Akash Jha
According to data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) on Thursday, November 9, equity mutual fund inflows increased to 19,932 crore in October 2023 from 13,857 crore in September, despite the risk-averse sentiment in the stock markets. Net inflows have occurred for the 32nd consecutive month.
The increase in capital inflow into small-cap funds from ₹2,678 crore in September to ₹4,495 crore in October, according to the data, reflected investors’ growing interest in smaller companies. In addition, for the first time in its history, the category’s average assets under management (AAUM) surpassed the 2 lakh crore mark.
Notably, total SIP contributions reached an all-time peak of 16,927.86 crore in October, with regard to Systematic Investment Plans (SIP). In October, there were a record-breaking 7,30,02,604 SIP accounts, up from 7,12,93,738 documented in September.
Compared to September, the SIP AUM for October was 8,59,923.86 crore, down from 8,70,363.38cro. October saw the highest net addition of SIPs to date, totaling 17,08,866. Based on the available data, there were 34,66,354 newly registered SIPs in October. Analysts observed that the increased structure and proportion of inflows attributed to SIPs (as opposed to one-time investments) will provide market support.
October was the worst month so far in 2023 for the benchmark Nifty 50, which collapsed by roughly 3 percent. Investors are advised to exercise prudence when considering an increase in small-cap allocations, analysts advise, in light of the recent uptrend and market volatility.
October witnessed 724 crore in inflows into large-cap funds, following six months of outflows; this reflects renewed investor confidence in established companies. In October, investments in mid-cap funds increased significantly, from ₹2,001 crore the previous month to ₹2,409 crore in inflows.
The equity markets maintained a risk-averse sentiment throughout the month of October, as evidenced by the index’s decline below 19,000 levels. Motilal Oswal’s chief business officer, Akhil Chaturvedi, remarked, “Equity mutual funds maintained their resilience despite this decline, recording a substantial net inflow.”
The value of investments in hybrid funds during the month of October was 9,907 crore. Although liquid funds continued to experience outflows, the magnitude of those outflows decreased in October from ₧74,177 crore in September to ₹32,964 crore.
Following withdrawals of funds in the preceding two months, debt-oriented schemes experienced a net inflow of ₹42,634 crore in October. This was primarily attributable to increased flows in the liquid fund category.
“Aligned with multi-asset funds and arbitrage funds, hybrid funds continued to receive robust net inflows.” This prevailing tendency is indicative of the market’s risk-averse disposition, wherein investors prioritize capital preservation over investment diversification. As stated by Chaturvedi, “domestic flows remain structural in nature.”
In contrast to September, when liquid funds experienced a net outflow of ₹74,177 crore, the month under review witnessed the greatest net inflow of ₹32,964 crore. Net inflows of ₹2,000 crore were attributable to investors’ favourable sentiment towards the gilt fund category throughout the month.
In October, a grand total of fourteen open-ended initiatives were introduced, each with its own unique contribution of 3,638 crore. Furthermore, in October, the net inflows and outflows of gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) increased from ₇175 crore in September to ₹841 crore.
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“Notwithstanding the zenith of interest rates, there is a discernible upswing in money market investments.” There is notable growth in investor contributions to small-cap funds and gilt funds, both of which serve as indicators of robust confidence. According to NS Venkatesh, CEO of AMFI, the significant recovery observed in the large-cap category can be attributed to the broader recovery of the market.
Systematic investment plans are resilient, as evidenced by the consistent month-over-month growth of SIP figures. As a result of the unrealized potential in these sectors, we are optimistic that future inflows will continue to migrate into small and mid-cap funds. NS Venkatesh further stated, “Numerous SIP account openings are indicative of an expanding and dedicated investor base.”
