Income Fund is a mutual open schema that invests in debt instruments of different periods for income generating regular coupon payment instruments. The fund invests in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bonds, debentures and debt instruments in building a diversified portfolio with a good risk-adjusted returns.

The fund manager may choose to invest in call money market, treasury bills and collateralised borrowing and lending obligation (CBLO), to maintain liquidity needs. Fund managers consider credit rating of fixed deposit income instruments before investing in them.

Return to the funds paid by affected due to changes in interest rates. Return to the revenue generated by the fund includes both interest and capital gains. Coupon highest - in which the interest is paid to the debtor - the higher income investors. In addition, the higher the coupon, the bond ratings lower, other things remaining the same.

Treasurer of funds in fixed income will do its best balance between credit and income portfolios. Capital gains are a function of changes in interest rates. If interest rates were to move, bearing instruments, particularly in longer maturities, see the falling prices. This in turn leads to a loss of capital and lower net asset value (NAV) of the fund.

On the other hand, if interest rates move in fixed income instruments see prices appreciate. This brings gains to the fund and the NAV appreciates. Income funds make a better choice for fixed income instruments when interest rates peaked.

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We can invest in an income fund with as little as Rs 5000 to start. You can also choose a systematic investment plan. The ideal time to invest in an income fund is one to two to three years. Although income funds do not charge an entry load, there is an output load of space. Investors seeking current income should consider the option of participation. Growth option works for investors looking to save for their future.

Source: [ET]