MF asset base at record high of Rs 12 lakh cr in Jan

Industry experts say the monthly rise in AUM is largely on account of gains in equity markets and strong capital inflows

The mutual fund industry's assets under management (AUM) climbed to record high of nearly Rs 12 lakh crore in January on the back of strong capital inflows and surge in equity markets.

The country's 45 fund houses together had an average AUM of Rs 11,81,356 crore at the end of January 31, up from Rs 10,51,343 crore in December-end, according to the data by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).

In November, mutual funds assets base stood at Rs 10.90 lakh crore. The AUM data for individual fund house is not being disclosed.

Mutual fund is an investment vehicle that is made up of a pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments and similar assets.

Industry experts said the monthly rise in AUM is largely on account of gains in equity markets and strong capital inflows. Besides, retail participation in equity schemes has increased significantly during the recent months.

The fund houses together witnessed an inflow of more than Rs 1 lakh crore. During the month, BSE's benchmark Sensex grew by over 1,683 points or nearly 6%.

The share of equity oriented schemes in mutual fund assets has been growing since March 2014, increasing from 22% to 30% in December 2014.

The proportionate share of debt-oriented schemes has fallen from 52% to 45% during the same period.