{"id":78094,"date":"2026-10-28T16:05:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T10:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/?post_type=markets&#038;p=78094"},"modified":"2026-10-28T16:09:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T10:39:00","slug":"arbitrage-funds","status":"publish","type":"markets","link":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/arbitrage-funds\/","title":{"rendered":"Arbitrage Funds"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"78094\" class=\"elementor elementor-78094\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4be72f6 elementor-section-full_width tab_container elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4be72f6\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d209c0c\" data-id=\"d209c0c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-896d102 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"896d102\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-wide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-c9133f2 chapters_list\" data-id=\"c9133f2\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa101bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"aa101bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">\t<script>\n\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function(){\n\t\t\tjQuery(\"#post_chapters a[href*='\" + location.pathname + \"']\")\n\t\t\t\t.addClass(\"current\")\n\t\t\t\t.attr(\"aria-current\", \"page\");\n\t\t})\n\t<\/script>\n\t<div class=\"desktop_chapters\"><div id=\"post_chapters\"><div class=\"post_chapters-heading\">Chapters<\/div><ul><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/background-and-orientation\/\">Background and Orientation<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/personal-finance-math\/\">Personal Finance Math<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/money-today-vs-money-tommorrow\/\">Money Today vs Money Tommorrow<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/the-retirement-part-1\/\">The Retirement -Part 1<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/assumptions-in-retirement-planning\/\">Assumptions in Retirement Planning<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/understanding-stock-funds\/\">The Role of Mutual Funds in Modern Finance<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/concept-of-fund-and-nav\/\">Concept of Fund and NAV<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/understanding-the-performance-of-your-fund\/\">Mutual Fund Factsheet<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/the-equity-scheme\/\"> The Equity Scheme<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/equity-scheme-part-2\/\">Equity Scheme Part 2<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/debt-funds-part-1\/\">Debt Funds Part 1<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/monitoring-your-portfolio\/\">Debt Funds Part 2<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/debt-funds-part-3\/\">Debt Funds Part 3<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/debt-funds-part-4\/\">Debt Funds Part 4<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/investing-in-bonds\/\">Investing in Bonds<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/index-funds\/\">Index Funds<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/arbitrage-funds\/\">Arbitrage Funds<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/measuring-mutual-fund-returns\/\">Measuring Mutual Fund Returns<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/rolling-returns\/\">Rolling Returns<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/mutual-fund-expense-ratio\/\">Mutual Fund Expense Ratio<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/mutual-fund-benchmarking\/\">Mutual Fund Benchmarking<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/mutual-fund-beta-sd-and-sharpe-ratio\/\">Mutual Fund Beta SD and Sharpe Ratio<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/sortino-and-capture-ratios\/\">Sortino and Capture Ratios<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/how-to-analyse-equity-mutual-funds\/\">How to Analyse Equity Mutual Funds<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/how-to-analyse-debt-mutual-fund\/\">How to Analyse Debt Mutual Fund<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/mutual-fund-portfolio\/\">Mutual Fund Portfolio<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/smart-beta-funds\/\">Smart Beta Funds<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/asset-allocation\/\">Asset Allocation<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/exchange-traded-funds\/\">Exchange Traded Funds<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/basics-of-macro-economics\/\">Basics of Macro Economics<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/personal-finance-part-1\/\">Personal Finance-Part 1<\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/personal-finance-review-part-2\/\">Personal Finance Review Part 2 <\/a><\/li><li><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/know-your-funds\/\">Know Your Funds<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"chapters_toggle\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"open_chapters\" aria-label=\"View chapters\"><span>View Chapters<\/span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a><a href=\"#\" id=\"close_chapters\" style=\"display:none;\" 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    <span class=\"eael-tab-title title-after-icon\" >Slides<\/span>                            \n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li id=\"videos\" class=\" eael-tab-item-trigger eael-tab-nav-item\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"videos-tab\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                            \n                                                                <i class=\"far fa-eye\"><\/i>                                                            \n                                                            <span class=\"eael-tab-title title-after-icon\" >Videos<\/span>                            \n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \n                                  <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"eael-tabs-content\">\n\t\t        \n                    <div id=\"study-tab\" class=\"clearfix eael-tab-content-item active-default\" data-title-link=\"study-tab\">\n\t\t\t\t        <p><div class='white' style='background:rgb(255, 255, 255); border:solid 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius:0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 1px;'>\n<div id='text_slider' class='owl-carousel sa_owl_theme owl-pagination-true' data-slider-id='text_slider' style='visibility: visible;visibility:visible;'>\n<div id='text_slider_slide01' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Understanding-Arbitrage' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2><strong><b>17.1 Understanding Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77947 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage.png\" alt=\"Understanding Arbitrage\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Understanding-Arbitrage-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Arbitrage is one of those fascinating concepts in finance that seems deceptively simple but is layered with complexity. At its heart, arbitrage is about exploiting price differences for the same asset across different markets. The principle is straightforward: buy low in one market, sell high in another, and pocket the difference. Yet in practice, arbitrage is rarely risk-free and often requires speed, precision, and deep market knowledge.<\/p>\r\n<p>Take a simple everyday example. Suppose you notice that a new smartphone model is selling in Dubai for \u20b930,000, while in Mumbai the same phone retails for \u20b935,000. If you buy the phone in Dubai and sell it in Mumbai, you pocket a neat \u20b95,000 difference (ignoring customs duty, travel and other costs). That\u2019s arbitrage in action \u2014 buying where it\u2019s cheaper and selling where it\u2019s more expensive.<\/p>\r\n<p>But here\u2019s the catch: arbitrage is not always risk-free. Imagine you import 100 phones expecting to sell them at a premium, but by the time they arrive in Mumbai, a competitor launches a discount scheme, dropping the local price to \u20b931,000. Suddenly, your profit margin shrinks or even disappears. This is called demand risk\u00a0\u2014 the assumption that buyers will continue to pay the higher price may not hold true.<\/p>\r\n<p>Another risk is competition. If multiple traders spot the same opportunity, they start undercutting each other. One sells at \u20b934,000, another at \u20b933,000, and soon the price difference vanishes. Arbitrage opportunities tend to shrink quickly once they are widely exploited.<\/p>\r\n<p>Now, let\u2019s connect this to the stock market. Suppose shares of Company X are trading at \u20b91,000 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) but at \u20b9990 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). A trader can buy on BSE and sell on NSE, locking in a \u20b910 profit per share (before brokerage and other transaction costs). This is a textbook arbitrage opportunity. If executed efficiently, the profit is almost certain \u2014 though only until others rush in and erase the gap.<\/p>\r\n<p>This principle forms the foundation of arbitrage funds in mutual funds. These funds are designed to systematically capture such price differences across markets, aiming to generate steady returns.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide02' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='The-Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2><strong><b>17.2 The Arbitrage Fund in Practice<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77948 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice.png\" alt=\"Arbitrage Fund in Practice\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Arbitrage-Fund-in-Practice-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>While the stock exchange example shows one type of arbitrage, mutual funds often rely on a more sophisticated version called spot\u2013futures arbitrage. This involves exploiting the difference between the current market price of a stock (spot price) and its futures contract price.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Spot\u2013Futures Arbitrage Explained<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Imagine Infosys shares are trading at \u20b91,500 in the cash market, while the one-month futures contract is priced at \u20b91,520. The \u20b920 gap is called the spread. To capture it, the fund simultaneously buys Infosys shares in the cash market and sells Infosys futures. On the expiry date, both prices converge \u2014 this is known as cash\u2013futures convergence. Regardless of whether Infosys rises to \u20b91,600 or falls to \u20b91,400, the spread of \u20b920 remains locked in (before transaction costs).<\/p>\r\n<p>Here\u2019s how the math works:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Buy Infosys in cash at \u20b91,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Sell Infosys futures at \u20b91,520<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>On expiry, suppose both settle at \u20b91,550:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Cash trade: Profit = \u20b91,550 \u2013 \u20b91,500 = \u20b950<\/li>\r\n<li>Futures trade: Loss = \u20b91,520 \u2013 \u20b91,550 = \u2013\u20b930<\/li>\r\n<li>Net gain = \u20b920 (the spread)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This predictable outcome is why arbitrage funds are often marketed as \u201clow-volatility\u201d products. However, the reality is more complex.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>The Debt Component<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Under SEBI\u2019s scheme categorisation rules, arbitrage funds must invest at least 65% of their assets in equity and equity\u2011related instruments, and these positions are hedged through arbitrage. The balance (up to 35%) is held in debt and money\u2011market instruments, mainly to meet liquidity and margin needs. SEBI\u2019s revised categorisation framework (circular of 26 February 2026, which AMCs implemented from late August 2026) tightly restricts this portion: it can go only into very safe, very short\u2011term instruments such as treasury bills and other government securities maturing within one year, certificates of deposit, and units of liquid or money\u2011market funds (each scheme\u2019s documents give the exact list). Corporate bond repos and InvITs are no longer permitted. Before these rules, some arbitrage funds held lower\u2011rated corporate bonds in this portion, and a default could pull down the fund\u2019s net asset value (NAV).