Investor Education

Understanding SIP, SWP & STP

SIP, SWP, and STP are structured ways to invest or withdraw from mutual funds over time. Each serves a different purpose depending on your life stage, income pattern, and financial goals.

What is SIP?

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows you to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals—usually monthly—into a mutual fund. Think of it as a monthly commitment towards building long-term wealth.

  • • Promotes disciplined investing regardless of market conditions
  • • Helps average out purchase costs over time
  • • Suitable for long-term goals like retirement, education, or buying a home

SIPs do not assure returns. Outcomes depend on market performance and the chosen mutual fund scheme.

What is SWP?

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) enables you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investment at regular intervals, making it useful for generating steady income.

  • • Commonly used during retirement for monthly cash flow
  • • Complements pensions, rental income, or interest earnings
  • • May offer better tax efficiency than traditional fixed deposits in certain situations

Withdrawal amount and frequency must be planned carefully to ensure the investment lasts through your intended time horizon.

What is STP?

A Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) lets you gradually move money from one mutual fund scheme to another—typically from a stable fund to equity.

  • • Reduces market timing risk when investing lump sums
  • • Often used to transfer from liquid or debt funds into equity over time
  • • Best suited when the transfer duration matches your risk comfort

STP does not eliminate market risk. Suitability depends on your goals, risk profile, and the source of funds.

SIP vs SWP vs STP – quick comparison

SIP

Investment Flow: Into the Fund

A fixed amount invested at regular intervals. Ideal for individuals with steady income aiming for long-term wealth creation.

SWP

Investment Flow: From the Fund

A fixed amount withdrawn periodically. Suitable for retirees or investors seeking a structured income from their corpus.

STP

Investment Flow: Between Funds

Systematic transfer of money from one scheme to another. Helps deploy lump-sum investments into equity in a phased manner.

EXPERT INSIGHTS

Deep dive into SIP, SWP & STP with our expert

Explore comprehensive guides, real-life scenarios, and practical strategies to master systematic investing and withdrawal plans.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

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GOAL-BASED INVESTING

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SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

SWP FUNDAMENTALS

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RETIREMENT INCOME

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Understand how SWPs in hybrid mutual funds can deliver steady, tax-efficient income throughout retirement.

TAX-SMART INVESTING

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STP (Systematic Transfer Plan)

STP STRATEGY

STP in Mutual Funds: A Smarter Way to Invest Lump Sum Gradually

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STP FUNDAMENTALS

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