Does direct-sold funds provide a sizeable edge to investors? Evidences from selected mutual funds in India

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to find out why investors still prefer broker-sold fund over direct-sold fund despite the superior performance of the latter. We find the sensitivity of funds flow in selected direct-sold funds and broker-sold funds in India. We do not find any evidence that direct-sold funds underperform the broker-sold funds. Despite the superior performance of direct-sold funds, Indian investors go for broker-sold funds because of ignorance and also for the additional services provided by the brokers. We find that fund houses in India offer both direct and broker-sold funds to target different segments of investors.

Keywords

• mutual funds
• fund flows
• fund performance
• total net assets