Synopsis: In this article we will look at two short duration debt term funds in terms of their performance and features so that investors can decide which one is best for them.
Investors are interested in short-term debt funds nowadays because of uncertainty around RBI interest rates. Also bond yields and the global market are uncertain which makes short-term debt funds more appealing to investors as they are looking for options, with less risk.
Why Are Investors Moving Towards Short-Term Debt Funds in 2026?
Investors are not putting money into debt funds that last for a longer time, the reason for this is that when the interest rates on bonds go up it can be bad for the returns they get back from these debt funds. Some debt funds, like liquid funds and ultra short duration funds are getting more money from investors. This is because these funds do not change much in value, they can get their money back quickly and they give stable returns when the market is not doing well. Institutional investors and companies are also using these funds often to manage the cash they have for a short time.
What Are Liquid Funds and Ultra Short Duration Funds?
A Liquid Mutual Fund is a kind of fund that puts money into- commercial paper, government securities and treasury bills. These things have a short time period up to 91 days, the good thing about Liquid Mutual Funds is that they do not have any fees when you put money in or take money out because they are very liquid. The value of a Liquid Mutual Fund is figured out every day for the whole year, this value is called the asset value or NAV. Investors can get their money back within 24 hours, they are also very safe because they carry the lowest risk of losing money due to interest rate changes, in the debt funds category.
Top 4 High Performing Liquid Funds in 2026
Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~ 6.27%
- NAV: ~₹449.78
- AUM: ~₹56,603.85crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.22%
Edelweiss Liquid Fund Direct Growth
- 1-Year Return: ~6.27%
- NAV: ~ 3599.44₹
- AUM: ~₹15,091.28 crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Axis Liquid Direct Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~6.28%
- NAV: ~₹3097.71
- AUM: ~₹51643.21 crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.11%
Nippon India Liquid Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~6.24%
- NAV: ~₹6815.64
- AUM: ~₹37,902.76 crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.21%
Source: Groww as of 26th May
Also read: 12 International Mutual Funds Indian Investors Can Still Invest in During 2026
Top 4 High Performing Ultra Short Duration Funds in 2026
SBI Magnum Ultra Short Duration Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~5.94%
- NAV: ~₹6,403.28
- AUM: ~₹12,552.96 crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.39%
Tata Ultra Short Term Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~6.45%
- NAV: ~₹15.75
- AUM: ~₹5,712.94 crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.32%
ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~6.27%
- NAV: ~₹31.63
- AUM: ~₹15929.15 crore
- Expense Ratio: ~0.40%
Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund
- 1-Year Return: ~6.52%
- NAV: ~₹4702.18
- AUM: 11,082.73 crore
- Expense Ratio: 0.40%
Source: Groww as of 26th May
Liquid Funds vs Ultra Short Duration Funds: Which Is Better for Investors?
People usually like liquid funds when they want to get their money back quickly, do not want to lose much value and only need to put their cash away for a short time like a few days or a few months. Liquid funds are often used for money that might be needed in an emergency and for managing cash that is only around for a little while. Ultra short duration funds are different, these funds might be a choice for investors who are willing to take a bit more risk to possibly get better returns when they hold onto their money for a bit longer. Ultra short duration funds can give people better returns than liquid funds but they are also more affected by changes in interest rates and what happens in the market. Ultra short duration funds are a little riskier than funds.
Conclusion
Liquid funds are still a favourite for managing short-term cash needs.On the hand ultra short duration funds are becoming popular with investors who want a bit more return without taking too much risk.The choice between these two types of funds depends on how you need to access your money, how long you can invest for and how much risk you are willing to take.
Written by Shreya Tiwari
