Now stock investments are glimpsed by many people because of their high returns. Unfortunately, not a few of those who do not know how to play stock investments and are often considered the same as mutual funds. Even though these two types of investments are different. Experts recommend those of you who are still beginners and are interested in playing stocks, you should choose a stock mutual fund compared to stock investment. What is the difference between direct stock investment and mutual funds? The following difference: Funds are managed directly by investors. But you can ask for advice from brokers to play stocks. Because the funds are managed by yourself, you must prepare time to monitor the movement of stocks. You also have to understand very well the technique of playing stock so that the profit achieved can be optimal. It will be managed by the Investment Manager. You only need to wait for how investment managers manage your portfolio wisely. The level of stock investment risk is indeed higher than mutual funds. Especially for novice investors. The reason is, all investment decisions are in your own hands, for example when the right time to sell or buy shares. Risk of mutual funds is lower than direct stock investment. Because your funds will be managed by investment managers who are experienced in managing investment. So, you don`t need to worry, especially if you are a novice investor. Because the funds are managed yourself, then you don`t need to spend money to pay the manager`s fee. You generally only need to pay fees for online trading and usually around 0.1 percent to 0.3 percent. In addition, direct stock investment also has the potential to get a higher return because you can determine yourself where you want to invest. But with a note, you already understand how to invest in the world of stocks. Because the funds are managed by the Investment Manager, you will be subject to fees for the management agent. In addition, usually you will also be charged a discount every time you will withdraw funds. In contrast to stock investment, because it is managed by yourself or there is no third party, then you can enjoy the profit yourself. Make those who want to play direct stock investment, then the minimum money you have to prepare to open an account is usually around Rp. 5 million. But it should be noted, the nominal amount you want to use to invest in shares should be no more than 5 percent of your total wealth. What is interesting from mutual funds is that you can start investing with a minimum value of Rp 100,000. There are even securities that offer a minimum investment of Rp. 50 thousand. So, you do not need to spend large amounts of money to start investment. For stock investment, you will be subject to a final tax of 0.1 percent of the value of sales of shares that are included in the sales fee. Not only that, you will also be subject to a final tax of 10 percent if you get a dividend from the company. According to Bareksa, mutual funds are one of the investment products that are not taxed. However, you still have to report profits from mutual funds into the Annual SPT report. Because stock investment is managed directly by you or not through a third party, then when the disbursement of funds will not take long until the funds enter your account. Funds enter the account will take time because you use the management agent or investment manager. Usually around five working days. Actually the investment of shares and mutual funds is equally known as high risk high return, meaning that the benefits and risk are equally large. So, the decision is in your hands. If you want an investment that does not make a headache in terms of risk and make decisions when to sell or buy and easier to make financial planning, then mutual funds are the right choice. While for you who can analyze stocks or know how to play stocks properly so that they have Higher profit potential, you can choose direct stock investment.