7 Ways on How to Invest in Index Fund 

An index fund is a type of investment that replicates the performance of a market index and is composed of equities or bonds. Index funds invest in all of the components included in the index that they track. Additionally, index funds typically have fund managers whose goal is to ensure that the index fund achieves the same level of success as the index.

Investing in index funds is becoming a helpful approach among investors as a result of the low costs involved, the diversification it provides, and the fact that it enables investors to benefit from the returns generated by the stock market without the need to conduct research and analysis that is typically associated with selecting individual stocks. In 1976, John Bogle, the man who would later form The Vanguard Group, was the one who initially brought up the idea of index funds. 

1. Set objectives for your index funds.

Identifying the goals you want to achieve with your investments is essential in investing in index funds. Your goals will serve as the basis for your investment decisions, making it easier for you to maintain concentration as you progress through investing. Consider your level of comfort with risk, the amount of time you are willing to wait, and the amount of money you require from your investments. 

Your level of comfort with risk should be a significant consideration when determining your objectives. Your risk tolerance refers to the degree to which you are willing to expose your financial holdings to potential loss.

You should concentrate your investments on safer options like bonds and other cash equivalents instead of index funds if you prefer to minimize risk as much as possible. You should put your attention on investments like equities and index funds that have the potential to create more significant returns if, on the other hand, you are a more risk-taking investor.

Your time horizon is another vital consideration. Your time horizon refers to how long you anticipate keeping an investment in your portfolio. Generally, assets you intend to keep for less than one year are considered short-term investments.

Investments made to be held for a period greater than one year are typically referred to as long-term investments. This is because the longer your time horizon, the more time you have to weather the storms of market volatility and enjoy the fruits of your investments. 

Your financial requirements are also an essential component to consider here. Your need for incoming money will dictate the kinds of investments you should think about making. For instance, you should concentrate on investments that create income, such as dividend-paying stocks and bonds, if you are searching for a reliable source of income, to meet your goals.

You should concentrate on assets that can generate capital gains, such as equities and index funds if you search for more growth potential. These are the kind of investments that will provide the most opportunity for growth.

2. Investigate potential indices

It is necessary to conduct research on possible indexes before investing in index funds. Index funds are a type of mutual fund that follow the performance of well-known market indices like the NIFTY and the SENSEX, amongst others. Making a decision when there are thousands of funds to choose from can be extremely difficult.

Keep in mind that multiple funds occasionally represent the same indices; consequently, it is imperative to conduct research and eliminate choices to choose the investment vehicle that is most suited to your needs. Considering the expense ratio when making investment decisions is essential since it can significantly influence the returns you receive.

Other important considerations include your tolerance for risk and your investment objectives. It is essential to carefully consider all of one’s choices and arrive at an informed conclusion after devoting sufficient time and effort to this endeavour.

3. Look into index funds.

After you have narrowed the list of possible index funds, the next step is to investigate each fund’s specifics and past performance. The price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio) is crucial since it compares the current stock price to the earnings per share the company has generated. In addition, it is essential to assess the funds’ performance over time, comparing the fund you choose with other funds that are analogous to it, regardless of whether the indices they monitor are the same or different.

Evaluating how it stacks up against other sector funds is essential if you have decided to go with a sector index fund. The expense ratio and the management team of the fund are also important aspects to take into consideration. In addition, it is essential to remember that past success is only sometimes an accurate indicator of future performance. Using both fundamental and technical analysis when making your decision is essential.

4. Decide on your index funds.

After you have completed your research and have gained a better understanding of the index funds that are accessible to you, the next step is to make a decision regarding which index fund you will like to invest in. You can make a single investment for a set amount or over time through a predetermined plan (SIP).

Coordinating your investment strategy with your long-term objectives and comfort level with taking risks is essential. For instance, it can prove to be more appropriate for you to invest in a high-risk index fund,if you are looking for growth over the long term.

On the other hand, investing in a low-risk index fund may be more appropriate if you are looking for stability. In the end, the selection should be based on your financial circumstances and your objectives regarding investment.

5. Choose where to purchase your index funds.

After you have narrowed your search to a particular index fund, the following step is determining where you will buy the fund. You can invest in index funds through a number of different brokers; thus, it is essential to investigate the available choices and select a broker that meets your specific needs.

Fees, terms and conditions, and the user-friendliness of a platform are a few aspects of a broker’s business that should be considered when making a choice. You also have the option of investing directly in the fund, which can result in cheaper fees for your transactions.

