Contents
Multi-Asset Funds: A Diversified Investment Strategy for Competitive Returns and Lower Volatility
Investors seeking competitive returns with reduced volatility can consider a multi-asset diversified portfolio, allocating 50% to equity, 25% to debt, and 25% to gold, which has delivered the second-best returns in seven of the past 10 years, according to a Franklin Templeton study. With the potential to provide equity-like returns with better consistency and lower volatility, multi-asset funds have become a popular choice among investors, especially in times of elevated share valuations.
The recent study by Franklin Templeton has shed light on the benefits of a multi-asset diversified portfolio, which has garnered significant attention from investors looking to navigate the complexities of the financial market. Between 2016 and 2025, the equity market, as represented by the Nifty 500 Total Returns Index, delivered an average return of 14.8%, while gold returned 14.7%, and debt, as measured by the Crisil Composite Bond Index, gave 7.38% every year. However, a multi-asset portfolio with a 50:25:25 allocation to equity, debt, and gold generated an average return of 13.6%, with significantly lower volatility. This has led many investors to consider multi-asset funds as a viable option for their investment portfolios. According to Rajasa K, VP & Portfolio Manager – Emerging Market Equities, Franklin Templeton India, “Over a long period of time, multi-asset funds have the potential to give you equity-like returns with better consistency and lower volatility.”
Understanding Multi-Asset Funds
Multi-asset funds invest in a mix of equity, debt, and commodities like gold and silver, aiming to deliver ease from the volatility linked to plain vanilla equity funds. These funds have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide a diversified investment strategy, which can help mitigate risks and optimize returns. With elevated share valuations, more investors are putting their money into these schemes, as they seek to cushion potential declines in equities. As S Shankar, Certified Financial Planner, Credo Capital, notes, “Equities are trading above long-term averages, and if that is the only asset you hold, one could end up with tepid returns.” Multi-asset funds, which include gold, silver, and debt, can provide a safety net against potential declines in equities.
Benefits of Multi-Asset Funds
Some of the key benefits of multi-asset funds include:
* Diversification: By investing in a mix of asset classes, multi-asset funds can help reduce risk and increase potential returns.
* Lower Volatility: Multi-asset funds have been shown to have lower volatility compared to plain vanilla equity funds, making them a more attractive option for risk-averse investors.
* Tax Efficiency: Multi-asset funds offer tax efficiency, as they are taxed on the basis of the equity allocation, which can result in lower tax outgo compared to investing separately in gold, equity, and debt.
* Rebalancing: Multi-asset funds provide the benefits of asset class rebalancing, which can help optimize returns and reduce risk.
The assets under management in multi-asset funds have risen significantly, with a 51% increase over the past year, from Rs 86,000 crore in June 2024 to Rs 1.3 lakh crore in June 2025. This growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of multi-asset funds among investors, who are seeking a diversified investment strategy that can provide competitive returns with lower volatility. As Rajasa notes, “Multi-asset funds give you the benefits of asset class rebalancing and tax efficiency.” If investors were to invest separately in gold, equity, and debt and rebalance the portfolio every year, the resulting tax outgo could be significantly higher, denting overall post-tax returns.
Investment Strategy
For investors looking to invest in multi-asset funds, it is essential to have a well-thought-out investment strategy. Some key points to consider include:
* Asset Allocation: Determine the optimal asset allocation for your portfolio, taking into account your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon.
* Fund Selection: Choose a multi-asset fund that aligns with your investment objectives and has a proven track record of performance.
* Rebalancing: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure that it remains aligned with your investment objectives.
By following a well-structured investment strategy and considering multi-asset funds as a viable option, investors can potentially achieve competitive returns with lower volatility, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a diversified investment portfolio.
Conclusion
In conclusion, multi-asset funds have emerged as a popular investment option for those seeking a diversified portfolio with competitive returns and lower volatility. With their ability to provide a mix of equity, debt, and commodities, multi-asset funds can help mitigate risks and optimize returns. As the financial market continues to evolve, it is essential for investors to stay informed and adapt their investment strategies accordingly. By considering multi-asset funds and developing a well-thought-out investment strategy, investors can potentially achieve their investment goals and navigate the complexities of the financial market.
Conclusion: The study by Franklin Templeton highlights the benefits of a multi-asset diversified portfolio, which has delivered the second-best returns in seven of the past 10 years. With their ability to provide competitive returns with lower volatility, multi-asset funds have become a popular choice among investors. As the financial market continues to evolve, it is essential for investors to stay informed and adapt their investment strategies accordingly.
Keywords: Multi-Asset Funds, Diversified Investment Portfolio, Competitive Returns, Lower Volatility, Equity, Debt, Gold, Asset Allocation, Fund Selection, Rebalancing, Tax Efficiency, Investment Strategy.
Hashtags: #MultiAssetFunds #InvestmentPortfolio #CompetitiveReturns #LowerVolatility #Equity #Debt #Gold #AssetAllocation #FundSelection #Rebalancing #TaxEfficiency #InvestmentStrategy #FinancialMarket #DiversifiedInvestment #InvestmentGoals #RiskTolerance #TimeHorizon #InvestmentObjectives #PortfolioManagement #WealthCreation #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentAdvice #WealthManagement #FinancialLiteracy #InvestmentEducation #PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement #Investing #Investments #FinancialNews #MarketTrends #EconomicIndicators #FinancialMarkets #InvestorEducation #WealthCreationStrategies #InvestmentStrategies #FinancialPlanningTips #InvestmentAdviceForBeginners #WealthManagementTips #FinancialLiteracyMatters #InvestmentEducationMatters #PersonalFinanceTips #MoneyManagementTips #InvestingTips #InvestmentTipsForBeginners.
Source link