A Balanced Mutual Fund (now classified as Hybrid Fund under SEBI's categorisation) is a mutual fund scheme that invests in a mix of equity and debt instruments to balance the dual objectives of capital appreciation and income generation. Aggressive Hybrid Funds maintain 65–80% in equities, while Conservative Hybrid Funds hold a larger proportion in debt. These funds are suitable for moderate-risk investors seeking diversification within a single scheme. The equity component drives long-term growth, while the debt allocation provides stability and cushions portfolio volatility during market downturns.