality debt instruments such as government bonds and AAA-rated corporate papers, low risk mutual funds provide steady and relatively predictable returns, often outperforming traditional fixed deposits.
Due to their focus on debt and money market securities, these funds experience minimal price fluctuations, reducing the risk compared to equity or high-risk mutual funds.
Most low risk mutual funds allow easy redemption, making them a convenient low risk investment option for short-term financial goals or emergencies.
Many tax saving mutual funds qualify as a tax saving investment under long-term capital gains with indexation, which can be more advantageous than fixed deposits. They also do not attract TDS, enhancing post-tax returns.
While fixed deposits are a preferred choice for risk-averse investors, the best low risk mutual funds often provide higher returns with similar safety, making them an attractive best investment plan for conservative portfolios.
Some low risk mutual funds can generate a steady income stream, serving as a supplementary source of income while preserving capital.
Low risk mutual funds are suitable for a variety of investors, particularly those who prioritize safety and capital preservation:
Individuals who prefer to avoid market volatility and want a stable investment avenue with minimal risk for better retirement planning.
Those who lack extensive market knowledge and want to start investing with a low risk high return mutual fund to build confidence.
Investors with financial goals within 1 to 3 years can use these funds to achieve their objectives without risking principal.
Ideal for retirees seeking to preserve their savings while generating regular income without exposure to high market risks.
Individuals in higher tax brackets looking for tax saving investment options that offer both capital safety and tax benefits.
Investors who want to maintain liquidity and quick access to funds while earning better returns than a savings account.
Selecting the best low-risk mutual fund involves careful consideration of various factors such as historical performance, expense ratios, and the fund manager's track record. Investors should assess their financial goals and risk tolerance before making a decision, ensuring alignment with the chosen mutual fund's objectives.
Invesco India Arbitrage Fund
Tata Arbitrage Fund
Bank of India Overnight Fund
Axis Overnight Fund
Fixed Deposits (FDs) with banks (insured up to ₹5 lakh in India)
Government Securities (Treasury Bonds)
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) insured by banks
Invesco India Arbitrage Fund SIP
Tata Arbitrage Fund SIP
Axis Overnight Fund SIP
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance
plan.
*Tax benefit is subject to changes in tax laws. Standard T&C Apply
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˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium, for bookings made in the first 6 months of FY 24-25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.