<\/p>\r\n<p>As a result, credit risk in arbitrage funds is now small. The debt portion can still move slightly with short\u2011term interest rates, and certificates of deposit carry a small bank credit risk, but large NAV shocks from corporate bond defaults are now far less likely. Even so, arbitrage funds are not risk\u2011free, and investors should read the portfolio disclosures rather than assume it.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Risk and Return Profile<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Arbitrage fund returns broadly track short\u2011term interest rates and have typically been in the range of about 5\u20137.5% a year. Returns are fairly stable, but they are modest and can dip in months when arbitrage spreads are thin, so arbitrage funds should not be treated as a source of quick profits.<\/p>\r\n<p>Another subtle risk is liquidity. Arbitrage opportunities depend on active trading volumes in both cash and futures markets. During periods of low market activity, spreads shrink, reducing profitability. In extreme cases, arbitrage opportunities may disappear altogether, forcing funds to hold more of their money in short\u2011term debt and money\u2011market instruments. Transaction costs matter too: Budget 2026 raised the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on the sale of futures from 0.02% to 0.05% (and on options premiums from 0.1% to 0.15%) with effect from 1 April 2026, which slightly reduces the net spread these funds can capture.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Tax Advantage<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>One of the biggest attractions of arbitrage funds is their tax treatment. Although they behave like debt funds in terms of risk and returns, they are taxed as equity funds. This means:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Short\u2011term gains (units held for 12 months or less) are taxed at 20%.<\/li>\r\n<li>Long\u2011term gains (units held for more than 12 months) are taxed at 12.5% on gains above \u20b91.25 lakh per financial year. (These rates apply to transfers on or after 23 July 2024; surcharge and cess are extra.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In contrast, gains from debt fund units bought on or after 1 April 2023 are added to your income and taxed at your slab rate, regardless of how long you hold them, with no indexation benefit. This tax arbitrage\u00a0is often the real benefit of investing in arbitrage funds. For investors in higher tax brackets, the difference in post-tax returns can be significant.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>What to Watch Out For<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>When evaluating an arbitrage fund, investors should:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Check the portfolio disclosures<\/b><\/strong>\u2014 the non\u2011equity portion should be in short\u2011term government securities, certificates of deposit and liquid or money\u2011market funds, as the current rules require.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Ensure the fund does not hold unhedged equity positions<\/b><\/strong>, as this defeats the purpose of arbitrage.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b>Be prepared for modest returns and a holding period of at least a few months (more than 12 months for long-term tax treatment)\u2014 arbitrage funds are not designed for quick wealth creation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide03' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Broader-Context-of-Arbitrage' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2><strong><b>17.3 Broader Context of Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77949 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage.png\" alt=\"Broader context of Arbitrage\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broader-context-of-Arbitrage-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>To fully appreciate arbitrage funds, it helps to understand the broader context of arbitrage in financial markets.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Types of Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Geographical Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong>: Exploiting price differences across locations (e.g., NSE vs BSE).<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Currency Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong>: Taking advantage of exchange rate differences across forex markets.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Commodity Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong>: Buying commodities in one market and selling in another where prices are higher.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Statistical Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong>: Using complex algorithms to identify temporary mispricings in securities.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Merger Arbitrage<\/b><\/strong>: Profiting from price differences during mergers and acquisitions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Arbitrage funds primarily focus on spot\u2013futures arbitrage, but the principle is universal across asset classes.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Why Arbitrage Opportunities Exist<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Arbitrage opportunities arise because markets are not perfectly efficient. Differences in demand, supply, liquidity, and transaction costs create temporary mispricings. Technology and competition quickly erase these gaps, but they exist long enough for skilled traders \u2014 or arbitrage funds \u2014 to capture them.