You can buy ETFs and add them to your portfolio if you already have a diversified Mutual Fund. However, the basic rules remain the same – stay invested for the long-term and hold on to an investment till it creates wealth.
The successful launch of the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) exchange-traded fund has encouraged the government to divest shares of other companies. Following through on the 2017 Budget, the Bharat 22 ETF has been set-up to achieve its divestment target. ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co. Ltd has been identified as the fund manager.
While both ETFs have advantages and disadvantages with respect to each other – including in terms of discounts and loyalty bonuses, it is prudent to ask whether you are better off investing in them over diversified equity Mutual Funds.
Management Styles
Both the Bharat22 and CPSE ETF are exchange-traded funds. In other words, they are open-ended schemes with an objective to track and reflect the performance of their respective underlying index. This is accomplished through a passive management strategy. This involves investing in the very same stocks in the index and in the same proportion.
On the other hand, diversified equity Mutual Funds are actively managed operations. The fund managers have the ability to take calls and contra calls every trading day. While the aforementioned ETFs are inherently more stable, equity Mutual Funds substitute risk for reward. And these may find a fit in your portfolio if you possess an appetite for such risk.
Expense Ratio
Being passively managed, the expense ratios of the two ETFs easily score over their actively managed diversified equity counterparts. It is worth remembering that the CPSE ETF comprised of 10 stocks, while the Bharat22 ETF holding 22.
The Bharat22 ETF has an expense ratio of 0.0095% per year for 3 years, after which it can potentially change. The CPSE ETF, on the other hand, is around 6 basis points. If you strongly factor in a fund’s expense ratio before you make your selection, you will tend to prefer ETF because of their shallow metrics in this regard.
Ease of Transacting
It is mandatory for applicants to the ETF(s) to hold a Demat account where their units are allotted. Once done, they will be listed on the BSE and NSE within 5 days. And then they can be freely traded much like direct equity shares.
Investing in diversified equity funds does not require a Demat account. However, any terms and conditions pertaining to lock-in periods, including entry and exit loads, varies from fund to fund.
All in all, if you already have a diversified Mutual Fund portfolio, look at such ETFs to add another dimension to your finances. As always, look at the long-term and hold your units until they create wealth. Only then can you hit your financial targets while surpassing inflation.
BankBazaar.com is a leading online marketplace in India that helps consumers compare and apply for Credit Card, Personal Loan, Home Loan, Car Loan, and insurance.