What Are Arbitrage Funds? Simple Guide for Investors
Arbitrage funds try to earn small profits by buying stocks at one price and selling them at another — instantly. They’re low-risk, tax-efficient, and work best when used for short-term parking, not long-term growth.
☕ So… What Exactly Is an Arbitrage Fund?
If it sounds like something you’d need a stock market license to understand — you’re not alone.
A lot of people nod politely when someone mentions arbitrage funds. But behind that nod? Confusion. And maybe a little panic about missing out.
Let’s slow it down. No rush. No jargon. Just the real picture.
👂 Ever Seen This Happen?
You get a call from a friend (or a planner) right around tax season:
“Try arbitrage funds. They’re safer than equity but still taxed like equity. Perfect balance!”
And you're like… okay?
Safe + returns + tax benefits = sounds too good to be true?
You're not wrong for being skeptical.
🧠 What Is It Really?
An arbitrage fund tries to exploit price differences in stocks between two markets — the spot market and the futures market.
Sounds fancy?
Here’s the human version:
- Imagine buying mangoes at Gariahaat for ₹100
- And selling them instantly at New Market for ₹105
- You pocket the ₹5, risk-free (in theory)
Now replace mangoes with stocks — and you’ve got an arbitrage trade.
The fund manager does this over and over, across stocks, every day.
That’s an arbitrage fund.
You don’t trade. They do.
You just invest — and (hopefully) earn the difference.
☂️ What Most People Think (And What Actually Happens)
Myth: “It gives equity-like returns with zero risk.”
Reality:
- Returns are usually similar to liquid or ultra-short debt funds, not equity
- Around 5% to 7% annual returns, post-expense ratio
- Yes, it’s taxed like equity (after 1 year: 10% LTCG)
- But don’t expect stock-market-type growth
And here’s the twist: If markets are too calm, or arbitrage opportunities shrink? Returns fall too.
It’s not magic. It’s maths. Just slightly complicated maths.
🧾 From My Side of the Table
I once met a young salaried investor from Behala. He had just switched jobs, and during bonus season, was exploring short-term options before committing to a larger SIP.
Someone told him, “Try arbitrage funds. No risk. 7% return. Equity tax. Done.”
He came to me with ₹2 lakhs in hand and a confused face.
After one conversation, he realized:
- He didn’t really need arbitrage
- He needed liquidity for 6 months
- And a place to park money, not grow it dramatically
He eventually went with a low-duration debt fund.
The arbitrage idea wasn’t wrong.
It just wasn’t right for him.
💬 Reflective Quote
“Risk isn’t always about returns. Sometimes, it’s about misunderstanding what you’ve bought.”
❓ Mini FAQ
- Q: Is arbitrage completely risk-free?
A: It’s low-risk, not no-risk. Sudden market freezes, liquidity issues, or volatile futures pricing can impact returns. - Q: Is this better than FD?
A: Different purpose. Arbitrage is for slightly better post-tax returns in the short term. FDs offer stability, not strategy. - Q: Who should consider it?
A: Someone who wants to park money for 3–12 months, wants slightly better post-tax returns than liquid funds, and is okay with minor fluctuations.
🧩 Something Most People Get Wrong
Arbitrage funds are often marketed like magic — equity tax, debt safety, zero tension.
But here’s the truth:
- They don’t beat inflation dramatically
- They don’t replace SIPs or FDs
- And they work best in certain market conditions, not all the time
Use them when the goal matches their nature — not because someone said, “it’s safe equity.”
🌱 A Soft, Human Close
If you’ve ever been offered an arbitrage fund and nodded without understanding — you’re not alone.
It’s okay to pause.
It’s okay to ask again.
It’s okay to say, “Can you explain it in human language?”
Because if you're investing blindly, even safe options can feel risky.
And if it still feels cloudy? Maybe it’s time we spoke — offline.
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