+91-22-4891390910 Corporate Bond Mutual Funds to Invest 2026 - 2027
In the last few years, corporate bond Mutual Funds have quietly become one of the most sensible choices for investors looking beyond fixed deposits but without taking equity-level risk.
As interest rates fluctuate and Volatility remains a constant in equity markets, corporate bond funds offer a middle ground — better return potential than FDs and relatively lower risk compared to equity-oriented funds.
Corporate bond mutual funds invest primarily in debt instruments issued by well-established companies. These companies raise money by issuing Bonds, and in return, they pay regular interest to investors.
Corporate bond mutual funds are often preferred by investors who want stable income, predictable returns, and controlled risk. Over a full market cycle, they have the potential to deliver returns higher than traditional fixed-income options like Bank FDs.
That said, higher returns usually come with higher credit risk — which is why fund quality and Portfolio composition matter more here than anywhere else.
What Are Corporate Bond Mutual Funds?
Corporate bond mutual funds invest at least 80% of their assets in high-rated corporate debt instruments. These typically include bonds issued by:
- Large private sector companies
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Financial institutions and banks
Most corporate bond funds focus on AAA and AA+ rated papers, making them relatively safer within the debt mutual fund universe.
Types of Corporate Bond Funds
Broadly, corporate bond funds can be classified into two categories based on credit quality:
1. High-Rated Corporate Bond Funds
These funds invest predominantly in AAA-rated companies, PSUs, and banking institutions. Credit risk is low, but returns tend to be moderate and stable.
Best suited for:
- Conservative investors
- Retirees seeking regular income
- Investors transitioning from FDs
2. Moderate Credit Risk Corporate Bond Funds
These funds allocate a portion of their portfolio to AA or AA- rated companies. While returns may be slightly higher, credit risk is also elevated.
Best suited for:
- Investors with moderate risk appetite
- Those who understand credit cycles
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Who Should Invest in Corporate Bonds?
Corporate bond funds are suitable for investors who:
- Want higher fixed-income returns than FDs
- Prefer relatively low volatility
- Have an investment horizon of 2–4 years or more
- Want regular income with better tax efficiency than traditional instruments
While these funds aim to protect capital, no debt fund is entirely risk-free. Diversification across issuers and high credit quality remain key.
Key Features of Corporate Bond Funds
1. Bond Price
Bond prices fluctuate based on interest rate movements and credit perception. The same bond may trade at different prices depending on market conditions.
2. Par Value
Par Value represents the principal amount returned at maturity. In India, most corporate bonds have a par value of ₹1,000.
Fund Selection Methodology used to find 10 funds
Top Rated Corporate Bond Mutual Funds FY 26 - 27
Fund NAV Net Assets (Cr) 3 MO (%) 6 MO (%) 1 YR (%) 3 YR (%) 2024 (%) Debt Yield (YTM) Mod. Duration Eff. Maturity Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund Growth ₹104.251
↑ 0.07 ₹1,283 0.7 1.9 4.7 7.2 9.1 7.79% 3Y 1M 24D 5Y 4M 17D ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹31.071
↑ 0.02 ₹32,682 0.4 1.3 4.2 7 8 7.75% 2Y 11M 19D 5Y 2M 12D BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹28.5841
↑ 0.03 ₹242 0.3 1.1 3.7 6.8 8.3 7.44% 2Y 25D 2Y 8M 12D Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹19.9495
↑ 0.01 ₹13,499 0.5 1.3 3.7 6.7 7.4 7.35% 1Y 10M 6D 2Y 2M 26D Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard Growth ₹3,907.19
↑ 2.74 ₹16,877 0 0.8 3.3 6.7 7.8 7.74% 2Y 8M 26D 3Y 10M 24D Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹41.4918
↑ 0.02 ₹616 0.1 0.7 3.1 6.5 7.5 7.52% 2Y 1M 28D 2Y 3M 18D Nippon India Prime Debt Fund Growth ₹62.0581
↑ 0.05 ₹8,246 0 0.8 3.1 6.8 7.8 7.66% 2Y 6M 4D 3Y 22D Invesco India Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹3,275.66
↑ 3.03 ₹5,494 -0.2 0.5 2.8 6.5 7.6 7.55% 3Y 29D 4Y 14D Canara Robeco Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹22.3526
↑ 0.01 ₹109 0.2 0.9 2.7 5.8 6.1 7.09% 1Y 8M 30D 2Y 1M 7D Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund Growth ₹116.191
↑ 0.12 ₹25,168 -0.2 0.5 2.6 6.7 7.4 7.64% 4Y 1M 17D 7Y Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 22 May 26 Research Highlights & Commentary of 10 Funds showcased
