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Choosing between money market funds (Updated Nov 2020)

Updated
17
Jun 2022
published
30
Jun 2020
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While the differences between Money Market Funds (MMF) and High-Interest Savings Accounts can be obvious for yield-chasing aficionados, the contrasts between Money Market Funds and similar products are less apparent. There are different risks, and correspondingly, different yields between Money Market Funds.

Money Market Funds and its variants (cash funds, short duration bond funds) are used in many cash management solutions, such as Endowus Cash Smart and other similar products. Being aware of and understanding the risks of the underlying MMFs will better equip us to choose between the options available to us.

What are Money Market Funds (MMFs)?

A Money Market Fund (MMF) is defined as a fund that invests invests primarily in high quality debt securities and money market instruments or places eligible deposits with eligible financial institutions. These funds can normally be sold within a day for cash proceeds and have low risk.

Next, we have to understand the differences in risk before we can understand how to choose between them.

For Singapore investors, these funds are normally Unit Trusts, such as the LionGlobal SGD Money Market Fund and the United SGD Money Market Fund. The recently launched Phillip SGD Money Market ETF is the first MMF that is listed on the SGX as a ETF.

Differentiating between the types of risk associated with Money Market Funds (MMFs)

Credit Risk

Credit risk is quite simply defined as the chance of a loss arising from a borrower not being able to repay a debt. MMFs and similar variants can either hold debt from corporate or government entities, or lend money to financial institutions, as is with the case of the Fullerton SGD Cash Fund.

The risk of default from the debt and loan holdings of an MMF ranges from extremely low to low because of the financial stability of the companies that the money is loaned to, as well as the time to loan maturity.

Using an extreme example, it may be worth it from a credit risk-reward perspective to lend money to DBS for a 0.5% p.a. over 1 week for a non-liquid loan. To lend money to DBS for 2.5% p.a. over 30 years in similar terms? That may not be prudent.

Duration Risk

Duration risk is associated with the sensitivity of a debt or loan to changes in interest rates. The higher the bond's duration, the greater the interest rate sensitivity. When an MMF holds more instruments with higher duration, the MMF will be subjected to greater price changes from interest rate movements.

chart of cash fund, money mart fund and short duration bond fund

How Risk for Fixed Income products translate to returns

As the Singapore fixed income product markets is very well-developed, at a size of S$467.2 billion, companies and investors are spoiled for choice. This competitive landscape results in fixed income products being priced efficiently, with investors demanding a higher return for riskier fixed income product.

Consequently, this translates to MMF products and its variants being priced efficiently as well, since MMFs are often unit trusts that are redeemed or created at the value of its assets.

For example, the Fullerton SGD Cash Fund is currently projected to give a gross yield of around 0.26% (as of 20 November 2020), as it is invested into fixed deposits of Singapore bank institutions (low credit risk) and have low duration risk.

In comparison, the Phillip SGD Money Market ETF currently has a yield of 0.23%, and is similarly invested in low risks products, with 80% invested in Fixed deposits and cash, and 20% invested in Money Market instruments, all with a low duration of 90 days.

Other considerations for choosing between Money Market Funds (MMFs)

Skill of Fund Managers

Ultimately, Money Market Funds are managed actively by fund managers who aim to help its investors get higher returns, based on the investment mandate given to them. The fund managers have to stick closely to the funds' investment mandate, therefore there is assurance that there would not be inappropriate risk taking behaviour from the fund manager.

In the case of the LionGlobal Money Market Fund, it is stated that in the fund document that "The Fund aims to manage liquidity and risk while looking to provide a return which is comparable to that of SGD short-term deposits. The Fund will invest in high quality short-term money market instruments and debt securities. Some of the investments may include government and corporate bonds, commercial bills and deposits with financial institutions".

Within this framework, the fund manager has to be able to manage the fund and optimise returns to be able to get a higher yield for its investors.

Size of the Fund

The total fund expense borne by the fund, or more commonly known as the total expense ratio, is made up of a variable cost component and a fixed cost component.

As the fund size grows bigger, while variable costs increase accordingly, fixed costs remain the same and are thus average costs are lower overall. Consequently, the total expense ratio of the MMF, as with the case of other unit trusts or Exchange Traded Funds, will be lowered. This may in turn translate to a higher return.

Key Personal Considerations for choosing between MMFs and its variants

Now that we understand the different risk levels of MMFs and similar products, we should understand how our personal finance circumstances and considerations can affect our decisions.

MMFs are meant to be a safe vehicle for us store wealth, rather than grow our money for inflation. When we deliberate on whether to put our money into MMFs, we need to consider if the 2-3 business days needed for the funds to be withdrawn is quick enough for us.

We also need to consider the risk involved, be it credit risk or duration risk. If the money is meant as a short-term store of wealth for expenses needed in 1-2 months time, then it is safer to consider investing in an MMF safer variant like Fullerton SGD Cash Fund where there is very low risk. However, if you want slightly more yield and intend to hold your money for 6 months or more, then investing in slightly riskier product like LionGlobal Enhanced Liquidity Fund or even the United SGD Fund, both of which are used in the Endowus Cash Smart portfolio, would be more appropriate.

With a better understanding of the different risks involved, you are now more informed and equipped to choose the right cash management solution for yourself.


Investment involves risk. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance or returns. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, and you may not get the full amount you invested. Rates of exchange may cause the value of investments to go up or down. Individual stock performance does not represent the return of a fund.

Any forward-looking statements, prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or economic trends of the markets contained in this material are subject to market influences and contingent upon matters outside the control of Endow.us Pte. Ltd (“Endowus”) and therefore may not be realised in the future. Further, any opinion or estimate is made on a general basis and subject to change without notice. In presenting the information above, none of Endowus Pte. Ltd., its affiliates, directors, employees, representatives or agents have given any consideration to, nor have made any investigation of the objective, financial situation or particular need of any user, reader, any specific person or group of persons. Therefore, no representation is made as to the completeness and adequacy of the information to make an informed decision. You should carefully consider (i) whether any investment views and products/ services are appropriate in view of your investment experience, objectives, financial resources and relevant circumstances. You may also wish to seek financial advice through a financial advisor or the Endowus platform and independent legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice, as appropriate.

Investment into collective investment schemes: Please refer to respective funds’ prospectuses for details of the funds, their related fees, charges and risk factors, The listing of units of the fund on a stock exchange does not guarantee a liquid market for the units. Before making an investment decision, you are reminded to refer to the relevant prospectus for specific risk considerations.

For Cash Smart Secure, Cash Smart Enhanced, Cash Smart Ultra: It is not a bank deposit and not capital guaranteed, and is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. Investment products are not insured products under the provisions of the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners Protection Schemes Act 2011 of Singapore and are not eligible for deposit insurance coverage under the Deposit Insurance Scheme. Interest rates are indicative and subject to change at any time.

Product Risk Rating: Please note that any product risk rating (the “PRR”) provided by us is an internal rating assigned based on our product risk assessment model, and is for your reference only. The PRR is subject to change from time to time. The PRR does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives or needs and should not be regarded as advice or recommendation to purchase, hold or sell any fund or make any other investment decisions. Accordingly, you should not solely rely on the PRR in making your investment decision in the relevant Fund.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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