Arbitrage Funds vs. Liquid Funds: The Best Option for Emergency Funds?
The tax efficiency of arbitrage funds has drawn significant investor attention, attracting inflows worth over ₹96,000 crores in FY24 alone. However, a growing narrative suggests arbitrage funds as an alternative to emergency funds—but should you buy into this advice?
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To make an informed decision, let’s deep-dive into both investment options by analysing their risks, returns, and suitability for emergency savings.
Are Arbitrage Funds a Better Choice for Prudent Investors?
For prudent investors seeking a balance between safety and returns, arbitrage funds present several advantages.
How Arbitrage Funds Work
- These are open-ended equity-oriented funds where at least 65% of the portfolio is invested in equities and related instruments.
- They follow an arbitrage strategy—buying stocks in one market and selling them in another (or their futures) simultaneously to profit from price differences.
- Market fluctuations do not impact returns significantly, as losses in one segment are offset by gains in another.
- If arbitrage opportunities are low, fund managers divert funds into short-term money market instruments, keeping the risk relatively low.
Why Arbitrage Funds Appeal to Conservative Investors
- Low Volatility: Due to the nature of arbitrage strategies, these funds experience lesser market risk than traditional equity funds.
- Market-Neutral Strategy: Returns are not dependent on stock market movements, as long as there are arbitrage opportunities.
- Better Tax Efficiency: Taxed similarly to equity mutual funds, offering potential tax savings over debt instruments.
However, are arbitrage funds better suited for emergency funds? Let’s compare them with liquid funds.
Who Benefits the Most from Liquid Funds?
Liquid funds are ideal for investors who:
- Need quick access to their funds
- Seek stability with modest returns
- Want better returns than a savings account
How Liquid Funds Work
- Open-ended debt schemes that invest in short-term money market securities with a maturity of up to 91 days.
- Designed for stability and quick liquidity, ensuring investors can redeem funds anytime without major market volatility.
- Generally yield better returns than savings accounts or FDs while maintaining minimal risk.
Due to high liquidity and minimal price fluctuations, liquid funds remain a preferred choice for emergency savings.
Which Instrument Is Better for Emergency Funds?
Returns & Taxation: Arbitrage vs. Liquid Funds
| Factor | Arbitrage Funds | Liquid Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Returns (FY24) | 8.7% p.a. (pre-tax) | 7.4% p.a. |
| Liquidity | 1-day redemption (some funds may take 2-3 days) | Instant redemption available |
| Taxation | 15% (STCG) if redeemed before 1 year, 10% (LTCG) beyond 1 year | Taxed as per individual income slab (31.4%–39%) |
| Market Sensitivity | Less impacted by volatility due to arbitrage strategy | Very low risk, highly stable |
| Ideal For | Investors seeking better tax efficiency and higher returns | Investors prioritizing quick access and safety |
While arbitrage funds have performed better in the past year, liquid funds remain a more stable and accessible option for emergency funds.
Risks Involved with Arbitrage Funds
Despite their attractive returns and tax benefits, arbitrage funds come with limitations:
- Short-Term Withdrawals May Reduce Gains – If redeemed a few weeks before expiration, returns may be lower.
- Lower Returns in a Bear Market – During a market downturn, arbitrage opportunities shrink, reducing potential gains.
- Active Management Risk – Performance depends on the fund manager’s expertise in identifying arbitrage opportunities.
Expert Insight on Emergency Fund Allocation
A fund manager from a leading AMC, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared his preferred emergency fund strategy:
- 33% in liquid funds (for immediate access)
- 33% in fixed deposits (for moderate liquidity)
- 33% in multiple arbitrage funds (to balance tax efficiency and returns)
A diversified approach helps mitigate risks while ensuring liquidity and tax efficiency.
Conclusion: Which Fund is Right for You?
Both arbitrage funds and liquid funds serve unique purposes, but when it comes to emergency savings, the choice depends on your financial priorities:
Choose Arbitrage Funds if:
- You don’t need instant liquidity but want tax-efficient returns.
- You are willing to stay invested for at least a year to minimise tax impact.
- You want a low-volatility option but can handle some market-related risks.
Choose Liquid Funds if:
- You need immediate access to funds for emergencies.
- You prioritise stability over higher returns.
- You want to avoid market-related risks altogether.
Final Thought: A hybrid approach, combining liquid funds, FDs, and arbitrage funds, may offer the best balance between liquidity, returns, and tax efficiency. Evaluate your personal financial needs before making a choice.
