Index ETF vs index mutual fund: Where should you invest and why
Investing in index funds has become a popular strategy for building wealth through passive investing. However, choosing between an Index Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) and an Index Mutual Fund can be challenging. While both track a specific market index, they differ in structure, cost, and flexibility. Here’s how they compare.
Index Fund Corner
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| Scheme Name | 1-Year Return | Invest Now | Fund Category | Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Nifty 50 Index Fund | +32.80% | Invest Now | Equity: Large Cap | 0.12% |
| Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund | +38.59% | Invest Now | Equity: Large Cap | 0.21% |
| Axis Nifty Next 50 Index Fund | +71.83% | Invest Now | Equity: Large Cap | 0.25% |
| Axis Nifty 500 Index Fund | — | Invest Now | Equity: Flexi Cap | 0.10% |
| Axis Nifty Midcap 50 Index Fund | +46.03% | Invest Now | Equity: Mid Cap | 0.28% |
Understanding the basics
An Index Mutual Fund is a traditional mutual fund that pools money from investors and invests in stocks or bonds that make up a specific index, such as the Nifty 50 or S&P 500. It is passively managed, meaning it replicates the index instead of trying to outperform it.
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An Index ETF, on the other hand, is an exchange-traded fund that also tracks a market index but trades on the stock exchange like a regular stock. Unlike mutual funds, which are priced once a day, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day.
Cost comparison: Expense ratios and fees
One of the biggest differences between the two is cost.
Expense ratios: Index ETFs generally have lower expense ratios than index mutual funds since they require less management and have lower administrative costs.
Trading costs: ETFs require investors to pay brokerage fees when buying or selling, whereas mutual funds may have entry (load) or exit fees. Some brokers offer commission-free ETFs, reducing costs further.
Liquidity and trading flexibility
ETFs offer real-time trading: Since ETFs trade on the stock exchange, investors can buy and sell them at any time during market hours, allowing for price flexibility.
Mutual funds settle at day-end NAV: Index mutual funds only allow transactions at the Net Asset Value (NAV) determined at the end of the trading day, meaning investors cannot take advantage of intraday price movements.
Minimum investment requirements
Mutual funds often have a minimum investment requirement, which can range from a few thousand rupees to lakhs, depending on the fund.
ETFs allow investments as low as the price of one share, making them more accessible for small investors.
Which one is right for you?
If you prefer lower costs, trading flexibility, and tax efficiency, an Index ETF may be the better option.
If you want automated investments through SIPs, no need for a brokerage account, and a simple buy-and-hold strategy, an Index Mutual Fund could be more suitable.
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