What is XIRR in mutual funds?

Whenever you invest in mutual funds, it is understandable and also important to want to know how well your investments are performing. One way to measure this is by using a metric called XIRR.

Let’s take a closer look at what XIRR is, how it works, and why it is important.

• Table of contents

1. What is XIRR in mutual funds and what is its full form?
2. What is XIRR formula?
3. What is a good XIRR in mutual funds?
4. How does XIRR work in mutual funds?
5. Importance of XIRR in mutual funds
6. How to calculate XIRR in mutual funds
7. Comparison between CAGR and XIRR
8. Advantages of XIRR applicability in the mutual fund investment process

What is XIRR in mutual funds and what is its full form?

Let’s start with the basics. XIRR stands for Extended Internal Rate of Return. It is a way to calculate the return on investments that have different amounts invested at different times. In simple words, it helps you figure out how much money you are making from your mutual fund investments over time.

What is XIRR formula?

Let’s say you invest Rs. 10,000 in January, another Rs. 7,000 in June, and Rs. 15,000 in December. After one year, your investment is worth Rs. 32,000. To calculate XIRR, you need to consider the dates of each investment. You can easily calculate XIRR on MS Excel, with the following steps:

• List all cash flows in one column, both positive and negative values. Positive values represent cash inflows (like dividends and negative values represent cash outflows (like SIP investments).
• List the dates of each cash flows in the next column.
• Use the following function in Excel: “=XIRR(values, dates)”, where:
  • Values:Range of cells containing cash flows.
  • Dates:Range of cells containing the corresponding dates.

What is a good XIRR in mutual funds?

The suitability of an XIRR for a mutual fund investment depends on various factors, including investment objectives, risk appetite, investment tenure and mutual fund type. It is important to assess the XIRR of a mutual fund relative to its benchmark index and the average performance of comparable mutual fund schemes.

How Does XIRR Work in Mutual Funds?

To understand how XIRR works, imagine you are investing different amounts of money in a mutual fund at different times. For example, you might invest Rs 5,000 in January, Rs 10,000 in March, and Rs 15,000 in July. The XIRR formula takes all these investments and their respective dates into account to give you a single rate of return that shows how your investment is growing overall.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Tracking all investments: XIRR begins by tracking all the investments you have made into the mutual fund. Each investment, whether big or small, is recorded along with the exact date it was made. This detailed tracking ensures that every contribution you make is taken into account.
2. Considering time factor: One of the unique aspects of XIRR is that it considers the timing of each investment. This is crucial because the returns from an investment made in January will be different from those of an investment made in July, simply due to the difference in time. XIRR accurately accounts for these time differences, providing a more realistic picture of your investment performance.
3. Cash flows: In addition to your investments, any withdrawals or redemptions you make are also factored into the XIRR calculation. This includes systematic withdrawals or any partial redemptions you may have made. By considering all cash flows in and out, XIRR offers a comprehensive view of your net returns.
4. Net Present Value (NPV): XIRR uses the concept of Net Present Value to arrive at the rate of return. It calculates the rate at which the present value of all cash inflows equals the present value of all cash outflows. This might sound complex, but new-age tools and calculators simplify this process for you.
5. Iterative calculation: The calculation of XIRR is iterative, which means that it involves a series of approximations to arrive at the final rate of return. This process ensures high accuracy but is best done using financial calculators or software like Excel.

This is how it works:

Investment dates: XIRR first considers the dates when you made each investment. For instance, if you invested Rs 5,000 on January 1st, Rs 10,000 on March 1st, and Rs 15,000 on July 1st, these dates are crucial in the calculation.

Calculating returns: Next, it calculates the returns based on these dates and amounts. This means it will look at how much your Rs 5,000 has grown from January to the current date, Rs 10,000 from March to the current date, and Rs 15,000 from July to the current date.

Final percentage: The result of these calculations is a percentage that shows how well your investments are performing overall. This percentage is your XIRR, which gives you a clear idea of the growth rate of your investments, accounting for all the varying investment dates and amounts.

By using XIRR, you get a more accurate and realistic measure of your mutual fund’s performance, especially when your investments are spread over different times. This method takes the guesswork out of assessing your returns and provides a true picture of how well your money is working for you.

Importance of XIRR in mutual funds

Next, let’s talk about why XIRR is important:

Accurate measurement: XIRR provides a more accurate measurement of returns for investments made at different times. Unlike simple return calculations that may ignore the timing of investments, XIRR considers every cash flow's date, giving you a precise picture of your actual returns.

Better comparison: It allows you to compare different mutual fund investments more easily. Whether you have a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or make lump-sum investments at different intervals, XIRR standardises the returns, making it straightforward to compare the performance of various funds or investment strategies.

