Frequently Asked Questions
What is XIRR and how is it different from CAGR?
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XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return) calculates the
annualised return for investments with multiple cash flows at
irregular time intervals. Unlike CAGR, which assumes a single
lump-sum investment over a fixed period, XIRR handles many
investments and withdrawals on different dates — making it ideal
for SIP investments in Pakistani mutual funds. For example, if
you invest Rs 10,000 every month, XIRR gives you the true
annualised return accounting for every instalment's exact date.
How do I calculate XIRR for my mutual fund SIP in Pakistan?
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Add each monthly SIP instalment as a negative cash flow
(Investment/Out) with its exact investment date. Then add the
current NAV-based portfolio value as a positive cash flow
(Return/In) with today's date. The XIRR result shows your true
annualised return, accounting for the timing of each investment.
Pakistani fund platforms like Meezan Funds and UBL Funds use the
same XIRR method for your personal return.
What is a good XIRR for Pakistani mutual fund investments?
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Money Market Funds typically yield 18–22% p.a. (linked to SBP
policy rate), Income/Bond Funds 15–20% p.a., and Equity Funds
20–30%+ over the long term. National Savings Schemes (NSS) offer
14–17% p.a. An XIRR above Pakistan's inflation rate (~10–15%)
means your investment is growing in real terms. KSE-100
historical 10-year average is approximately 24% p.a.
Why does my XIRR show "No solution"?
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XIRR requires at least one Out (investment) and one In (return)
cash flow. The algorithm may also fail if the cash flow pattern
has no mathematical solution — for instance if total returns
equal total investments exactly, or the pattern is unusual. Make
sure you have both investment and return entries with valid
dates, and that your return is either more or less than your
total investment.
Can I use XIRR to evaluate real estate investment in Pakistan?
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Absolutely. Enter the purchase price and any
renovation/maintenance costs as Out flows on their dates, rental
income received as In flows, and the current market value (or
final sale price) as a last In flow. XIRR gives you the true
all-in annualised return on your property in PKR, accounting for
every rupee that moved in and out.
Is XIRR the same as the "personal return" shown in mutual fund
apps?
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Yes. Most Pakistani fund platforms (Meezan Funds, UBL Funds, Al
Meezan, Faysal Funds) use XIRR to calculate your personal return
— also called the "money-weighted return". It reflects the exact
dates and amounts you invested, making it far more personalised
than the fund's overall NAV growth percentage which is just
CAGR.