Current Trends in Mutual Funds
BANKING FINANCE|September 2024
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become one of the most popular investment strategies among Indian retail investors, offering a disciplined approach to wealth creation. SIPs allow investors to invest a fixed amount regularly (usually monthly) in mutual funds, thus averaging out the cost of investment and mitigating the impact of market volatility.
Current Trends in Mutual Funds

The mutual fund industry in India has experienced significant growth over the past decade, evolving in response to changing investor preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory developments. Three key trends have emerged as particularly influential in shaping the landscape of mutual fund investments: the growth of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), the rise of passive investing through index funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and the transformative impact of digital platforms. This article delves into these trends, analyzing their drivers, impact, and future prospects.

Growth of SIPs in India

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become one of the most popular investment strategies among Indian retail investors, offering a disciplined approach to wealth creation. SIPs allow investors to invest a fixed amount regularly (usually monthly) in mutual funds, thus averaging out the cost of investment and mitigating the impact of market volatility. Over the past decade, SIPs have witnessed remarkable growth in India, driven by increased investor awareness, the convenience of automated investments, and the rising popularity of equity mutual funds.

Key Drivers of SIP Growth

1. Financial Inclusion and Awareness: The growth of SIPs can be largely attributed to the increasing financial literacy among Indian investors. Initiatives by regulators like the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as well as efforts by mutual fund companies and financial advisors, have played a crucial role in educating investors about the benefits of SIPs. Campaigns like "Mutual Funds Sahi Hai" have demystified mutual fund investments, encouraging a larger population to participate in SIPs.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of BANKING FINANCE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of BANKING FINANCE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BANKING FINANCEView All
'Deep Fake' - an emerging risk for Banking & Financial Sector
BANKING FINANCE

'Deep Fake' - an emerging risk for Banking & Financial Sector

Deepfake KYC fraud is a growing concern in India, where fraudsters leverage AI-generated deepfake videos and images to bypass Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification processes. This has significant implications for financial institutions, fintech companies, and other organizations that rely on KYC to verify the identity of their customers.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
RBI CIRCULAR
BANKING FINANCE

RBI CIRCULAR

Operational framework for reclassification of Foreign Portfolio Investment to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - November 11, 2024

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
India's Fiscal Discipline: A Path to Economic Stability and Growth
BANKING FINANCE

India's Fiscal Discipline: A Path to Economic Stability and Growth

In a significant economic development, the fiscal deficit for the financial year 2023-2024 (FY24) has been recorded at 5.6% of GDP, falling below the government's revised estimate. This unexpected positive outcome highlights effective fiscal management and a recovering economy, offering a ray of optimism amidst global economic uncertainties.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
Augmenting Productivity by Embracing Employee Engagement
BANKING FINANCE

Augmenting Productivity by Embracing Employee Engagement

As the world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks is a brand that understands the value its employees add to the business. At Starbucks, every employee knows they are valued members of the team. It took Starbucks some time to do this. They have prioritized implementing employee-friendly rules from the beginning.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Future Responsibly
BANKING FINANCE

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Future Responsibly

Ethics in AI encompasses a wide range of issues, including fairness, accountability, transparency, and the potential for bias. At the core of these discussions lies the question: How do we ensure that AI serves humanity rather than undermines it? As AI systems increasingly influence critical areas such as healthcare, finance, and law enforcement, the stakes are high.

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2024
Digital Banking: The Need of the Hour
BANKING FINANCE

Digital Banking: The Need of the Hour

Development of an economy, especially economic growth primarily depends on industrial development. The industries depend on financial institutions support for funds especially from banks. Banks encourage individuals save and mobilise funds from bank deposits.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
Cyber Crimes in Banking: India's Battle Against the Digital Menace
BANKING FINANCE

Cyber Crimes in Banking: India's Battle Against the Digital Menace

The increasing adoption of digital banking services has transformed the way Indian consumers engage with banks. According to research from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's digital payment ecosystem expanded by approximately 55% between 2021 and 2023.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
Legal News
BANKING FINANCE

Legal News

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that clauses allowing public sector undertakings (PSUs) to unilaterally appoint arbitrators to resolve disputes with private contractors are invalid.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
The Rise Of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change
BANKING FINANCE

The Rise Of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change

Green marketing refers to the practice of promoting products or services that are environmentally friendly or sustainable. It involves incorporating eco-friendly elements into various aspects of marketing strategies, including product development, packaging, advertising, and distribution.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI
BANKING FINANCE

ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI

ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI to its pre-approved customers on the app of the digital payments company.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024