Guides & insights for everyday investors

Page 3

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· 8 min

Best Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct Growth India 2026 — Expense Ratio & Tracking Error Compared

The Nifty 50 is the single most important index in Indian equities. A direct plan index fund is the cheapest way to own it. Here are the top 5 Nifty 50 index funds for 2026 — compared by expense ratio, tracking error, AUM, and 5-year returns.

P
Pavan Polineni
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E
· 10 min

Equity ETFs Beyond Nifty 50 — The Missing Pieces of Most Indian Portfolios

Most Indian ETF investors hold only Nifty 50 ETF. The market has 50+ equity ETFs covering Nifty Next 50, Midcap, Smallcap, Sensex, Bank Nifty, factor strategies. Here's what's worth adding and why.

P
Pavan Polineni
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C
· 9 min

Contra Funds in India — The Underrated Equity Category

Contra funds bet on out-of-favour stocks and sectors — buying what others are selling. The category sounds clever but has had inconsistent execution. Here's when contrarian investing actually works in Indian markets.

P
Pavan Polineni
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S
· 9 min

Smart Beta and Factor ETFs in India — Beyond Nifty 50 Indexing

Smart beta ETFs and factor funds blend passive index methodology with rules-based stock selection (low volatility, momentum, quality, value). Here's how they fit India's growing factor ETF market in 2026.

P
Pavan Polineni
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F
· 9 min

Fund of Funds (FoFs) in India — When the Wrapper Is Worth the Extra Layer

A FoF invests in other mutual funds — adding a small extra expense layer for the convenience of one-fund diversification. Here's the categories (Domestic, Overseas, Multi-Manager) and when each makes sense.

P
Pavan Polineni
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C
· 10 min

Children's Fund vs Separate Goal SIPs — The Math Most Parents Miss

Children's mutual funds promise a packaged "education+marriage" solution with mandatory lock-in until child turns 18. The same allocation done via separate goal SIPs costs less, is more flexible, and usually delivers more. Here's the math.

P
Pavan Polineni
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M
· 9 min

Multi Asset Allocation Funds vs DIY — Is The Single Fund Worth It?

Multi asset allocation funds hold equity, debt, and gold/commodities in one product. Convenience comes at a tax and cost price. Here's whether the bundle beats DIY allocation for the average Indian investor.

P
Pavan Polineni
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C
· 9 min

Conservative Hybrid Funds for Retirement Income in India

Conservative hybrid funds hold 75-90% debt and 10-25% equity. Designed for income-focused investors and retirees who want a small equity kicker on top of debt safety. Here's when they earn their place.

P
Pavan Polineni
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F
· 9 min

Floating Rate Funds — The Rising Rate Hedge Most Indians Don't Use

Floating rate funds invest in bonds whose coupons reset with rates. When rates rise, FD and gilt fund holders lose; floating rate fund NAV barely moves. Here's how the category works and when it earns its place.

P
Pavan Polineni
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