However, investing directly may require you to invest more time and effort and conduct additional research. Therefore, decide based on what is most practical and advantageous for you.

6. Purchase index funds

You can also purchase the fund once you have decided on the broker. It is essential to ensure your KYC is done and your bank details are updated to ease withdrawing the investment in the future.

7. Monitor your index funds.

It is essential to review your index fund investments regularly. This will ensure that your investments are on track and performing as expected. Additionally, it can help you identify any issues with the fund or index, such as tracking errors and make adjustments accordingly. 

Checking up on your investment account consistently through internet portals or mobile apps offered by online brokers or organizations that manage mutual funds is one method for accomplishing this goal. You can also monitor the performance of the index that your fund is tracking by visiting websites such as National Stock Exchange (NSE) or Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) or by utilizing a financial market app that offers real-time data on the performance of a variety of indexes.

Reviewing your portfolio regularly and making sure it is adequately diversified. It does not have excessive exposure to any industry or index, yet another method for keeping an eye on your investments. It is recommended that you get the assistance of a financial counselor to assist you in keeping track of your investments and making any required modifications to your portfolio.

In addition, you can request a statement of account from the Asset Management Company (AMC), which will provide you with information regarding the specifics of your investment and the Net Asset Value (NAV) and other information. It is crucial to remember that the value of your index fund assets may fluctuate and go up or down depending on the stock market’s performance. Hence, it is necessary to exercise patience and refrain from making hasty decisions based on short-term market changes.

What is an Index fund?

An index fund is a specialized mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that buys the same stocks as in a particular financial market index, such as the Nifty 50 Index, bank Nifty or other indices. It is believed that an index mutual fund offers investors exposure to a large portion of the market, together with low operating expenses and low portfolio turnover. These funds will always stick to their benchmark, regardless of how the markets perform. 

The first index fund available to ordinary investors was established by John Bogle, the creator of the Vanguard Group, in the 1970s. This event is considered the beginning of index funds’ history. The performance of the S&P 500 index was followed closely by this fund, known as the Vanguard 500 Index Fund. The fund’s purpose was to offer an inexpensive alternative to actively managed funds, which at the time had higher expenses and frequently failed to outperform their respective benchmarks. 

Index funds have gained in popularity among investors in recent years due to their cheap costs, the benefits of diversification they offer, and their potential to deliver returns comparable to or even higher than those of actively-managed funds.

Investors are becoming more aware of the advantages of passive investing, which is investing in an index fund rather than trying to beat the market via active management, which has contributed to the rise in popularity of index funds in recent years. Passive investing is the strategy of investing in an index fund. 

The ability of index funds to give broad market exposure at a reasonable cost is the primary reason for index funds’ importance. An investor can receive exposure to various assets that make up a particular market index, such as the S&P 500, by investing their money in a fund classified as an index fund.

This diversification spreads risk and, over time, may contribute to more stable results. In addition, actively managed funds typically have higher expense ratios than index funds, which can result in lower returns for investors over the long run. Index funds tend to have lower expense ratios.

Why should I Invest in an Index fund?

The advantages of index funds give more incentive to people to invest in them. Below are the top reasons why you should invest in an index fund.

Expense ratio: Index funds typically have more reasonable expense ratios than actively managed mutual funds. This is because index funds are considered to be passive investment vehicles. This means that their goal is to duplicate the performance of a particular market index, as opposed to actively seeking to outperform the market through management strategies such as buying and selling stocks.

On the other hand, Actively managed funds are directed by professional money managers that make investment choices on the basis of their own independent study and analysis. As a direct consequence, actively managed funds typically have higher expense ratios to compensate the manager for the costs associated with conducting research and analysis. 

It is essential to remember that a more significant expense ratio can reduce an investor’s returns over a more extended period. This is because the increased costs associated with actively managed funds may harm the overall returns the investor earns.

Index funds, on the other hand, have as their primary objective the reproduction of the performance of a particular market index; hence, they do not call for the same amount of study and analysis as actively managed funds do. Consequently, they typically have lower cost ratios, which can result in higher returns for investors over a more extended period.

No bias: This indicates that the manager is responsible for conducting their research and analysis before deciding on the assets to buy or sell. Index funds, on the other hand, are managed hands-off. This indicates that the fund’s portfolio is built to mimic or track the components of a financial market index, such as the S&P 500.

