Income Fund - Meaning & Definition by HDFC Life (2024)

Income Fund - Meaning & Definition by HDFC Life (7)

March 15, 2023

Income funds also known as debt funds or bond funds are ideal for conservative investors. Such investors are averse to taking on risk that is associated with equities.

An income fund is mutual fund or a ULIP (unit-linked investment plan) or any other type of investment that aims at generating an income stream for investors by investing in fixed income securities like government securities or gsecs/gilts, bonds, debentures, fixed deposits and the like.

They aim for safety of capital combined with reasonable growth in capital over a period of time and hence prefer income-generating investments like -

  • bonds
  • fixed deposits
  • government securities

Income funds are also offered by ULIPs. They are managed with well-defined controls and guidelines on where the fund manager can and cannot invest, although this varies across insurers and mutual funds.

How Does an Income Fund Work?

Typically, the fund manager invests in fixed income securities with higher credit ratings and established financial track records. Such companies have lower default risk in repayment of capital and interest.

The objective of the income fund is to maximize income. This reflects in two ways:

  • Capital appreciation which is when the NAV or net asset value rises over a period of time
    Dividend payout at periodic intervals depending on surplus funds

For an investor, income funds are ideal for planning forchild's education, setting aside money towards down payment on a house, retirement planning, among other long-term goals.

Even investors with higher risk appetites who prefer to invest through equity funds / equities, can consider investing a portion of money in income funds for diversification.

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Income Fund - Meaning & Definition by HDFC Life (2024)

FAQs

Income Fund - Meaning & Definition by HDFC Life? ›

An income fund is mutual fund or a ULIP

ULIP
Full form of ULIP is Unit linked Insurance Plan. ULIP's are a combination of insurance + investment. A small portion of the money invested goes to securing your life whereas the rest of the money is invested in the market. Policyholders can pay premiums monthly/annually.
https://www.hdfclife.com › ulip-plans › what-is-ulip
(unit-linked investment plan) or any other type of investment that aims at generating an income stream for investors by investing in fixed income securities like government securities or gsecs/gilts, bonds, debentures, fixed deposits and the like.

What is the meaning of income fund? ›

Income funds are mutual funds or ETFs that prioritize current income, often in the form of interest or dividend-paying investments. Income funds may invest in bonds or other fixed-income securities as well as preferred shares and dividend stocks.

What is the income of a fund? ›

Income Fund is a class of debt Mutual Funds. Fund Managers invest in fixed income securities to earn regular returns. Income Funds typically offer higher returns than fixed deposits. If not adequately managed, interest rate risk and credit risk can follow Income Funds.

What is the difference between growth fund and income fund? ›

Growth funds are often thought to be riskier than income funds since they invest in stocks of firms with significant growth potential. As a result, growth funds may face more price volatility and value swings than income funds, which invest in more stable fixed income assets.

What is an income retirement fund? ›

Retirement income funds are designed to provide a steady income stream post-retirement and ensure better capital preservation, reducing the burden of individual portfolio management while offering diversification.

What is an example of an income fund? ›

For example, income fund compensation is commonly awarded on a monthly or quarterly basis. Usually organized through financial institutions, income funds consist of preferred stock, dividend-paying stocks, bonds, and government/corporate debt obligations.

What are the benefits of income funds? ›

Income funds generate regular income for investors by investing in fixed-income securities such as bonds, Treasurys, certificates of deposit (CDs), preferred shares, and money market instruments. Many use these funds to provide a steady income through interest and dividends while preserving their capital.

What is the risk of income funds? ›

Income risk is the risk that the income stream paid by a fund will decrease in response to a drop in interest rates. This risk is most prevalent in the money market and other short-term income fund strategies (versus longer-term strategies that lock in interest rates).

Do income funds pay monthly? ›

In fact, many income funds pay a stable monthly or quarterly distribution. It's important to know, however, that unlike GICs, income fund distributions are not guaranteed and can change at any time.

What is the difference between income fund and debt fund? ›

Income Funds are a type of debt funds. Invest in debt instruments like debentures, corporate bonds, government securities, etc. for a longer duration. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) classifies Income Funds as those debt funds whose Macaulay Duration is 4 years and more.

How does an income fund work? ›

What Is an Income Fund? An income fund is a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to generate current income through dividends or interest payments. Some also provide an opportunity for capital appreciation.

Which is better growth or income funds? ›

If you are investing for the long term, you might emphasize growth. In this way, you will have time to weather a market downturn without changing your plans. Conversely, if you need quick cash to pay part of your living expenses or achieve a short-term goal, you may consider income investments.

Should I invest in income or growth funds? ›

If you need a regular stream of income, you should focus your portfolio on funds that will help you achieve this. If you have a longer investment time period, or you do not need an immediate income, you should think about a larger allocation to growth-focused funds.

Is an income fund good for retirement? ›

A retirement income fund is designed to produce steady returns and yield higher than conservative investments such as CDs. A retirement income fund with a consistent dividend can help offset any losses from market downturns.

How much can I withdraw from my life income fund? ›

To determine the maximum amount you are permitted to withdraw from your LIF this year, locate your age as of January 1, and multiply the value of your LIF (on January 1) by the percentage indicated under the applicable LIF Maximum column, based on the provincial or Federal pension legislation governing your plan.

What is the difference between a life annuity and a life income fund? ›

The life annuity will provide a safe, guaranteed lifetime income, while the LIF/LRIF/RRIF will give you more control over the growth of your capital and more flexibility in the level of income.

What is a monthly income fund? ›

A monthly income plan is a type of mutual fund. The objective is to preserve capital and generate cash flow by investing in a mix of debt and equity securities. As such, they provide an alternative, steady income stream to investors who need it, including retirees. This comes in dividends or interest payments.

How does a life income fund work? ›

What Does Life Income Fund Mean? A life income fund (LIF) is a type of registered retirement income fund (RRIF) offered in Canada that can be used to hold locked-in pension funds as well as other assets for an eventual payout as retirement income. A life income fund cannot be withdrawn in a lump sum.

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