Glossary
Glossary of investment terms
Select the first letter of the word from the list below to jump to the appropriate section of the glossary. If the term you are looking for starts with a number or symbol.
All
Aggressive Funds
High-risk, high-return mutual funds that invest predominantly in equities to maximize capital appreciation. These funds suit investors with a high-risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon.
Arbitrage Funds
A type of hybrid mutual fund that profits from price differences between cash and derivatives markets. These funds offer low risk, tax efficiency (taxed like equity funds), and stable returns, making them suitable for conservative investors.
AUM - Asset Under Management
AUM's full form is Assets Under Management. Also known as the size of the fund, it represents the total market value of all the investments made by the scheme.
Balanced Fund
A hybrid mutual fund that invests in both equity and debt to offer a balance between growth and stability. These funds reduce market volatility while providing moderate risk-adjusted returns.
Banking & PSU Funds
Banking & PSU Funds focus on bonds issued by banks, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and financial institutions. They offer safety, stable returns, and moderate risk.
Blue Chip Stocks
Shares of financially strong, industry-leading companies with a proven track record of stability, growth, and regular dividends. These stocks are low-risk investments, ideal for long-term wealth creation.
Bombay Stock Exchange
Established in 1875, the BSE is Asia’s oldest stock exchange and one of India’s primary financial markets. It operates the SENSEX, a benchmark index tracking the top 30 listed companies. BSE provides trading in stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, bonds, and IPOs.
BSE Holidays
The official trading holidays on the Bombay Stock Exchange, affecting equity, derivatives, and bond markets. These include national festivals, special trading suspensions, and weekends.
Capital Gain Bonds
Capital Gain Bonds, such as Section 54EC bonds, allow investors to save tax on long-term capital gains from property sales. These bonds have a lock-in period of 5 years and offer tax exemption on reinvested gains.
Capital Gain Index
Capital Gain Index refers to the indexed cost of acquisition of an asset, calculated using the Cost Inflation Index. It helps determine taxable long-term capital gains after adjusting for inflation.
Capital Gains Exemption
Capital Gains Exemption is available under Sections 54, 54EC, and 54F, allowing taxpayers to reinvest capital gains in property, bonds, or specified assets to save tax.
Capital Gains On Shares
Capital Gains on Shares arise when selling stocks at a profit. Gains from stocks held for over a year are taxed as LTCG, while those held for less than a year are taxed as STCG.
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax is a tax levied on profits earned from the sale of capital assets like stocks, real estate, and mutual funds. It is categorized into short-term and long-term capital gains tax based on the holding period.
Capital Gains Tax On Property
Capital Gains Tax on Property is applicable when selling real estate. Short-term gains (sale within 2 years) are taxed as per income tax slabs, while long-term gains (holding over 2 years) are taxed at 20%.
Closed Ended Funds
Close-ended mutual fund schemes have a stipulated maturity period wherein the investor can invest directly in the scheme at the time of the initial issue.
Commodity Funds
Mutual funds that invest in commodities such as gold, silver, oil, or agricultural products, helping investors hedge against inflation and diversify their portfolios.
Conservative Funds
Low-risk mutual funds focusing on capital preservation by investing in a mix of debt instruments, fixed-income securities, and some equity. Ideal for risk-averse investors seeking steady returns with minimal volatility.
Contra Funds
Contra Funds follow a contrarian investment approach, identifying undervalued stocks in sectors that are currently out of favor. These funds aim to generate long-term gains by capitalizing on market cycles and investor sentiment shifts. Ideal for those with a high-risk appetite and a long-term perspective.
Corporate Bond Funds
Corporate Bond Funds invest primarily in high-rated corporate debt securities, offering stable returns with relatively lower credit risk. Suitable for conservative investors seeking steady income.
Cost Inflation Index
The Cost Inflation Index (CII) is used to adjust the purchase price of assets for inflation, helping taxpayers reduce long-term capital gains tax liability. It is published annually by the Income Tax Department.
Credit Risk Funds
Credit Risk Funds invest in lower-rated corporate bonds to earn higher yields. While they offer attractive returns, they carry higher default risk compared to traditional debt funds.
