Effects of a Lower BI Rate on Fixed Income Mutual Funds
- Returns Tend to Increase
- Low to Moderate Volatility
- Low to Moderate Risk
- Potential for Higher Profits
- Suitable for 1-3 Year Investments
Effects of a Lower BI Rate on Money Market Mutual Funds
- Returns Tend to Dip Slightly
- Very Low Volatility
- Very Low Risk
- Stable but Lower Profit Potential
- Suitable for Investments Under 1 Year
Safe Mutual Fund Investment with DBS Treasures
The BI Rate has reportedly dropped from 5.25% to 5.00%. This brings various impacts on Fixed Income and Money Market Mutual Funds. So, what are the effects?
The decline in the benchmark interest rate is one of the key factors that influence investment instruments, including Mutual Funds. A lower interest rate can have both positive and negative effects on these instruments.
This article will discuss the effects of the BI rate cut on investors. Let’s take a closer look!
Effects of a Lower BI Rate on Fixed Income Mutual Funds
The decline in BI interest rates has significant impacts on investment instruments, both positive and negative. Therefore, it is important to understand what these impacts mean for Fixed Income Mutual Funds.
Here are some of the effects of a lower BI rate on Fixed Income Mutual Funds:
- Returns Tend to Increase
Return refers to the profit gained by investors from investment activities. When interest rates decline, the returns investors receive tend to improve or increase.
This is because changes in interest rates influence overall economic conditions, which in turn affect Mutual Fund performance.
Lower benchmark rates make savings and deposits less attractive, prompting investors to shift to other investment instruments such as Mutual Funds.
- Low to Moderate Volatility
A drop in BI rates also affects price movements in the market. In the context of Fixed Income Mutual Funds, volatility remains in the low to medium range.
Interest rate changes can trigger market fluctuations, one of which is reduced investor interest in bonds or stocks.
- Low to Moderate Risk
A decline in BI rates lowers the risk profile of Fixed Income Mutual Funds, keeping it in the low to moderate range. This risk level aligns with the potential returns offered.
This instrument suits investors with moderate risk profiles, who prefer safer investments but are still willing to take slightly higher risks when opportunities look promising.
- Potential for Higher Profits
When the benchmark interest rate drops, Fixed Income Mutual Fund investors have the potential to earn higher profits. Gains may be even greater if Investment Managers diversify portfolios across various instruments.
As rates decline, Mutual Fund performance generally moves in a positive direction. This is because investors lose interest in savings and deposits and shift toward Mutual Funds.
- Suitable for 1–3 Year Investments
Fixed Income Mutual Funds typically provide regular returns. They are ideal for medium-term investments, as potential gains are distributed regularly and without tax deductions.
This instrument is suitable if you are preparing finances for medium-term goals, such as buying a car or a house. With lower risk, it is no surprise that this product has become one of investors’ favorites.
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Effects of a Lower BI Rate on Money Market Mutual Funds
The drop in the benchmark rate also affects Money Market Mutual Funds. Below are some of the effects you should know:
- Returns Tend to Dip Slightly
Money Market Mutual Funds generally react more quickly than Fixed Income funds. When interest rates fall, returns for this type of fund tend to decline.
Even so, the decrease is not too significant, which keeps this product popular among investors.
- Very Low Volatility
When interest rates drop, volatility in Money Market Mutual Funds is lower than in Fixed Income Mutual Funds. Price movements in the Money Market can cause fluctuations, but at a very minimal level.
- Very Low Risk
Compared with other investment instruments, Money Market Mutual Funds carry very low risk when rates fall. This makes them safer against price declines.
These instruments remain relatively stable even when the market is volatile. For low-risk investors, this option is highly suitable.
- Stable but Lower Profit Potential
With a lower BI rate, Money Market Mutual Funds tend to remain more stable compared to other instruments. The profit potential is also stable, though smaller.
While the gains are not as high as Fixed Income Mutual Funds, they remain a solid choice for investing during periods of declining interest rates.
- Suitable for Investments Under 1 Year
Money Market Mutual Funds are ideal for short-term investments. They are easy to liquidate, allowing you to withdraw funds quickly because of their high liquidity.
This type of Mutual Fund also provides stronger protection against market fluctuations compared to riskier instruments.
The decline in BI rates has a significant impact on the market. Investment instruments such as Mutual Funds are also directly affected by falling interest rates.
The positive side is that lower rates drive up returns in Fixed Income Mutual Funds. On the other hand, Money Market Mutual Funds tend to be disadvantaged, although the negative effects are not too severe.
Safe Mutual Fund Investment with DBS Treasures
A lower BI rate brings both positive and negative effects on Mutual Fund investments. For Fixed Income Mutual Funds, lower interest rates mean potential for higher returns and profits.
For Money Market Mutual Funds, lower rates may reduce returns, though the impact is not very significant. Still, Fixed Income Mutual Funds are generally the bigger winners when rates drop.
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