A common problem which many investors face is where to research mutual funds. There are around 44 registered mutual fund houses (asset management companies) and more than 2,500 mutual fund schemes. In this ocean of options it becomes difficult to research as typically investors don’t know where to start!
Many a times people inquire with their friends and relatives as to where they are investing money and decide based on the information they get from them. This approach towards investing may or may not yield the expected results. What is important is to be fully aware when you decide to put your money in a certain investment tool. Investment decisions should be made out of awareness and not be an accident.
In today’s post we will look at the best free sites to research mutual fund schemes in India. These sites are authentic and have been in the finance industry for a long time. They provide vast information in a user friendly manner and the investor can shortlist funds he/ she is looking to invest in. These sites also have Android and iPhone mobile apps which one can download.
# Moneycontrol
Started in 1999, Moneycontrol is one of the best sites to research mutual funds and stocks. The site ranks mutual funds as per Crisil rank for every category and type. Generally higher the Crisil rating better the scheme to invest in. You can research the historic performance of a scheme, view returns, scheme details, risk ratios and current stock portfolio of the scheme. The site is available in English, Hindi and Gujarati. You can do free research on this site and you don’t need to create an account on the site.
# ETMoney
One of the most user friendly sites and apps, ETMoney provides comprehensive data on mutual fund schemes. You can research mutual funds as per category, performance and also view best mutual fund schemes as per ETMoney. The site provides detailed analysis of schemes along with fund overview and portfolio analysis of the fund. You can also compare different mutual fund schemes in the site too. You can do free research on ETMoney too. You dont need to create an account to do research.
# Value Research
Value Research has been a top independent investment research company since 1992. Over the years, it has emerged as the most trusted source of information on mutual funds and stocks for millions of investors, advisors and media companies. The site contains thorough research material and is super authentic. You need to create a free account to be able to research mutual funds on this site. Many Asset Management Companies in India also use data provided by Value Research. The site is available in Hindi and English.
Conclusion
In this era of the internet, it is advisable that the investor does her/his own research before deciding to invest their money. Data is freely available across the internet, so one needs to tap the most authentic sites to get correct information. We also recommend not listening to hearsay news, information while arriving at a decision. Investing decisions should be based only on research and authentic facts.
You can look at all the parameters covered in our how to select a mutual fund scheme post while reviewing the fund schemes on the above sites. Also when you decide to invest in a particular mutual fund scheme, opt for the ‘direct plan’. This will help to bring you more returns over the years. You can buy the direct plan online on the mutual fund house website or you can visit the nearest mutual fund AMC office in your town/city. The office details are available on the AMC/Mutual Fund House website. We have covered both these points in our previous posts. Please feel free to go through the mentioned links.