Commentary Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund Nippon India Prime Debt Fund Invesco India Corporate Bond Fund Canara Robeco Corporate Bond Fund Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund Point 1 Lower mid AUM (₹1,283 Cr). Highest AUM (₹32,682 Cr). Bottom quartile AUM (₹242 Cr). Upper mid AUM (₹13,499 Cr). Upper mid AUM (₹16,877 Cr). Bottom quartile AUM (₹616 Cr). Upper mid AUM (₹8,246 Cr). Lower mid AUM (₹5,494 Cr). Bottom quartile AUM (₹109 Cr). Top quartile AUM (₹25,168 Cr). Point 2 Established history (28+ yrs). Established history (16+ yrs). Established history (17+ yrs). Established history (10+ yrs). Established history (18+ yrs). Established history (21+ yrs). Established history (25+ yrs). Established history (18+ yrs). Established history (12+ yrs). Oldest track record among peers (29 yrs). Point 3 Rating: 2★ (lower mid). Rating: 4★ (top quartile). Rating: 3★ (upper mid). Not Rated. Rating: 4★ (upper mid). Rating: 3★ (lower mid). Rating: 4★ (upper mid). Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile). Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile). Top rated. Point 4 Risk profile: Moderate. Risk profile: Moderately Low. Risk profile: Moderate. Risk profile: Moderate. Risk profile: Moderately Low. Risk profile: Moderately Low. Risk profile: Moderately Low. Risk profile: Moderate. Risk profile: Moderate. Risk profile: Moderately Low. Point 5 1Y return: 4.75% (top quartile). 1Y return: 4.24% (top quartile). 1Y return: 3.72% (upper mid). 1Y return: 3.67% (upper mid). 1Y return: 3.34% (upper mid). 1Y return: 3.14% (lower mid). 1Y return: 3.14% (lower mid). 1Y return: 2.75% (bottom quartile). 1Y return: 2.70% (bottom quartile). 1Y return: 2.57% (bottom quartile). Point 6 1M return: -0.07% (top quartile). 1M return: -0.45% (upper mid). 1M return: -0.37% (upper mid). 1M return: -0.45% (upper mid). 1M return: -0.53% (bottom quartile). 1M return: -0.46% (lower mid). 1M return: -0.51% (bottom quartile). 1M return: -0.51% (lower mid). 1M return: -0.32% (top quartile). 1M return: -0.67% (bottom quartile). Point 7 Sharpe: 0.09 (top quartile). Sharpe: -0.28 (top quartile). Sharpe: -0.38 (upper mid). Sharpe: -0.71 (upper mid). Sharpe: -0.66 (upper mid). Sharpe: -0.91 (bottom quartile). Sharpe: -0.72 (lower mid). Sharpe: -0.89 (bottom quartile). Sharpe: -1.53 (bottom quartile). Sharpe: -0.87 (lower mid). Point 8 Information ratio: 0.00 (top quartile). Information ratio: 0.00 (top quartile). Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid). Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid). Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid). Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid). Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid). Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile). Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile). Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile). Point 9 Yield to maturity (debt): 7.79% (top quartile). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.75% (top quartile). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.44% (bottom quartile). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.35% (bottom quartile). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.74% (upper mid). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.52% (lower mid). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.66% (upper mid). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.55% (lower mid). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.09% (bottom quartile). Yield to maturity (debt): 7.64% (upper mid). Point 10 Modified duration: 3.15 yrs (bottom quartile). Modified duration: 2.97 yrs (lower mid). Modified duration: 2.07 yrs (upper mid). Modified duration: 1.85 yrs (top quartile). Modified duration: 2.74 yrs (lower mid). Modified duration: 2.16 yrs (upper mid). Modified duration: 2.51 yrs (upper mid). Modified duration: 3.08 yrs (bottom quartile). Modified duration: 1.75 yrs (top quartile). Modified duration: 4.13 yrs (bottom quartile). Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund
ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund
BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund
Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund
Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard
Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund
Nippon India Prime Debt Fund
Invesco India Corporate Bond Fund
Canara Robeco Corporate Bond Fund
Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund
All the funds mentioned above are ideal, we are giving you detailed analysis of 5 funds.
