FACTORS INFLUENCING MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENT DECISIONS AMONG INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS: A STUDY ON CHHATTISGARH

Abstract

Mutual funds have become an important investment option for individual investors in India. However, several financial and behavioural factors influence investment decisions. The present study aims to identify the factors influencing mutual fund investment decisions among individual investors in the Durg-Bhilai region of Chhattisgarh. The study is descriptive in nature and is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 80 individual investors using a structured questionnaire through convenience sampling. The collected data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and a onesample t-test. The findings revealed that expected return, professional fund management, and past performance were the major factors influencing mutual fund investment decisions. The statistical analysis indicated that the selected factors had a significant influence on investment decisions. The study concludes that investor education and transparent financial information can improve investment decisions and encourage greater participation in mutual fund investments. The findings may be useful for mutual fund companies, financial institutions, and policymakers in developing effective investor education strategies.