Definition
A Money Market Fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in highly liquid, short-term, and low-risk debt securities such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit. These funds aim to provide investors with a safe place to park their money while earning a modest return through interest. Money market funds are designed to preserve capital and provide liquidity, making them an attractive option for conservative investors looking for low-risk investment vehicles. They are typically used for short-term cash management, providing easy access to funds with minimal risk of capital loss.
Case Study
HDFC Money Market Fund, managed by HDFC Asset Management Company, invests in money market instruments such as Treasury Bills, Commercial Papers (CPs), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), and short-term corporate debt with maturities up to 1 year. As of July 2025, the fund had an average maturity of around 4 months and aimed to provide better returns than a savings account while maintaining high liquidity and low risk. It is a popular choice among conservative investors and corporates seeking to park surplus cash for short durations without significant volatility.
Historical Reference
The first money market mutual fund in the world was the Reserve Fund, launched in the United States in 1971 by Bruce Bent and Henry B.R. Brown. At the time, U.S. banks had restrictions on the interest they could offer on deposits, and savers were losing purchasing power due to inflation. The Reserve Fund offered an innovative alternative by allowing retail investors to pool their money and invest in short-term, high-quality debt instruments like U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper. It provided higher returns than savings accounts while maintaining liquidity and capital preservation.