Balanced advantage funds invest in both equity and debt asset classes. However, they shift the allocation according to the market situation for optimal returns. Balanced advantage funds provide active rebalancing and diversification and are also known as dynamic asset allocation funds.
These funds use various models to change their allocation depending on market conditions.
Tax efficient with over 65% of equity allocation.
Suitable for investors with 3+ years investment horizon.
Top schemes of Balanced Hybrid Mutual Funds
Fund Name | Returns | Actions | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
Total Invested : ₹ 6,00,000
Profit : ₹ 56,200,000
Current value : ₹ 1,16,20,000
You can select the best-balanced advantage fund based on its performance (rolling returns, risk ratios, etc.), expense ratio, fund manager's expertise, AUM, and fund house's track record.
While BAFs invest in equity and debt, there are some drawbacks:
Underperformance in bull runs: BAFs reduce equity exposure during bull runs and miss out on higher returns.
Complex investment strategy: BAFs use proprietary models to decide allocations, but not all the funds execute them efficiently.
Volatility: Despite investing in debt instruments, these funds are not immune to volatility.
The average returns of a balanced advantage fund are as follows:
1 year: 6.08
3 years: 10.63
5 years: 15.13
10 years: 9.23
Since inception: 9.71
Source: Advisorkhoj, as of 31st March 2025
HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund is one of the most popular funds with a proven track record. It has provided great risk-adjusted returns and ranked among the top. But it has been more volatile than the category average.
Remember that mutual fund investing is subject to risk. Consider your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before investing.
Balanced funds invest in equity and debt instruments in fixed proportions. Around 60% of the money is allocated to one asset class, the remaining to equity or debt.
You can adjust the allocation to 20%. The fund manager should stay in the 60-40 split. Balanced advantage funds also invest in equity and debt instruments. However, there is no restriction on the asset allocation.
The fund manager can change it according to the market conditions.
The inception date of the SBI balanced advantage fund was in 2021. It is too early to comment on its performance. However, being a low-volatility fund, it has provided better risk-adjusted returns.
Yes, balanced advantage funds are taxable. However, their taxation depends on the equity proportion.
1. If the fund has 65% or more equity exposure, it will follow equity fund taxation.
2. If the exposure is less than 65%, it will follow debt fund taxation.
Balanced advantage funds can be good for lump-sum investments
They are tax-efficient
Offer active rebalancing
Less volatile than pure equity funds
A balanced advantage or dynamic asset allocation fund is for someone who:
Tax-efficient investors looking for alternatives to debt funds
Want lower volatility compared to pure equity funds
Lump-sum investors
Beginner equity investors
Hold for 3+ years