10 Best Conservative Hybrid Funds to Invest in India in April 2023
A conservative hybrid fund is a type of hybrid mutual fund that invests 75%-90% of its overall assets in debt securities and the remaining 10%-25% in equity. These schemes invest a majority of its fund corpus in fixed income instruments like treasury bills, debentures, bonds, etc., and a limited portion in stocks. Since these funds follow a conservative investment strategy, both risks and returns potential are lower compared to aggressive hybrid funds.
Read on to know more details about some of the best conservative hybrid funds to consider investing in 2023.
10 Best Conservative Hybrid Funds in India – Top Performing
The following table presents the top 10 conservative hybrid funds 2023 in India based on their current 5-year annualised returns (data updated on March 31, 2023)
| Conservative Hybrid Fund Name | 5 Year Annualised Returns* |
| Kotak Debt Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 9.9% |
| Canara Robeco Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 9.4% |
| ICICI Prudential Regular Savings Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 9.0% |
| SBI Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 8.8% |
| HDFC Hybrid Debt Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 8.4% |
| Baroda BNP Paribas Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 7.7% |
| HSBC Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 7.5% |
| UTI Regular Savings Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 7.1% |
| Axis Regular Saver Fund – Direct Plan – Growth | 7.0% |
| Franklin India Debt Hybrid Fund – Direct – Growth | 6.9% |
Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all offer documents carefully.
*Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.
How Do Conservative Hybrid Funds Work?
A conservative hybrid fund is a mutual fund that has both equity and debt instruments as its underlying assets. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated the fund managers of these schemes to allocate 75% to 90% of their assets in debt instruments, while the remaining 10% to 25% is to be invested in equities and equity-linked instruments.
This investment pattern enables these schemes to generate reasonably good returns at low risk. The portfolio is majorly exposed to debt which considerably reduces its volatility. But, the presence of equities improves the chances of the portfolio generating decent returns.
Generally, conservative mutual funds are a suitable investment option for investors who can remain invested for a minimum of 2 to 3 years.
Example:
In this case, we have taken one of the best hybrid funds – Canara Robeco Conservative Hybrid Fund as an example. The fund has 22.81% investment in domestic equities of which 14.06% is in large-cap stocks, 1.48% is in mid-cap stocks, 3% in small-cap stocks.
The fund has 71.19% investment in debt, of which 43.69% in Government securities, 27.5% is in low-risk securities. This shows how this conservative hybrid fund has invested most of its corpus in debt instruments to mitigate risks. This is also the reason why such funds tend to generate low, but stable returns.
Performance of Best Conservative Hybrid Funds in India
Let us take a look at the details of the best-performing conservative hybrid mutual funds in India:
1. Kotak Debt Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
Considered as one of the best conservative hybrid funds, the scheme was launched on January 1, 2013, and currently has 24.46% investment in domestic equities, 69.5% investment in debt securities and 5.9% in cash. The fund’s main objective is to provide investors with moderate exposure to equities while generating regular returns through its debt portfolio. Given below are the details of this scheme:
- Launched: January 1, 2013
- AUM: ₹1,650.86 crore
- NAV: ₹50.14
- Expense Ratio: 0.44%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 14.4%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 9.9%
2. Canara Robeco Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
Canara Robeco Conservative Hybrid Fund is also considered one of the best conservative hybrid funds due to its performance over the last few years.
This conservative hybrid mutual fund invests in a wide range of debt securities and money market instruments. The scheme charges 1.0% of the sell value as exit load if investors sell off their units within 12 months. Given below are the details of this scheme:
- Launched: September, 2002
- AUM: ₹1,069.78 crore
- NAV: ₹86.45
- Expense Ratio: 0.57%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 11.2%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 9.4%
3. ICICI Prudential Regular Savings Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
ICICI Prudential Regular Savings Fund currently invests 21.6% in equities, 73.8% in debt and the rest in cash. The scheme aims to generate consistent returns and also enables investors to benefit from long-term capital appreciation. Let us take a look at the details of this conservative hybrid fund:
- Launched: March, 2004
- AUM: ₹3,212.39 crore
- NAV: ₹63.05
- Expense Ratio: 0.99%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 11.1%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 9.0%
4. SBI Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
This conservative hybrid mutual fund currently allocates 23.6% of its assets in equities, 67.2% in debt instruments and the rest 9.2% in cash holdings.
