+91-22-48913909Best Gold Mutual Funds in India 2026 – Returns, SIP & Tax
Gold has always been one of the most trusted assets for Indian households — whether in the form of jewellery, coins, or bars. But over the last few years, gold has evolved from a traditional store of value into an important financial asset class.
With gold prices trading near record highs in 2025 and 2026, investors are actively searching for safe, systematic and hassle-free ways to invest in gold — without the risks of physical storage or large lump-sum investments.
This is where Gold Mutual Funds have gained massive popularity. Let’s explore what are gold funds, how taxation works, the top-performing funds in India, and many more insights.
What Are Gold Mutual Funds?
Gold mutual funds are open-ended mutual fund schemes that invest primarily in Gold Exchange Traded Fund (Gold ETFs). These ETFs, in turn, hold physical gold bullion of 99.5% purity, as per SEBI regulations.
When you invest in a gold mutual fund, your money is not kept in cash. The fund uses your investment to Buy Gold through Gold ETFs, which hold actual physical gold on behalf of investors.
So even though you don’t own gold coins or bars yourself, your investment value still moves exactly in line with gold prices. This structure allows investors to benefit from gold price movements without owning physical gold.
Why Gold Funds Are Gaining Popularity?
India has a strong emotional and cultural connection with gold, but modern investors are increasingly shifting from physical gold to financial gold due to the following advantages:
- SIP investment starts from as low as ₹100
- No storage or locker costs
- No purity or making-charge concerns
- No Demat account required
- Easy liquidity through fund houses
- Transparent pricing linked to daily gold rates
- Suitable for long-term Portfolio diversification
For retail investors, gold mutual funds are among the most cost-efficient ways to invest in gold.
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How Do Gold Mutual Funds Work?
- The fund house collects money from investors
- The corpus is invested in Gold ETFs
- gold ETF prices track domestic gold prices
- NAV of the gold fund moves in line with gold prices
Unlike jewellery or coins, investors pay:
- No making charges
- No storage fees
- No resale deductions
Returns purely depend on gold price movement.
Taxation on Gold Mutual Funds
Gold Mutual Funds are taxed as non-Equity Funds, meaning their tax rules differ from equity mutual funds:
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If redeemed within 36 months, gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If held for more than 36 months, gains are taxed at a flat 20% with indexation benefit (updated as per the Finance Act, 2024).
This makes gold funds particularly attractive for long-term investors, as indexation significantly reduces tax liability compared to physical gold.Taxation on Gold Mutual Funds & Gold ETFs (Updated for 2026)
Gold mutual funds and gold ETFs are taxed differently based on their holding period and structure.
Gold ETFs (Listed)
- If held for 12 months or less, gains are taxed as short-term capital gains at the investor’s income tax slab rate.
- If held for more than 12 months, gains are taxed as long-term capital gains at 12.5%, without indexation benefit.
Gold Mutual Funds (Fund of Fund)
- If held for 24 months or less, gains are treated as short-term capital gains and taxed as per slab rate.
- If held for more than 24 months, gains are taxed as long-term capital gains at 12.5%, without indexation.
These tax rules are applicable as per current capital gains provisions and may change in future budgets.
