Investment Opportunities in the Infrastructure Sector

India needs many more roads, railways, power lines, ports, and airports. The government is likely to spend trillions of rupees on big infrastructure projects over the next 10 years. In addition, this may create excellent money-making chances for investors. Additionally, infra funds offer an easy way to invest in these nation-building assets.

Infrastructure is the foundation of progress. Good infrastructure also reduces costs, increases productivity, and drives economic growth. As India’s cities grow and people’s incomes rise, the demand for power, roads, water supply and other infrastructure services will multiply. In response, the government plans massive infrastructure development.

Why Invest in Infrastructure?

Some key advantages of infrastructure investment are:

• High growth potential: With rising demand and government push, the sector promises robust long-term growth.
• Diversification: The infrastructure sector has a low correlation with broader markets. It also provides portfolio diversification.
• Inflation hedge: Infrastructure assets also provide inflation-beating returns over a long tenure.
• Attractive yields: Furthermore, many infrastructure assets generate high results in dividends, interest payouts, etc.
• Socially responsible: Investing in nation-building assets provides an ESG impact.

Avenues to Invest in Infrastructure

Here are some ways to gain exposure to the infrastructure sector:

• Infrastructure stocks: Invest directly in shares of listed infrastructure companies through a stock broking account.
• Infrastructure funds: Invest in mutual funds that allocate capital across infrastructure sectors and companies.
• InvITs: Invest in Infrastructure Investment Trusts that operate toll roads, power transmission assets, etc.
• REITs: Invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts that own commercial real estate like warehouses.
• Bonds: Invest in tax-free and high-yield infrastructure bonds issued by government bodies.
• ETFs: Invest in infrastructure sector exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Evaluating Infrastructure Mutual Funds

Furthermore, infrastructure mutual funds pool money from investors and allocate it across shares of infrastructure companies. Here are aspects to analyze before selecting a fund:

• Track record: Check the fund’s long-term performance across market cycles.
• Portfolio: Also, understand the fund’s sector allocation across roads, power, oil & gas, telecom etc.
• Market cap exposure: Evaluate exposure to large caps for stability and mid/small caps for higher growth.
• Costs: Compare the expense ratio of funds. In fact, lower is better.
• Sectoral funds: This enables targeted infrastructure industry investment.
• Fund House Reputation: Choose funds from established and also trusted fund houses.

Benefits of Investing in Infrastructure Mutual Funds

Infrastructure mutual funds make it easy for retail investors to participate in this sector through a single fund investment. Key benefits include:

• Expertise: Fund managers possess specialized domain knowledge in evaluating infrastructure projects and companies.
• Diversification: Funds invest across sub-sectors and companies to create a diversified portfolio.
• Liquidity: Furthermore, open-ended funds allow entry and exit at any time based on NAV.
• Smaller capital: In addition, funds have lower investment minimums than direct company shares.
• Transparency: Fund portfolios and performance data are available through factsheets and disclosures.

Conclusion

Infrastructure building is slated to accelerate in India. Investors can also benefit by participating in the sector’s growth story. Infrastructure mutual funds offer a convenient and diversified way to add infrastructure exposure to your portfolio. Consider allocating a portion of your long-term investments to this vital sector.