Comparison Between Mutual Fund vs PPF
Mutual funds and public provident funds (PPF) are two different investment tools. These two serve different purposes, investment styles, and risks and rewards. The table below gives a detailed insight into mutual funds vs PPF:
Comparison particulars
| Mutual Funds (MF)
| Public Provident Funds (PPF)
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Investment Type
| Mutual funds are schemes that pool funds from many investors. Professional fund managers at AMCs (Asset Management Companies) carefully design various mutual funds. Pooled funds from investors are invested in different financial securities as per their risk appetite.
| PPF or Public Provident Fund is a scheme offered by the central government of India. The purpose is to instill a habit of regular savings in the citizens. PPF is a scheme that lets you save in lump sum or in installments. The accumulated wealth attracts moderate interest and also tax benefits.
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Return on investment (ROI)
| Mutual funds are invested in different mutual fund schemes. Since these schemes are subject to market risks and exposure, the performance of assets majorly affects the returns. The decisions of the fund managers also impacts the overall performances of the asset classes. So, returns may vary irrespective of the past trends.
| Public provident funds are central government schemes. Returns on PPF schemes are guaranteed by the government of India hence, usually, no risk is involved. The interest rate is defined quarterly and subject to change as per government policies. In 2024, the PPF interest rate is at 7.1% per annum.
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Investment purpose
| Mutual funds offer different types of schemes that target short-term, medium-term, and long-term financial goals. It accumulates funds from different investors and invests the pooled amount according to the financial goals of the investors.
| The purpose of a public provident fund is to create a corpus over a long tenure of investment. For over 15 years, accumulated wealth under PPF can be used to achieve long-term goals or retirement planning.
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Tax implications
| Mutual funds fall under the category of capital gains. Depending on the tenure of the investment (under or over 12 months), capital gains, dividends, and type of MF, taxes are levied.
| PPF enjoys triple E benefits (3XExempt) tax benefits. The invested amount qualifies for a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs u/s 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. The interest earned is also tax-free but declaration of the same in the ITR is a must. Lastly, the maturity amount of PPF is also tax-free.
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Investment tenure
| There is no definite investment tenure for mutual funds. You may choose to stay invested for as long as you want.
| PPF has an investment tenure of 15 years. Once it matures, it can be renewed in batches of 5 years.
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Liquidity
| Mutual funds offer high liquidity. You may exit even after 1 day of investment. However, in some schemes, an exit load may be imposed for early exit. Under ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme), there is a 3-year lock-in period.
| PPF doesn't offer high liquidity. It has a mandatory lock-in period of 15 years. After the 3rd year, a partial withdrawal of 25% of PPF investment is permitted as a loan. Under special reasons, 50% amount withdrawal is permitted after 5 years.
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Investment amount
| The mutual fund investment amount is indefinite. You may invest any amount of your choice.
| Investors can invest any amount between ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakhs per annum.
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Understanding Risk and Returns
Mutual funds are riskier than PPFs. This is because mutual funds invest in a mix of financial securities, according to the risk appetite of the investor. It may invest in equity, debt, or hybrid assets. These assets are subject to market risks and fluctuations and so, returns are not guaranteed. However, most mutual funds offer stable returns in long-term investments.
On the other hand, PPFs are backed by the central government. Hence, the risk factor is minimal to zero. PPFs generate risk-free returns over the period. The interest rates are revised quarterly.
Lock-in Period Comparison
In terms of the lock-in period, mutual funds offer more flexibility. For people who are willing to invest in a scheme that doesn't restrict its liquidity, mutual funds can be the right choice. However, certain mutual funds like ELSS have a lock-in period of 3 years. Some early closure of MFs may also attract exit load.
On the other hand, PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years. Under exceptional cases, a loan against PPF is permitted between 3rd and 6th year of the PPF account opening. The loan amount can be up to 25% of the total PPF investment. After 5 years, 50% of the amount can be withdrawn under special conditions.
Investment Flexibility: Amount and Frequency
Mutual funds offer high flexibility in terms of investment amount and frequency. With as low as ₹100-500, mutual fund investment can be started. There is no fixed investment frequency, however, consistent investment is crucial for stable returns.
On the other hand, a PPF account can be opened at just ₹100. To keep the account activated, a minimum investment of ₹500/annum is mandatory. One can invest a maximum of ₹1.5 lakhs. Any amount above this does not offer tax benefits. Investment can be made in a lump sum or in 12 installments/annum.
Tax Savings and Deductions
ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) is a type of mutual fund that offers tax benefits. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961, investors can avail of a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs. Mutual funds also do not attract wealth tax. PPF remains tax-free. Investors can avail of ₹1.5 lakh tax deduction each year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. The maturity amount and the interest accumulated are also tax-free under PPFs.
Associated Costs and Charges
Mutual fund investments may attract certain charges like fund management charges. These are the charges levied by the AMC in lieu of the services offered. On the other hand, PPF investment includes no charges and costs. That's because it is governed by the government of India.
Security of Returns
One of the most striking differences between mutual funds and PPFs is the security of returns. Mutual funds are pooled amounts of multiple investors which are further invested in a mix of assets. So, these are open to market risks. Fluctuations in the security market directly impact the returns on mutual funds. So, the returns under MFs are not guaranteed. However, mutual funds are more stable than other stock market investments.
PPFs are government savings schemes. So, there is usually no risk involved. The returns on PPFs are guaranteed by the government of India with a definite interest rate. The interest rates are revised quarterly. The current rate is 7.1%.
Mutual Funds vs PPF - Which is Better?
Mutual funds and PPFs differ on various levels and so, it is common to wonder “Mutual funds or PPF, which is better?” The answer to this question lies in the personal financial goals of an individual. People who are looking for guaranteed returns and tax benefits may invest in PPFs as there is minimal to no risk involved. It also offers tax benefits and exemptions.
Investors who are looking for high returns, high liquidity, and flexible withdrawals may go with mutual funds. However, understanding the market risks of MFs is essential before you invest in them. In the case of PPFs, you must carefully understand the withdrawal and lock-in period rules. As PPFs have 15 15-year lock-in period, you must have sufficient emergency funds aside to avoid partial withdrawals!
Final Takeaway
To choose the most suitable scheme, investors need to assess their risk appetite and financial goals. While PPFs are savings schemes, MFs are market-linked products. Risks and Rewards of both the schemes differ. So, you need to make a calculative choice to avoid partial withdrawals or termination of the scheme. You may take the help of a financial expert to understand the most suitable option for your long-term financial goals.