India's Mutual Fund Boom: 40.7% Surge in Assets Driven by Equity
Introduction
India’s mutual fund industry has seen a remarkable 40.7% growth in assets over the past year, largely due to a rise in retail investor participation and increasing interest in equity-focused schemes. According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the total assets under management (AUM) grew from ₹46.94 lakh crore in August 2023 to ₹66.04 lakh crore in August 2024. This growth reflects the growing confidence of individual investors in mutual funds.
Why Are Mutual Fund Assets Increasing?
The surge in mutual fund assets is primarily driven by a stronger focus on equity investments. Equity-oriented schemes now represent 60.1% of total industry assets, compared to 52.7% a year ago. This growth is largely due to retail investors, who are turning to mutual funds as a way to increase their wealth. Assets held by individual investors in mutual funds increased by 48.67%, rising from ₹27.15 lakh crore in August 2023 to ₹40.36 lakh crore in August 2024.
This trend highlights a shift in how retail investors approach investing, with many choosing mutual funds to participate in the stock market. The impressive returns of small- and mid-cap stocks, which have grown by 30% to 40% over the last year, have further fueled the increase in mutual fund investments.
Growth of Equity-Oriented Schemes
Equity-oriented schemes have become the core of individual investor portfolios. Data shows that 88% of assets in equity-oriented mutual funds are held by individual investors. On the other hand, institutional investors tend to prefer liquid funds, money market schemes (88%), debt schemes (63%), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and Fund of Funds (FoFs) (89%).
Meanwhile, the share of debt-oriented schemes in the mutual fund industry has dropped from 19.2% in August 2023 to 14.5% in August 2024, indicating a clear move toward equity investments. This shift shows that retail investors are looking for better returns as market conditions evolve.
The Role of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in Mutual Fund Growth
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have played a major role in the rapid growth of mutual fund assets. AMFI data shows that the number of SIP accounts hit a record high of 9.61 crore in August 2024, reflecting the growing popularity of SIPs as a disciplined way to invest.
SIP AUM also reached a record ₹13.38 lakh crore in August 2024, up from ₹13.09 lakh crore in July 2024. Additionally, monthly SIP contributions peaked at ₹23,547 crore, the highest ever recorded. The steady inflow of funds into equity-oriented schemes through SIPs has been a key factor in boosting the overall AUM.
Changing Behaviour of Retail Investors
More and more retail investors are choosing mutual funds, especially equity schemes, to build wealth over time. This shift is also reflected in the rising number of SIPs, which have become a preferred method of regular investing.
The growing interest in equity schemes shows that investors are willing to take calculated risks for potentially higher returns. Debt schemes, though less popular with retail investors now, still play a crucial role in institutional portfolios. Data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other financial institutions shows that while debt instruments offer stability, they haven’t delivered the kind of returns that equity investments have provided in the past year.
The Future of Mutual Fund Investments
As equity markets continue to perform well, retail investor interest in mutual funds is likely to remain strong. With equity schemes dominating the market and SIP contributions at record levels, the mutual fund industry is set for continued growth.
The growing interest in equity markets, combined with the flexibility and long-term benefits of SIPs, makes mutual funds an essential tool for retail investors looking to build wealth.
Conclusion
India’s mutual fund industry has experienced extraordinary growth over the past year, largely due to equity-focused schemes and increased participation from retail investors. Supported by consistent inflows through SIPs and the strong performance of the equity markets, the outlook for mutual fund investments remains bright.
To take advantage of this trend, consider Dhanvantree for personalized investment strategies that align with your financial goals. With expert guidance, you can make informed decisions that strike a balance between growth and stability in your portfolio.
Note: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. The past performance of the schemes is neither an indicator nor a guarantee of future performance.
India’s mutual fund industry has seen a remarkable 40.7% growth in assets over the past year, largely due to a rise in retail investor participation and increasing interest in equity-focused schemes.Â
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