What is the role of a mutual fund’s net asset value (NAV) in pricing?

By PriyaSahu

       The Net Asset Value (NAV) of a mutual fund is the price at which investors buy or sell units of the fund. It shows the value of one unit of the mutual fund on a given day. NAV is calculated by dividing the total value of all the fund’s assets minus its liabilities by the total number of units issued to investors. NAV helps investors know the current worth of their investment in the mutual fund.



How Is NAV Calculated?

NAV is calculated at the end of each trading day. The fund’s total assets include stocks, bonds, cash, and other securities it holds. From this, any liabilities like expenses and fees are subtracted. The result is then divided by the total number of units investors hold. For example, if the total assets minus liabilities are ₹100 crore and there are 10 crore units, the NAV will be ₹10 per unit.



Why Is NAV Important for Investors?

NAV helps investors understand how much their mutual fund units are worth on any given day. When investors buy units, they pay the NAV price, and when they sell or redeem units, they get the current NAV price. Changes in NAV reflect how well the fund’s investments are doing. If the NAV rises, the value of investors’ holdings increases; if it falls, their holdings decrease in value.



How Does NAV Affect Buying and Selling?

The NAV is the price at which new investors buy units and existing investors sell them. Mutual funds don’t have a fixed price like stocks. Instead, the NAV changes every day depending on the value of the fund’s assets. Investors should check the NAV before investing or redeeming to know the exact price per unit. This makes pricing transparent and fair for everyone.



Can NAV Guarantee Fund Performance?

NAV shows the current value but does not guarantee future returns. A high NAV means the fund’s assets have grown, but it doesn’t mean it will always perform well. Investors should look at the fund’s history, management, and market conditions alongside NAV before making decisions.



How Often Is NAV Updated?

NAV is updated every business day after the stock markets close. This daily update reflects the latest market prices of the securities held by the fund. Investors get the updated NAV through mutual fund websites, financial news, and their investment platforms. Knowing the daily NAV helps investors make informed decisions.



How Does NAV Help in Comparing Mutual Funds?

NAV helps investors compare the value of different funds, but it should not be the only factor. Two funds may have different NAVs because of the number of units issued, but their total returns could be similar. Investors should look at NAV trends, fund returns, and risk factors before choosing a fund.



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