Question 1
In a Mutual Fund structure, who is responsible for managing the investment portfolio and making investment decisions?
View Explanation
The AMC is the operational arm appointed by the Trustees to manage the funds. Fund Managers within the AMC make the buying/selling decisions.
Question 2
The "Net Asset Value" (NAV) of a Mutual Fund scheme represents:
View Explanation
NAV is the per-unit price of the mutual fund. It is calculated as (Total Market Value of Assets + Cash - Liabilities) / Total Number of Units Outstanding.
Question 3
The "Total Expense Ratio" (TER) of a Mutual Fund scheme is:
View Explanation
TER covers investment management fees, registrar fees, trustee fees, audit fees, and marketing expenses. SEBI sets limits on the maximum TER that can be charged.
Question 4
According to SEBI categorization, a "Large Cap Fund" must invest at least what percentage of its total assets in large-cap companies?
View Explanation
SEBI mandates that a Large Cap Fund must invest a minimum of 80% of its total assets in equity and equity-related instruments of large-cap companies (top 100 companies by market capitalization).
Question 5
What is the primary operational difference between an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) and an Index Fund?
View Explanation
Both track an index (passive), but ETFs trade like stocks with real-time pricing, whereas Index Fund units are created/redeemed by the AMC at the day's closing NAV.
Question 6
In the SEBI "Risk-o-meter" for Mutual Funds, which level represents the highest risk?
View Explanation
SEBI introduced "Very High" as the sixth category in the Risk-o-meter (replacing the earlier 5 categories) to alert investors about schemes with the highest risk profile.
Question 7
A Mutual Fund scheme that invests in a mix of equity and debt instruments to balance risk and return is called a:
View Explanation
Hybrid Funds invest in more than one asset class (usually Equity and Debt) to achieve a balance between growth (from equity) and income/stability (from debt).
Question 8
What is the main benefit of "Rupee Cost Averaging" in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)?
View Explanation
Rupee Cost Averaging automatically adjusts the number of units purchased based on the NAV. When markets fall (NAV down), the fixed SIP amount buys more units, reducing the overall average cost of acquisition over time.
Question 9
A "Liquid Fund" must invest in debt and money market securities with a maturity of up to:
View Explanation
According to SEBI guidelines, Liquid Funds are debt funds that invest in instruments having a maturity of up to 91 days only. This minimizes interest rate risk.
Question 10
For purchasing Liquid Fund units, if the application and funds are received by 1:30 PM, what NAV is applicable?
View Explanation
Liquid funds are unique. For purchases up to cut-off time (usually 1:30 PM), the applicable NAV is of the day *immediately preceding* the day of application (Historical NAV), provided funds are realized.
Question 11
Which type of Debt Mutual Fund carries the highest "Interest Rate Risk"?
View Explanation
Interest rate risk is directly proportional to the duration (maturity) of the bonds held. Long-duration funds like Gilt Funds (10-year) are highly sensitive to interest rate changes compared to short-duration funds.
Question 12
The benefit of "Indexation" available on Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) from Debt Mutual Funds allows investors to:
View Explanation
(Note: Recent Finance Act changes may have altered this for new investments, but historically/conceptually Indexation adjusts the buying price using the Cost Inflation Index (CII), lowering the tax burden.)
Question 13
SEBI has capped the Total Expense Ratio (TER) for equity-oriented mutual fund schemes. As the Assets Under Management (AUM) of the scheme increases, the permissible TER:
View Explanation
SEBI follows a slab-based structure where the maximum TER % decreases as the AUM slab increases, ensuring that the benefits of economies of scale are passed on to investors.
Question 14
The "Scheme Information Document" (SID) of a Mutual Fund contains detailed information about:
View Explanation
SID provides all necessary details specific to a scheme that an investor needs to make an informed decision. General information is in the SAI (Statement of Additional Information).