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, futures prices often trade at a premium to spot prices because of the cost of carry \u2014 mainly the interest cost of holding the stock until expiry, adjusted for any expected dividends (which lower the futures price). Arbitrage funds exploit this predictable relationship to generate returns.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide04' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Investor-Suitability' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2><strong><b>17.4 Investor Suitability<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77950 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability.png\" alt=\"Investor Suitability\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Investor-Suitability-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Arbitrage funds are best suited for:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Conservative investors <\/b><\/strong>seeking stable returns with equity taxation benefits.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Short-term investors <\/b><\/strong>who want to park money for 6\u201312 months without taking equity market risk.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>High-tax-bracket individuals <\/b><\/strong>who benefit from lower tax rates compared to debt funds.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>They are less suitable for:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Investors seeking high returns.<\/li>\r\n<li>Those unwilling to accept occasional months of low returns when arbitrage spreads are thin.<\/li>\r\n<li>Investors with very short horizons (less than 3 months), as arbitrage spreads may not cover transaction costs and exit loads (commonly around 0.25% on redemptions within 15\u201330 days).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide05' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Key-Lessons' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><p><strong><b>17.5 Key Lessons<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-76118 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4.png\" alt=\"Key Takeaways\" width=\"444\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4.png 444w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-300x282.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-50x47.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-100x94.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-150x141.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 444px) 100vw, 444px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Arbitrage funds rely on hedged positions to capture spreads.<\/li>\r\n<li>SEBI mandates at least 65% in equity and equity\u2011related instruments, which arbitrage funds keep hedged.<\/li>\r\n<li>The balance (up to 35%) must now be held in very short\u2011term government securities, certificates of deposit and liquid or money\u2011market funds, so credit risk is small.<\/li>\r\n<li>Returns are modest but stable, broadly tracking short\u2011term interest rates.<\/li>\r\n<li>Taxation benefits make arbitrage funds attractive compared to debt funds.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Arbitrage is a fascinating concept that bridges theory and practice in financial markets. While the textbook definition suggests risk-free profits, reality introduces risks like competition, demand fluctuations, and thin spreads. Arbitrage funds harness this principle systematically, offering investors a blend of stability and tax efficiency. They are not wealth creators but wealth preservers, ideal for those who value predictability over excitement.<\/p>\r\n<p>In the larger scheme of financial planning, arbitrage funds occupy a niche role. They are neither as aggressive as equity funds nor as conservative as fixed deposits. Instead, they provide a middle path \u2014 modest returns, equity taxation, and relative stability. For investors who understand their limitations and strengths, arbitrage funds can be a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script type='text\/javascript'>\n\tjQuery(document).ready(function() {\n\t\tjQuery('#text_slider').owlCarousel({\n\t\t\titems : 1,\n\t\t\tsmartSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tautoplay : false,\n\t\t\tautoplayHoverPause : false,\n\t\t\tsmartSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tfluidSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tautoplaySpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tnavSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tdotsSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tdotsEach : 1,\n\t\t\tloop : false,\n\t\t\tnav : true,\n\t\t\tnavText : ['Previous','Next'],\n\t\t\tdots : true,\n\t\t\tresponsiveRefreshRate : 200,\n\t\t\tslideBy : 1,\n\t\t\tmergeFit : true,\n\t\t\tautoHeight : true,\n\t\t\tmouseDrag : false,\n\t\t\ttouchDrag : true\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('#text_slider').css('visibility', 'visible');\n\t\tvar owl_goto = jQuery('#text_slider');\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto1').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 0);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto2').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 1);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto3').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 2);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto4').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 3);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto5').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 4);\n\t\t});\n\t\tvar resize_77910 = jQuery('.owl-carousel');\n\t\tresize_77910.on('initialized.owl.carousel', function(e) {\n\t\t\tif (typeof(Event) === 'function') {\n\t\t\t\twindow.dispatchEvent(new Event('resize'));\n\t\t\t} else {\n\t\t\t\tvar evt = window.document.createEvent('UIEvents');\n\t\t\t\tevt.initUIEvent('resize', true, false, window, 0);\n\t\t\t\twindow.dispatchEvent(evt);\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t});\n\t});\n<\/script>\n<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>                    <\/div>\n\t\t        \n                    <div id=\"slides-tab\" class=\"clearfix eael-tab-content-item \" data-title-link=\"slides-tab\">\n\t\t\t\t        <p><div class='white' style='background:rgb(255, 255, 255); border:solid 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius:0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 1px;'>\n<div id='text_slider' class='owl-carousel sa_owl_theme owl-pagination-true' data-slider-id='text_slider' style='visibility: visible;visibility:visible;'>\n<div id='text_slider_slide01' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Why-talk-about-bonds-now?' