SIP or Lumpsum: Which Option Will Give Better Returns in Mutual Funds?

Mutual funds are market-linked investments that do not guarantee a certain rate of return. They do, however, provide active risk management as well as a diversified investment portfolio. Mutual funds invest in a variety of asset classes, including equity and debt. The nature of the scheme and the risk profile it carries determine how assets are allocated. The performance of a mutual fund is thought to be influenced by market movements as well as the performance of its underlying assets. You can invest in mutual funds in one of two ways: through a systematic investment plan (SIP) or by making a one-time lump sum investment. Both approaches have advantages, and the decision should depend on what is more advantageous for you as an investor. Before we make our decision, lets take a closer look at the differences between a SIP and a lump sum investment. A systematic Investment Plan is a method of investing that requires a monthly commitment to save and invest. In this case, a predetermined amount is automatically deducted from your bank account and invested in the mutual fund schemes you choose. The idea behind a SIP is simple, you start by deciding how much money you want to save and invest each month. The second step entails deciding which funds to invest in. This method of investing involves investing in the markets at both high and low levels, resulting in a weighted average return over time. The number of units you accumulate is determined by the current market price of the investment product on a given date. In other words, SIPs benefit you during market downturns because you can buy more units at a lower price. SIPs are perfect for new investors and those who have a consistent cash flow.Advertisement SIP promotes a methodical approach to investing. On the specified date, your bank account is directly debited by the predetermined amount. As a result, you will be unable to postpone your investment due to a lack of funds within a specific time period. The key to accumulating wealth is to begin investing early and consistently. A small amount of money invested on a regular basis through a SIP will develop into a substantial sum. Your interest receives interest, allowing you to accrue a sizable sum of money through the power of compounding. Its difficult to predict when the market will reach its apex or bottom. Investing through a systematic investment plan (SIP) eliminates the need to time the market. While SIPs are not immune to market volatility, you do not need to be concerned about market movements. If you have a large sum of money and want to invest it, you can do so by taking it all into one investment option. This is known as a lump sum investment. When you make a lump sum investment, you put all of your money into a single mutual fund. If you have invested in an open-ended scheme, you can choose any amount and withdraw it whenever you want. These are often used by seasoned investors who have both experience and knowledge of the financial markets as well as cash on hand. When the market and stock valuations are low, a lump sum investment is advantageous. Its also a good idea when the markets and individual stocks price-earnings (P/E) multiples are low. If you have the expertise and experience, investing a lump sum and rolling it over according to market conditions will help you build a substantial corpus over time. When you invest a big lump sum and keep it invested for a long time, you should understand the power of compounding. Appreciation and interest are two ways that your money earns money. Since you spend the entire amount at the beginning of a lumpsum investment, you benefit from the upward price movement for the duration of the bull run. If youre going to invest in lump sums, make sure you do so in multiples to capture different market/NAV levels. This is the only way to reduce the risk of timing the market. When you invest in a lump sum during a market low, you get the best results. SIPs, on the other hand, allow you to invest at different times of the market cycle. Investors do not have to keep as close an eye on market moves as they would with lump-sum investments.With as little as Rs. 500 per month, you can start investing in SIPs. Lump-sum investments, on the other hand, require at least Rs.5,000,Because SIPs require you to set aside a fixed amount of money on a regular basis, you will become financially disciplined.SIP investments receive interest, which is re-invested in the scheme. The compounding effect aids in generating higher returns in this case.The potential returns on a lump sum investment of Rs. 300,000 in an equity fund with a 12-percent annual return will be around Rs. 5,25,000 after five years. If you divide it into monthly SIPs of Rs. 5,000 in the same scheme with the same returns for five years, the total returns will be close to Rs 410,000. A combination of SIP and lump sum investing is the most effective approach. You can earn higher returns over a three to five-year period if you spend a lump sum during lower market levels and make periodic SIP investments. Both SIP and lump sum investments have advantages, as shown above. It is up to you to decide which option is best for you. While SIPs are more cost-effective and convenient, to begin with, a lump-sum investment will yield higher returns, particularly during bull markets. You must, however, exercise discipline and remain well-informed. Its difficult to buy at the exact bottom of the market. The key to successful investing is to buy low and sell high, as well as to be disciplined with your investment. SIP may be a better choice if you are new to mutual funds and plan to invest in something like an equity scheme. You should still seek the advice of a financial adviser to assist you in making the best decision possible.