Fund Selection Methodology used to find 8 funds
Top Performing Gold Funds to Invest in India (2026)
Fund NAV Net Assets (Cr) 3 MO (%) 6 MO (%) 1 YR (%) 3 YR (%) 5 YR (%) 2024 (%) SBI Gold Fund Growth ₹42.4196
↑ 0.93 ₹16,533 -0.2 7.5 48.5 34.3 23.8 71.5 ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund Growth ₹44.866
↑ 1.02 ₹6,856 0.1 7.6 48.2 34.2 23.6 72 Axis Gold Fund Growth ₹42.2814
↑ 1.05 ₹3,092 0.8 7.8 48.5 33.9 23.7 69.8 Kotak Gold Fund Growth ₹55.5883
↑ 1.21 ₹7,065 -0.1 7.8 47.8 33.9 23.3 70.4 Nippon India Gold Savings Fund Growth ₹55.3445
↑ 1.20 ₹7,553 -0.3 7.4 47.9 33.9 23.5 71.2 HDFC Gold Fund Growth ₹43.2083
↑ 0.96 ₹12,121 -0.4 7.4 47.9 33.9 23.5 71.3 IDBI Gold Fund Growth ₹37.4525
↑ 0.80 ₹824 0.1 7.1 47.1 33.9 23.7 79 Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold Fund Growth ₹42.0273
↑ 0.92 ₹1,822 -0.3 7.4 48 33.8 23.5 72 Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 3 Jul 26 Research Highlights & Commentary of 8 Funds showcased
Commentary SBI Gold Fund ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund Axis Gold Fund Kotak Gold Fund Nippon India Gold Savings Fund HDFC Gold Fund IDBI Gold Fund Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold Fund Point 1 Highest AUM (₹16,533 Cr). Lower mid AUM (₹6,856 Cr). Lower mid AUM (₹3,092 Cr). Upper mid AUM (₹7,065 Cr). Upper mid AUM (₹7,553 Cr). Top quartile AUM (₹12,121 Cr). Bottom quartile AUM (₹824 Cr). Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,822 Cr). Point 2 Established history (14+ yrs). Established history (14+ yrs). Established history (14+ yrs). Oldest track record among peers (15 yrs). Established history (15+ yrs). Established history (14+ yrs). Established history (13+ yrs). Established history (14+ yrs). Point 3 Rating: 2★ (top quartile). Rating: 1★ (upper mid). Rating: 1★ (lower mid). Rating: 1★ (lower mid). Rating: 2★ (upper mid). Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile). Not Rated. Top rated. Point 4 Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Risk profile: Moderately High. Point 5 5Y return: 23.76% (top quartile). 5Y return: 23.64% (upper mid). 5Y return: 23.72% (top quartile). 5Y return: 23.28% (bottom quartile). 5Y return: 23.47% (bottom quartile). 5Y return: 23.52% (lower mid). 5Y return: 23.67% (upper mid). 5Y return: 23.51% (lower mid). Point 6 3Y return: 34.31% (top quartile). 3Y return: 34.17% (top quartile). 3Y return: 33.92% (upper mid). 3Y return: 33.92% (upper mid). 3Y return: 33.91% (lower mid). 3Y return: 33.89% (lower mid). 3Y return: 33.86% (bottom quartile). 3Y return: 33.85% (bottom quartile). Point 7 1Y return: 48.47% (top quartile). 1Y return: 48.22% (upper mid). 1Y return: 48.46% (top quartile). 1Y return: 47.85% (bottom quartile). 1Y return: 47.94% (lower mid). 1Y return: 47.89% (lower mid). 1Y return: 47.07% (bottom quartile). 1Y return: 47.98% (upper mid). Point 8 1M return: -5.75% (upper mid). 1M return: -5.65% (top quartile). 1M return: -5.18% (top quartile). 1M return: -5.73% (upper mid). 1M return: -5.76% (lower mid). 1M return: -5.83% (lower mid). 1M return: -5.97% (bottom quartile). 1M return: -6.01% (bottom quartile). Point 9 Alpha: 0.00 (top quartile). Alpha: 0.00 (top quartile). Alpha: 0.00 (upper mid). Alpha: 0.00 (upper mid). Alpha: 0.00 (lower mid). Alpha: 0.00 (lower mid). Alpha: 0.00 (bottom quartile). Alpha: 0.00 (bottom quartile). Point 10 Sharpe: 1.93 (upper mid). Sharpe: 1.79 (lower mid). Sharpe: 2.08 (top quartile). Sharpe: 2.12 (top quartile). Sharpe: 1.74 (bottom quartile). Sharpe: 1.92 (upper mid). Sharpe: 1.82 (lower mid). Sharpe: 1.76 (bottom quartile). SBI Gold Fund
ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund
Axis Gold Fund
Kotak Gold Fund
Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
HDFC Gold Fund
IDBI Gold Fund
Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold Fund
All the funds mentioned above are ideal, we are giving you detailed analysis of 5 funds.
The scheme seeks to provide returns that closely correspond to returns provided by SBI - ETF Gold (Previously known as SBI GETS). Research Highlights for SBI Gold Fund Below is the key information for SBI Gold Fund Returns up to 1 year are on ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund (the Scheme) is a fund of funds scheme with the primary objective to generate returns by investing in units of ICICI Prudential Gold Exchange Traded Fund (IPru Gold ETF).