(Erstwhile Franklin India Income Builder Account - Plan A) The investment objective of the Scheme is primarily to provide investors Regular income under the Dividend Plan and Capital appreciation under the Growth Plan. Below is the key information for Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Plan) ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Plan is an open-ended income fund that intends to generate regular income through investments in a basket of debt and money market instruments of very short maturities with a view to providing reasonable returns, while maintaining an optimum balance of safety, liquidity and yield. However, there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the scheme will be realized. Research Highlights for ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund Below is the key information for ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The investment objective of the Scheme is to generate income and capital gains through investments in a portfolio of debt and money market instruments. However, there can be no assurance that the investment objectives of the Scheme will be realized. The Scheme launched hereunder does not guarantee/indicate any returns. Research Highlights for BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund Below is the key information for BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The Fund seeks to provide steady income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in corporate debt securities across maturities and ratings. There is no assurance or guarantee that the objectives of the scheme will be realised. Research Highlights for Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund Below is the key information for Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The primary objective of the Scheme is to generate income through investment primarily in low duration debt & money market securities. However, there is no
assurance that the objective of the scheme will be realized. Research Highlights for Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard Below is the key information for Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard Returns up to 1 year are on 1. Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund
Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund
Growth Launch Date 23 Jun 97 NAV (22 May 26) ₹104.251 ↑ 0.07 (0.07 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹1,283 on 30 Apr 26 Category Debt - Corporate Bond AMC Franklin Templeton Asst Mgmt(IND)Pvt Ltd Rating ☆☆ Risk Moderate Expense Ratio 0.79 Sharpe Ratio 0.09 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 10,000 Min SIP Investment 500 Exit Load 0-1 Years (0.5%),1 Years and above(NIL) Yield to Maturity 7.79% Effective Maturity 5 Years 4 Months 17 Days Modified Duration 3 Years 1 Month 24 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Apr 21 ₹10,000 30 Apr 22 ₹10,340 30 Apr 23 ₹10,833 30 Apr 24 ₹11,519 30 Apr 25 ₹12,686 30 Apr 26 ₹13,422 Returns for Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 22 May 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -0.1% 3 Month 0.7% 6 Month 1.9% 1 Year 4.7% 3 Year 7.2% 5 Year 6% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 8.4% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 9.1% 2023 7.6% 2022 6.5% 2021 3.2% 2020 3.8% 2019 9% 2018 9.2% 2017 7.5% 2016 7.7% 2015 9% Fund Manager information for Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund
Name Since Tenure Rahul Goswami 6 Oct 23 2.57 Yr. Anuj Tagra 7 Mar 24 2.15 Yr. Chandni Gupta 7 Mar 24 2.15 Yr. Data below for Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund as on 30 Apr 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 5.6% Debt 94.1% Other 0.3% Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Corporate 71.84% Government 22.26% Cash Equivalent 5.6% Credit Quality
Rating Value AA 7.58% AAA 92.42% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity Poonawalla Fincorp Limited
Debentures | -6% ₹80 Cr 8,000 Power Finance Corporation Limited
Debentures | -6% ₹75 Cr 7,500 6.9% Govt Stock 2065
Sovereign Bonds | -5% ₹59 Cr 6,354,500
↓ -1,600,000 LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Debentures | -5% ₹58 Cr 5,500 RJ Corp Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹55 Cr 5,467 Maharashtra (Government of) 7.66%
- | -4% ₹54 Cr 5,500,000
↑ 5,500,000 Summit Digitel Infrastructure Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹51 Cr 5,000 Rec Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹50 Cr 9,000 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -4% ₹50 Cr 5,000
↑ 5,000 Embassy Office Parks Reit
Debentures | -4% ₹50 Cr 5,000 2. ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund
ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund
