JARGON BUSTER

Jargon Buster

One Indian finance term explained in plain words, with a worked rupee example and a dated primary source. Definitions stay neutral and category-level. Nothing here is a buy or sell call.

Base Expense Ratio vs Total Expense Ratio

BER vs TER. Why a fund's headline fee split into two numbers in 2026.

Riskometer

The six-level fund risk gauge. The gauge that can quietly change from month to month.

Trail Commission

The ongoing distributor commission. The recurring fee inside every regular plan and why it exists.

Flexi Cap vs Multi Cap

Two equity mandates that look alike. Same-looking labels, one big difference in freedom.

FOIR

Fixed Obligation to Income Ratio. The loan-approval ratio that is a lender norm, not a rule.

Stamp Duty on Mutual Funds

The 0.005% levy on every purchase. The tiny charge on every purchase and the transactions that skip it.

STP vs SWP

Systematic Transfer Plan vs Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Two automation tools that look alike and are taxed the same way, one redemption at a time.

Direct Plan vs Regular Plan

Direct vs Regular. Why the same fund carries two prices and what the gap between them buys.