All About Dynamic Asset Allocation Funds and Their Tax Implications
As the very name suggests, the Dynamic Asset Allocation funds refer to the type of mutual funds that are dynamic in nature. Unlike the traditional asset allocation funds that invest in debt and equity in a pre-defined proportion regardless of market conditions, the Dynamic Asset Allocation funds are the ones that allocate funds in equity, equity-linked derivatives and debt—based on pre-defined market indicators, mostly the Price-Earnings (PE) ratio.
Why should one choose Dynamic Asset Allocation Funds?
How do these funds work?
Asset allocation is done by investing money in more than one asset with a prime objective of minimizing risk. The DAA funds sell equity during its upside and reinvest in debt / hedged derivatives. This way, the returns during a bull market remains lower but just after the end of the bull run, these funds tend to make maximum profits. Let us understand this with a simple example.
A fund has invested 40% of its funds in equities, 20% in debt, and 30% in equity-linked derivatives while keeping 10% as cash in hand. When the equity market peaks, the fund would reduce the equities portfolio to less than about 20% while increasing its exposure to debt/derivatives. Now when the equity market would slide, the fund would again increase its investment in equities while scaling down investments in debt.
Why is this done?
Dynamic Asset Allocation Funds and Taxation
It can be safely said that DAA funds are apt for the ones with low risk appetite and longer time horizon. These funds can help you achieve better returns compared to bank deposits.