Hybrid Funds: Asset Allocation Strategy and Role in Portfolio Diversification

Hybrid funds, also known as balanced funds, are mutual funds that invest in both equity and debt.

Such funds offer a diversified portfolio that can suit a variety of investors. Read on to find out more about hybrid mutual funds and how they can fit into your investment strategy.

• Table of contents

1. Hybrid fund asset allocation strategies
2. Role of hybrid funds in your portfolio:
3. Drawbacks of hybrid funds
4. FAQs

Hybrid fund asset allocation strategies

Diversification involves spreading your money across multiple securities and asset classes, such as equity, debt, etc. This helps distribute the risk.
Diversification is a key aspect of hybrid funds, though the debt-equity ratio depends on the scheme type.

Some examples of hybrid mutual funds include conservative hybrid funds (which invest up to 90% in debt and at least 10% in equity), balanced hybrid funds (40% to 60% in both debt and equity) and multi asset allocation funds, which invests in at least three asset classes, such as equity, debt and gold or real estate.

Role of hybrid funds in your portfolio:

Hybrid funds can be a valuable addition to your portfolio. For conservative investors, the equity component can provide long term return potential, while the debt component can potentially lend stability. Meanwhile, hybrid funds with high equity exposure, such as aggressive hybrid funds, may suit investors with a high risk appetite. Here are some reasons why you can consider investing in such a fund:

• Risk mitigation: Diversifying across assets helps distribute and thereby potentially mitigate risk. If one type of investment is not performing well, others may potentially compensate for it or mitigate losses.
• Return potential: Asset classes usually react differently to market conditions. For example, debt may do better than equity in times of volatility. On the other hand, equity can optimise the portfolio’s growth potential when the market is favourable. Diversification across asset classes can help leverage different market scenarios.
• Navigating volatility: Diversification across asset classes allows fund managers to leverage different market conditions. Balanced advantage funds and multi-asset allocation funds, especially, can freely adjust their portfolios in response to market conditions. For instance, when stocks perform well, fund managers may think of increasing the allocation to stocks. Amid volatility, they can increase the debt component for potential stability.
• Professional management: Experienced portfolio managers manage your hybrid funds. This is especially beneficial if you are new to investing or don’t have time to manage your portfolio actively.
• Convenience: Investing in hybrid funds is a convenient way to diversify your portfolio through a single investment. It gives an investor access to a varied portfolio without having to pick individual stocks and bonds or multiple mutual fund schemes.

Drawbacks of hybrid funds

Some risks and potential drawbacks of hybrid funds are as follows:

• Like any other investment, the returns on hybrid funds may vary due to market volatility.
• When you invest in hybrid funds, you invest in both debt and equity. So, you may be exposed to the ups and downs of both markets.
• As they are actively managed, hybrid funds may not suit investors who want control over their portfolios. It may also not suit those who prefer to invest in passive funds such as index funds or ETFs.
• Investors seeking pure equity or debt portfolios may not find hybrid funds attractive.

Conclusion

Hybrid funds combine equity and debt. They seek to balance return potential with risk mitigation. The importance of asset allocation across debt and equity in hybrid fund can potentially suit investors seeking diversification through a single investment. However, hybrid funds are susceptible to market volatility, like any other investment. Ultimately, the decision to invest in hybrid funds would depend on your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

FAQ

What are the key differences between hybrid funds and traditional mutual funds?
Hybrid funds contain both debt and equity in their portfolios. Traditional funds, meanwhile, focus chiefly on one asset class.

How can hybrid funds help me achieve my investment goals?
Hybrid funds provide exposure to multiple asset classes. The diversified portfolio seeks to combine return potential with risk mitigation. There are several types of hybrid funds, and the right type for you would depend on your risk profile, investment goal, and tenure.

Are hybrid funds suitable for all investors?
Hybrid funds may not be suitable for investors who want to invest chiefly in debt or equity.

How do I know if I need to include hybrid funds in my asset allocation?
Include hybrid funds in your asset allocation if you want to diversify across stocks and bonds. This may help you balance return potential with risk mitigation.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.
This document should not be treated as endorsement of the views/opinions or as investment advice. This document should not be construed as a research report or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. This document is for information purpose only and should not be construed as a promise on minimum returns or safeguard of capital. This document alone is not sufficient and should not be used for the development or implementation of an investment strategy. The recipient should note and understand that the information provided above may not contain all the material aspects relevant for making an investment decision. Investors are advised to consult their own investment advisor before making any investment decision in light of their risk appetite, investment goals and horizon. This information is subject to change without any prior notice.