Key considerations when investing in index funds
Investing in index funds is a great way to get exposure to the stock market without having to pick individual stocks. However, there are a number of factors to consider before investing in index funds, such as index construction, underlying index, active vs. passive investing, costs, tracking error, fund house, portfolio holdings, liquidity, fund manager, performance, and diversification. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about whether index funds are right for you and which funds to invest in. Read on to find out more.
Understanding index construction
Indices that index funds track can vary widely in how they are constructed, their weighting methodology, rebalancing frequency, market coverage and other factors. Investors should understand index construction as it impacts returns. Popular indices like Nifty 50 use market capitalization weights while others equal weight.
Choosing underlying index
Selecting index funds tracking robust indices with sound construction, adequate liquidity, representation of market segments and low churn is key. Indices like Nifty 50 for large caps and Nifty Next 50 for mid caps are preferable to obscure indices.
Weighing active vs passive
Factor in whether consistent market returns from index funds adequately meet investment goals versus pursuing potentially higher but less reliable active fund returns. Index funds make sense for core holdings while active funds can supplement.
Assessing costs
Index fund expense ratios are lower than active funds but still vary. Consider total costs including turnover, tracking error, bid-ask spreads and brokerage commissions. Lower is better. Passive ETFs can have tax advantages in some countries.
Monitoring tracking error
Some deviation between index fund returns and underlying index returns is inevitable. Monitor historical tracking error. Under 0.1% indicates close tracking. Larger deviations require scrutiny.
Evaluating fund house
While underlying index drives base returns, the fund house’s infrastructure, systems, operational efficiencies and execution capabilities impact tracking error, costs and liquidity. Go with established fund houses.
Reviewing portfolio holdings
Index funds should closely reflect index constituents. Review fund portfolio relative to index for deviations. Some deviation is permitted but holdings should largely mirror the index.
Checking liquidity
Assess the fund’s liquidity in terms of assets under management, daily traded volumes and impact cost. Higher liquidity ensures easy buying and selling without notably impacting NAV.
Researching fund manager
Though index funds are passively managed, the fund manager handles key aspects like rebalancing, risk management and tracking error minimization. Their experience and track record matter.
Scrutinizing performance
Compare index fund historical returns over various periods to those of underlying index to gauge tracking accuracy. Closer tracking is better. Alpha over index should be zero for passive funds.
Diversifying across funds
No single fund can fully replicate an index. Considering investing in multiple index funds tracking the same index but from different fund houses to deepen diversification.
Prudent index fund investors look beyond just costs to understand index construction, manager quality, liquidity, tracking error and other factors that contribute to efficiently capturing market returns.