New Delhi, April 18 -- When considering an investment in mutual funds, the first question that usually arises is - which fund should you pick? In this scenario, fund ratings serve as a valuable guide.

A strong rating not only reflects the fund's past performance but also indicates its stability during market volatility. This becomes particularly helpful for first-time investors, as choosing top-rated funds can be a smart and reliable starting point.

When selecting a fund, an investor should also consider several key factors, including the fund's historical performance, expense ratio, the expertise of the fund manager, the fund's portfolio strategy, its risk-return characteristics, and how well it aligns with their own investment goals....