Top Short-term Investment Options With High Returns

Short-term, goal-oriented planning is considered key to wealth creation and fulfilling short-term goals. From saving up for a car or dream bike to education to an exotic holiday, everything requires savings.

In the financial world, asset allocation is crucial. For most, the investment mantra remains long-term investment returns with low risk and the best short-term investments with high liquidity.

An investment that is less than or equal to one year is called a short-term investment. Short-term investments are beneficial when there is a goal to fulfill in the near future or when someone is simply risk-averse and wants liquidity as an option. 

What is a Short-Term Investment?

A short-term investment is an asset held for less than a year, designed for quick profit and easy conversion back to cash. These investments are generally low-risk and highly liquid, such as money market funds or Treasury bills. However, they can also include riskier options like stock or commodities trading for higher returns. The primary goal is often liquidity and asset preservation, although some investors aim for higher profitability. Short-term investments are popular for parking excess cash effectively.

Short-term investments are generally considered to be less risky than long-term investments because they offer quick liquidity and a shorter time frame for potential losses to be recovered.

How Do Short-Term Investment Plans Work?

Short-term investment plans work by offering a place to park your money for a limited period, typically less than a year, with the expectation of earning a quick return. These plans often involve less risk compared to long-term investments and provide greater liquidity, making the invested capital easily accessible. 

Investors usually opt for vehicles like money market funds, certificates of deposit, short-term bonds, or even short-term stock trading. The idea is to capitalize on market trends or interest rates to gain a quick profit while keeping the ability to convert your investments back to cash readily available. Always remember, however, that higher returns usually come with higher risks, even in short-term investments.

Features of Short Term Investment Plans

Short-term investment plans offer several distinct advantages that set them apart from other types of investment, particularly long-term options. One of the most significant benefits is the flexibility in terms of time; unlike some types of investment, you’re not committed to a fixed time frame, allowing you quicker access to your funds. Additionally, these plans offer high liquidity, meaning you can withdraw some or all of your money at your discretion without incurring penalties.”

“While the returns may not be exceptionally high compared to other types of investment, they do provide a reliable and consistent income. Furthermore, short-term investments are generally lower-risk, offering a level of safety and peace of mind.

Things to Consider Before Investing in a Short-Term Investment Plan

Thinking about dipping your toes into short-term investments? Awesome! But hold up; you’ll want to make sure your investment matches your key priorities. You’re probably on the hunt for something that’s safe, easily convertible to cash, and potentially offers some tax perks. To find that perfect fit, there are a few crucial factors you’ll want to weigh carefully.

Capital Safety

The cornerstone of any good short-term investment is the assurance that your capital is safe. Options like savings accounts, liquid funds, and Treasury bills are designed to protect your principal amount. You don’t want to lose your hard-earned money, especially if you have plans to transfer those funds to another type of investment or use them for a particular goal down the line.

Liquidity and Flexibility

The beauty of short-term investments lies in their liquidity and flexibility. You want to be able to pull out your funds whenever the need arises—be it in 3 months, 6 months, or on the fly. Investments that lock your money for a specified period are counterproductive in a short-term setting. Your investment needs to be liquid enough to provide easy access to your funds, fulfilling immediate needs or financial goals.

Low Risk

Low-risk short-term investments add an essential layer of stability to your investment portfolio. In a volatile market, it’s comforting to know that some of your assets are low-risk and easily accessible, offering a cushion for the rest of your financial strategy.

Tax Considerations

Tax implications can have a significant impact on your actual returns. With short-term investments, you could face two types of taxation: Coupon of Interest and Capital Gains. For instance, interest-paying investments like savings accounts are taxed as part of your income, although you may claim a rebate under certain conditions. On the other hand, investments like liquid and ultra-short-term debt funds incur either short-term or long-term capital gains, depending on the holding period. Long-term gains offer better tax efficiency through indexation benefits.

Substantial Returns

In India, you can find short-term investment plans that not only offer security and liquidity but also yield substantial returns in a brief period. These investment options can provide a quick financial boost without the lengthy commitment that other investments might require.

The ideal short-term investment is a fine balance of multiple factors. It should protect your capital, offer liquidity and flexibility, and be tax-efficient while posing a low risk. As you navigate the investment landscape, keep these criteria in mind to choose options that align with your financial objectives. Remember, the last thing you want is to see your money trapped or eroded due to poor planning.

