Compounding in Mutual Funds: What It Is & How It Works

Reviewed by: Fibe Research Team

  • Updated on: 17 Jun 2025
Compounding in Mutual Funds: What It Is & How It Works

When it comes to investments, understanding the meaning of compounding can help you create wealth at a faster pace. Not many investors are aware that you can also benefit from the power of compounding in your mutual fund investments. Over time, compounding can increase your investment to a substantial amount. 

Read on to learn more about compounding and how you can utilise it for maximum gain in investment.

What is Compounding?

Compounding happens when your investment earns returns and those returns are reinvested to earn even more. Over time, this creates a snowball effect that helps your money grow faster.

Three main factors influence the power of compounding:

  • Investment amount

The higher your initial investment and regular contributions, the stronger the compounding effect.

  • Investment growth rate

A higher rate of return leads to faster growth. But always remember to balance returns with the risk involved.

  • Investment duration

The longer you stay invested, the greater the compounding impact. Even small amounts can grow significantly over time with patience.

How Compound Interest Works in Mutual Fund Investments?

When you invest your money in mutual funds, you have the potential to earn returns in the form of dividends. The fund houses, from time to time, distribute the dividend among investors. 

By opting for a reinvestment plan, you can take advantage of compounding interest. For example, say you get a dividend on your investment amount. Instead of withdrawing it, the amount gets reinvested automatically. The continuous addition increases the number of fund units.

You can refer to this example of compounding to understand how compounding works on the principal amount. Let’s say you invested ₹10,000 at an annual interest rate of 10%. 

If you collect or set aside the earned interest, which is ₹1,000, you will get interest of the same ₹1,000 for the next year. But if you reinvest the interest amount with the principal amount, you can get ₹1,100 next year. 

This can compound over time, making a huge difference. This works in the same way when dividends in mutual funds are reinvested.

How to Get the Benefits of Compounding

Consider the factors below to maximise the benefit of compounding:

  • Adjusting your portfolio according to your goals is essential, as you can have a better alignment with your investment needs
  • By investing early, you can gain more advantages to fulfil your financial goals
  • Picking different stocks can help diversify your portfolio and enhance the potential of earning returns
  • Making contributions consistently also helps you leverage the benefit of compounding

The Impact of Compounding on the Returns of Your Investments

Compounding can quietly but powerfully grow your investments over time. It means you earn returns not just on your original investment but also on the returns it has already generated. The longer you stay invested, the stronger the compounding effect becomes. Even a small amount, if left to grow undisturbed, can turn into a large sum over the years. This is why starting early and staying invested is key to building wealth through mutual funds.

Tips to Maximise the Power of Compounding

Here are some tips to make the most of compounding and grow your money over time:

  • Start early to give your money more time to grow
  • Invest regularly, even small amounts add up
  • Reinvest your returns regularly instead of withdrawing them
  • Stay invested for longer periods to maximise the effect
  • Choose investment options that match your goals and offer growth

Compounding works when you invest your capital for the long term. During this time, breaking your investment is not advisable. Instead, you can take a loan for your urgent financial needs while potentially accumulating wealth from the funds invested in mutual fund schemes. 

You can simply opt for the Fibe Loan Against Mutual Funds and get access to instant cash up to ₹10 lakhs in just a few clicks. Pay interest only for the amount you use. Register on our website or download our Fibe Loan App to get a quick loan online. 

FAQs on Compounding in Mutual Funds

Are mutual funds compounded daily?

Mutual funds have different compounding frequencies, depending on the specific fund and its policies. The frequencies include:

  • Daily
  • Monthly
  • Quarterly
  • Annually

Does SIP compound monthly?

SIPs are a method to invest in mutual funds through instalments. Mutual funds via SIPs are typically compounded monthly. 

Can I track the compounding effect on my mutual fund investments?

Knowing what compounding is and the dividend amount that is reinvested, you can track the compounding effect.

Can I expect the same compounding effect with all mutual funds?

The power of compounding interest depends on various factors like investment amount, time and rate of interest. Hence, the compounding effect will vary.

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