SIP vs FD: Systematic Investment Plan vs Fixed Deposit
Compare the wealth-generation potential of Equity Mutual Fund SIPs against the capital safety of Bank Fixed Deposits.
Equity Mutual Fund SIP
Disciplined monthly investing for compounding long-term wealth
Goals 5+ years away (Retirement, Children's Higher Education, Wealth Creation)
- 12% to 14% historical annualized returns
- Beats inflation consistently over 7+ years
- Tax efficient (12.5% LTCG with ₹1.25L annual exemption)
- High liquidity without lock-in (except ELSS)
- Subject to short-term market volatility
- Returns are not guaranteed
Bank Fixed Deposit (FD)
Guaranteed fixed interest returns with zero market risk
Short-term goals (under 3 years), Emergency Funds, and Senior Citizens seeking steady income
- 100% guaranteed principal and interest rate
- Insured up to ₹5 Lakh by DICGC per bank
- Predictable cash flow and tenor
- Zero market volatility
- Low post-tax returns (4.5% - 5.5% in 30% slab)
- Barely beats or lags real inflation
- Penalty on premature liquidation
The Ankiva One Verdict & Action Plan
For any goal more than 5 years away, Equity SIPs generate 2x to 3x more wealth than FDs. Keep 6 months of emergency living expenses in FDs and invest your monthly surplus in SIPs.
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