What is the difference between direct & regular mutual funds?

When it comes to investing in Mutual Funds you generally have two options; Regular plan & Direct plan. If you invest via distributor you get a regular plan & if you invest via RIA’s or Directly in Mutual Fund Schemes  you get a direct plan.

A regular plan differs from direct plan in terms of the cost structure. The cost associated with regular plan translates into a higher expense ratio which includes the income earned by the distributor in the form of distribution or transaction fees. This added cost which is passed on to the investors who invest via regular plan. Hence, as the expense ratio in a direct plan is lower, it has a higher NAV as compared to regular plans.

Salient Features

• How to Switch:

While the process depends on the respective AMC’s website, as a standard, switch option can be conducted online or in person by visiting the nearest branch If you are not comfortable with the online switching procedure, then you can also switch funds offline. To switch offline or in person you will need to visit the nearest branch of the fund house and fill and submit a switch form. Once they process it, they will send you an updated account statement. You can also get this done via your distributor.

• Net Asset Value (NAV):

The TER (Total Expense Ratio) of any mutual fund plan is adjusted from the NAV. The NAVs of direct plans are higher than the regular plans since TERs of regular plans are higher than those of direct plans. In other words, the investment value after you make an investment will generally be higher in a direct plan compared to a regular plan.

• Returns: 

The difference of TER between regular & direct plans varies from one AMC to another and scheme to scheme, largely depending upon the commission structure of AMCs. The commissions or brokerage paid for equity funds are generally higher than debt funds. The difference in TERs between regular & direct plans can range from 0.5% to 1%. Although this sounds minuscule, it directly affects the returns of regular and direct plans. When you are investing for a long term and you compare returns of mutual fund direct vs regular plans, the direct plans can add up to big amount of difference in returns on your investment.

 Direct plans have lesser costs and give higher returns over regular plans. However, you need to have some investment experience and knowledge to pick and invest in the right direct mutual fund plans.

Whenever you are making a switch from a regular plan to a direct plan or vice versa, always remember that switching of funds means selling your current units and purchasing units under the new scheme. While switching, there may be certain exit loads applicable. You also need to consider the tax implications. Hence, be wise when making a switch decision. Consider and reflect on your overall financial goals before making any decision.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here in this Article / Video are for general information and reading purpose only and do not constitute any guidelines and recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader. Quantum AMC / Quantum Mutual Fund is not guaranteeing / offering / communicating any indicative yield on investments made in the scheme(s). The views are not meant to serve as a professional guide / investment advice / intended to be an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial product or instrument or mutual fund units for the reader. The Article / Video has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. Whilst no action has been solicited based upon the information provided herein, due care has been taken to ensure that the facts are accurate and views given are fair and reasonable as on date. Readers of the Article / Video should rely on information/data arising out of their own investigations and advised to seek independent professional advice and arrive at an informed decision before making any investments. None of the Quantum Advisors, Quantum AMC, Quantum Trustee or Quantum Mutual Fund, their Affiliates or Representative shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary losses or damages including lost profits arising in any way on account of any action taken basis the data / information / views provided in the Article / video.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.