What Are Bond Funds? Here's Everything You Need To Know

Are you looking to avoid the market fluctuations of equity stocks and prefer a safer investment approach? If so, consider exploring Bond Funds as an investment option. They can offer a convenient way to gain exposure to the bond market without the need for expert-level researching, selecting, and managing multiple bonds.

Bond funds have been gaining significant attention recently. In FY23 alone, these funds attracted an impressive  INR 1.06 lakh crore in investments, with liquid funds accounting for 60% of the inflow. Such numbers highlight the popularity and appeal of Bond Funds among investors. Let’s learn more about Bond Funds and why they are becoming investors’ favorites. 

What Are Bond Funds?

Bond funds are also known as debt mutual funds. These mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in different bonds. Bonds are debt securities, governments, municipalities, or corporations may issue to raise capital. When you invest in such debt funds, you indirectly own a portion of the underlying bonds held within the fund. 

What Are The Types Of Bond Funds?

Here are various types of bond funds:

1. Government Bond Funds

Government bond funds invest primarily in bonds issued by governments or government companies. They involve the least level of risk.

2. Corporate Bond Funds

Corporate bond funds invest in bonds issued by companies with high credit ratings. Corporate bond funds offer potentially higher returns than government bond funds but come with a higher degree of risk too.

3. High-Yield Bond Funds

High-yield bond funds are also known as junk bond funds. These funds invest in bonds with lower credit ratings. They offer higher yields but carry a high probability of default.

4. International Bond Funds

International bond funds invest in bonds issued by foreign governments or corporations. They provide exposure to global fixed-income markets and can be used to diversify a portfolio geographically.

How Do Bond Funds Work?

When you invest in a bond fund, the fund managers pool your money with investments from other individuals. They use the pooled money to purchase a diversified portfolio of bonds. Later, they carefully select a diversified portfolio of bonds to reduce the risk associated with any individual bond defaulting. 

Additionally, once the fund's portfolio starts generating income from regular interest payments, that income is shared with the investors. 

What Are The Advantages Of Investing In Bond Funds?

Here are certain benefits of investing in bond funds:

Diversification

Bond funds allow you to invest in multiple bonds. Hence, the risk can be spread across various sectors with varying maturities. This diversification can reduce the impact of any individual bond defaulting.

Accessibility

Bond funds provide access to the bond market with relatively lower investment amounts than purchasing individual bonds. This makes them accessible to a broader range of investors.

Liquidity

Bond funds are generally more liquid than individual bonds. This allows you to buy or sell fund shares on any business day at the fund's current NAV.

What Are Risks And Considerations Associated With Bond Funds?

Consider the following risk factors of bond funds before investing in them:

Market Risk

Bond funds are dependent on market volatility. Changes in market conditions and economic factors can impact bond prices and the fund's performance.

Management Risk

The potential of a bond fund is influenced by the decisions of the fund manager. Hence, inadequate management or poor investment decisions can negatively affect the returns of the fund.

Credit Risk

Bond funds are exposed to the credit risk of the various bonds in which investment has been made. Thus, if the bond issuer in the fund defaults or faces financial difficulties, it can affect the fund's value.

Cost of Investing 

Managers of mutual debt funds take a fee for providing these services which results in lower returns. As an investor, you must look at the cost you are paying and the impact on your returns. 

How To Invest In Bond Funds?

You can invest in bond funds through the following methods:

Direct Investment With Mutual Fund Companies

Mutual fund companies in India offer bond funds. You can invest directly by visiting their website. They will guide you through opening an account, completing documentation, and investing in bond funds. 

Online Investment Platforms

Online platforms make it easy to invest in bond funds. You can browse and select from various bond funds offered by different companies. Compare performance, read the research, and choose funds that match your goals. 

Mutual Fund Distributor

You can invest through financial intermediaries such as banks or brokers. They can understand your financial goals, how much risk you can handle, and your investment preferences. Based on this information, they can recommend bond funds that are right for you. 

What Are The Tax Considerations Related To Bond Funds?

You need to be aware of the tax implications associated with bond funds. The tax considerations related to bond funds involve capital gains in your income and the taxation of these gains at your individual slab rate.

The Bottom Line

Bond funds offer an attractive investment option for diversifying your portfolios and earning passive income from the fixed-income market. Nonetheless, it is essential to carefully assess the risks involved to make smarter investment choices aligned with personal financial goals.

If you want to explore other non-market-linked investment options, sign up at Grip today. It provides transparency-focused investment options curated just for you. You can invest in Startup Equity, Commercial Property, and more. Join now and take control of your financial future with Grip.

Want to stay at the top of your finances? Don’t forget to sign up!

Join the community of 2.5 lakh + investors and learn more about Grip, the latest financial knick-knacks and shenanigans that take place in the world of investing.

Happy Investing!

Disclaimer: This communication does not constitute advice relating to investing or otherwise dealing in securities and is not an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Grip Invest Technologies Private Limited ("Grip", formerly known as Grip Invest Advisors Private Limited) is not registered with SEBI in any capacity and does not advise, encourage, or discourage its users to invest or not invest in any securities. Grip is solely an execution-only platform and does not guarantee or assure any return on investments made by you in any opportunities sourced by Grip and accepts no liability for consequences of any actions taken based on the information provided. Your investment is solely based on your judgement. Investments in debt securities are subject to risks. Read all the offer-related documents carefully.