How to choose the best mutual fund for your portfolio

At a basic level, the return that a fund gives over a given period is just the percentage difference between the starting Net Asset Value (price of a unit of a fund) and the ending Net Asset Value.

Returns by themselves don't serve much purpose. The purpose of calculating returns is to make a comparison. Either between different funds or time periods.

Samant Sikka, Co-Founder, Sqrrl Fintech Pvt. Ltd said that one should look at absolute returns which measures how much a fund has gained over a certain period. Therefore investors should look at the NAV on one day and then after six months or one year or two years later. The percentage difference will give you an idea of the return over this time frame.

“Also, while considering the returns of a diversified equity fund (one that invests in different companies of various sectors), compare it with other diversified equity funds. Don't compare it with sector specific fund,” he added.

On the other hand, you should also look at the benchmark returns which indicates what the fund has earned as against what it should have earned. The market watchdog SEBI makes it mandatory for funds to declare a benchmark index. In effect, what the fund is saying is that the benchmark returns are the target it is gunning for and a fund can pat its back if it manages to beat the benchmark.

Let's say an equity fund is a diversified fund that has benchmarked itself against the BSE Sensex. In such a case, the returns of this fund will be compared with the Sensex.

Price and Cost

If you are investing in a mutual fund for a longer period say 5-10 years, knowing what is being charged is critical.

== Expense ratio: This is what a fund charges you in a year for managing your money. “Expense ratios and direct funds can amplify compounded returns much more than funds that have higher expense ratios," said Sikka.

== Minimum initial investment: This is the minimum amount that you can invest in a fund. This may vary from fund to funds.

Portfolio Turnover

The portfolio turnover helps in determining the mutual fund's holdings, that is, the total stock it holds during a year. The higher the turnover rate, the greater will be the turnover. This means the expense ratio of the fund will increase which may lead to poor performance of the scheme. Compared to value-oriented fund growth funds generally, have a higher turnover rate.

Investment objective

Selecting funds with the right investment objective and suited towards your goals should be the deciding factor. It is important to understand that the risk factor varies from fund to fund. Thus, while making a selection of funds, you need to first analyse your goals time period and goal cost before making an investment in any of the funds.

Sikka said that a diversified portfolio has a lower risk than a portfolio biased towards a particular stock, an asset class or a sector. “You should also be aware that there is no advantage in over diversifying your investments. A maximum of let’s say 2-3 equity schemes is more than enough,” he said.

Fund Manager track record

A fund manager's track record is also a good factor where you can get to know the weight of the fund and analyse its performance while comparing it with the peer groups. The longer a manager has been with a fund, the better it is for him/her to analyse and understand the fund’s future performance.

Economic conditions

How well a fund faces economic headwinds is critical. Rates of return since launch and comparison with funds that had to face bad markets is unfair. If a fund has proved its mettle in a bear market, then the fund and its managers deserve a thumbs up.