Best Index Funds - Consider the best performing index mutual funds to invest in 2021 with Scripbox.com. Find the list of best index funds in India on the basis of Returns, Latest Nav, Ratings, Performance, etc.
Learn how Scripbox Recommends funds| Fund Name | Scripbox Opinion | Till Date CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 21.8% | 12.2% | |
| 21.5% | 15.6% | |
 | 21.8% | 12.2% | |
| 21.8% | 12.2% | |
| 21.5% | 10.5% | |
| 17.8% | 12.4% | |
| 21.1% | 16.6% | |
| 20.7% | 10.5% | |
| 21.7% | 15.8% | |
| 21.9% | 17.4% |
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We look at consistent and long historical performance for our analysis.
We look at the size of the fund with respect to other funds in the category. Larger funds are preferred.
We check if the sub-category of the fund is recommended by us.
Consistency of performance over various tenures is analysed for a relative performance stack.
We look at consistent and long historical performance for our analysis.
We look at the size of the fund with respect to other funds in the category. Larger funds are preferred.
We check the relative interest rate risk of the sub-category of the fund. Lower the better.
We check the credit quality of the underlying instruments present in the fund. Higher the better.
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Debt Funds
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An index fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in a broader market index – like the Sensex OR Nifty. Moreover, all the stocks forming part of the Sensex and/or Nifty will become a part of the investment portfolio. These funds help investors in getting exposure to a broader market segment at a lesser cost.
The indices, Sensex and Nifty represent top companies based on their free-float market capitalization. Since the companies in both the indices are highly reputed and revenue-generating, investors wish to get benefitted from the same. Since these indices are not stocks but an index, investors need to invest in the index constituents in the same weight as the index.
| Best Index Funds | 3 Year Returns |
| UTI Nifty Index Fund | 12.70% |
| HDFC Index Nifty 50 fund | 12.40% |
| UTI Nifty Index Fund Inc Dist cum Cap Wdrl | 12.70% |
| ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund | 7.10% |
| Nippon India Index Fund Sensex Plan | 12.30% |
| Tata Index Fund Sensex | 12.30% |
| LIC MF Index Sensex fund | 12.10% |
An Index fund tracks a broader market index such as Sensex or Nifty and their portfolio will comprise the same stocks as in the Sensex or Nifty in the same proportions. Index funds are also known as passive funds since they track a particular index and do not require a high level of management of the fund.
The fund manager, who is managing the fund investments looks after the stocks which have to be bought or sold according to the composition of the underlying benchmark. As far as the return is concerned, the fund and the index deliver almost the same return. The difference between the two leads to the origination of tracking error which the fund manager tries to minimize.
Investors need to analyze their investment goals and understanding of risk before making an investment in index funds. However, below are a few points and investor might consider:
Index funds are suitable for investors who have a long-term investment horizon. The fund return might fluctuate in the short-term but it usually evens out in the long run. It is important to stick to the fund over the decided horizon in order for the fund investments to perform well.
Redemption of units of index funds leads to capital gain which can be either short-term or long-term depending on the holding period.
The short term capital gains are taxable @ 15% and long-term capital gains are taxable @ 10% without the benefit of indexation. However, for long-term gains, taxability arises only if the gain is above Rs. 1,00,000.
If the investors make sure to stick to the investment horizon, index funds are able to offer better returns and which in turn will help the investors to achieve their financial goals. This can include retirement, wealth creation etc.
Index funds usually have a lower expense ratio when compared to other funds. If there are two funds tracking, say Nifty, both will generate a similar return. The fund which will have a lower expense ratio will provide a higher return on investment.
The procedure for investing in index funds is no different from investing in other mutual funds. However, depending on your knowledge and time constraints, investors can opt for either below methods:
This basically means making the investment through a broker or distributor. If opting for this mode, the investments are made through regular plans which have different returns and expense ratio. Alternatively, investors may invest by filling an application form for the desired scheme and submitting to the authorized collection centre of the mutual fund.
In this mode of investment, investors can visit the respective AMC’s website and choose the funds from there. The various funds offered by the AMC can be compared with each other in terms of returns, history of the fund etc. and can make the investment accordingly.
The index funds are available at a lower expense ratio as compared to actively managed funds. An index fund would typically charge between .20% to .50% while an actively managed fund charges higher than this. The higher the expense ratio, the lower the take rate for the investors.
By investing in index funds, the investors take exposure in the index which helps them in mitigating the unsystematic risk for the investors. Unsystematic risk means a risk which is associated with a particular stock or industry.
Index funds allow diversified exposure as all the leading companies that form part of the index. Auto diversification allows investors to reduce the risk of staying invested in a particular stock or sector like auto, pharma etc.
In the case of index funds, the allocation of assets is not up to the fund manager which reduces the scope of investors being at loss due to poor decisions of the fund manager. This saves investors time and they can utilize this time to re-evaluating their portfolios accordingly.
A capital gain arises on the redemption of units of the index fund. The gains can either be short-term or long-term depending on the holding period of the units.
If the units are sold within a period of 1 year from the date of the allotment, this would give rise to short-term capital gain and is taxed @ 15%. Furthermore, the long-term capital gains are taxed @10%, above Rs, 1,00,000 without the benefit of the indexation.
For example, if there is a long-term capital gain of Rs. 2 lacs and the investor withdraws this amount after a year of investment, the tax will be levied on Rs. 1 lac and the amount payable will be Rs. 10,000.
1. HDFC Index Nifty 50
2. UTI Nifty Next Index Fund Regular Growth
Index funds work for investors who have a long-term investment horizon. It is important to stick to the investment period as decided by the investor in order to have a better return.
Investing in an index fund requires a bit of research. Below are few points that the investors can consider to choose the best index funds:
1.It is better to opt for index funds in case the investor is looking for a balanced portfolio. In this way investors will have equity for long-term growth, bonds for stability and index funds as a balance between the two.
2.The fund house should have a solid investment background for index funds. It is important to be aware of the history of the fund house like the management team returns. etc.
Most index funds do not give the option of dividend payout.
For most of the investors, if your investment horizon is long-term, you can invest anytime. However there is no set methodology to follow for making the investment. It is dependent on the current market scenarios.
Index funds can provide a better return over a long-term horizon as compared to short term. The average rate of return on index funds is generally around 7-10%.
Invest in the best mutual funds recommended by Scripbox that are algorithmically selected that best suit your needs.
