What You Need to Know About Mutual Funds

Halal Investment |

This article will discuss one of the popular halal investments among Muslims. Mutual funds are an excellent method to invest and diversify your portfolio by investing in a variety of securities. However, you want to know what they are, how to invest in them, and which ones are halal.

 

Understanding The Mutual Funds

A mutual fund is a form of financial vehicle that invests in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and other assets by pooling money from many investors. Furthermore, professional money managers manage mutual funds, distribute assets and attempt to generate capital gains or income for the investors’ fund.

The portfolio of a mutual fund is built and managed to meet the investment objectives indicated in the prospectus. In addition, annual fees (known as cost ratios) and, in some cases, commissions are charged by mutual funds, which can affect their overall results.

Mutual funds provide access to professionally managed portfolios of shares, bonds, and other securities to small and individual investors. As a result, each stakeholder shares in the fund’s gains and losses proportionally.

Are They Halal?

Many mutual funds are not halal as they include non-compliant securities. Fortunately, there are funds available for Muslim investors. Therefore you can invest in them without worrying if they are halal.

A Sharia-compliant fund is one that complies with the principles of Islamic finance. The equities they hold determine whether or not they are halal. Obviously, those who created the Islamic fund would have done the Sharia screening for you. Halal mutual funds are excellent ways to make investments.

List of the Halal Funds

The following is a list of the sharia-compliant funds according to Islamic Finance Guru:

  • HSBC Islamic Global Equity Index (Mainly Developed Markets Stocks Mutual Fund)
  • Schroders Islamic Global Equity Fund (Mainly Developed Markets Stocks Mutual Fund)
  • ISWD/ ISDW (Developed Markets ETF)
  • ISUS (US Markets Stocks ETF)
  • ISDE (Emerging Markets Stocks ETF)
  • AMAP AMAL (Mainly Developed Markets ETF)
  • BNP Paribas Islamic Hilal Income (Sukuk Fixed Income)
  • SGLP SGLD (Gold)
  • Oasis Crescent – has a number of stocks, Sukuk fixed income and property funds.

Must Read: Mutual Funds Investment: A Complete Guide For Muslim Investors

How to Evaluate Halal Mutual Funds: What to Look For

When considering halal mutual funds, it’s essential to ensure they align with Islamic principles while also meeting your financial goals. Here’s a detailed guide on what to look for:

  1. Shariah Compliance: The most crucial aspect of a halal mutual fund is its adherence to Shariah law. This means the fund should not invest in industries that are considered haram, such as alcohol, gambling, pork products, and interest-based financial services. Funds must undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure compliance. Look for funds that are certified by a recognized Shariah board or Islamic finance scholars who regularly review and audit the fund’s holdings.
  2. Screening Process: Halal mutual funds typically undergo two levels of screening:
    • Business Activity Screening: This ensures that the companies the fund invests in do not engage in haram activities.
    • Financial Ratio Screening: This involves assessing the financial practices of these companies to ensure they do not earn significant income from interest (riba) or have excessive leverage. Typically, a company should have debt levels below 33% of its total assets to be considered compliant.
  3. Management Team: The expertise of the fund’s management team is crucial. Look for funds managed by professionals who are knowledgeable in both finance and Islamic law. A strong management team ensures that the fund is not only compliant but also well-positioned to achieve its financial objectives.
  4. Underlying Assets: Analyze the assets that the fund invests in. Halal mutual funds often focus on sectors like healthcare, technology, and consumer goods, avoiding industries like conventional banking and entertainment that may be non-compliant. Ensure the sectors and companies align with your risk tolerance and investment strategy.
  5. Performance and Fees: Review the fund’s historical performance to gauge its profitability. However, remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. Also, consider the expense ratio—this is the annual fee charged by the fund, which can impact your overall returns. Halal funds might have slightly higher fees due to the costs associated with maintaining Shariah compliance, but these should be balanced against the fund’s potential returns​.

Emerging Trends in Halal Mutual Funds: What’s New in 2024?