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>15.1 <\/strong><strong><b>Why talk about bonds now?<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77926 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now.png\" alt=\"Why Talk About Bonds Now\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Why-Talk-About-Bonds-Now-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>We have just finished exploring debt mutual funds, which are essentially baskets of bonds managed by professionals. Before moving on to index funds, it makes sense to pause and understand bonds themselves. After all, debt funds are nothing but a collection of bonds, and if fund managers can buy them directly, so can you. Today, investors don\u2019t need to rely only on mutual funds, there are stock exchanges, SEBI\u2011registered Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs) and, for government securities, RBI Retail Direct, all of which allow individuals to purchase bonds directly, much like buying shares. Understanding bonds at this stage helps you see the mechanics behind debt funds and gives you the option to invest without an intermediary.<\/p>\r\n<p>Debt mutual funds are essentially collections of bonds. By learning bonds directly, you understand what fund managers are doing behind the scenes.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example:<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A debt fund like HDFC Corporate Bond Fund invests in PSU bonds such as Power Finance Corporation (PFC).<\/li>\r\n<li>As an individual, you can also buy listed PFC bonds directly on NSE\/BSE through your broker, or through a SEBI\u2011registered online bond platform.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This means you can bypass the AMC if you want more control, though you\u2019ll lose professional management.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide02' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash=' Looking-at-bonds-before-investing' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2><strong><b>15.2 <\/b><\/strong><strong><b>Looking at bonds before investing<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77927 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing.png\" alt=\"Looking at Funds Before Investing\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Looking-at-Funds-Before-Investing-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Imagine you\u2019re browsing the stock exchange website and come across bonds issued by a government-backed company, say Power Finance Corporation (PFC). Each bond issue has a unique identification number called an ISIN, much like a fingerprint. Clicking on a bond reveals details such as whether it is tax-free, its credit rating, issue date, maturity date, coupon rate, and face value.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, suppose a PFC bond carries a tax-free tag. This means the interest you earn annually is exempt from income tax, making it highly attractive for investors in higher tax brackets. Note that no new tax\u2011free bonds have been issued since 2015\u201316, so today they can be bought only in the secondary market on NSE\/BSE. However, if you sell the bond before maturity at a profit, that gain is taxable as capital gains. For listed bonds held for more than 12 months, long\u2011term capital gains are currently taxed at 12.5% without indexation; gains on bonds held for 12 months or less are taxed at your income\u2011tax slab rate. Next, you notice the <strong><b>credit rating<\/b><\/strong>\u2014say AAA from CRISIL. This rating signals that the issuer is extremely reliable in repaying its debt. Since PFC is a government-owned company (a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power), so the risk of default is considered minimal, although its bonds are not explicitly guaranteed by the government.<\/p>\r\n<p>Other details matter too. If the bond is marked as secured, it means the issuer has pledged assets against the borrowing, similar to how banks secure car loans against the vehicle. This reduces risk further. You\u2019ll also see the issue date and maturity date\u2014perhaps issued in 2015 and maturing in 2030, making it a 15 year instrument. Finally, the coupon rate\u00a0tells you how much interest you\u2019ll earn annually based on the bond\u2019s face value. If the coupon is 7% and the face value is \u20b91,000, you\u2019ll receive \u20b970 per bond each year until maturity.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Looking at Bonds Before Investing<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Detail<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Meaning<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>ISIN<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Unique identifier for each bond issue.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>PFC bond ISINs begin with \u2018INE134E\u2019, PFC\u2019s issuer code.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Tax-Free Tag<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Interest exempt from income tax.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>NHAI Tax-Free Bonds (2015\u201316 issue).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Credit Rating<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Reliability of issuer.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>AAA rating for PFC bonds.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Secured\/Unsecured<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Whether assets are pledged.