From AIF and CAGR to SIP and YTM — definitions you can rely on, with the Indian regulatory context where it matters.
A SEBI-regulated pooled investment vehicle for sophisticated investors. Comes in three categories: Cat I (VC, infra), Cat II (PE, real estate, debt), Cat III (long-short, hedge). Minimum ticket: ₹1 Cr.
The company that manages a mutual fund. HDFC AMC, ICICI Prudential AMC, SBI MF, Nippon India AMC, etc. Each AMC offers many schemes.
The total market value of investments managed on behalf of clients. A scheme's AUM and a firm's AUM are common health metrics.
The annualised rate at which an investment would have grown if it compounded at a steady rate. Useful for comparing returns over different time periods.
An electronic account that holds your shares and securities in dematerialised (paperless) form. Required to invest in equity, bonds, REITs, and ETFs in India.
A mutual fund plan with no distributor commission baked into the expense ratio. Net returns are typically 0.5–1.0% higher than the equivalent regular plan.
Tax-saving equity mutual fund eligible for Section 80C deduction up to ₹1.5L per year. Comes with a 3-year lock-in — the shortest among 80C options.
A basket of securities that trades on the stock exchange like a single stock. Generally tracks an index (NIFTY 50, S&P 500, gold). Lower expense ratios than active mutual funds.
The annual fee a mutual fund charges, expressed as a percentage of AUM. Comes out of returns automatically. Direct plans: 0.2–1.0%. Regular plans: 1.0–2.5%.
A bank deposit at a fixed interest rate for a fixed term. Capital is RBI-insured up to ₹5L per bank per depositor (DICGC).
Debt issued by the Government of India through the RBI. Sovereign-rated, considered the safest rupee asset. Yields are the benchmark for all other Indian debt.
The annualised return on an investment with irregular cash flows — useful for SIPs, real estate, and PE/VC where money goes in and out at different times.
Identity-verification mandated by SEBI/RBI before you can invest. Aadhaar-based eKYC is the fastest path; PAN + address proof works otherwise.
Profit on an asset held longer than the long-term threshold (1 year for listed equity, 2 years for real estate, 3 years for debt funds). Concessional tax rates apply.
A one-time investment, as opposed to a SIP. Useful when you have a windfall or after a significant market correction.
The per-unit market value of a mutual fund scheme, calculated daily after market close. Buying / selling happens at the next NAV.
A corporate bond that cannot be converted to equity. Listed NCDs trade on NSE/BSE; unlisted NCDs are private placements.
A SEBI-regulated discretionary mandate where a portfolio manager invests directly in your demat account on your behalf. Minimum ticket: ₹50L.
A SEBI-regulated trust that owns income-producing real estate, mostly Grade-A commercial. Listed on NSE/BSE; pays out ~90% of cash flow as distributions.
A classification (Conservative / Moderate / Aggressive) based on your time horizon, liquidity needs, and emotional capacity for drawdowns. Drives your asset allocation.
Auto-debiting a fixed amount each month into a mutual fund. Builds the habit, smooths the entry price (rupee-cost averaging), and removes timing decisions.
Profit on an asset sold before the long-term threshold. Taxed at higher rates than LTCG — 15% for listed equity, slab rate for debt funds.
Periodic transfers from one mutual fund (often a liquid fund) into another (often equity). A way to do staggered lump-sum entry while keeping cash earning interest.
The reverse of a SIP — periodic redemptions from a mutual fund into your bank account. Common in retirement portfolios.
Equity in a company that is not yet listed on a public stock exchange. Liquidity is lower and price discovery happens through private secondary trades.
A hybrid product that mixes life insurance with investing. We don't sell them — they typically underperform on both legs compared to buying term + investing the difference separately.
IRR for irregular cash flows. The right metric for a SIP or any portfolio where money goes in at different times — most platforms now report XIRR by default.
The total annualised return on a bond if held to maturity, accounting for coupons and the difference between purchase price and face value. The single most important number on a bond.