INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY

Abstract:    This study focuses on consumer perceptions and awareness of risk and return in mutual funds (MFs) and fixed deposits (FDs). The goal is to comprehend how people assess these two investment options according to their preferences, safety, and returns. The study's primary data, which was gathered using a structured questionnaire, is backed up by secondary sources. The results indicate that while mutual funds are picked for their larger return potential despite their higher risk, fixed deposits are preferred for their safety and low risk. Investment decisions are influenced by a number of factors, including age, income, and financial literacy. The survey comes to the conclusion that many investors still favour fixed deposits because they are risk averse, despite growing awareness of mutual funds.