Dividend Yield Funds
Dividend Yield Funds focus on stocks of companies that consistently pay high dividends. These funds provide investors with a regular income stream while also offering potential capital appreciation. They are suitable for those seeking stability along with moderate growth.
Download e-PAN Card Online
Get an electronic copy of your PAN card (e-PAN) by downloading it from NSDL or UTIITSL. e-PAN is a valid digital alternative to the physical PAN card.
Duplicate PAN card
A Duplicate PAN Card can be requested if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged. Apply online through NSDL or UTIITSL and get a PAN card quickly.
Dynamic Asset Allocation
A flexible investment strategy in mutual funds where asset allocation between equity and debt is adjusted dynamically based on market conditions, valuations, and risk factors. These funds help in risk management and maximizing returns over different market cycles.
Dynamic Bond Funds
Dynamic Bond Funds actively adjust portfolio duration based on interest rate movements. These funds can invest in both short- and long-term bonds, offering flexibility across market cycles.
E Filing Income Tax
E-Filing Income Tax refers to the process of electronically filing income tax returns through the Income Tax Department’s official portal. It is a secure, paperless way to submit tax returns and claim refunds.
ELSS Funds
ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Schemes) funds are mutual funds that primarily invest in equity markets and offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Indian Income Tax Act. They have a lock-in period of three years, making them a popular choice for investors seeking tax-saving avenues with the potential for higher returns.
Emerging market Funds
Investment funds that focus on equities and bonds from developing economies with high growth potential but come with higher risks and market volatility.
Employee Provident Fund
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a government-backed retirement savings scheme for salaried employees, where both employer and employee contribute monthly. It ensures financial security post-retirement and offers tax benefits under Section 80C.
Employees Pension Scheme
The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) is a government-backed pension scheme under EPF, designed to provide financial security to employees post-retirement. Employees who have completed at least 10 years of service are eligible for a monthly pension after retirement at age 58.
EPF Balance
EPF Balance refers to the total amount accumulated in an employee’s provident fund account, including both employee and employer contributions along with accrued interest. It can be checked via the UAN portal, SMS, or the EPFO app.
EPF Interest Rate
The EPF Interest Rate is the annual rate of return set by the EPFO on provident fund contributions. It is revised annually and significantly impacts retirement savings. The interest is compounded yearly and credited to the EPF account.
Equity Savings
A low-risk hybrid fund that invests in equity, debt, and arbitrage opportunities, offering stable returns with lower volatility. These funds benefit from tax treatment similar to equity funds, making them attractive for conservative investors seeking tax-efficient growth.
Equity Share Capital
The total value of funds raised by a company through equity share issuance. It represents ownership stakes in a company, with shareholders having voting rights and potential dividend earnings.
Exchange-traded Funds (ETFs)
Marketable securities that track an index, commodity, or sector and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks, combining the benefits of mutual funds and equities.
Expense Ratio
Under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, Mutual Funds are permitted to charge certain operating expenses for managing a mutual fund scheme – such as sales & marketing / advertising expenses, administrative expenses, transaction costs, investment management fees, registrar fees, custodian fees, audit fees – as a percentage of the fund’s daily net assets.<br> All such costs for running and managing a mutual fund scheme are collectively referred to as ‘Total Expense Ratio’ (TER)<br> The TER is calculated as a percentage of the Scheme’s average Net Asset Value (NAV). The daily NAV of a mutual fund is disclosed after deducting the expenses.<br> Currently, in India, the expense ratio is fungible, i.e., there is no limit on any particular type of allowed expense as long as the total expense ratio is within the prescribed limit. The regulatory limits of TER that can be incurred/charged to the fund by a Mutual Fund AMC have been specified under Regulation 52 of SEBI Mutual Fund Regulations.
Fixed-income Securities
Debt instruments such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and debentures that provide fixed periodic interest payments and return the principal at maturity.
Focused Fund
Focused Funds invest in a concentrated portfolio of selected stocks (typically 20-30), allowing fund managers to take high-conviction bets on companies with strong growth potential. While they offer the possibility of high returns, they also carry higher risks due to limited diversification.
Gilt Funds
Gilt Funds invest exclusively in government securities, ensuring high safety with no credit risk. They are ideal for conservative investors seeking stable returns with sovereign backing.