For example, the fund may own stocks that are weighted similarly to the index’s components. There is no room for bias in the portfolio of an index fund because it is built according to the index rather than at the fund manager’s discretion. It merely replicates the index, even though the stock market’s performance is irrelevant to it. Investors who seek to limit the risk of bias in their investments frequently turn to index funds as their vehicle of choice.

Market exposure: “Broad market spending” refers to the financial strategy of spreading money across a wide range of assets, industries, and geographical locations to diversify a portfolio and reduce risk. Broad market expenditure is also known as “market expenditure.” Investors who seek broad market exposure passively frequently turn to index funds as their vehicle of choice.

This is because index funds invest in companies operating across various industries instead of concentrating their investments on a particular industry or geographical region. This signifies that index funds offer investors exposure to a diverse selection of firms and industries, which can help to reduce the possibility of loss while simultaneously increasing the profit potential.

Index funds are not subject to the bias that can be present in actively managed funds because they are passively managed. This makes index funds a good choice for investors who want to minimize the risk of bias in their investments because they are not subject to the bias that can be present in actively managed funds.

Easier to manage: Index funds are widely regarded as more straightforward to administer for various reasons. 

First, index funds are passively managed, indicating that the fund manager does not actively buy or sell stocks based on their own research or analysis. This contrasts with actively managed mutual funds, which engage in such trading. Instead, the fund follows the performance of a particular index, such as the S&P 500, and invests in the same types of securities in the same proportions as the index.

The fund manager is no longer required to conduct ongoing research and analysis on individual securities, which results in a management approach that is both less time-consuming and less labour-intensive. 

The expense ratios of index funds are traditionally lower than those of actively managed funds. This is because index funds can undergo a different level of study and analysis than actively managed funds. In addition, investors in index funds do not need to worry about the high costs associated with paying the salaries of portfolio managers. Consequently, investors may find that index funds provide an option with reduced overall costs. 

Third, index funds are less likely to underperform in the market than other mutual funds. Funds that are actively managed are vulnerable to the expertise and preferences of the manager. Index funds, on the other hand, only track the market’s performance. 

Where to buy index funds?

There are two different channels via which one can purchase index funds: through brokers or directly from the fund company. 

Using a broker to make investments in index funds can be a handy alternative because brokers often handle the paperwork involved and can assist you in locating a fund that is a good fit for your investing objectives. It is necessary to bring to your attention the possibility that brokers will charge additional fees for their services. 

On the other hand, investing in index funds directly from the fund firm allows you to acquire the fund straight from the source, avoiding additional expenses associated with investing in the fund. You will be responsible for all the necessary documentation and must conduct research if you choose this course of action; consequently, purchasing through a broker is less convenient. This may be a suitable alternative to consider for more seasoned investors who are confident in their ability to handle the process independently. 

Purchasing index funds through a broker is a good option for beginners who are not familiar with the process of investing. Brokers can assist with the paperwork and finding the appropriate fund for their clients, making buying index funds through a broker a good choice for novice investors. Investors with more experience looking to avoid paying additional fees and are comfortable managing the process on their own may consider purchasing index funds directly from the fund business.

What is the Best Index Fund to invest in?

The best index funds to invest in India are DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct-Growth, SBI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct-Growth, and ICICI Prudential U.S. Bluechip Equity Fund Direct Plan-Growth.

DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct-Growth: DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct-Growth is an open-ended index fund that tracks the performance of the Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index. The fund has a total expense ratio of 0.22% and invests in the 50 largest companies on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). This fund is ideal for investors looking for an index fund with a low expense ratio and exposure to the Nifty 50 Index.

SBI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct-Growth: SBI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct-Growth is an open-ended index fund that tracks the performance of the Nifty Next 50 Index. The fund invests in the 50 most liquid stocks in the NSE after the Nifty 50 stocks. The fund has a total expense ratio of 0.30%, making it an affordable option for investors.

ICICI Prudential U.S. Bluechip Equity Fund Direct Plan-Growth: ICICI Prudential U.S. Bluechip Equity Fund Direct Plan-Growth is an open-ended fund that invests in U.S. stocks. The fund invests in large-cap stocks of the S&P 500 Index, providing access to the U.S. equity market. The fund has a total expense ratio of 1.53% and is ideal for investors looking to access the U.S. equity market.

What are the Best Low-Cost Index Funds to invest in?

