Multi-Asset Allocation Funds: A Diversified Choice for NRIs

Are you looking for an investment option that balances growth potential with risk management while building wealth in India? Multi asset allocation funds offer a solution that combines multiple asset classes within a single investment vehicle.

A multi asset allocation fund is a mutual fund that invests across at least three different asset classes, with a minimum allocation of 10% in each category. These funds typically allocate investments among equity, debt instruments, and commodities like gold.

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What Is a Multi Asset Allocation Fund

Multi asset allocation funds follow a dynamic investment approach. Fund managers actively adjust the allocation percentages between equity, debt, and commodities based on market conditions, economic indicators, and risk assessments. During bullish phases, equity exposure may rise; in uncertain times, allocations shift toward debt and gold for stability.

By regulation, these funds maintain exposure to at least three asset classes simultaneously, each receiving a minimum 10% allocation. This framework provides built-in diversification, helping protect against market volatility while offering growth opportunities.

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How are Multi Allocation Funds Taxed?

Multi-asset allocation funds in India are taxed based on their average equity exposure. If the fund holds 65% or more in equities, it is treated as an equity fund: gains within 12 months are taxed at 20%, and gains after 12 months are taxed at 12.5% on amounts above ₹1.25 lakh (for redemptions on or after July 23, 2024).

If equity exposure is between 35% and 65%, units held for less than 24 months are taxed as per the investor’s slab rate, while those held 24 months or more are taxed at 12.5% without indexation. Funds with 35% or less in equity are classified under Section 50AA, where all gains (regardless of holding period) are taxed at slab rates with no indexation benefit.

For NRIs, the same tax rules apply, but TDS is deducted at source. TDS is 20% on short-term equity gains and 12.5% on long-term equity gains above ₹1.25 lakh. For non-equity funds, TDS matches slab rates or 12.5% for long-term gains. NRIs can reclaim excess TDS by filing returns. These funds also offer diversification, rupee exposure, and balanced portfolio growth, making them a smart option for NRIs investing in India.

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Benefits Of Multi Asset Allocation Funds For NRIs

• Diversification Across Asset Classes
  Spread your investment across equity, debt, and commodities to reduce impact when any single class underperforms.
• Professional Rebalancing
  Fund managers automatically adjust allocations—boosting equity during favorable periods and shifting to debt and gold in downturns.
• Simplified Investment Management
  Gain exposure to multiple asset classes through one fund, eliminating the need to maintain separate portfolios.
• Tax Efficiency
  A single-fund structure streamlines tax reporting compared to managing individual investments across various asset types.
• Consistent Returns
  Multi asset allocation funds have averaged 12.4% annualised returns over the past three years, offering a balanced risk-return profile.

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Things To Consider Before You Invest in Funds

• Investment Goals and Risk Tolerance
  Determine if you seek long-term growth or stability and choose a fund whose allocation strategy matches your objectives.
• Regulatory Requirements for NRIs
  Comply with FEMA regulations and complete KYC, providing a passport and overseas address proof.
• Fund-Specific Factors
  Review the fund’s equity-to-debt-to-commodity mix and the manager’s track record in navigating different market cycles.
• Expense Ratio and Costs
  Expense ratios can erode returns; compare across similar funds to minimize fees.
• Liquidity Requirements
  Consider how quickly you may need to access your money some schemes offer faster redemptions than others.

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Conclusion

Multi-asset allocation funds give NRIs a turnkey solution for broad diversification combining equity for growth, debt for stability, and alternatives like gold within a single vehicle. Their professional management, automatic rebalancing, and streamlined reporting let you invest and monitor remotely, while helping smooth returns and curb downside risk during market swings.

Before committing, review your objectives, risk tolerance, the fund’s allocation mix, expense ratio, and the manager’s track record, as well as NRI regulations and cross-border tax rules. When chosen thoughtfully, these funds can serve as a core holding for moderate growth or income, but consulting a financial advisor will ensure they fit your specific goals and circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q1. What are the advantages of multi asset allocation funds for NRIs?
They offer built-in diversification across multiple asset classes, professional management, automatic rebalancing, and simplified tax reporting all from a single fund.

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Q2. How have multi asset allocation funds performed in recent years?
These funds have averaged about 12.4% annualised returns over the past three years, demonstrating their balanced risk-return profile.

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Q3. How do multi asset allocation funds perform during market downturns?
Dynamic reallocation toward debt and commodities helps limit downside swings, making them more resilient than pure equity f

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