Open-ended and closed-ended mutual funds differ primarily in how they are structured and traded.

Open-ended mutual funds allow investors to buy or sell shares directly from the fund at the fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV), which is calculated at the end of each trading day. There's no limit to the number of shares the fund can issue, and investors can enter or exit the fund anytime. Open-ended funds are more liquid and flexible, making them ideal for investors looking for ease of access. These funds also offer features like Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) for regular contributions.

Closed-ended mutual funds, on the other hand, have a fixed number of shares issued during an initial public offering (IPO). Once the shares are sold, new investors can only purchase them on the secondary market, like a stock exchange, where prices may fluctuate above or below the NAV based on demand. These funds often have a set maturity period, after which the fund is liquidated, and proceeds are returned to investors.

The key differences lie in liquidity, accessibility, and trading dynamics. Open-ended funds provide greater flexibility, while closed-ended funds may offer opportunities for trading at a discount or premium to NAV but with less liquidity.