The best low-cost index funds to invest in India are Navi Nifty fifty funds, ICICI Prudential Sensex Index Fund Growth, and Nippon India Junior BeES FoF Regular Growth.

Navi nifty fifty fund

Nifty 50 Fund is an open-ended exchange-traded fund (ETF) offered by NAVI. It tracks the Nifty 50 index, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) benchmark index. The fund invests in the stocks comprising the Nifty 50 Index in the same proportion as the index. This fund is ideal for investors looking for long-term capital appreciation and exposure to the top 50 companies in India.

Nippon India Junior BeES FoF Regular Growth

Nippon India Junior BeES FoF Regular Growth is an open-ended fund of funds offered by Nippon India Mutual Fund. It invests in Nippon India Junior BeES, an open-ended equity-oriented fund that tracks the performance of the Nifty Junior Index. This fund is ideal for investors looking for growth and exposure to the equity markets in India.

ICICI Prudential Sensex Index Fund Growth 

ICICI Prudential Sensex Index Fund Growth is an open-ended fund offered by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund. It tracks the performance of the Sensex Index and invests in stocks comprising the Sensex Index in the same proportion as the index. This fund is ideal for investors looking for long-term capital appreciation and exposure to the top 30 companies in India.

How much money should I invest in Index Funds?

It is essential to consider your personal financial goals and the amount of money you bring in when investing in index funds. The quantity of money that you ought to put in your investment will differ according to these considerations. You can invest more money into index funds if you have a substantial income.

However, it is essential to remember that placing excessive money into any one investment can be problematic. As a result, it is essential to diversify your investments and avoid placing all of your eggs in a single basket. Before deciding on an investment strategy, it is critical to have a well-defined financial plan and consult with an experienced financial advisor.

What are the advantages of Investing in Index Funds?

Low costs are one of the most important advantages of index funds. Index funds have lower expenses than actively managed funds, meaning investors get to keep more of their returns. Other advantages of investing in index fund include;

1. Diversification: Index funds offer investors a way to diversify their portfolios without having to manage the fund actively.
2. Low Volatility: Index funds tend to be less volatile than actively managed funds, resulting in smoother returns over time.
3. Tax Efficiency: Index funds usually distribute fewer taxable capital gains because the portfolio manager trades less frequently.
4. Professional Management: Index funds are managed by professional portfolio managers, which can help to reduce risk and maximize returns.

Are beginners advised to invest in Index Funds?

Yes, Index funds are typically recommended as a first-time investor’s vehicle of choice. Index Funds are a stock investment option with minimal risk, making them a good alternative for individuals new to the world of investing.

The management costs associated with these funds are typically cheaper than those associated with actively managed funds because they are not actively managed and follow the market. This may make them a more cost-effective choice for investors just starting.

What is the difference between a mutual fund and an index fund?

Index and mutual funds are examples of different kinds of investment funds that pool the capital contributed by a number of participants to purchase a variety of securities. Nevertheless, the management approach and the costs are different in each case. Index Funds are funds that are passively managed and are designed to match the performance of a particular stock market index, such as the S&P 500.

Since index funds do not require active management, they are also known as index tracking funds. On the other hand, mutual funds are actively managed by a fund manager who selects particular stocks and bonds to achieve a higher return than the market as a whole. Index funds, compared to actively managed mutual funds, typically have lower management costs, which further contributes to the fact that index funds are a more cost-effective choice for investors.

Index funds are diversified, which helps to reduce the total level of risk that is associated with an investment portfolio. This is another significant advantage of using index funds. It is essential to remember that mutual funds and index funds each have the potential to be appropriate for various categories of investors and distinct investing aims.

Arjun Remesh

Head of Content

Arjun is a seasoned stock market content expert with over 7 years of experience in stock market, technical & fundamental analysis. Since 2020, he has been a key contributor to Strike platform. Arjun is an active stock market investor with his in-depth stock market analysis knowledge. Arjun is also an certified stock market researcher from Indiacharts, mentored by Rohit Srivastava.

Shivam Gaba

Reviewer of Content

Shivam is a stock market content expert with CFTe certification. He is been trading from last 8 years in indian stock market. He has a vast knowledge in technical analysis, financial market education, product management, risk assessment, derivatives trading & market Research. He won Zerodha 60-Day Challenge thrice in a row. He is being mentored by Rohit Srivastava, Indiacharts.