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Stocks vs. Mutual Funds: Which One You Should Choose for Investment?

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Stocks vs. Mutual Funds: Which One You Should Choose for Investment?

Stocks vs. Mutual Funds: Which One You Should Choose for Investment?

NIWS 4 Nov 2022

Stocks vs. Mutual Funds: Which One You Should Choose for Investment?

Investing in stocks or mutual funds is a million-dollar dilemma that often runs in every investor's mind. Both mutual funds and stocks are popular investment types, allowing investors to increase their overall wealth on the principal amount. A mindful decision to invest in any of these options may help with inflation-beating returns if risks are calculated and the portfolio is revised consistently.

 

But how to figure out which investment type is the best or how to diversify your portfolio? To start with, there's no right answer to the question. This is entirely subjective, and pitching answers for the same is like comparing oranges and apples. .

 

Simply put, your fund manager is responsible for your investment in mutual funds, whereas in direct equity investing, you are responsible for your picks. 

 

However, risk factors are active in both investments regardless of your diversion. And if you're a new market investor without prior knowledge, you'll always be at risk of heavy loss.

 

So, if you're planning for a passive income from the stock market, you must enroll in stock market courses for investors from the Stock Market institute In Jaipur for basic knowledge. 

Stocks Vs. Mutual Funds Difference:

Parameters

Mutual Funds

Stocks

Definition

Mutual Funds are pooled investments that clubs the share of different companies.

Stocks are the collection of shares owned by investors which indicate partial ownership of that corporation or company.  

Denomination

With no fixed value, a mutual fund is a sum of a small amount collected from different investors. 

Different stocks can have equal or the same value.

Original Issuance

Original issuance of the shares with mutual funds is impossible.

Original issuance of the share is always a possibility.

Numeric Value

Mutual fund represents the net asset value of different shares.

Each stock has a definite value.

Risk Level

Risk factor with mutual fund investment is comparatively low.

Risk Factor with stocks is higher.

Diversification

Amount in mutual funds is more diversified.

Diversification with stocks is only possible if the authority allows it.

Suitability

Managed by fund managers, both experienced and new investors can benefit from it.

Experienced investors with sound knowledge have higher chances of better performance and returns.

Market Knowledge

Basic market knowledge with the details of recent news and updates is also required in mutual funds.

Investors must have recent updates on all the news and events of the market for effective results.

Return Potential

Moderate to higher returns can be expected from mutual funds if managed consistently.  

Relatively offer higher returns to the investors.

Trading Cost

Expense is retrieved during the investment.

Trading cost in stocks is usually high.

Tax Benefits

Several ELSS schemes offer tax-saving benefits.

No tax-saving benefits can be redeemed from stocks.

Convenience

Mutual funds are usually convenient as they can be initiated within a few minutes and offer diversification.

The investor needs to have an active Demat account to invest in stocks. The whole process is furthermore less convenient initially.

Systematic Future Plan

Mutual Funds offer a systematic investment plan from a future perspective.

Stocks do not offer any systematic future plans.

Investment Horizon

Funds are invested with long-term perspectives.

It can either be on a long-term or for a short-term basis. 

 

Stocks Vs. Mutual Funds-Which Is Better?

 

  • Affordability of Stocks vs. Mutual Funds: 

Mutual funds are more affordable than stocks.

 

Most investors opt to diversify their investments in different companies to reduce risks from market volatility.

 

For example- If you plan to buy one stock from the top 50 NIFTY companies to diversify your portfolio, you will need a total amount of Rs. 1,50,000 approximately. Moreover, you also need to know each company's basics for transparent investment decisions.

 

Or else, an easier way is to opt for mutual fund schemes that invest in Nifty 50 and start with an initial amount of only Rs. 500/-. With these schemes, you will access all the more significant number of stocks from the market, fulfilling your need for fund diversification, lower risk factors, and more affordability.  

 

  • Stocks vs. Mutual Funds Timeline: 

Mutual funds save investors' efforts and time.

While investing in stocks, you need to know a company's financial reports, including the company's balance sheet and P&L statement, which is time-consuming and technical. At the same time, a fund manager is appointed for mutual fund investments. The team of research analysts perform all the technical analysis for the stocks and then take investment decisions on behalf of the investors, saving a lot of time and effort on your end.

 

  • Variety of Options in Stocks vs. Mutual Funds:

Various options for stocks vs. mutual funds in India are available. Around 4500 stocks are listed on the stock exchange market, and shortlisting any best-performing two or three shares are quite tedious. Mutual funds are also categorized based on their returns and functionality. It includes- 

 

  • Equity Funds,

  • Gold Funds

  • Value Funds,

  • Debt funds, and more.

But mutual fund options are easier to select as compared to stocks. You can quickly identify the best suitable scheme based on time horizon, investment objective, and risk appetite. If you are an aggressive investor, a small or mid-cap mutual fund will suit you, but debt funds will be your ideal choice if you are a conservative investor.


 

Stocks Vs. Mutual Funds: Which Investment will yield Better Returns?

 

Higher risk is associated with a greater possibility of higher returns, and stocks justify the statement. Investing in stocks is related to higher risks, as when the company fails, the investor's money at stake is also lost. Therefore, they must wait for the company's performance to improve to recover their principal amount.

 

Whereas any such risk of market volatility is cushioned in mutual funds. Negative returns for a company are covered by stocks that are performing well. Thereby, mutual funds promise concentrated returns due to diversification factors.

 

Final Verdict:

 

If you are willing to invest in stocks, then you must be able to commit scheduled time and efforts to do the homework for better returns. Otherwise, mutual funds will be a better option for you. But, selecting an ideal mutual fund from more than 2500 schemes is also daunting.

 

No matter which investment option you opt for, you need to have sound knowledge of the financial and technical analysis of the company to get safe returns. Moreover, investors or traders also need to be well-versed with market trends and the fundamentals of the stock market to know the working and functionality.

 

If you plan to secure your passive income from the stock market, then the best Stock Market Course In Jaipur can help you with your desired profit-gaining strategies. NIWS (National Institue of Wall Street) offers a comprehensive list of stock market courses from-

 

  • the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), 

  • National Stock Exchange (NSE), 

  • SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India),

  • NCFM (NSE Academy Certification in Financial Markets),

  • NISM (National Institute of Securities Market) modules. 

 

With 10-15 years of professional experience in international and domestic markets, experts assist students with the best financial courses like Stock Market, Wealth Management, Banking, Finance, Fundamental and Technical Analysis.

 

Book your Free Demo to learn more about the best stock market course according to your preference to achieve your aspirations and lifelong career goals effortlessly.

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