Skip to main content

SIP Vs Lumpsum: What Is Ideal For An ELSS Fund?

Equity-linked savings scheme (ELSS) is a kind of mutual fund scheme that essentially invests in equities, i.e., the stock market. It is an attractive avenue in which investments of up to ₹1,50,000 qualify for a tax deduction per the Income Tax Act of India, Section 80C. But should you choose a systematic investment plan (SIP) or make a lump sum deposit to invest in this scheme? Here's a look. 


Differences Between SIP and Lumpsum Investment


SIP

Lumpsum

You can invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals (annually, half-yearly, quarterly, monthly or weekly).

You need to buy the chosen number of units in one go.

It doesn't depend on the timing of the market.

It uses the strategy of timing the market. 

You can develop financial discipline by building the habit of making regular and planned investments. 

It doesn't foster financial discipline since it involves a one-time investment.

It doesn't depend only on market turbulence. 

It is very market-responsive. 

It is suitable for investors with a low to moderate risk appetite.

It is better for investors with a moderate to high risk appetite.

The cost of investment is less due to rupee-cost averaging.

The cost of investment is high since it's a one-time investment.


Should You Choose SIP or Lumpsum Investment for an ELSS Fund? 

To decide whether SIP or a lumpsum investment is best for an ELSS mutual fund, consider the following factors:

 

Risk Appetite

The two investment methods differ significantly in terms of the degree of risk they carry. A SIP offers better capital protection since you invest just a part of your entire corpus in the plan.

For instance, if you invest ₹1.2 lakh in a financial year, you need to pay ₹10,000 monthly via SIP. Your total investment is spread out. So, the overall risk falls. Investors with a high-risk tolerance can choose a lump sum investment since it invests your entire amount in the market at once. 


Returns

In both cases, current market conditions influence the expected returns from the chosen fund. SIPs perform well even in unpleasant market conditions. However, a lumpsum investment in an ELSS fund has the potential to offer better returns in a steady market. 


Lock-In Period

These investment modes have different lock-in periods. Generally, SIP has a minimum lock-in period of 3 years, and it matures in a sequence. However, a lumpsum investment is unlocked in one go after 3 years. 

For instance, your lumpsum investment in an ELSS fund will mature after 3 years. On the other hand, SIP bonds will mature one by one (based on the months of your investment) after 3 years. 


Conclusion

Consider the above factors to choose the investment mode that's the best for ELSS mutual funds. If in doubt, speak to the experts at the fund house for guidance.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Strategies for Building a Diversified Mutual Fund Portfolio

  When it comes to mutual fund investment , diversification is a tried-and-true strategy that can help you manage risk and potentially enhance your returns. Diversifying your mutual fund portfolio involves spreading your investments across different types of mutual funds in India to create a well-rounded and balanced approach to wealth creation. In this article, we'll explore strategies for building a diversified mutual fund portfolio tailored to your financial goals.     Understand Your Investment Goals     Before you embark on your journey of mutual funds investment plans , take a moment to define your investment goals. Are you saving for retirement, buying a house, or building an emergency fund? Understanding your objectives beforehand will help you determine the appropriate mix of mutual funds. If your goal is long-term wealth creation, you might consider equity mutual funds for higher potential returns. For short-term goals, debt funds could be mo...

3 Ways to Reduce Mutual Fund Investment Risks

Mutual funds are exposed to market risks; therefore, you should assess your risk tolerance before investing in them. Risk tolerance is the extent of risk you want to take with your investments. Taking a higher risk can increase the chances of getting higher returns, especially over the long term. Although there's no guarantee, choose the kind of fund that suits your risk appetite. This is the first step towards reducing investment risks. Wish to know about some other ways too? Here are 3 additional tips to reduce the risk associated with your mutual fund investments. Diversify Your Portfolio Diversification is crucial for investments. To diversify your portfolio, you can invest in a mix of assets so that profits from one investment can offset losses from another. You can diversify your investments in these ways: Invest in weakly correlated asset classes: Invest in a combination of equities and debt funds. Debt funds are suitable for steady and fixed income at lower risk over a sho...

What are the expected or calculated returns on mutual fund investments in India?

  A typical search history for a young professional living in Bangalore, who has just started receiving steady salary might look like:  "Highly-rated restaurants in Bangalore" "Popular travel destinations in India" "Top-performing mutual funds in India"   While it's tempting to spend all your salary on the luxuries you’ve been dreaming of, your financial responsibilities and monthly expenses should take precedence. However, this does not mean that all your dreams have to fade away entirely. To make sure you fulfil all your dreil all your dreams and obligations, start saving and invest in mutual fund online in India in order to achieve good returns.   Let's begin by answering the question, "What is a mutual fund?" Before we proceed, let's quickly review the basics. Mutual funds are investment schemes managed professionally by asset management companies (AMC) to meet the needs of individual investors. The AMC pools funds from multiple ...