Mutual funds provide you with an intelligent method to diversify your funds among various investments, such as stocks, bonds, and government securities without having a large sum of capital. Rather than investing in each asset individually, which may cost a lot, mutual funds collect money from several investors and invest it in a portfolio of market-linked instruments. 

But with so many different types of mutual funds out there, it’s worth knowing what’s behind their performance. That involves examining the underlying assets and how the fund is managed. While experienced investors tend to delve deep into these facts, new investors can also gain from them, provided they have the right advice.

That is why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best mutual fund books for both newbies and veteran investors. These books can assist you in developing better mutual fund investment strategies and making wiser choices in your investments.

Reasons To Buy Mutual Fund Books 

Buying mutual fund books is recommended because of these reasons:

1. To Understand Different Types of Securities

Before you start investing, it’s important to understand what you’re investing in. Mutual fund books can help you grasp the basics of key financial instruments like equities, bonds, commodities, currencies, and other money market assets.

By learning about the types of mutual funds, including their risks, returns, and liquidity, you’ll be able to make more confident investment decisions and clear up any confusion around market-linked products.

2. To Learn Key Mutual Fund Concepts

There’s more to mutual funds than just putting in money and waiting for returns. Terms like New Fund Offer (NFO), the expense ratio of mutual fund schemes, fund categories, fund manager roles, and asset management styles are crucial to understand. 

A good mutual fund book breaks these down in simple language, often with real-life examples, so you can truly get the hang of it, especially if you’re just starting out.

3. To Analyse Strategies Used by Mutual Funds

Even if you’ve been investing for a while, there’s always more to learn. Many mutual fund books go beyond the basics and explain how different schemes are managed, what strategies they use, and how funds from top Asset Management Companies (AMCs) have performed over time.

These insights can help you compare different schemes and spot the ones that fit your investment goals. You’ll also learn how to read a mutual fund factsheet, a vital skill that lets you assess a fund’s past performance, risks, and costs before investing.

Top 10 Mutual Fund Books In 2025 

Here are some of the best-written books on mutual funds that you must read before investing: 

Book NameAuthorWho Should Read It?Short Description
Common Sense of Mutual FundsJohn C. BogleBoth beginners and experienced investorsExplains mutual fund terms and concepts in detail, offering timeless investing wisdom.
Indian Mutual Funds Handbook (Fifth Edition)Sundar SankaranSeasoned investorsOffers in-depth insights into how the Indian mutual fund industry functions.
The Mutual Fund IndustryR. Glenn HubbardAnyone who wants to know how the industry functionsChronicles the evolution and future of the mutual fund industry globally.
Mutual Funds – Ladder to Wealth CreationVivek K NegiBeginnersBreaks down fundamental mutual fund concepts in a simple, easy-to-follow format.
Mutual Funds for DummiesEric TysonBeginnersUses real-world examples to explain mutual fund basics in a beginner-friendly style.
Let’s Talk Mutual FundsMonika HalanBoth beginners and seasoned investorsSimplifies complex financial terms and explains the growth of India’s mutual fund market.
Mutual Funds Made EasyGerard W. PerrittBeginnersCovers mutual fund basics, risk management, top funds, and portfolio creation tips.
Bogle On Mutual FundsJohn C. BogleSeasoned investorsOffers timeless strategies on portfolio management and long-term investing.
How to Make a Fortune Through Mutual Funds: Hunt with the HoundsAshu DuttBeginnersDiscusses mutual fund basics and intelligent strategies to build wealth.
A Guide to Indian Mutual Fund InvestmentDr. Susanta Kumar MishraAll investorsFocuses on risk management strategies and the role of fund managers in beating benchmarks.

Now that we have listed all the 10 best mutual fund books to read, let’s dive deeper into their insights and key takeaways one by one:

1. Common Sense on Mutual Funds By John Bogle 

This book has been written by John C. Bogle, one of the best mutual fund industry experts we have today. Some of the key insights and takeaways in this book for investors include: 

  • Learn about the regulatory changes and structural modifications happening within the global fund industry from this book. 
  • It highlights the importance of having a long-term strategy or goal while investing in mutual funds. 
  • Though written for US audiences, the fundamental investment principles explained in this book are relevant for all markets. 

2. Indian Mutual Funds Handbook 5th Edition By Sundar Sankaran 

The author of this classic book is Sundar Sankaran, an experienced finance trainer. This book covers the nuances of personal finance meticulously. The key takeaways and insights offered by this book include: 

  • The author explains how to choose the best-performing mutual funds according to your investment goals and risk appetite. 
  • In this book, the author lists the regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in simple language for everyone. 
  • He also describes how we can invest in real estate, gold, and other assets through mutual funds. 

3. The Mutual Fund Industry By R. Glenn Hubbard 

The Mutual Fund Industry by R. Glenn Hubbard is a groundbreaking book on mutual fund investments. Some of the key takeaways include: 

  • Roles and duties of all mutual fund stakeholders including fund managers, distributors, transfer agents, and investment advisers. 
  • The book also describes the rules and regulations of mutual funds in detail. 

