What is SIP?
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method of investing in mutual funds at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, etc.). Instead of investing a large sum at once, you invest a fixed amount, allowing you to benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding over time.
Example: If you invest ₹5,000 every month in a mid-cap fund for 10 years, your total investment grows not only from market returns but also by reinvesting gains regularly.
Key Benefits of SIPs
The key benefits of best SIP plan are as follows:
- Rupee Cost Averaging: By investing regularly, investors buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. This strategy averages the cost of investment over time.
- Power of Compounding: Returns generated from investments are reinvested to generate further returns, enhancing wealth creation over the long term.
- Affordability: SIPs can start with as little as ₹500 per month, making them accessible to all income groups.
- Financial Discipline: Regular contributions foster a habit of saving and investing, essential for achieving long-term financial goals.
- Flexibility: Investors can choose the amount, frequency, and duration of their investments, allowing for customization based on individual financial situations.
Is SIP Safe?
SIPs are generally considered safe for long-term investors due to their structured approach of investing:
- Regulated by SEBI: All mutual funds, including SIPs, are regulated by SEBI. This ensures transparency and investor safety.
- Market Risk Exists: SIP investments are linked to the market. While they reduce risk through regular investments, they cannot completely avoid it.
- Low Risk Over Long Term: SIPs are safer for long-term goals. They reduce the impact of market ups and downs over time.
- Safe for Beginners: SIPs are a good choice for beginners as they are affordable and encourage disciplined investing.
- Portfolio Diversification: SIPs invest in a mix of sectors, reducing the risk of losing money in one area.
- Monitor Regularly: To keep your investment safe, review your SIP fund performance regularly and make changes if required.
What are the Risks in a SIP?
A SIP investment involves the following category of risks:
- Market Risk: SIPs invest in equity or debt funds that are subject to market fluctuations. Returns may vary based on market performance.
- Interest Rate Risk: Debt fund SIPs face risks when interest rates change, impacting bond prices and returns.
- No Guaranteed Returns: Returns from SIPs depend on market performance. They do not offer fixed or guaranteed returns.
- Liquidity Risk: Some funds have lock-in periods or may have low liquidity, restricting quick withdrawals.
- Inflation Risk: Returns from SIPs might not always beat inflation, especially in low-performing markets.
- Fund Performance Risk: Poorly managed funds may underperform, impacting your overall returns.
- Goal Mismatch: SIPs may not align with short-term financial goals due to market volatility.
Example of a SIP Investment using a SIP Calculator
If you choose to invest ₹5,000 for a period of 15 years in a mid cap fund SIP plan, and your average expected SIP returns is 15%, the maturity amount you will gain at the end of this period can be calculated through a SIP Calculator:
- Investment Details:
- Monthly SIP Amount: ₹5,000
- Investment Period: 10 years
- Expected Annual Return: 15%
- Calculation: The calculator will show you the following results-
- Total Investment: ₹5,000 x 12 x 10 = ₹6,00,000
- Maturity Value: ₹13,20,000 (approx.)
- Wealth Gain: ₹7,15,000
This growth is due to Rupee Cost Averaging and the Power of Compounding over time.
SIP Calculator
Monthly Investment
₹22.4 L
Top Funds with High Returns (Past 7 Years)
13.24%
Equity Pension
16.3%
Global Blue Chip Anchor Strategy
18.4%
High Growth Fund
18.03%
US Growth Fund
20.89%
Multi Cap Fund
14.37%
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II
15.9%
Multiplier
14.95%
Frontline Equity Fund
18.41%
Pension Mid Cap Fund
11.46%
Equity II Fund
14.6%
US Equity Fund
15.46%
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund
12.12%
Equity Top 250 Fund
14.38%
Future Apex Fund
12.39%
Pension Dynamic Equity Fund
14.68%
Pension Enhanced Equity
How SIPs Reduce Risk
A systematic investment plan helps to reduce these risks by:
- Investing Small Amounts Regularly: Reduces impact of market volatility.
- Long-Term Investment Horizon: Staying invested for 5–10+ years balances market ups and downs.
- Diversification: Equity, debt, and hybrid fund combinations reduce total risk.
Conclusion
SIP is safe for long-term investors. It allows you to invest in mutual funds regularly and helps reduce the impact of market ups and downs through rupee cost averaging. Though it carries market risk, SIP is good for wealth creation over time. It works best for those who invest regularly and stay focused on the long term.
