1. Definition
-
FD: You deposit money in a bank or NBFC for a fixed period and earn guaranteed interest.
-
MF: You invest in a pool of stocks, bonds, or a mix, managed by professionals. Returns are market-linked and not guaranteed.
2. Risk
-
FD: Very low risk. Your principal and interest are guaranteed.
-
MF: Risk varies. Equity funds have higher risk, but debt or hybrid funds are moderate to low risk.
3. Returns
-
FD: Provides fixed returns, typically 5–7% per year (in 2026).
-
MF: Returns depend on fund type:
-
Equity funds: 12–15% long-term average
-
Debt funds: 6–8%
-
Hybrid funds: 8–12%
-
💡 Mutual funds generally have higher potential returns over the long term, but they are not guaranteed like FDs.
4. Liquidity
-
FD: Moderate. You can withdraw early, but usually with a penalty.
-
MF: High. You can redeem anytime, though the value may fluctuate depending on the market.
5. Taxation
-
FD: Interest is fully taxable as per your income slab.
-
MF: Tax depends on type:
-
Equity MF: Long-term capital gains over ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10%, short-term gains at 15%
-
Debt MF: Short-term gains taxed as per income slab; long-term gains taxed at 20% with indexation
-
💡 MFs can be more tax-efficient if planned properly.
6. Investment Goal
-
FD: Best for safety, short-term goals, or emergency funds.
-
MF: Best for long-term wealth creation like retirement, buying a house, or growing capital.
✅ Bottom Line
-
Choose FD if you want safety and guaranteed returns, especially for short-term savings.
-
Choose Mutual Funds if you are willing to take some risk for higher long-term returns, and want to grow wealth over time.
Comments
Post a Comment