4. Mutual Funds-Ladder To Wealth Creation By Vivek Negi 

Vivek Negi presents simple steps to help you build wealth. Some of the key insights include: 

  • The author reasserts the significance of a diversified portfolio in investments. 
  • He encourages you to focus on how much you are investing rather than just concentrating on the mutual fund returns
  • This book also discloses SIP returns optimising strategies through innovative investment strategies. 

5. Mutual Funds for Dummies by Eric Tyson 

Ideal for beginners, this book explains how the mutual fund industry is knitted together. Some key insights shared include: 

  • It encourages you to create a well-balanced fund portfolio. 
  • Learn how to identify the best mutual funds in the market.
  • It also discusses the expense ratio of mutual fund schemes and the tax implications on returns, helping you better estimate your net gains.

6. Let’s Talk Mutual Funds by Monika Halan 

Written by financial expert Monika Halan, this book simplifies mutual fund jargon for everyday investors. Takeaways include:

  • Learn about different types of mutual funds—debt, hybrid, passive, and equity, and how to choose based on your goals.
  • The book shows how to align mutual funds with personal investment goals. 
  • It also emphasises the value of patience and discipline when investing in mutual funds. 

7. Mutual Funds Made Easy By Gerard Perritt 

Author Gerard Perritt encourages readers to explore mutual fund options with confidence. Learnings include:

  • In addition to the basics, the book lists the best mutual funds in India.
  • It explains buying and selling strategies for mutual fund investors.
  • Risks are explained clearly, along with smart strategies to manage them.

8. Bogle On Mutual Funds by John Bogle 

The author of this book John C. Bogle is also the founder of a 100 billion dollar company and so, he is an authoritative figure in the industry. The learning insights offered by this book include: 

  • Choose strategies that offer high mutual fund returns with low risks. 
  • Be mindful while picking the bonds, stocks, and other securities
  • Cautions against pretentious/ advertisements in the mutual fund industry. 

9. How to Make a Fortune Through Mutual Funds? By Ashu Dutt 

Ashu Dutt, the author of this book urges the readers to use mutual funds as short-term investment tools to attain their larger financial objectives. The insights offered by this book include: 

  • Actively managing funds can earn higher mutual fund returns. 
  • The book dismisses the idea of consistently investing in one fund for the long term. 
  • It helps you identify the smart entry and exit points from different types of mutual funds. 

10. A Guide to Indian Mutual Fund Investment By Susanta Kumar Mishra 

Dr. Susanta Kumar Mishra emphasises the importance of balancing risks and rewards carefully in this book. Some insights below: 

  • Learn how to turn your savings into smart mutual fund investments.
  • The book explains all types of mutual funds available in India.
  • It also cautions against unplanned or risky investment behaviour.

These are some of the 10 best books to help you learn about mutual funds. Choose the one that aligns with your financial goals, and don’t forget to complement your learning by reviewing mutual fund factsheets and using digital tools to track performance.

Conclusion 

Building a strong understanding of mutual funds is essential for long-term financial success. These books can help shape your perspective and deepen your knowledge of the industry and its key concepts. Also, to get a unified view of stocks, mutual funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and other money-market investments, check the Share.Market today!

FAQs

1. How do I choose the best book from this list for my specific needs?

Start by identifying your current knowledge level (beginner, intermediate, seasoned). Then, refer to the “Who Should Read It?” column in our table. Beginners might prefer “Mutual Funds for Dummies” or “Mutual Funds – Ladder to Wealth Creation,” while experienced investors could delve into John Bogle’s works or “Indian Mutual Funds Handbook.

2. Are these books still relevant given the changing market and regulations in India?

Yes, the fundamental investment principles and strategies covered in these books remain highly relevant. While market data and specific regulations (especially Indian ones) can change, the core concepts of compounding, diversification, risk management, and long-term investing are timeless. Complement your reading with current market news and regulatory updates.

3. Do I need to read all 10 books to become a smart mutual fund investor?

Begin by reading 1-2 books that align with your current knowledge level and learning goals. Once you’ve grasped the core concepts, you can explore other books on the list to deepen your understanding of specific strategies or market insights.

4. Are there any free online resources that complement these books for learning mutual funds?

Yes, numerous free resources are available online. You can explore investor education sections on reputable Asset Management Company (AMC) websites, financial news portals, government regulatory sites like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), and educational blogs, including the resources available on Share.Market.

5. Which is the best book on mutual funds for beginners?

Beginners must read “Common Sense of Mutual Funds”, which is written by John Bogle to gain the basic knowledge and ideas on investing in mutual funds.

6. How do I educate myself on mutual funds?

To educate yourself on mutual funds, you can read books, refer to online resources, and attend seminars and events hosted by mutual fund experts.