Investment decisions: Knowing your XIRR helps you make better decisions about where to invest your money. By understanding the true performance of your investments, you can identify which funds are performing well and which ones are lagging. This information is crucial for rebalancing your portfolio and optimising your investment strategy.

Transparency: XIRR brings transparency to your investment returns, helping you see the real impact of your investment choices over time. This clarity is essential for building confidence in your investment decisions and long-term financial planning.

How to calculate XIRR in mutual funds

Calculating XIRR might seem complicated, but it’s quite simple with the right tools. Here’s how you can do it:

1. List all transactions: Write down all the amounts you have invested and the dates on which you invested them.

2. Include the final value: Add the current value of your mutual fund investment as a positive amount with today’s date.

3. Use an XIRR calculator: You can use an Excel spreadsheet or an online XIRR calculator. Simply input the amounts and dates, and it will calculate the XIRR for you.

Comparison between CAGR and XIRR

Now, let’s compare XIRR with another commonly used metric, CAGR:

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate): It measures the average annual growth rate of your investment over a specific period, assuming you reinvest the earnings. CAGR provides a smooth annual growth rate, but it doesn’t account for the timing of multiple investments or withdrawals, making it suitable for single, lump-sum investments made at the beginning of the period.

XIRR: It is more flexible as it accounts for multiple investments at different times. XIRR takes into consideration all cash flows, including investments and redemptions, and their respective dates, providing a more accurate measure of return for investments made at different intervals.

In summary, CAGR is useful for lump-sum investments made once, offering a straightforward annual growth rate, while XIRR is better for multiple investments made over time, giving a precise return rate that considers the timing and size of each cash flow. This makes XIRR especially valuable for investors using SIPs or making regular contributions.

Read Also:What is CAGR in mutual funds?

Advantages of XIRR applicability in the mutual fund investment process

Finally, let’s discuss the advantages of using XIRR in mutual funds:

Flexibility: XIRR is ideal for Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and other such investments. It adapts to any investment schedule, whether you invest monthly, quarterly, or at irregular intervals, providing a consistent measure of returns.

Precision: It gives a precise rate of return by considering the timing and size of each investment. This precision helps investors understand the true performance of their portfolios, accounting for every contribution and withdrawal accurately.

Ease of use: Modern tools and calculators make it easy to calculate XIRR without needing advanced maths skills. Online calculators and spreadsheet functions like Excel's XIRR function simplify the process, making it accessible to all investors.

Comprehensive analysis: XIRR offers a comprehensive analysis by including all cash flows and their timing, providing a clearer picture of investment performance. This thorough analysis aids in better portfolio management and decision-making.

Conclusion

To sum up, XIRR in mutual funds is a powerful tool that helps you understand your investment returns more accurately. By considering all your investments and their timings, XIRR gives a clear picture of how well your money is growing. Whether you are a new investor or an experienced one, knowing your XIRR can help you make smarter investment decisions.

FAQs

What is a good XIRR?

A good XIRR depends on market conditions and your financial goals.

What is the difference between XIRR and absolute return?

XIRR considers the timing of cash flows, while absolute return simply shows the total gain or loss without accounting for when the investments were made.

What is the major difference between IRR and XIRR?

IRR assumes regular intervals between cash flows, whereas XIRR can handle irregular intervals, making it more suitable for real-life investments.

Is XIRR better than CAGR?

XIRR is better for investments made at different times, such as SIPs, while CAGR is simpler and useful for single, lumpsum investments. So, when planning an SIP, investors can refer to XIRR metrics to make an informed investment decision. Using an MF SIP calculator can also assist in strategizing, as it helps investors visualise the potential returns on their SIP investments based on the invested amount, tenure and expected returns.

What is a good XIRR for mutual funds?

A mutual fund's XIRR is considered favorable when it aligns with an investor's specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. It also depends on the type of scheme. For instance, a debt mutual fund typically has lower return potential than an equity-oriented fund. To gauge the performance of a mutual fund, its XIRR should be benchmarked against relevant market indices and the average returns of similar funds.

What are the limitations of XIRR?

One significant drawback is its reliance on precise and complete cash flow data. Any inaccuracies or omissions in the data can lead to unreliable XIRR calculations. Moreover, XIRR is highly sensitive to even minor fluctuations in cash flow data. This sensitivity can make it challenging to compare investment performance or rely solely on XIRR for decision-making. Lastly, XIRR is best suited for investments with irregular cash flows, such as private equity or real estate. For investments with regular cash flowsXIRR may not be the most appropriate metric.

What does XIRR of 10% mean?

An XIRR of 10% signifies that the annualized return on an investment, considering the timing and amounts of all cash flows (both deposits and withdrawals), is 10%. This implies that, on average, the investment has yielded a 10% return per year over the specified period. In the context of mutual funds, a 10% XIRR is often viewed as a favorable return, especially when compared to traditional fixed-income investments like fixed deposits.

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.