Credit Risk Funds

Credit risk mutual funds are a type of debt mutual fund that primarily invests in debt instruments issued by companies with lower credit ratings or creditworthiness. These funds typically invest in corporate bonds, debentures, or other fixed-income securities that offer higher returns but come with a higher risk of default compared to bonds issued by governments or highly-rated corporations. As per SEBI guidelines on Categorization and Rationalization of schemes issued in October 2017, credit risk mutual funds invest a minimum of 65% of total investment in corporate bonds, only in AA and below rated corporate bonds.

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How does Credit Risk Mutual Funds work?

Credit risk mutual funds operate by investing in a diversified portfolio of debt instruments that carry varying levels of credit risk. Here's a breakdown of how they work:

  • Investment Strategy

    Credit risk mutual funds focus on investing in bonds and other fixed-income securities issued by companies with lower credit ratings or creditworthiness. These securities typically offer higher yields to compensate investors for the increased risk of default.

  • Portfolio Construction

    Fund managers of credit risk mutual funds construct portfolios by selecting a mix of corporate bonds, debentures, and other debt instruments from issuers with lower credit ratings. The fund may invest across various sectors and industries to diversify the portfolio and spread risk.

  • Credit Analysis

    Fund managers conduct thorough credit analysis to assess the creditworthiness of issuers and securities. This analysis involves evaluating factors such as the issuer's financial health, cash flow, debt levels, industry dynamics, and overall economic conditions. Based on this analysis, fund managers determine the appropriate level of credit risk for the portfolio.

  • Risk Management

    While credit risk mutual funds seek higher yields by investing in lower-rated securities, they also aim to manage risk through diversification and active management. Diversification involves spreading investments across a range of issuers and industries to reduce the impact of defaults on the portfolio. Fund managers may also actively monitor credit conditions and adjust the portfolio as needed to mitigate risks.

  • Yield and Return

    Credit risk mutual funds typically offer higher yields compared to traditional fixed-income funds that invest in higher-rated securities. However, the higher yield potential comes with an increased risk of default. Investors in credit risk mutual funds should be aware that fluctuations in credit quality and interest rates can affect the fund's performance and returns.

  • Interest Rate Sensitivity

    Like other fixed-income investments, the prices of bonds held by credit risk mutual funds are sensitive to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall, and vice versa. Fund managers may adjust the duration of the portfolio to manage interest rate risk based on their outlook for interest rates.

Advantages of investing in Credit Risk Mutual Funds

Advantages of investing in credit risk mutual funds are

  • Potentially higher returns

    Since credit risk funds invest in lower-rated bonds, the issuers of these bonds have to offer higher interest rates to compensate investors for the increased risk of default. This translates to potentially higher returns for you compared to funds that invest in safer, government-backed securities.

  • Tax efficiency

    In India, credit risk funds are considered debt funds. This means long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at a beneficial rate of 20% with indexation, which can be tax-efficient for investors in higher tax brackets.

  • Potential for capital appreciation:

    If a bond in the fund gets upgraded to a higher credit rating, the fund's net asset value (NAV) can also increase. This can lead to capital appreciation on your investment.

Limitations of Investing in Credit Risk Funds

You should also be aware of the Limitations involved before investing in credit risk funds:

  • Credit Risk

    The primary risk is that the issuer of the bond may default on their debt. This means you could lose some or all of your principal investment.

  • Interest rate risk

    The price of bonds generally goes down when interest rates go up. This can lead to losses if you need to redeem your investment before it matures.

  • Liquidity risk

    Credit risk funds may be less liquid than some other debt funds. This means it may take longer to sell your holdings and get your money back.

Points of consider before investing in Credit Risk Mutual Funds

Before investing in credit risk mutual funds, it's essential to consider several key points to make informed investment decisions and manage risks effectively. Here are some considerations

  • Risk Tolerance

    Assess your risk tolerance carefully. Credit risk mutual funds invest in lower-rated debt securities, which carry a higher risk of default compared to higher-rated bonds. If you have a low tolerance for risk or cannot afford to lose principal, these funds may not be suitable for you.

  • Investment Objective

    Clarify your investment objectives. Are you seeking higher returns or stable income? Credit risk mutual funds typically offer higher yields than traditional fixed-income funds, but they also come with increased risk. Ensure that the fund's objectives align with your investment goals.
     

  • Credit Quality

    Understand the credit quality of the fund's holdings. Review the credit ratings of the bonds and debt securities held by the fund. Lower-rated securities may offer higher yields but also pose a greater risk of default. Evaluate the fund's credit risk management strategy and the quality of the issuers in its portfolio.

  • Diversification

    Assess the fund's diversification strategy. Diversification can help spread risk across multiple issuers and industries, reducing the impact of defaults on the portfolio. Look for funds with a well-diversified portfolio across various sectors and issuers.

  • Expense Ratio and Fees

    Consider the fund's expense ratio and fees. Higher expense ratios can eat into your returns over time. Compare the expenses of different funds and choose ones with reasonable fees relative to their peers.

How to start investing in Credit Risk Funds with INDmoney?

Now that you have understood what is Credit Risk mutual fund, you need to know how easily you can start your investment with INDmoney. Just follow these simple steps given below, to start your mutual fund investment journey with us.

  • Step 1

    Download the INDmoney app and create your free investment account by completing your KYC ( Know Your Customer).

  • Step 2

    Once your Free investment account is ready, you can either search for a Credit Risk Mutual Fund or go to the mutual fund section and tap on Credit Risk mutual funds.

  • Step 3

    Choose a Credit Risk Mutual Fund by looking at aspects like past returns, volatility, downside capture ratio, AUM, Expense ratios and underlying stocks and sectors.

  • Step 4

    You can choose to set up SIP in Credit Risk mutual funds or even invest as lumpSum. Once you are on the individual Credit Risk mutual fund page click from the bottom “One-time” for lump sum investment or “SIP” for systematic investment plan. 

  • Step 5

    Choose the amount that you want to invest as SIP or LumpSum.

  • Step 6

    Set up payments. If you choose to set up SIP in Credit Risk mutual funds,  you can do a free automatic pay set up via bank mandate or UPI. If you choose to invest in lumpsum (one-time) then you can pay via UPI, netbanking, NEFT or RTGS.


     

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