Gilt Funds with 10 Year Constant Duration
These funds invest in government securities while maintaining a fixed portfolio duration of 10 years. They are sensitive to interest rate changes and suitable for long-term investors comfortable with volatility.
Global Funds
Funds that invest across both domestic and international markets, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios beyond their home country.
Growth Stocks
Stocks of companies expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall market. These companies typically reinvest profits instead of paying high dividends, aiming for capital appreciation over time.
Income Funds
Mutual funds that invest primarily in bonds and fixed-income securities, aiming to provide regular income to investors while maintaining capital stability.
Income Tax
Income Tax is a direct tax levied by the government on an individual's or entity's earnings. It is calculated based on annual income and is paid as per the applicable tax slabs defined by the Income Tax Act.
Income Tax Online Payment
Income Tax Online Payment enables taxpayers to pay their income tax liabilities digitally via the Income Tax Department’s website or authorized banks, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free tax payment process.
Income Tax Refund
An Income Tax Refund is issued when a taxpayer has paid more tax than their actual liability. It is credited to the taxpayer’s bank account after filing an ITR and verification by the Income Tax Department.
Income Tax Return
An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form filed annually with the Income Tax Department, declaring income, deductions, and tax liability. Filing ITR is mandatory for individuals and businesses earning above the exempted limit.
Income Tax Slab
Income Tax Slabs are predefined tax rates applied to different income brackets. India follows a progressive tax system, meaning higher income levels attract higher tax rates. The slabs are revised periodically by the government.
Index Funds
These funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500. They invest in the same securities in the same proportion as the index they track, offering low-cost exposure to broad market returns.
International Funds
Mutual funds that invest in stocks or bonds outside the investor’s home country, providing exposure to foreign markets and global economic opportunities.
Interval Funds
A type of mutual fund that allows investors to buy or redeem units only at specific intervals, offering a mix of liquidity and long-term investment benefits.
Intraday Trading
A trading strategy where stocks are bought and sold within the same trading day to profit from short-term price fluctuations. Intraday traders use technical analysis, charts, and indicators to make quick decisions, often leveraging margin trading.
Know your PAN Card
Find your PAN details online using your name, date of birth, or acknowledgment number. This service helps retrieve lost PAN details easily.
Large Cap Funds
These funds primarily invest in stocks of large-cap companies, which are top 100 companies ranked according to their market capitalization. Large-cap companies are often leaders in their respective industries and are considered relatively stable compared to smaller companies. Accordingly, AMFI, in consultation with SEBI and Stock Exchanges, has prepared the list of stocks, based on the data provided by Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI).
Liquid Funds
Liquid Funds invest in short-term debt instruments with maturities of up to 91 days. They offer higher returns than savings accounts and quick liquidity, making them suitable for parking surplus cash.
Long Term Capital Gain Tax On Mutual Funds
Long-Term Capital Gain Tax on Mutual Funds is a 12.5% tax applicable on equity mutual fund gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh after a one-year holding period. Debt mutual fund LTCG is taxed as per income tax slabs.
Long Term Capital Gain Tax On Shares
Long-Term Capital Gain Tax on Shares is a 12.5% tax applicable on equity share sales exceeding ₹1.25 lakh in gains, without indexation benefits.
Long Term Capital Gains Tax
LTCG Tax applies to profits from the sale of assets held for more than a specified period (1 year for equities and 2 years for real estate). In India, LTCG on stocks and equity mutual funds above ₹1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Low Duration Funds
Low Duration Funds invest in short-term debt instruments with a portfolio duration of 6-12 months. They offer better returns than savings accounts with moderate risk, making them ideal for short-term investors.
Lumpsum
A one-time investment made in a mutual fund. This option is ideal if you have a significant amount of money ready to invest and want to maximize market exposure immediately.
Medium Duration Funds
Medium Duration Funds hold debt securities with a duration of 3-4 years, balancing risk and return. Suitable for investors seeking stable returns over a medium-term horizon.
Mid Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in stocks of companies with rankings from 101 to 250 according to their market capitalization.These companies are generally considered to have higher growth potential than large-cap companies but may also carry more risk. Accordingly, AMFI, in consultation with SEBI and Stock Exchanges, has prepared the list of stocks, based on the data provided by Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI).
