Daily
250 words
6/10
Rating

29 June 2026

Asset allocation funds

The introduction of a new category of mutual funds by SEBI is a specific regulatory development relevant to the mobilization of financial resources and the functioning of capital market regulators in India.

1 min read Day 1 of 3 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • SEBI has introduced lifecycle funds as a new category of mutual funds in India.
  • Asset allocation funds can invest across multiple asset classes including equity, bonds, and commodities.
  • These funds operate within a defined asset allocation range, allowing fund managers to tactically adjust exposure between asset classes.
  • Asset allocation is traditionally the first step in goal-based investment planning, tailored to specific life objectives.
  • Investing in asset allocation funds outsources the decision-making process to fund managers, who manage portfolios based on fund mandates rather than individual life goals.
  • Tax efficiency is a key benefit, as rebalancing between asset classes within the fund does not trigger capital gains tax for the investor.
  • Professional expertise in tactical market movement is a primary advantage of these funds.
  • These funds may not be suitable for investors who prefer specific instruments like bank deposits for their fixed-income allocation.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 3 in Trends in Indian Mutual Fund Investment, which has been running since 29 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the role of SEBI-regulated asset allocation funds in the Indian financial market. How do these instruments balance professional fund management with the principles of goal-based investing? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the structural advantages and limitations of multi-asset-class funds in the context of retail investor participation in the Indian economy. To what extent does the outsourcing of asset allocation to professional managers impact long-term financial planning? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the tax advantage of investing in asset allocation funds?

  2. What is the primary function of the 'asset allocation range' in a multi-asset fund?