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Debt Mutual Funds vs Arbitrage Funds (Post-2023 Tax Rules)
How Arbitrage Funds became the go-to tax-efficient replacement for FDs and Liquid Funds for high tax brackets.
Core Takeaways for Indian Investors
- ✓Since April 1, 2023, Debt Mutual Funds no longer get indexation; gains are taxed at your income tax slab rate.
- ✓Arbitrage Funds exploit price discrepancies between Cash and Futures stock markets with near-zero equity risk.
- ✓Because they hold 65%+ in equity derivatives, Arbitrage Funds are taxed as EQUITY (12.5% LTCG, 20% STCG).
- ✓For investors in the 30% tax bracket, Arbitrage funds deliver much higher post-tax yields than FDs or Liquid funds for 6-12 month horizons.
#1How Arbitrage Funds Deliver Safe Returns with Equity Taxation
An arbitrage fund buys a stock in the cash market (e.g. Infy at ₹1,800) and simultaneously sells the same stock in the futures market (e.g. Infy Futures at ₹1,810). The ₹10 spread is locked-in risk-free profit. Because SEBI classifies them as equity-oriented funds (>65% equity exposure), their capital gains enjoy equity tax rates instead of your 30% slab rate!
Interactive Simulator
FD vs Arbitrage Post-Tax Calculator
Compare real post-tax returns across 10%, 20%, and 30% tax brackets
Knowledge Check: Test Your Understanding
1 QuestionWhy are Arbitrage Funds popular among investors in the 30% tax bracket for short-term parking?