Money Market Fund
Money Market Funds invest in highly liquid, short-term debt instruments like treasury bills and commercial papers. They offer stable returns with minimal risk and high liquidity.
Multi Asset Allocation
A diversified mutual fund category that invests in at least three asset classes, such as equity, debt, gold, or real estate, to enhance risk-adjusted returns. These funds provide better diversification and stability in volatile markets.
Multi Cap Funds
Multi Cap Funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering a diversified portfolio that balances stability, growth, and risk. These funds adapt to market trends, making them ideal for long-term investors looking for steady wealth creation.
Multibagger Stocks
Stocks that might multiply their value over a period due to strong fundamentals, high growth potential, and market demand. These stocks are often found in emerging industries and require long-term investment patience.
National Stock Exchange
India’s largest stock exchange, known for its electronic trading platform and high liquidity. It operates major indices like the Nifty 50 and facilitates trading in equities, derivatives, currencies, and bonds. NSE ensures fast, transparent, and efficient market operations, making it a preferred choice for investors.
NAV
NAV stands for Net Asset Value. The performance of a mutual fund scheme is denoted by its NAV per unit.<br> NAV per unit is the market value of securities of a scheme divided by the total number of units of the scheme on a given date. For example, if the market value of securities of a mutual fund scheme is ₹200 lakh and the mutual fund has issued 10 lakh units of ₹ 10 each to the investors, then the NAV per unit of the fund is ₹ 20 (i.e., ₹200 lakh/10 lakh). Since market value of securities changes every day, NAV of a scheme also varies on day-to-day basis.
Nifty
The flagship index of NSE, comprising 50 large-cap companies from various sectors. It serves as a key performance indicator of the Indian equity market and helps investors assess market sentiment. Nifty is widely used for benchmarking mutual funds and ETFs.
NSDL
NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) is India’s premier depository offering services like PAN issuance, tax information management, and e-governance solutions.
NSE Holidays
The official non-trading days on NSE, which include national holidays, weekends, and scheduled market closures for equity, derivatives, and commodities trading. The list is updated annually by the exchange.
Open Ended Funds
An open-ended mutual fund is a scheme that remains open for buying or selling shares at any time, providing investors with a convenient and economical means of pooling their money. Investors have the opportunity to purchase a diversified portfolio tailored to their investment objectives, whether they seek income or growth from investments in organizations of varying sizes.
Overnight Fund
Overnight Funds invest in securities with a one-day maturity, making them the safest debt funds. Ideal for institutional investors or individuals looking for ultra-short-term parking of funds.
PAN Card Acknowledgement Number Search
The PAN Card Acknowledgment Number is a 15-digit number assigned upon applying for a PAN. Use it to track application status or request an e-PAN.
PAN Card Customer Care Number
For queries related to PAN applications, corrections, or status tracking, contact NSDL or UTIITSL’s PAN Card Customer Care via their toll-free helplines.
PAN Verification
PAN Verification helps verify the authenticity of a PAN card online via NSDL or UTIITSL. It is essential for financial institutions, businesses, and individuals.
Penny Stocks
Low-priced, high-risk stocks of small or micro-cap companies. They have low liquidity and high volatility, making them speculative investments with the potential for both massive gains and heavy losses
PPF Balance
PPF Balance refers to the total savings accumulated in a Public Provident Fund account, including annual deposits and accrued interest. Account holders can check their balance online via their bank’s net banking portal.
PPF Withdrawal
PPF Withdrawal allows account holders to withdraw funds from their Public Provident Fund account under specific conditions. Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year, while full withdrawal is permitted after the 15-year maturity period.
Public Provident Fund
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme backed by the Indian government, offering attractive interest rates and tax-free returns. It has a 15-year tenure with partial withdrawals allowed after the sixth year.
Real Estate Funds
Investment funds that focus on real estate assets, including properties and REITs, offering capital appreciation and passive income potential.
SEBI
The regulatory body governing the securities and investment markets in India, ensuring investor protection, transparency, and fair trading practices.
Section 80c
Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows taxpayers to claim deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year on investments such as PPF, EPF, NSC, life insurance premiums, and ELSS, reducing taxable income.