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>REC secured bonds backed by receivables.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Issue &amp; Maturity Date<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Tenure of the bond.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Issued 2015, maturing 2030 (15 years).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Coupon Rate<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Annual interest on face value.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>7% coupon \u2192 \u20b970 per \u20b91,000 bond.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example:<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0If you buy a PFC Tax-Free Bond (October 2015 issue, 15-year series, 7.52% retail coupon, AAA-rated), you\u2019ll receive tax-free interest every year until it matures in 2030. (The 10-year series of the same issue, with a 7.36% retail coupon, matured in 2025.)<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide03' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Yield-to-Maturity' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>15.3.<\/strong><strong><b>Yield to Maturity (YTM)<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77928 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity.png\" alt=\"Yield to Maturity\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yield-to-Maturity-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>While the coupon looks straightforward, the real measure of return is the Yield to Maturity (YTM). Think of it like buying a rental property. Suppose you buy a shop for \u20b950 lakh and rent it out for \u20b95 lakh per year. That\u2019s a 10% rental yield. But if you later sell the shop for the same \u20b950 lakh, your net yield remains 10%. If you bought it at \u20b955 lakh instead, your yield drops because your cost was higher. Conversely, if you bought it at \u20b945 lakh, your yield rises because you paid less for the same rent.<\/p>\r\n<p>Bonds work the same way. The coupon is fixed, but the price you pay for the bond changes in the market. If a bond with a \u20b91,000 face value and 7% coupon is trading at \u20b91,080, you still earn \u20b970 annually, but your effective yield is lower because you paid more upfront. On maturity, you\u2019ll only get back \u20b91,000, not the premium you paid. That\u2019s why YTM often differs from the coupon\u2014it reflects the actual return considering both interest payments and the difference between purchase price and redemption value.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Yield to Maturity (YTM)<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Scenario<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Bond Price<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Coupon (\u20b970)<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"368\">\r\n<p><strong><b>Current Yield (Coupon \u00f7 Price)<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Buy at Face Value<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b91,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b970<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"368\">\r\n<p>7%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Buy at Premium<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b91,080<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b970<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"368\">\r\n<p>~6.48%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Buy at Discount<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b9950<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b970<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"368\">\r\n<p>~7.37%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example:<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If you buy a REC bond at \u20b91,080, your yield drops below the coupon because you paid extra.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you buy at \u20b9950, your yield rises since you paid less for the same coupon. Note: the yields in the table are current yields (coupon \u00f7 price). The YTM moves even further in the same direction, because the \u20b980 premium is lost at maturity (pushing YTM below 6.48%), while the \u20b950 discount is gained at maturity (pushing YTM above 7.37%).<\/p>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><b><\/b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77904 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds.png\" alt=\"Credit Risk Funds\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Credit-Risk-Funds-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<p>Credit Risk Funds are the adrenaline junkies of the debt world. Their mandate is to invest at least 65% in lower-rated corporate bonds (AA and below, excluding AA+). These bonds pay higher interest because the issuers are riskier. The fund manager\u2019s bet is that the company will not default and may even improve its credit rating over time. If that happens, the bond price rises, boosting the fund\u2019s NAV along with the coupon income.<\/p>\r\n<p>Picture a landlord renting out property to a tenant with a shaky financial history. The tenant agrees to pay double the rent to compensate for the risk. If the tenant stabilizes his income, the landlord benefits both from the high rent and from the improved reputation of the property. But if the tenant defaults, the landlord suffers a heavy loss. That\u2019s exactly how credit risk funds operate.<\/p>\r\n<p>The danger lies in concentration. Even within SEBI\u2019s single-issuer limits (lower for lower-rated papers), some funds allocate large chunks to a single company. If that company defaults, the NAV can collapse overnight. For retail investors, this risk is unnecessary. Most personal financial goals\u2014retirement, education, home purchase\u2014can be achieved with safer debt categories. Credit Risk Funds are better left to institutional players who can absorb shocks. For individuals, avoiding them is the wiser choice.<\/p>\r\n<p>High ratings are no guarantee either. DHFL was rated AAA until early 2019, was downgraded as its troubles grew and defaulted in June 2019. The losses hit many debt schemes, not only credit risk funds, which is why every debt investor should check the quality of the papers in a portfolio.