| Feature | Mutual Funds | Direct Equity Stocks |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Professionally managed by experts | Self-managed (you pick, track, and decide) |
| Diversification | Invests across 15–50 companies per fund | Depends on how many stocks you buy individually |
| Time Involvement | Low — set and monitor periodically | High — requires regular tracking and analysis |
| Risk Level | Moderated by fund type (low to high) | Higher risk — linked directly to stock performance |
| Costs | Low fees (varies by fund type) | Low brokerage but high risk if poorly selected |
| Ideal For | New investors, long-term planners, SIP seekers | Experienced traders or short-term speculators |
Build smart wealth without daily market stress