Welcome to Gift-nifty, your go-to resource for insightful financial discussions. Through mutual funds or Portfolio Management Services (PMS), you can invest in a variety of stocks, bonds, and other securities in India. Although they both entail asset management, their methods of execution vary. If PMS offers tailored funds, MFs are professionally developed but not personalized. Does this imply that one is superior to the other? To better grasp, let’s talk about PMS vs. Mutual Funds in this article.
What are PMS and Mutual Funds?
Hiring a professional to handle your investments is known as a Portfolio Management Service (PMS). This is a service in which a portfolio manager or specialist drafts a customized investment strategy exclusively for you. Your investing goals, level of affordability, and risk tolerance are taken into consideration by the portfolio manager when choosing stocks and other assets. Conversely, mutual fund are pools of assets in which you and several other investors share ownership of a portfolio of securities under the management of qualified fund managers. Compared to mutual funds, PMS provides more individualized options because you have a personal portfolio manager.
However, PMS is typically only appropriate for those with a greater corpus and specialized investment goals because it demands a higher beginning amount—roughly Rs. 50 lakh in India. Entry barriers into many mutual fund schemes are significantly reduced, since funds enable investments with as little as Rs. 500.
A PMS’s minimum investment quantity and greater cost of investment are primarily due to the customization it provides, in conjunction with the regulations and policies established by the market watchdog.
Also Read- Unlocking the Power of Mutual Funds: A Complete Overview
Advantages of PMS and Mutual Funds
Mutual fund and PMS each have advantages and disadvantages; it’s like choosing your favorite dish. Despite these differences, each may be appropriate for you in certain situations.
1. Choices and Affordability
Consider PMS to be a custom suit. It is made specifically for you. But keep in mind that it frequently calls for a sizable entry point—roughly Rs. 50,00,000.
Conversely, mutual funds are more akin to ready-to-wear. They are less customized, but they are more reasonably priced. Many people can access it because you can begin with as little as Rs. 500.
2. Preferred Investment Choices
You frequently have first access to unique investment opportunities when you work with PMS. It resembles a VIP pass.
Mutual funds are dependent on the group. They invest by pooling many people’s money, so you get a bigger share of the pie.
3. Spreading the Risk
The goal of mutual funds and PMS is to maintain investment diversification.
While mutual fund mix the AUM of multiple investors to spread the risk over a variety of stocks, bonds, and other assets, PMS creates a basket of investments just for you.
Disadvantages of PMS and Mutual Funds
Desserts have consequences. Both PMS and mutual fund investment options come with a set of challenges.
1. Associated Charges
PMS is typically more costly, with a number of expenses eating away at your profits. The AMC will charge you for convenience even though the fees associated with mutual funds might not be as high.
2. Potential Risks
A lot with PMS and mutual funds depends on the manager’s experience. It resembles depending on a captain to guide your vessel. The ship falters if they falter.
Your money will increase if they sail like pros. Nevertheless, regardless of the captain’s experience, there is always a chance that the sea would be strong.
Likewise, market forces and volatility affect investments as well, affecting total return.
3. Limitations
Although investing in mutual fund is simple, you may not always obtain the coverage you want for your portfolio. Although PMS charges a higher entrance and exit price, it gives greater customisation.
Taxation of PMS Vs Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains from equities mutual funds are subject to 10% yearly taxation in India, plus a cess and surcharge, if the gains reach Rs 1,00,000.
A cess and surcharge are also applied to short-term gains. Crucially, investors in mutual fund are only taxed at the time of redemption.
The worst part is that even though your investments in a PMS are managed by a dedicated manager, they are still seen as having been made by you.
This implies that the PMS fee you pay will not be taken into account when calculating PMS taxes. PMS seeks to provide possible higher returns in order to counteract this tax disadvantage.
Key Differences between Mutual Funds and PMS
Now,let’s put PMS and mutual Funds side by side to delineate the differences:
| Aspect | PMS | Mutual Funds |
| Entry Point | High, around Rs. 50 lakh | Low, starts from Rs. 500 |
| Customization | High, With Personalized strategies | Standardized, based on fund specifications |
| Management | Dedicated portfolio manager | Fund manager for a pool of investors |
| Cost Implication | Higher due to personalized service | Relatively lower, with varied fees |
| Tax Efficiency | Less, as taxes apply per transaction | More, as taxes apply on exit |
| Risk Exposure | Based on portfolio manager’s decisions | Spread across various investments |
| Liquidity | Varies, often lower due to bespoke agreements | Higher, with easy entry and exit |
Is PMS Better Than Mutual Funds?
Whether PMS is a better option than mutual funds in a comparison of the two depends on your personal investing choices, risk tolerance, and financial goals.
For instance, PMS can be a viable option if you wish to invest Rs. 50 lakh in an extremely customized and actively managed portfolio. Its adaptability and customization options can meet your unique requirements.
Conversely, mutual funds may be a better option if you’re starting with a lesser sum, say Rs. 50,000, and would rather have diversity over higher management costs.
They offer professionally managed portfolios to users without requiring a sizable minimum commitment.
Given the modest minimum investment amount and expert management of mutual funds, young professionals just starting out may find investing in them easier.
They can raise their SIP amount as their careers develop and progressively expand their investment portfolio over time.
On the other hand, experienced professionals nearing the end of their careers could have the means to invest in a PMS, and the greater entry barrier might not even be a deterrent for them.
The choice between mutual funds and PMS should ultimately depend on your particular financial goals and situation.
Conclusion
Take into account your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and level of financial knowledge when contrasting PMS and mutual funds.
mutual fund offer affordability and diversification, whereas PMS offers individualized management at a greater cost.
Have a long-term vision if you want your portfolio to expand. While PMS demands a minimum of Rs. 50 lakh, MFs have a modest beginning cap of Rs. 500, which limits access for most investors.