Growth Launch Date 11 Aug 09 NAV (22 May 26) ₹31.071 ↑ 0.02 (0.08 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹32,682 on 30 Apr 26 Category Debt - Corporate Bond AMC ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited Rating ☆☆☆☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 0.57 Sharpe Ratio -0.29 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 100 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 7.75% Effective Maturity 5 Years 2 Months 12 Days Modified Duration 2 Years 11 Months 19 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Apr 21 ₹10,000 30 Apr 22 ₹10,379 30 Apr 23 ₹11,041 30 Apr 24 ₹11,863 30 Apr 25 ₹12,960 30 Apr 26 ₹13,645 Returns for ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 22 May 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -0.5% 3 Month 0.4% 6 Month 1.3% 1 Year 4.2% 3 Year 7% 5 Year 6.3% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 8% 2023 8% 2022 7.6% 2021 4.5% 2020 4.1% 2019 10.4% 2018 9.9% 2017 6.4% 2016 6.3% 2015 9.8% Fund Manager information for ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund
Name Since Tenure Manish Banthia 22 Jan 24 2.27 Yr. Ritesh Lunawat 22 Jan 24 2.27 Yr. Data below for ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund as on 30 Apr 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 15.62% Debt 84.06% Other 0.32% Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Corporate 59.62% Government 25.06% Cash Equivalent 15% Credit Quality
Rating Value AA 0.54% AAA 99.46% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Debentures | -5% ₹1,452 Cr 145,500 SIDDHIVINAYAK SECURITISATION TRUST
Unlisted bonds | -3% ₹984 Cr 1,000 SHIVSHAKTI SECURITISATION TRUST
Unlisted bonds | -3% ₹885 Cr 900 Small Industries Development Bank Of India
Debentures | -3% ₹784 Cr 79,433 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -2% ₹745 Cr 74,550
↑ 5,000 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -2% ₹624 Cr 62,500
↑ 5,000 6.9% Govt Stock 2065
Sovereign Bonds | -2% ₹570 Cr 64,000,000 7.34% Govt Stock 2064
Sovereign Bonds | -2% ₹554 Cr 58,412,000 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -2% ₹541 Cr 54,000 Rec Limited
Debentures | -2% ₹525 Cr 52,500 3. BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund
BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund
Growth Launch Date 8 Nov 08 NAV (22 May 26) ₹28.5841 ↑ 0.03 (0.09 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹242 on 30 Apr 26 Category Debt - Corporate Bond AMC BNP Paribas Asset Mgmt India Pvt. Ltd Rating ☆☆☆ Risk Moderate Expense Ratio 0.58 Sharpe Ratio -0.38 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 300 Exit Load 0-12 Months (1%),12-24 Months (0.5%),24-36 Months (0.25%),36 Months and above(NIL) Yield to Maturity 7.44% Effective Maturity 2 Years 8 Months 12 Days Modified Duration 2 Years 25 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Apr 21 ₹10,000 30 Apr 22 ₹10,187 30 Apr 23 ₹10,669 30 Apr 24 ₹11,368 30 Apr 25 ₹12,515 30 Apr 26 ₹13,140 Returns for BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 22 May 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -0.4% 3 Month 0.3% 6 Month 1.1% 1 Year 3.7% 3 Year 6.8% 5 Year 5.5% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.2% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 8.3% 2023 8.3% 2022 7% 2021 1.6% 2020 2.2% 2019 9.9% 2018 0.9% 2017 5.2% 2016 6.7% 2015 10.8% Fund Manager information for BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund
Name Since Tenure Gurvinder Wasan 21 Oct 24 1.53 Yr. Vikram Pamnani 11 Jul 24 1.81 Yr. Data below for BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund as on 30 Apr 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 10.44% Equity 4.46% Debt 84.62% Other 0.48% Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Corporate 70.4% Government 14.22% Cash Equivalent 10.44% Credit Quality
Rating Value AAA 100% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity Ntpc Limited
Debentures | -6% ₹15 Cr 150 Small Industries Development Bank Of India
Debentures | -4% ₹12 Cr 1,200 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 1,000 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 100 LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 1,000 Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 1,000 Bajaj Finance Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 1,000 Ultratech Cement Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 1,000 GAil (India) Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 100 Tata Capital Housing Finance Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹10 Cr 1,000 4. Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund
Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund