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Credit Risk Funds<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Aspect<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Explanation<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Mandate<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>At least 65% in bonds rated AA &amp; below (excluding AA+).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Nippon India Credit Risk Fund (formerly Reliance Credit Risk Fund).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>High Yield<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Lower-rated issuers pay higher interest.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Bonds of stressed issuers such as DHFL traded at high yields before default.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Concentration Danger<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Large exposure to one issuer magnifies risk.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>DHFL default in 2019 caused sharp NAV markdowns.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Suitability<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Better for institutions, not retail investors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Affected schemes suffered sharp losses and side-pocketing.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide04' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Accrued-Interest' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>15.4 .<\/strong><strong><b>Accrued Interest<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77929 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest.png\" alt=\"Accrued Interest\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Accrued-Interest-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Now let\u2019s talk about accrued interest. Suppose a bond pays its annual coupon every 1st January. If you buy the bond in July, the seller has already held it for six months and earned half the year\u2019s interest. To be fair, you compensate the seller for that portion by paying a slightly higher price, which includes accrued interest. When January arrives, you\u2019ll receive the full coupon, even though you only held the bond for half the year. This adjustment ensures fairness between buyer and seller.<\/p>\r\n<p>In bond markets, the settlement price\u00a0(the amount you pay) includes accrued interest and is called the \u201cdirty price.\u201d The price excluding accrued interest is the \u201cclean price.\u201d For example, if the clean price is \u20b91,020 and six months of accrued interest on a 7% coupon is \u20b935, the dirty price you pay is \u20b91,055. This mechanism ensures that the seller is paid interest for the period they held the bond, and the buyer earns interest only for the period they hold it.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Accrued Interest<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Term<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Meaning<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Clean Price<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Price excluding accrued interest.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b91,020<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Accrued Interest<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Interest earned by seller till date.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b935<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><strong><b>Dirty Price<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>Settlement price (Clean + Accrued).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u20b91,055<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><strong><b>Example:<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A bond pays coupon every 1st January.<\/li>\r\n<li>You buy in July \u2192 seller already earned 6 months\u2019 interest.<\/li>\r\n<li>You pay <strong><b>dirty price <\/b><\/strong>(includes accrued interest).<\/li>\r\n<li>In January, you still receive full coupon (\u20b970).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide05' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>15.5 .<\/strong><strong><b>Should you invest in bonds?<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77930 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds.png\" alt=\"Should You Invest in Bonds\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Should-You-Invest-in-Bonds-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Many investors lean heavily toward equities because of their growth potential. But market shocks\u2014like the sudden crash during the pandemic\u2014remind us that diversification is essential. When stock indices fell sharply, even many long-term SIPs briefly showed negative returns, leaving equity only investors exposed. Bonds, gold, and fixed deposits act as stabilizers in such times. They may not deliver spectacular returns, but they provide safety and predictable income.<\/p>\r\n<p>Today, you can build a portfolio using a mix of assets: equities for growth, mutual funds for diversification, bonds for stability, gold for inflation protection, and fixed deposits for liquidity. The right blend depends on your goals\u2014whether it\u2019s wealth creation, retirement planning, or capital preservation. Bonds deserve a place in that mix because they balance risk and return, ensuring your portfolio doesn\u2019t crumble during market downturns.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Should You Invest in Bonds?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Bonds stabilize portfolios during equity downturns.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong><b>Examples of Diversification:<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Equities<\/b><\/strong>: Growth (Infosys, Reliance shares).<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Bonds<\/b><\/strong>: Stability (PFC, NHAI tax-free bonds).<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Gold<\/b><\/strong>: Inflation hedge.