This mutual fund levies 1.0% of the sell value as an exit load if investors sell off their investments before 365 days. Given below are its details:
- Launched: March 2001
- AUM: ₹7,250.39 crore
- NAV: ₹60.63
- Expense Ratio: 0.57%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 13.7%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 8.8%
5. HDFC Hybrid Debt Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
This conservative hybrid mutual fund currently invests 74.8% of its assets in debt securities, while the remaining portion is allocated to equities and cash. Investors have to pay an exit load of 1.0% if they redeem their mutual fund units before the maturity date. Listed below are vital details:
- Launched: December, 2003
- AUM: ₹2,695.97 crore
- NAV: ₹66.55
- Expense Ratio: 1.33%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 13.1%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 8.4%
6. Baroda BNP Paribas Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
This conservative hybrid fund’s primary objective is to generate regular returns from debt and money market instruments. It currently invests 61.1% of its assets in debt securities. The remaining 24% is allocated to equities while 14.9% for cash holdings.
- Launched: September 2004
- AUM: ₹501.67 crore
- NAV: ₹42.11
- Expense Ratio: 0.78%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 8.9%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 7.7%
7. HSBC Conservative Hybrid Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
The equity portion of this mutual fund invests primarily in technology, capital goods, construction, finances and chemicals companies. The debt portion of the fund’s portfolio invests in debt securities of high credit quality which reflects that it has high-quality borrowers. Given below are more details:
- Launched: February 2004
- AUM: ₹122.02 crore
- NAV: ₹51.46
- Expense Ratio: 1.34%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 10.03%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 7.5%
8. UTI Regular Savings Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
This mutual fund currently invests 73.3% in debt securities, such as low-risk securities and government securities. It invests the remaining 24.5% of its assets in equities and 2.2% in cash holdings. Fund details are as follows:
- Launched: December 2003
- AUM: ₹1,544.13 crore
- NAV: ₹57.09
- Expense Ratio: 1.22%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 13.1%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 7.1%
9. Axis Regular Saver Fund – Direct Plan – Growth
The scheme has allocated 75% of its assets to debt securities, while 23.2% are allocated to equities and remaining in cash holdings. Given below are further details:
- Launched: July 2010
- AUM: ₹407.70 crore
- NAV: ₹27.82
- Expense Ratio: 0.86%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 10.7%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 7.0%
10. Franklin India Debt Hybrid Fund – Direct – Growth
This mutual fund was launched on January 1 2013 and currently has 70% investments in debt securities and 24.4% in equities. It aims to generate consistent returns and tries to minimise losses in a market that is spiralling downwards. More details of this fund are provided below:
- Launched: January 2013
- AUM: ₹246.57 crore
- NAV: ₹76.51
- Expense Ratio: 0.57%
- Annualised 3-Year Return: 9.7%
- Annualised 5-Year Return: 6.9%
*Data taken from respective AMC websites on March 31, 2023. Sata for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all offer documents carefully.
Also Read
Benefits of Conservative Hybrid Funds
Go through the various advantages of conservative hybrid funds:
1. Offers Portfolio Diversification
These schemes facilitate portfolio growth and diversification through investments in both debt and equity. Prominent exposure in debt securities safeguards the portfolio, offering stable returns.
2. Carries Lower Risk
The portfolio of these funds has been designed to carry a lower risk relative to other kinds of hybrid funds. The objective is to protect the principal amount and yield stable returns. Hence, to keep the risk and volatility low, debt instruments get higher weightage.
3. Higher Returns than Fixed Deposits
This fund has a track record of delivering higher returns than fixed deposits. The better returns are a result of the addition of equity in its portfolio. However, for earning higher yields, you will have to bear certain market risks that go hand-in-hand with investment in stocks.
Who Can Invest in Conservative Hybrid Mutual Funds?
1. Investors Who are About to Retire
If you are close to your retirement, you can afford to be a little bit conservative so that the profit doesn’t disappear with market fluctuations. These schemes can be a favourable option to deviate from regular equity funds prior to retirement.
2. Risk-Averse Investors Seeking more Returns than Fixed Deposits
Returns from fixed deposits are reasonable, but they cannot beat the inflation rate by a high margin. After taking inflation into consideration, the yields from FDs will barely stick to 1-2%. Contrarily, returns from conservative hybrid funds have the potential to beat inflation owing to the equity exposure.
3. Investors who Wish to get Equity Exposure
An investor who doesn’t want to bear the risk of a pure equity portfolio but wants to get some equity exposure can choose these schemes. It is suitable for individuals who do not wish to risk their principal sum for the sake of achieving higher returns.
