How To Calculate Mutual Fund Returns?
Determining mutual fund returns doesn't require rocket science; it simply demands a grasp of fundamental mathematics and familiarity with Excel.
When it comes to investing in mutual funds, there are two primary approaches: lump-sum investments and Systematic Investment Plans (SIP). It's important to note that the methodology for calculating returns differs between these two methods.
Lumpsum Investment return calculation
Absolute Return – This is the simplest method for gauging investment performance, representing the percentage increase or decrease in the initial investment.
Absolute Return (%): [(Current Value – Initial Investment) / Initial Investment] * 100
While it offers a straightforward calculation, absolute return alone may not provide a comprehensive view of overall performance.
Annualized Return – Also referred to as CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate), this method is superior for evaluating performance as it provides an annualized measure of returns.
Annualized Return (%): [(Current Value / Initial Investment)^(1/n) – 1] * 100
This measure facilitates meaningful comparisons of performance across various funds and financial products, offering a more holistic assessment of investment results.
SIP Investment return calculation
In the world of Systematic Investment Plans (SIP), investors commit to regular contributions at predefined intervals over a span of time. This distinctive feature results in varying durations for each individual investment, making the standard return calculations a bit complex.
To address this challenge, the financial industry employs a specialized metric known as 'XIRR' or 'Extended Internal Rate of Return.' This metric offers an annualized perspective on the overall investment, taking into account the diverse investment dates.
To compute the XIRR, Excel provides a convenient formula. To get started, assemble a comprehensive cashflow schedule for your investments, including the amount invested, associated dates, and eventua