The landscape of halal investing is rapidly evolving, with several emerging trends shaping the market in 2024:

  1. Rise of Halal ETFs: Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that comply with Shariah law are becoming increasingly popular among Muslim investors. These ETFs offer diversification similar to mutual funds but with lower fees and more flexibility. For instance, the SP Funds S&P 500 Sharia Industry Exclusions ETF (SPUS) has gained traction for its robust performance, focusing on sectors like technology and healthcare.
  2. Digital Investment Platforms: The rise of fintech has led to the creation of digital platforms dedicated to halal investing. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, Shariah-compliant investment options, and automated portfolio management. Platforms like Wahed Invest have made it easier for Muslims to invest according to their faith, even with small amounts of capital.
  3. Increased Demand for Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): There’s a growing overlap between halal investing and socially responsible investing. Many halal funds now incorporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria into their investment processes. This trend is driven by a broader awareness of ethical investing among younger generations, who want to align their investments with their values.
  4. Expansion into New Asset Classes: Beyond traditional equities and Sukuk (Islamic bonds), halal funds are exploring new asset classes, including real estate, commodities like gold, and even cryptocurrencies. However, these investments are carefully screened to ensure they comply with Islamic principles, especially regarding speculation and interest.

Comparing Halal Mutual Funds with Halal ETFs: Which is Right for You?

Both halal mutual funds and halal ETFs offer Shariah-compliant investment opportunities, but they cater to different investor needs:

  1. Mutual Funds:
    • Active Management: Halal mutual funds are typically actively managed, meaning a team of professionals selects the investments and adjusts the portfolio as needed to achieve the fund’s objectives. This can be beneficial in volatile markets where professional management can add value.
    • Higher Fees: Due to active management and compliance costs, halal mutual funds generally have higher expense ratios compared to ETFs. However, investors might find these fees justified by the potential for higher returns or better risk management.
  2. ETFs:
    • Lower Costs: Halal ETFs usually have lower expense ratios because they are passively managed, tracking a specific index like the S&P 500 Shariah Index. This makes them a cost-effective option for investors looking for broad market exposure.
    • Flexibility: ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like stocks, offering more flexibility than mutual funds, which are typically traded at the end of the trading day at the net asset value (NAV).
    • Liquidity: ETFs generally offer better liquidity, making them suitable for investors who may need quick access to their funds.

Also Read: Stocks and Mutual Funds: A Brief Comparison

Regional Variations in Halal Mutual Funds: A Global Perspective

Halal mutual funds are available across the globe, but the options and regulations vary significantly by region:

  1. United States: The U.S. market offers a growing number of halal mutual funds and ETFs. Regulations ensure that these funds are strictly monitored for compliance. Popular options include funds like Amana Mutual Funds and the Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF. These funds are designed to meet the needs of U.S.-based Muslim investors while adhering to local regulatory standards.
  2. Middle East and North Africa (MENA): In the MENA region, there is a strong emphasis on Shariah-compliant investing, with many local and international funds available. The region’s regulatory environment is highly supportive of Islamic finance, with clear guidelines provided by local Shariah boards. Sukuk (Islamic bonds) are particularly popular in this region.
  3. Europe: Europe is seeing an increasing interest in halal investments, particularly in countries with significant Muslim populations like the UK and France. However, the market is still developing, with fewer options compared to the U.S. or MENA regions. The available funds often focus on large-cap equities and global markets.
  4. Asia: In countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, halal mutual funds are well-established, with a wide range of options catering to different risk appetites. These funds often focus on local markets but are increasingly offering exposure to global assets as well.

Understanding these regional variations can help investors choose the best halal mutual funds based on their location and investment goals​.

Must Read: Are Mutual Funds Halal to Invest in?

FAQs

What makes a mutual fund halal?
A mutual fund is considered halal if it adheres to Islamic finance principles. This involves avoiding investments in industries that are haram, such as alcohol, gambling, and interest-based financial services. Additionally, the companies within the fund must meet specific financial criteria, such as low levels of debt and limited income from non-compliant activities.

Are halal mutual funds as profitable as conventional mutual funds?
Halal mutual funds can be just as profitable as conventional funds, though they may have a narrower investment focus due to Shariah compliance. This focus on ethical, low-leverage companies can sometimes lead to strong performance, particularly in stable or growing markets. However, during periods where high-risk sectors perform well, halal funds might underperform.

Can non-Muslims invest in halal mutual funds?
Yes, non-Muslims can invest in halal mutual funds. These funds are not exclusive to Muslims and can be appealing to anyone interested in ethical investing. The principles behind halal funds—such as avoiding excessive risk and unethical industries—can resonate with a broad audience.

How often are halal mutual funds reviewed for compliance?
Halal mutual funds are typically reviewed annually or semi-annually by a Shariah board to ensure ongoing compliance with Islamic principles. This review process involves screening the companies within the fund and ensuring that their business activities and financial practices remain Shariah-compliant.