Comparing PPF and Mutual Funds: Which Should You Invest In?

By: Value Research

Published 18 June 2024

1. PPF: The trusted investment

Between 1985 and 2000, the Public Provident Fund (PPF) returns were as high as 12% each year. No wonder, elders guide young earners towards PPF.

2. PPF’s popularity today

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), PPF had Rs 9.4 lakh crore of investor money as of March 2023.

3. Is PPF still relevant?

Given the rise of the mutual fund industry in recent years, it’s crucial to compare their returns with PPF. One subscriber's query led us to investigate further.

4. The comparison with mutual funds

Note: Regular growth plans considered. Portfolio value as of May 31, 2024. The returns are pre-tax. In case the monthly NAV was unavailable, the previous month's NAV was used.

Assuming Rs 1,000 invested every month over the last 30 years. (Total amount invested is Rs 3.6 lakh)

Current portfolio value  Annualised return % (XIRR) Public Provident Fund (PPF)                       16 lakh 8.6 Franklin India Prima Fund                     1.9 crore 20.9 Aditya Birla Sun Life MNC Fund                     1.3 crore 19.1 Franklin India Bluechip Fund                     1 crore 18.2 HDFC Capital Builder Value Fund                     96.2 lakh 17.6 Tata Large & Mid Cap Fund                       81.9 lakh 16.8 HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund                       54.1 lakh 14.8 Taurus Flexi Cap Fund                       49 lakh 14.3 LIC MF Flexi Cap Fund                       21 lakh 10 LIC MF Aggressive Hybrid Fund                       18.5 lakh 9.4

5. Comparative returns: Performance over 30 years

Even the lesser performing mutual funds have outpaced PPF in the last 30 years.

6. An unfair comparison

PPF is a fixed-income, low-risk, government-backed instrument. Meanwhile, mutual funds invest in equity, debt, gold, etc., and carry market volatility risks.

7. However, it’s a fair comparison for long-term investors

To know why, we suggest you click the link below to read the full story.