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Differences Between FPI and FII 

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Since India is a developing country, our economy needs a steady flow of capital to help it grow further. Sole dependency on internal sources to generate capital is not enough aand this is where foreign investments come to the fore. 

Undoubtedly, both domestic and foreign investments play huge roles in the Indian stock market. The impact that they have on the country is also determined by a combination of the country’s political and economic climate. With higher investor confidence, markets tend to thrive while during times of uncertainty, the market slows down comparatively.

Foreign Portfolio Investment or FPI and Foreign Institutional Investment or FII are both important aspects of India’s foreign investment playing field. Here is a look at both these aspects in detail.

What is Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)?

As a part of FPI foreign individuals, foreign funds and institutional investors invest in the country’s financial markets in securities like stocks, mutual funds, bonds, etc.

The main feature of FPI is that the investors involved in it are passive and do not have an active role in the companies they invest in. The main reason they carry out such an investment is to diversify their portfolio as that will help them potentially earn higher returns in the various markets in the country.

These investments are carried out via the stock exchanges in the secondary market and these investments can be either long-term or short-term in nature, depending on the market conditions. The movement of the FPI funds, because of their fast in and out movement, can cause higher volatility in the market, especially when investments are carried out based on speculations. 

What is Foreign Institutional Investment (FII)? 

FII comes under FPI and includes comparatively larger and more professional investors like insurance companies, hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds, etc that combine funds from several sources to invest in the Indian market.

FIIs are known to be different from individual investors as the former conducts deep research, analysis, and due diligence before making investment decisions. FII includes taking a higher position in companies, which can have a noticeable impact on stock prices. 

What is FDI vs FII vs FPI? 

It has now come to the fore that a majority of retail investors are increasingly exploring more foreign investment options. This is why one must understand the key differences between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Foreign Institutional Investors (FII), and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI). 

  • FDI or Foreign Direct Investment takes place when foreign investors invest directly in a country’s businesses or other productive assets. With FDI, more jobs are created and better infrastructure and long-term economic growth also take place. 

  • FIIs on the other hand are institutional investors, similar to hedge funds or mutual funds that contribute towards the country’s financial markets by investing in them. 

  • FIIs contribute towards FPI but the basis of both are the same, i.e. investment in various financial assets like stocks and bonds without directly owning a business. 

  • One of the main differences between the three is that FDI is a long-term investment that directly influences the business operations and infrastructure of a country.

  • FPI/FII on the other hand, are shorter-term investments into different financial instruments and tend to be more volatile due to the constant market fluctuations.  

Features of FDI vs FII vs FPI   

Let us have a look at some of the main features of FDI, FII and FPI and a comparison between the three.

Feature

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) / Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)

Asset Type

FDI invests in various productive assets of a country like businesses and factories. These assets experience growth in value with time.

FII invests in various financial assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds etc. The value of these fluctuates with market volatility. 

Tenure

The tenure of an FDI can vary from months or years as it moves from planning to implementation.

Here, investors have the option to move funds in and out quickly, especially during economic fluctuations.

Liquidity

It is difficult to sell assets under the FDI and thus they provide low liquidity. 

Since FII/FPI investments can easily be bought and sold instantly, they offer more liquidity.

Control

Investors actively participate in business operations and take higher stakes via joint ventures or part-ownership.

Investors do not participate in company decisions or management.

Risk & Stability

Since FDIs are long-term commitments, they are more stable and have a greater economic impact.

As these investments are dependent on market volatility, they are less stable and riskier.

Conclusion

Though FPI and FII might, on the surface, seem similar, there are certain differences in terms of their nature, scope and their regulations. FPI are passive investments made by individuals or institutions to help them diversify their portfolios. FII, on the other hand, involves institutional investors playing an active role in the market and possibly affecting its overall dynamics too. 

Understanding the difference between these two is important for both investors and policymakers, as in the long run, it aids in building a stable and sustainable investment environment.

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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FPI full form?

Answer Field

The full form of FPI is Foreign Portfolio Investment.

What is the FDI Full form?

Answer Field

The full form of FDI is Foreign Direct Investment

What is the meaning of fii?

Answer Field

FII comes under the banner of FPI and includes comparatively larger and more professional investors like insurance companies, hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds, etc that combine funds from several sources to invest in the Indian market.

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