Sector Funds
Sector Funds invest in a specific industry or sector, such as banking, technology, or healthcare. These funds offer high growth potential when the chosen sector performs well but carry higher risk due to limited diversification. They are best suited for experienced investors with a strong understanding of market trends.
SENSEX
The benchmark index of BSE, representing the performance of 30 top-performing companies across major sectors. It is considered a barometer of India’s economic health and stock market trends. A rising SENSEX indicates a bullish market, while a decline signals bearish trends.
Short Term Capital Gain Tax On Mutual Funds
Short-Term Capital Gain Tax on Mutual Funds is 15% for equity mutual fund sales within one year, while for debt mutual funds, STCG is taxed at individual income tax slab rates.
Short Term Capital Gain Tax On Shares
Short-Term Capital Gain Tax on Shares is a 15% tax applied to profits from stocks sold within one year, applicable to equity investments on recognized stock exchanges.
Short Term Capital Gains Tax
STCG Tax is levied on profits from assets sold within a short duration (less than 1 year for equities, less than 2 years for real estate). STCG on listed stocks and equity funds is taxed at 15%.
Small Cap Funds
Small-cap funds invest in stocks of companies that are ranked 251 and below according to their market capitalization.These companies may have higher growth potential than large-cap and mid-cap companies but also tend to be more volatile and riskier. Accordingly, AMFI, in consultation with SEBI and Stock Exchanges, has prepared the list of stocks, based on the data provided by Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI).
Stock Broker
A SEBI-registered financial intermediary who executes buy and sell orders on behalf of investors. Brokers can be full-service (offering research, advisory, and trading services) or discount brokers (providing low-cost, execution-only services).
Stock Market Timings
The official trading hours for Indian stock markets: Pre-Open Session: 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM (order placement & volatility control) Regular Trading: 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM (continuous buying and selling) Post-Market Session: 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM (closing price determination) After-Hours Trading (OTC): Available for select assets in international markets.
STP
A Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) is an investment strategy offered by mutual funds that allows investors to transfer a fixed amount of money at regular intervals from one mutual fund scheme to another. It’s a way to move your investments systematically rather than in a lump sum, often used to manage risk and optimize returns.
Systematic Investment Plan
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows investors to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It promotes disciplined saving and takes advantage of market fluctuations through rupee cost averaging.
Systematic withdrawal Plan
A method that allows investors to withdraw a fixed amount from their mutual fund investments at scheduled intervals, providing a steady income stream.
TDS
TDS is a mechanism where tax is deducted at the source of income, such as salary, interest, or rent, before being credited to the recipient. The deducted amount is then deposited with the Income Tax Department.
Thematic Funds
Thematic funds are mutual funds that focus on specific investment themes or trends, such as sectors (e.g. technology, healthcare), geographical regions (e.g. emerging markets), or global trends (e.g. sustainability, artificial intelligence). As these funds invest only in specific sectors with only a few stocks, these funds may be risky. These funds aim to capitalize on opportunities within a particular theme or trend, allowing investors to gain exposure to specific areas of interest.
Track your PAN Card Status
Check your PAN card application status online using the acknowledgment number issued by NSDL or UTIITSL. Track updates easily via the official PAN portals.
Trading
The process of buying and selling financial instruments like stocks, commodities, and derivatives on an exchange. Trading can be intraday (buy and sell within the same day) or delivery-based (holding stocks for longer periods).
UAN Member Portal
The UAN Member Portal is an online platform by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) that allows users to check their EPF balance, update KYC details, download passbooks, and process withdrawals or transfers.
UAN Registration
UAN Registration is the process of activating your Universal Account Number through the EPFO portal. Once activated, employees can track their EPF balance, update details, and manage their retirement savings online.
Ultra Short Funds
Ultra Short Duration Funds invest in debt instruments with a portfolio duration of 3-6 months. They provide slightly better returns than liquid funds with relatively low risk.
Universal Account Number
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to employees contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It helps in managing multiple EPF accounts under one ID and simplifies withdrawals and transfers.
Value Funds
Value Funds invest in fundamentally strong yet undervalued stocks, aiming to generate returns as these stocks reach their true market potential. They focus on long-term wealth creation and are suitable for patient investors looking for solid financial growth with lower volatility.