Source: ET
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reclassified Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as equity securities for mutual fund (MF) investments. Earlier, they were treated as hybrid securities, which restricted fund exposure.
What This Means?
- Mutual funds can now invest in REITs without the previous restrictions that applied to hybrid securities.
- This could boost liquidity and inflows into the REIT market, making real estate investment more accessible to retail investors via MFs.
Difference Between Hybrid and Equity Securities:
| Feature | Hybrid Securities | Equity Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Financial instruments combining debt and equity features (e.g., convertible debentures, preference shares) | Represents ownership in a company, value fluctuates with the company’s stock price |
| Risk Profile | Moderate; partially fixed returns from debt component | High; returns depend on market performance |
| Mutual Fund Treatment | Exposure limits often restricted to reduce risk | Treated like stocks; higher exposure allowed in equity funds |
| Income Type | Fixed interest + potential capital gains | Dividends + capital gains from price appreciation |
| Examples | Convertible bonds, certain preference shares | Equity shares, now REITs under SEBI’s classification |
Significance:
- By classifying REITs as equity, equity mutual funds can now invest more freely, improving the capital inflow into commercial real estate.
- Supports the growth of REITs in India and encourages retail participation in real estate markets.
