Comparative Analysis of Equity and Debt Mutual Fund Performance and Investor Preferences

This study investigates the comparative performance of equity and debt mutual funds and examines investor preferences in the Indian retail market. Mutual funds play a pivotal role in channeling savings into capital markets, providing both return opportunities and risk management. The report utilizes both primary data—collected through a structured survey of 263 respondents—and secondary data from reliable sources like AMFI and SEBI. Key variables analyzed include investment objective, risk tolerance, demographic influence, fund-switching behavior, and satisfaction levels. The findings suggest that equity mutual funds attract younger, risk-tolerant investors for long-term capital appreciation, while debt funds cater to conservative investors seeking capital safety and stable returns. The study underscores the importance of investor awareness and recommends enhanced financial literacy initiatives and customized advisory services to improve investment decisions and align them with individual financial goals.