How Do Debt Mutual Funds Operate?
Debt mutual funds invest your money in fixed-income instruments like bonds, government securities, and treasury bills. When you invest in these funds, you’re lending your money to companies or the government. In return, they pay you interest.
The value of bonds goes up and down mainly because of interest rates. When interest rates fall, older bonds with higher interest rates become more valuable, so their prices go up. But if interest rates rise, older bonds with lower interest rates become less attractive, and their prices fall.
For example, imagine that Infosys issues a bond that pays 8% interest each year. If the RBI lowers interest rates and new bonds are issued at only 7%, the older Infosys bond becomes more attractive to investors, increasing its price. If interest rates rise, the old bond’s fixed 8% rate becomes less interesting, and the bond’s price falls.
Every bond comes with a credit rating, which helps investors understand how safe it is to lend money to the borrower. A high credit rating means the borrower is very likely to pay back the money with interest, while a low credit rating means there’s a risk they might not.
Fund managers and experts handling these funds look for bonds with high credit ratings to ensure your money stays safe and earns steady returns.
Bond prices also change due to other factors, such as inflation or global economic conditions. For instance, during the financial year 2024-25, interest rates increased because of high inflation, causing long-term debt funds to give low returns while short-term funds performed better. Some funds, like Gilt Funds, even showed negative returns.
Understanding how these bonds work and the factors that affect their prices can be tricky. That’s why having a mutual fund distributor or advisor is essential. A professional can help you make informed choices based on your financial goals and the changing market conditions, ensuring your investments are in good hands.