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>FDs<\/b><\/strong>: Liquidity.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>During the COVID-19 crash (February\u2013March 2020), the Nifty 50 and Sensex fell about 38% from their January 2020 peaks. High-quality bonds and gilt funds cushioned portfolios, proving their stabilizing role.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id='text_slider_slide06' class='sa_hover_container' data-hash='Key-Takeaways' style='padding:4.9% 5%; margin:0px 0%; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height:405px; '><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>15.6.<\/strong><strong><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-76118 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4.png\" alt=\"Key Takeaways\" width=\"444\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4.png 444w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-300x282.png 300w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-50x47.png 50w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-100x94.png 100w, https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Key-Takeaways-4-150x141.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 444px) 100vw, 444px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Tax-free bonds <\/b><\/strong>provide interest income exempt from tax (no new issues since 2015\u201316; they are available only in the secondary market).<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>PSU bonds <\/b><\/strong>generally carry low credit risk because of government ownership, though most are not explicitly government-guaranteed.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Coupon rate <\/b><\/strong>is fixed on face value, but actual returns depend on purchase price.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Yield to Maturity <\/b><\/strong>reflects the true return considering both coupon and redemption value.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Accrued interest <\/b><\/strong>ensures fairness between buyer and seller during coupon cycles.<\/li>\r\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Diversification <\/b><\/strong>with bonds and other assets protects against equity market shocks.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script type='text\/javascript'>\n\tjQuery(document).ready(function() {\n\t\tjQuery('#text_slider').owlCarousel({\n\t\t\titems : 1,\n\t\t\tsmartSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tautoplay : false,\n\t\t\tautoplayHoverPause : false,\n\t\t\tsmartSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tfluidSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tautoplaySpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tnavSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tdotsSpeed : 400,\n\t\t\tdotsEach : 1,\n\t\t\tloop : false,\n\t\t\tnav : true,\n\t\t\tnavText : ['Previous','Next'],\n\t\t\tdots : true,\n\t\t\tresponsiveRefreshRate : 200,\n\t\t\tslideBy : 1,\n\t\t\tmergeFit : true,\n\t\t\tautoHeight : true,\n\t\t\tmouseDrag : false,\n\t\t\ttouchDrag : true\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('#text_slider').css('visibility', 'visible');\n\t\tvar owl_goto = jQuery('#text_slider');\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto1').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 0);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto2').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 1);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto3').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 2);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto4').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 3);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto5').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 4);\n\t\t});\n\t\tjQuery('.text_slider_goto6').click(function(event){\n\t\t\towl_goto.trigger('to.owl.carousel', 5);\n\t\t});\n\t\tvar resize_77925 = jQuery('.owl-carousel');\n\t\tresize_77925.on('initialized.owl.carousel', function(e) {\n\t\t\tif (typeof(Event) === 'function') {\n\t\t\t\twindow.dispatchEvent(new Event('resize'));\n\t\t\t} else {\n\t\t\t\tvar evt = window.document.createEvent('UIEvents');\n\t\t\t\tevt.initUIEvent('resize', true, false, window, 0);\n\t\t\t\twindow.dispatchEvent(evt);\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t});\n\t});\n<\/script>\n<\/p>                    <\/div>\n\t\t        \n                    <div id=\"videos-tab\" class=\"clearfix eael-tab-content-item \" data-title-link=\"videos-tab\">\n\t\t\t\t        <p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/coming-soon-person-g8026473a8_1920-removebg-preview.png\" \/><\/p>                    <\/div>\n\t\t                    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Study Slides Videos 17.1 Understanding Arbitrage Arbitrage is one of those fascinating concepts in finance that seems deceptively simple but is layered with complexity. At its heart, arbitrage is about exploiting price differences for the same asset across different markets. The principle is straightforward: buy low in one market, sell high in another, and pocket &#8230; <a title=\"Arbitrage Funds\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/course\/financial-planning-through-mutual-funds-course\/arbitrage-funds\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Arbitrage Funds\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":11088,"menu_order":14,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-78094","markets","type-markets","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/markets\/78094","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/markets"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/markets"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78094"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/markets\/78094\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78101,"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/markets\/78094\/revisions\/78101"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/markets\/11088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.5paisa.com\/finschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}