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Things to Remember Before Investing in Conservative Hybrid Funds
Consider the following parameters before conservative hybrid funds:
1. Expenses
You will have to pay certain expenses while investing in mutual funds. Such costs can be an expense ratio and an exit load. A higher expense ratio can reduce your returns. So, you must pick a scheme with a lower expense ratio.
2. Fund manager’s experience
Fund managers play a crucial role in asset allocation and fund selection. Hence, an efficient management team having years of experience and expertise can design a scheme that has the potential to fulfil the objective that the fund was set up to achieve.
3. Past Performance of Funds
Prior to opting for conservative hybrid funds, examining a fund’s past returns is vital. Although historical returns don’t guarantee future gains, it is imperative to research about the scheme’s past performance.
4. Investment Goals
Investment objectives of all individuals are not identical. Hence, you must ensure that the scheme’s investment goals align with your financial and personal goals.
5. Mode of Investment
You can make a lump sum investment or opt for a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to invest in conservative hybrid funds. The lump sum mode facilitates a one-time investment in this type of scheme, while a SIP mode allows you to invest periodically, such as yearly, half-yearly, quarterly and monthly.
Taxation on Earnings from Conservative Hybrid Funds in India
Conservative hybrid funds are taxed like any debt fund because 75% to 90% of their assets are allocated to debt securities. The taxation of capital gains earned from these mutual funds depends on their holding period. Details of taxation are provided below in points:
1. Short term capital gains (STCG)
If the holding period of conservative hybrid mutual fund units is less than 3 years, the capital gains are added to the investor’s income. Taxes applicable will depend on the income tax slab he or she falls in.
2. Long term capital gains (LTCG)
If the holding period of the investment exceeds 3 years, then it falls under long term capital gains. LTCGs are taxed at 20% plus indexation benefits. Cess and surcharge will be applicable.
Final Word
A conservative hybrid fund is a debt-focused hybrid fund; its returns are impacted by market fluctuations owing to the equity exposure. So, when the stock market is high, it can generate significant gains. If you’re a risk-averse investor, you can consider investing in this type of hybrid scheme.
But if you want to invest in pure equities, start investing with Navi Mutual Fund. Navi offers a host of low-cost index mutual funds that invest primarily in equities. Thinking about the risks? Don’t worry, you can start with as low as Rs.10!
FAQs
If you sell the mutual fund units before 3 years from the purchase date, then you will fetch short term capital gains (STCG). Such profits or gains will be included in your income and will be taxable as per your income tax slab.
In case you sell the mutual fund units after 3 years, then you will earn long term capital gains (LTCG). The tax rate on these gains will be 20%. Moreover, investors will be eligible for indexation benefits.
An expense ratio is a yearly fee that fund houses impose on investors to cover the cost of running the fund. The operating expenses of a mutual fund scheme include advertising expenses, management costs, distribution fees, and more. An expense ratio is inversely related to a mutual fund’s size.
An exit load denotes a charge that a fund house levies on investors when they redeem the units of a mutual fund scheme before the completion of a pre-specified time period. The main purpose of this fee is to limit investors from leaving the scheme before the lock-in period ends.
No, conservative hybrid fund schemes are not tax-saving in nature. However, you can get tax benefits through investments in ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds. Section 80C of the Income Tax Act facilitates a tax deduction of up to Rs. 1,50,000 in a financial year for investing in ELSS funds.
Conservative hybrid mutual funds are open-ended schemes that must mandatorily invest 75% to 90% of their assets in debt and the remaining portion in equities. These mutual funds aim to generate reasonable and stable returns at moderate risks.
Compared to equity mutual funds, conservative hybrid funds are considered to be safer, though not completely safe from the fluctuations of market. Considering that these schemes invest a major portion of their assets in debt, they tend to provide stable but low returns compared to equity funds.
Overall, these funds are ideal for investors with low-risk appetite but who want to invest in limited equity options. Conservative hybrid funds could also work for investors looking for a stable income other than bank deposits.
Conservative hybrid funds carry more risk than debt funds and less risk than pure equity schemes. It is designed carefully to ensure the scheme carries lower risk than other hybrid funds.
It entirely depends on your investment goals and risk-appetite. Generally, it is a suitable investment option for investors who have a low-risk appetite. People who wish to begin investing in equities or those who want returns higher than FDs can consider this investment option.
Navi Regular Savings Fund is a conservative hybrid fund offered by Navi Mutual Fund. It tends to offer higher returns than Fixed Deposits (FDs). Investors who have a low-risk appetite could consider this scheme.
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Disclaimer: Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.
This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.
