Mutual Funds and Indian Society: A Study of Investors' Behaviour and Investment Trends

AbstractIn the current scenario, Mutual funds have become an essential investment vehicle for individuals and institutions worldwide, very helpful in mobilizing savings and channeling them into productive investments. Mutual funds have emerged as a cornerstone of modern financial systems, providing an accessible and efficient mechanism for individuals and institutions to invest in diversified portfolios. Beyond their financial utility, mutual funds significantly influence societal development in various ways. This paper examines the broad impact of mutual funds on Indian society, focusing on their role in economic development, financial literacy, wealth distribution, investors' behaviour and investment trends. By mobilizing individual and institutional savings, mutual funds contribute to capital formation, market stability, and business expansion, thereby fostering economic growth and job creation. In addition to economic benefits, mutual funds are increasingly aligned with societal priorities, poverty reduction, and inequality. However, the growth of mutual funds is not without challenges. Issues such as market volatility, high management fees, and limited investor awareness can hinder their potential to generate positive societal outcomes. This paper seeks to explore the multifaceted investors' behaviour and investment trends about mutual funds in the Indian society, offering insights into their benefits, challenges, and future prospects.