Net Asset Value of Mutual Fund indicates its price and is based on the current prices of the stocks/assets in the fund. NAV is used in calculating returns from your Mutual Fund investments. Return over a period is calculated as the difference in sale date NAV and purchase date NAV upon purchase date NAV and converted to percentage.

Alpha is the measure of an investment performance on a risk-adjusted price. It compares fund's risk adjusted performance to the benchmark index by taking the volatility of the fund as a factor. It tells the excess return of the investment relative to the return of the benchmark index.

AMCs charge the investors an expense ratio to cover the fund’s operating expenses, which is expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average net assets. This directly reduces the fund’s returns to its shareholders, and, therefore, the value of the investment. Lower is always better!

Fixed Deposit rate is a virtually risk-free rate where the investor assumes almost no risk on their investment. If fund's return is lower than this rate, investors are better off investing the amount in a FD.

ASM and GSM lists are measures to safeguard investors against volatility and unjustified stock prices. Pledging holdings means taking loans against held promoter shares. Credit ratings tells about the quality of the debt instruments. Funds having stocks in ASM/GSM list, with high pledged promoter holding and debt intruments with low ratings should be handled with caution. Unsolicited tips are sometimes circulated to manipulate the market.