Growth Launch Date 12 Jan 16 NAV (22 May 26) ₹19.9495 ↑ 0.01 (0.07 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹13,499 on 30 Apr 26 Category Debt - Corporate Bond AMC IDFC Asset Management Company Limited Rating Risk Moderate Expense Ratio 0.65 Sharpe Ratio -0.71 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 7.35% Effective Maturity 2 Years 2 Months 26 Days Modified Duration 1 Year 10 Months 6 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Apr 21 ₹10,000 30 Apr 22 ₹10,344 30 Apr 23 ₹10,789 30 Apr 24 ₹11,486 30 Apr 25 ₹12,579 30 Apr 26 ₹13,176 Returns for Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 22 May 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -0.5% 3 Month 0.5% 6 Month 1.3% 1 Year 3.7% 3 Year 6.7% 5 Year 5.5% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.9% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 7.4% 2023 7.7% 2022 6.8% 2021 2.6% 2020 3.7% 2019 11.6% 2018 8.5% 2017 6.3% 2016 6.2% 2015 Fund Manager information for Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund
Name Since Tenure Suyash Choudhary 28 Jul 21 4.76 Yr. Gautam Kaul 1 Dec 21 4.41 Yr. Brijesh Shah 10 Jun 24 1.89 Yr. Data below for Bandhan Corporate Bond Fund as on 30 Apr 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 9.12% Debt 90.55% Other 0.33% Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Corporate 59.51% Government 36.69% Cash Equivalent 3.48% Credit Quality
Rating Value AAA 100% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 6.68% Govt Stock 2040
Sovereign Bonds | -11% ₹1,472 Cr 154,300,000
↑ 138,100,000 Larsen And Toubro Limited
Debentures | -5% ₹687 Cr 68,000,000 Reliance Industries Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹510 Cr 49,000,000
↓ -2,500,000 Nuclear Power Corporation Of India Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹508 Cr 50,400,000 Reliance Industries Limited
Debentures | -4% ₹492 Cr 47,500,000 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -3% ₹371 Cr 37,000,000
↑ 35,000,000 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -2% ₹345 Cr 35,000,000
↑ 32,500,000 Rec Limited
Debentures | -2% ₹344 Cr 35,000,000 Ultratech Cement Limited
Debentures | -2% ₹326 Cr 32,500,000 LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Debentures | -2% ₹276 Cr 27,500,000 5. Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard
Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard
Growth Launch Date 21 Sep 07 NAV (22 May 26) ₹3,907.19 ↑ 2.74 (0.07 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹16,877 on 30 Apr 26 Category Debt - Corporate Bond AMC Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co Ltd Rating ☆☆☆☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 0.67 Sharpe Ratio -0.66 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 7.74% Effective Maturity 3 Years 10 Months 24 Days Modified Duration 2 Years 8 Months 26 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Apr 21 ₹10,000 30 Apr 22 ₹10,395 30 Apr 23 ₹10,936 30 Apr 24 ₹11,684 30 Apr 25 ₹12,826 30 Apr 26 ₹13,415 Returns for Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 22 May 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -0.5% 3 Month 0% 6 Month 0.8% 1 Year 3.3% 3 Year 6.7% 5 Year 5.9% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7.6% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 7.8% 2023 8.3% 2022 6.9% 2021 3.7% 2020 3.8% 2019 9.7% 2018 9.6% 2017 7.5% 2016 6.9% 2015 9.4% Fund Manager information for Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard
Name Since Tenure Deepak Agrawal 1 Feb 15 11.25 Yr. Manu Sharma 1 Nov 22 3.5 Yr. Data below for Kotak Corporate Bond Fund Standard as on 30 Apr 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 3.24% Debt 96.42% Other 0.35% Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Corporate 72.65% Government 24.54% Cash Equivalent 2.46% Credit Quality
Rating Value AAA 100% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -3% ₹524 Cr 52,500 National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -3% ₹474 Cr 47,500
↓ -1,000 Karnataka (Government of) 0.0756%
- | -3% ₹454 Cr 45,700,000 Bajaj Finance Limited
Debentures | -3% ₹436 Cr 43,500 Karnataka State Development Loans
Sovereign Bonds | -3% ₹416 Cr 42,000,000 Power Finance Corporation Limited
Debentures | -3% ₹394 Cr 40,000 Small Industries Development Bank Of India
Debentures | -2% ₹349 Cr 35,000 LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Debentures | -2% ₹305 Cr 3,050 Mahindra And Mahindra Financial Services Limited
Debentures | -2% ₹302 Cr 30,000 7.24% Govt Stock 2055
Sovereign Bonds | -2% ₹301 Cr 32,000,000
Additional Features You Should Understand
Coupon Interest
Coupon interest is the regular interest paid by the bond issuer. It is calculated as a percentage of the par value and forms the steady income component of corporate bond funds.
Yield to Maturity (YTM)
YTM indicates the annualised return an investor can expect if the bond is held until maturity. While a higher YTM looks attractive, it may also signal higher credit or duration risk.
