Riskometer – What It Really Means for You

The Riskometer on your mutual fund factsheet isn't just a label — it reflects the fund's true risk. Here’s how to read it and use it in your investment decisions.

10/06/2025

Introduction

" Ever noticed the color-coded dial on your mutual fund factsheet? That’s the Riskometer, a SEBI-mandated tool that shows how risky your fund is. But many investors either ignore it or misinterpret it. 

 In this post, we decode the Riskometer — what the labels mean, how it’s calculated, and what it means for your investment goals.

What Is the Riskometer?

The Riskometer classifies a mutual fund into six risk categories:

  • Low
  • Low to Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Moderately High
  • High
  • Very High
    It considers volatility, asset class, duration, and credit risk.

✅ Why It Matters

  • Helps match your risk appetite with the fund’s profile
  • Crucial for goal-based investing
  • Indicates how volatile your NAV journey may be
Real-Life Example: Anjali vs. Rajat
  • Anjali, age 50, needs stable income. She picks a “Moderate” risk hybrid fund.
  • Rajat, age 28, aims for high growth and chooses a “Very High” risk mid-cap fund.
In a market dip, Rajat’s fund drops 18%, while Anjali’s only falls 4%. But over 3 years, Rajat’s CAGR is 14.2%, Anjali’s is 9.1%. Risk matched their goals.

  Conclusion 

 The Riskometer is your first filter — it tells you if the fund’s temperament suits yours. Ignore it, and you might invest in a fund that makes you lose sleep.

Don’t just see the return chart. Look at the Riskometer. Let it guide your choices based on age, goals, and risk tolerance.

Summary Table: Riskometer Breakdown

Risk Level Typical Fund Types Suitable For Expected Volatility
Low Liquid, Overnight Funds Ultra-conservative investors <1%
Moderate Hybrid Conservative, Short Debt Income-seeking retirees 2–4%
High Equity, Sectoral, Mid/Small-Cap Aggressive long-term investors 12–18%
Very High Thematic, Micro-Cap Speculative growth seekers 20%+

Dr. Satish Vadapalli
Research Analyst