Do you want to make the most of your money but are still trying to figure out how to go about it? Investing can be tricky, and managing assets even more so. One common decision investors have to grapple with is whether they should invest in a unit trust or mutual fund; both financial products offer the potential for reward. However, critical differences between them need to be considered first.
In this article, we’ll discuss these two investment options in detail – their aims, merits and comparisons – to help you decide which fits best with your goals.
Introducing Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds
For those individuals seeking to invest their money in a diverse range of assets, unit trusts and mutual funds offer a convenient and effective solution. A unit trust investment is a fund that pools capital from numerous investors with similar investment objectives to buy various assets such as equities, bonds, and currencies. Investors hold units of the fund that correspond to their share of the underlying assets, providing them access to a professionally managed portfolio that may be beyond their means.
Furthermore, unit trusts and mutual funds provide investors with greater diversification, as the fund can invest across a range of sectors and geographies and offer greater liquidity and lower transaction costs. As such, unit trusts and mutual funds are popular for those seeking to grow their wealth over the long term.
How Unit Trusts Work
Unit trusts are created and administered by a management company, the fund manager. The fund manager is responsible for researching and selecting investments to be included in the trust’s portfolio. They also manage the buying and selling assets within the trust, aligning with its investment objectives.
Investors can purchase units of a unit trust at an offer price set by the fund manager, which reflects the value of the assets in the fund. The unit’s net asset value (NAV) is then calculated by dividing the total value of all assets held within the trust by the number of units in circulation.
Investors can profit from their investment through capital gains or dividends from any income the underlying assets generate. However, investors should also be aware that unit trusts are subject to market volatility and, as such, may result in losses.
Advantages of Investing in a Unit Trust
Professional management is one of the main advantages of investing in a unit trust. An experienced fund manager actively manages the portfolio to potentially maximise returns and minimise risks. It takes the burden off investors who may need more time or expertise to manage their investments.
Unit trusts also offer convenience and flexibility as they can be bought and sold anytime, providing liquidity to investors. Furthermore, unit trusts are available in various investment themes and sectors, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios.
Challenges of Investing in a Unit Trust
While unit trusts offer numerous benefits, investors should know the potential drawbacks. One key challenge is management fees, which the fund manager charges for their services. These fees can vary and may affect the overall return on investment.
Additionally, as unit trusts invest in various assets, they are subject to market risks and changes in economic conditions. It means that investors may experience losses if the market performs poorly.
How Mutual Funds Work
Mutual funds function similarly to unit trusts in that they pool capital from various investors and are managed by a professional fund manager. However, there are some critical differences between the two.
Unlike unit trusts, where investors hold units of the trust, mutual fund investors own shares in the underlying assets directly. The performance of the fund’s assets determines these shares’ value. Additionally, mutual funds are often bought and sold directly through the fund company rather than on a secondary market like unit trusts.
Advantages of Investing in a Mutual Fund
Mutual funds offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive investment option. As with unit trusts, mutual funds are professionally managed by experienced fund managers who conduct thorough research and monitoring to achieve the highest returns for investors.
Investors also have the opportunity to diversify their investments across various sectors and geographies, providing more excellent stability and minimising risk. Additionally, mutual funds may offer tax benefits as some funds may be exempt from certain taxes depending on their investment objectives and structure.
Challenges of Investing in a Mutual Fund
Like unit trusts, mutual funds also have their own challenges. One notable difference is liquidity. While unit trusts offer high liquidity, allowing investors to buy and sell shares quickly, mutual funds may have restrictions on when shares can be bought and sold. It means that investors may need more immediate access to their money in case of urgent need. Additionally, mutual funds come with management fees that can impact overall returns. It is essential for investors to carefully consider these fees and their potential impact on their investment outcomes. Moreover, mutual funds are subject to market volatility and risk, which can affect the value of the investment.