Current Yield
Current yield measures the annual interest income relative to the bond’s current market price. For example, a bond with a ₹1,000 par value and a 20% coupon rate pays ₹200 annually.
Taxation of Corporate Bond Mutual Funds (Updated & Important)
Taxation rules for debt mutual funds changed significantly from 1 April 2023, and these rules continue to apply in 2026–27 for corporate bond mutual funds.
How Corporate Bond Funds Are Taxed
All Capital Gains from corporate bond mutual funds are taxed as per your income tax slab, irrespective of the holding period.
The earlier benefit of 20% long-term capital gains tax with indexation (after 3 years) is no longer available for most debt mutual funds, including corporate bond funds.
Returns from these funds are treated like interest income and added to your total taxable income.
Has Union Budget 2026 Changed Anything?
Union Budget 2026 did not introduce any new tax changes specifically for corporate bond mutual funds. Taxation remains slab-based, providing clarity and stability for investors planning medium-term allocations.
What This Means for Investors
Despite slab-based taxation, corporate bond funds can still make sense for:
- Investors seeking better pre-tax returns than bank fixed deposits
- Those who value daily liquidity and flexibility over lock-in products
- Portfolio diversification within the debt allocation
However, investors in higher tax slabs should always evaluate post-tax returns and avoid treating corporate bond funds as FD replacements.
In summary, while tax efficiency has reduced compared to earlier years, corporate bond mutual funds remain relevant for disciplined investors with a 2–4 year investment horizon.
Risks to Be Aware Of
While corporate bond funds are considered relatively stable, investors should be mindful of the following risks:
- Credit risk: The issuer may default or face a downgrade
- Interest rate risk: Bond prices can fall when interest rates rise
- Liquidity risk: Certain bonds may become difficult to sell during stressed market conditions
Choosing funds with strong credit discipline, diversified portfolios, and experienced fund management helps reduce these risks.
A Real-World Example: Corporate Bond Fund vs Fixed Deposit
Consider an investor in the 30% tax bracket choosing between a corporate bond fund and a bank fixed deposit:
- Corporate bond fund return: 7.5% per annum
- Bank FD return: 6.5% per annum
Both are taxed at slab rates. Even after taxation, the corporate bond fund may still offer better flexibility, daily liquidity, and portfolio diversification compared to an FD — provided the investment is held for the intended medium-term horizon and not treated as short-term parking.
This is why corporate bond funds work best as planned allocations, not substitutes for savings accounts.
Common Mistakes Investors Make in Corporate Bond Funds
Despite being relatively stable, investors often make avoidable mistakes:
- Chasing the highest YTM without understanding the underlying credit risk
- Ignoring credit quality and issuer concentration in the portfolio
- Using corporate bond funds as short-term parking tools, which exposes them to interest rate volatility
Avoiding these mistakes goes a long way in achieving predictable outcomes from corporate bond investments.
Who Should Avoid Corporate Bond Mutual Funds?
Corporate bond mutual funds are not suitable for everyone. You should avoid or limit exposure if you:
- Need money in the short term (less than 12 months)
- Are uncomfortable with temporary NAV fluctuations
- Do not understand credit risk and interest rate risk
- Expect guaranteed or FD-like fixed returns
Investors looking for ultra-safe parking options may consider Liquid Funds or bank fixed deposits instead. Corporate bond funds work best when given time and chosen carefully.
How to Invest in Corporate Bond Funds Online?
Open Free Investment Account for Lifetime at Fincash.com.
Complete your Registration and KYC Process
Upload Documents (PAN, Aadhaar, etc.). And, You are Ready to Invest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are corporate bond mutual funds safe?
A: Corporate bond mutual funds are relatively safer than Equity Funds as they invest in debt instruments. However, they are not risk-free and carry credit risk and interest rate risk depending on the quality and maturity of bonds held.
2. Are corporate bond funds better than fixed deposits?
A: Corporate bond funds do not offer guaranteed returns like fixed deposits. However, they provide higher return potential, better liquidity, and portfolio diversification. The choice depends on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
3. How are corporate bond mutual funds taxed?
A: All gains from corporate bond mutual funds are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab, regardless of how long the investment is held. There is no indexation benefit.
Final Thoughts
Corporate bond mutual funds work best when treated as medium-term allocation tools, not short-term parking instruments. When chosen carefully, they can bring stability, predictability, and better post-tax returns to your portfolio — especially in uncertain market environments.
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Research Highlights for Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund