Thematic Funds


What are Thematic Funds?

As the name, ‘thematic’ suggests, thematic funds invest in sectors and industries that are tied to a particular theme. Fund manager of Thematic funds tries to identify a specific theme emerging out of current economic trends and invest in those companies encompassing that theme, which can be highly rewarding. Thematic fund managers seek to make the most out of such windows of opportunity. Thematic Fund is a type of equity mutual fund for aggressive investors.

However, don’t mistake between a sector fund and a thematic fund. Sector Funds invest in a single sector only. Whereas, thematic funds invest in sectors or businesses with common growth drivers or similar selection factors.

How Thematic Funds Work? Thematic funds are introduced by fund houses when they identify a well-defined theme as an opportunity to invest and grow investors money.

Thematic funds are a type of equity mutual fund and invest 80% of asset allocation to equities and equity-related instruments as per the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) mandate.

They invest across sectors in an array of companies that are centered around a theme that might show huge growth potential due to various economic indicators. For instance, a thematic fund focused on rural development may invest in the chemical, fertilizer, automotive, core agri-product and other industries. These firms may operate in various industries and have various capitalization levels, but they can support the development of a single concept.

Thematic funds investment is focused on companies and segments that are related with the theme that they aim for. The rewards can be benchmark beating and can fetch higher returns than other equity funds.

They are a high-risk and high-return fund. In favorable market conditions the returns can be skyrocketing and at the same time when the markets are down, it can incur huge losses.

Benefits of Investing in Thematic Funds:

Thematic funds can provide potential growth opportunities.

Diversification: For diversification within an investment portfolio as you can choose to invest in thematic funds through a variety of channels, such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Investors get access to a range of companies that are within a specific theme which are difficult to access through individual stock picking.

Expert management: Thematic funds are managed by investment professionals who have in-depth knowledge of the specific theme which can result in generating higher returns.

Potential for long-term returns: Due to a long-term focus, these funds can take into consideration the market volatility and also provide stability to an investment portfolio.

Points to Consider Before Thematic Investing: Investors looking for investment in thematic funds should bear certain factors in mind as mentioned below:

Investor profile: They are suitable for aggressive investors as market volatility is its primary constituent. It is further recommended for investors who are experienced enough to understand the market cycles and if exposure to specific ideas will offer optimum returns

Investment horizon: It is advisable for medium to long term investment of 5-7 years at least and preferably 10 years.

Fund Managers: Take a look at fund managers historical performance across various market cycles, qualifications and experience. Because, stocks are actively identified, selected by fund managers and the returns depend on stock selection.

Expense Ratio: It is the annual fee that the fund houses charge to manage your funds. It is better to select the funds with a low expense ratio if two or more funds rank similar in all other aspects.

Tax implication:

Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): When a fund house pays dividends, it deducts DDT of 10% at the source before making the payment.

Capital Gains Tax: On redeeming the mutual fund units, you earn capital gains – which are taxable.

Short Term Capital Gain (STCG) = The capital gains earned by you for a holding period of up to one year.

Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG)= The capital gains earned by you for a holding period of more than one year.

Conclusion:

You may invest with the aim of building wealth via many cycles of market and economic movements. These funds should be taken into consideration by those who are well-versed in the market and the different macroeconomic aspects that affect it.

As an opportunistic investor if you pick the appropriate theme at the right time, these underlying assets can yield substantial returns; else, they are a risky investment. It is suited for both experienced and high-risk investors, who can wisely utilise the sectors weaved around a theme as well as which industries will perform and what themes may emerge. It is similarly crucial to keep a close eye on the market to understand when to enter and depart in order to maximize the short profitable lifespan before suffering losses.

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