Preferences of investors for investment in mutual funds in India

A mutual fund is just the connecting bridge or a financial intermediary that allows a group of investors to pool their money together with a predetermined investment objective. Mutual funds are considered as one of the best available investments as compare to others they are very cost efficient and also easy to invest in, thus by pooling money together in a mutual fund, investors can purchase stocks or bonds with much lower trading costs than if they tried to do it on their own. This study is done to determine the preferences of investors for investment in mutual funds in India. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors that influence the preferences of investors for investment in mutual fund, to analyze investment options other than mutual funds and to plan the promotion of mutual fund investment in India. The sample were divided into two i.e. Prospective and Existing investors. The study reveals the most preferred factor for investment in mutual fund by the existing investors is high return and tax benefits. Bank is the main factor which influences their investment decision as the preferred distribution channel for investment. Tax benefit is the mostly preferred feature of mutual fund which attracts the investor for investment in mutual fund. Most of the prospective investors would like to seek the advice of their financial advisors and the bank personnel.