What Are High Risk Mutual Funds and Who Should Invest In Them? 

High risk mutual funds are an attractive option for investors willing to take on greater risks while seeking potentially higher returns. These funds invest in volatile instruments such as equities, small-cap stocks, or sector themes that carry significantly higher risk. Although they offer promising returns, they also demand careful consideration of one’s risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon. Here is more on high risk mutual funds and things you should be aware of before investing in them.

What Are High risk Mutual Funds?

High-risk mutual funds focus on assets with significant price volatility and high growth potential, such as small-cap or mid-cap stocks and emerging sectors. These funds aim to generate substantial capital appreciation over time by leveraging market fluctuations.

Key Characteristics:

• Volatile Assets: Investments often include equities from less stable industries or emerging industries and sectors.
• High Growth Potential: These funds target sectors or companies expected to grow significantly in the future.
• Long-Term Outlook: High risk mutual funds are ideal for investors willing to stay invested for extended periods to ride out market fluctuations.

For example, a mutual fund investing heavily in technology startups may yield good returns during a tech boom but could also experience sharp losses during a downturn. 

Features of High Risk Mutual Funds 

High risk mutual funds come with distinct features that set them apart:

1. Focus on Equity Investments: These funds primarily invest in equities, focusing on small-cap, mid-cap, or sectoral themes with high growth potential.
2. Active Fund Management: Skilled fund managers monitor market conditions closely to take advantage of opportunities in volatile sectors.
3. High Volatility: The value of these funds can swing dramatically due to market fluctuations, making them riskier than other investment options.
4. Diversification Benefits: Despite the high risk, these funds may invest across sectors or geographies to spread risk and enhance potential returns.
5. Higher Expense Ratio: These funds require active management, resulting in higher operating costs compared to low risk mutual funds.

Types of High Risk Mutual Funds 

Different types of high risk mutual funds cater to various investment goals.

1. Small Cap and Mid Cap Funds: They invest in smaller companies with high growth potential but greater volatility.
2. Sectoral and Thematic Funds: These funds focus on specific sectors (e.g., technology, healthcare) or themes (e.g., renewable energy).
3. Emerging Market Funds: This type of high risk mutual funds target developing economies with high growth opportunities but significant geopolitical and currency risks.
4. International Equity Funds: If you want to invest in overseas companies, then these funds offer diversification but also expose investors to currency and market-specific risks.
5. Multi-Cap Funds: By combining small, mid, and large-cap stocks, these funds balance growth potential with risk management.

Benefits of Investing in High Risk Mutual Funds

• Potential for High Returns: High risk, high return mutual funds invest in high-growth sectors or companies that offer the potential for significantly more returns compared to other low risk options.
• Wealth Creation: Over a long investment horizon, these funds may contribute to substantial capital appreciation and wealth creation.
• Diversification: High risk funds often include investments in multiple sectors or countries, which leads to diversification through sectoral or geographical distribution of your investments.
• Hedge Against Inflation: Returns from these funds can outpace inflation, preserving and growing your wealth, unlike debt, fixed income, or hybrid options.

Risks Associated with High Risk Mutual Funds 

• Market Volatility: The performance of these funds is highly sensitive to market conditions and economic cycles.
• Liquidity: The heightened sensitivity of high risk mutual funds also affects their liquidity. During increased volatility, the liquidity may reduce making it difficult to sell units.
• Sector-Specific Risks: Sectoral funds can face losses if the targeted sector underperforms.
• Economic and Geopolitical Risks: Emerging market funds are vulnerable to currency fluctuations, trade policies, and political instability.
• Higher Expense Ratios: Active management and research costs can reduce overall returns, especially during low-performance periods.

Who Should Invest in High Risk Mutual Funds? 

High risk mutual funds are suitable for:

• Aggressive Investors: Those comfortable with volatility and looking for high returns.
• Long-Term Investors: Individuals with a long investment horizon (e.g., 7-10 years).
• Experienced Investors: People familiar with market risks and willing to monitor their portfolios closely.

Example: A 30-year-old investor with a stable income and a long-term financial goal like retirement planning could consider high risk funds for aggressive wealth accumulation.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Risk Tolerance: Assess your ability to handle significant losses.
• Investment Horizon: These funds work best with a long-term outlook.
• Diversification: Avoid allocating your entire portfolio to high risk funds.
• Fund Manager Expertise: Choose funds managed by experienced professionals. 
• Taxation: High risk mutual funds are equity funds and taxed as such. If you sell your units within one year of purchasing them, short-term capital gains tax (STCG) is levied at 20% on the returns. If the units are sold after one year, long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) is applicable which currently stands at 12.5% of the gains with an annual exemption of up to ₹1.25 Lakh.

How to Invest in High Risk Mutual Funds? 

1. Set Investment Goals: Define your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment tenure to align them with suitable funds.
2. Research and Compare: Analyse fund performance, expense ratios, and risk metr ics before choosing.
3. Choose a Platform: Select an online platform that is cost-effective and provides the right tools to analyse and invest in high risk mutual funds seamlessly.
4. Invest: Decide on the amount and mode to invest in the chosen fund, via SIP or as lumpsum. 
5. Monitor Performance: Periodically review fund performance to make adjustments if necessary.

Conclusion

High risk mutual funds are a double-edged sword, offering significant growth opportunities but exposing investors to substantial risks. They are ideal for those with a strong risk appetite, long investment horizon, and a clear financial strategy. By carefully assessing your risk tolerance and financial goals, you can decide whether high risk mutual funds fit into your investment portfolio.