Best Short-Term Investment Options

Investing for the short term? There are plenty of options that offer a balance of safety, returns, and flexibility. Here’s a rundown to help you decide what’s best for you.

Savings Account

A savings account is the most straightforward and versatile option. Ideal for immediate expense payments, they offer debit cards and decent interest rates. Just remember, your balance could dwindle if you use the account for everyday expenses.

Treasury Securities (T-bills)

T-bills are a super safe bet because they’re backed by the government. They mature quickly, so you’re not stuck waiting for ages to get your money. Plus, you can trade them if you need cash sooner.

Fixed Deposits (FD)

Fixed deposits are a beloved choice in India. They’re easy to set up through your bank or even at a post office, and they offer various term lengths.

Invoice Discounting Investment

Invoice discounting investment is a smart choice for short-term investment due to its quick payment cycles, usually ranging between 30 to 90 days. It allows investors to buy invoices at a discount, offering a quick and often high return. KredX stands out as an excellent platform for this type of investment. It offers carefully vetted invoices, real-time tracking, and higher returns than traditional short-term options. The user-friendly interface and transparent process make KredX a reliable choice for maximizing short-term gains.

Recurring Deposits (RD)

Recurring deposits let you invest bit by bit, perfect for building up a hefty sum over time. These are also available through banks and post offices.

Liquid Mutual Funds & Short-Term Funds

Want to potentially earn more without locking up your cash for too long? Check out liquid mutual funds. They offer decent returns and high liquidity.

Debt Mutual Funds

If you’re looking at a time frame of 3 to 5 years, debt mutual funds can offer safe and reasonable returns. Just remember there might be exit charges if you pull out early.

Corporate Deposits (CD)

CDs offer higher returns but come with higher risks compared to FDs or debt mutual funds. Be cautious and read the fine print about early withdrawal penalties.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)

NSC is a fixed 5-year investment that pays out at maturity. You can also trade it if you need to pull out your cash early.

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds are a bit of a wild card due to market volatility. If you’re in for less than 5 years, consider investing through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to mitigate risks.

Rate of Return: Variable, depending on market conditions.

Stocks, Commodities & Derivatives Market

These are high-risk, high-reward investments. They allow you to enter and exit at will but be prepared for a roller-coaster ride in terms of returns.

Short-term investments are primarily about keeping your capital safe while earning some interest. While options like super savers, fixed deposits, and liquid funds are perfect for emergency funds, riskier avenues like stocks and commodities are best avoided for such purposes.

Remember, the key is to align your investment choices with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Happy investing!

Alternative Investment Strategies

There are multiple alternative investment options that give high returns like private equity, venture capital, invoice discounting and others. In the case of invoice discounting, it provides the investor with the opportunity to invest in unpaid invoices of blue-chip companies for a short tenure with high returns. Another added advantage to it is that it is a great way of diversifying your portfolio.

1. Money Market Accounts 

Money market accounts are similar to savings accounts, but they offer a higher interest rate and may require a higher initial deposit. These accounts have low risk and high liquidity, but the returns may not be as high as other short-term investments.

2. Peer-to-Peer Lending 

Peer-to-peer lending allows investors to lend money directly to borrowers, bypassing traditional financial institutions. It can offer higher returns than other short-term investments but also carries some risk.

3. Equity Hedge

One of the best investment schemes that seeks to reduce risk by using a combination of different assets. This can include stocks, bonds, derivatives, and other financial instruments. The goal of an equity hedge is to protect investors from losses in the stock market while still generating some level of return.

What Makes A Good Short-Term Investment Plan? 

Looking for a solid short-term investment? You’ll want something that’s low-risk, easy to cash out, and offers a nice little return on your money. And let’s not forget, it should line up with whatever you’re aiming to achieve, whether that’s saving up for a dream vacation or just making your money work for you. Before you dive in, do your homework. Get to know the ins and outs of the investment, what risks are involved, and what kind of returns you can realistically expect. Make sure you’re fully clued in before you make any moves.

Bottom Line

Post-tax returns shouldn’t be overlooked when the requirement is to invest only in short-term instruments. It is critical to remember that short investments are more for capital preservation rather than wealth creation. Hence, it is fair not to compromise on safety for getting a bit of extra return. Make sure you base your decision on the liquidity and safety of the investment instead of depending solely on the return.