However, there can be no assurance that the investment objectives of the Scheme will be realized. Research Highlights for ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund Below is the key information for ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund Returns up to 1 year are on To generate returns that closely correspond to returns generated by Axis Gold ETF. Research Highlights for Axis Gold Fund Below is the key information for Axis Gold Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The investment objective of the scheme is to generate returns by investing in units of Kotak Gold Exchange Traded Fund. Research Highlights for Kotak Gold Fund Below is the key information for Kotak Gold Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The investment objective of the Scheme is to seek to provide returns that closely correspond to returns provided by Reliance ETF Gold BeES. Research Highlights for Nippon India Gold Savings Fund Below is the key information for Nippon India Gold Savings Fund Returns up to 1 year are on 1. SBI Gold Fund
SBI Gold Fund
Growth Launch Date 12 Sep 11 NAV (03 Jul 26) ₹42.4196 ↑ 0.93 (2.25 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹16,533 on 31 May 26 Category Gold - Gold AMC SBI Funds Management Private Limited Rating ☆☆ Risk Moderately High Expense Ratio 0.3 Sharpe Ratio 1.93 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 500 Exit Load 0-1 Years (1%),1 Years and above(NIL) Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Jun 21 ₹10,000 30 Jun 22 ₹10,828 30 Jun 23 ₹12,154 30 Jun 24 ₹14,949 30 Jun 25 ₹19,644 30 Jun 26 ₹28,455 Returns for SBI Gold Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 3 Jul 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -5.7% 3 Month -0.2% 6 Month 7.5% 1 Year 48.5% 3 Year 34.3% 5 Year 23.8% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 10.3% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 71.5% 2023 19.6% 2022 14.1% 2021 12.6% 2020 -5.7% 2019 27.4% 2018 22.8% 2017 6.4% 2016 3.5% 2015 10% Fund Manager information for SBI Gold Fund
Name Since Tenure Viral Chhadva 1 Mar 26 0.25 Yr. Data below for SBI Gold Fund as on 31 May 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 1.59% Other 98.41% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity SBI Gold ETF
- | -100% ₹15,710 Cr 1,232,736,194
↑ 33,250,000 Net Receivable / Payable
Net Current Assets | -0% -₹52 Cr Treps
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -0% ₹33 Cr 2. ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund
ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund
Growth Launch Date 11 Oct 11 NAV (03 Jul 26) ₹44.866 ↑ 1.02 (2.33 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹6,856 on 31 May 26 Category Gold - Gold AMC ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited Rating ☆ Risk Moderately High Expense Ratio 0.38 Sharpe Ratio 1.79 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 100 Exit Load 0-15 Months (2%),15 Months and above(NIL) Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Jun 21 ₹10,000 30 Jun 22 ₹10,811 30 Jun 23 ₹12,106 30 Jun 24 ₹14,939 30 Jun 25 ₹19,567 30 Jun 26 ₹28,290 Returns for ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 3 Jul 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -5.6% 3 Month 0.1% 6 Month 7.6% 1 Year 48.2% 3 Year 34.2% 5 Year 23.6% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 10.7% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 72% 2023 19.5% 2022 13.5% 2021 12.7% 2020 -5.4% 2019 26.6% 2018 22.7% 2017 7.4% 2016 0.8% 2015 8.9% Fund Manager information for ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund
Name Since Tenure Manish Banthia 27 Sep 12 13.68 Yr. Nishit Patel 29 Dec 20 5.42 Yr. Ashwini Bharucha 1 Nov 25 0.58 Yr. Venus Ahuja 1 Nov 25 0.58 Yr. Data below for ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund as on 31 May 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 1.83% Other 98.17% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity ICICI Pru Gold ETF
- | -100% ₹6,449 Cr 504,008,953
↑ 12,374,495 Treps
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -0% ₹25 Cr Net Current Assets
Net Current Assets | -0% -₹23 Cr 3. Axis Gold Fund
Axis Gold Fund
Growth Launch Date 20 Oct 11 NAV (03 Jul 26) ₹42.2814 ↑ 1.05 (2.54 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹3,092 on 31 May 26 Category Gold - Gold AMC Axis Asset Management Company Limited Rating ☆ Risk Moderately High Expense Ratio 0.5 Sharpe Ratio 2.08 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load 0-1 Years (1%),1 Years and above(NIL) Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Jun 21 ₹10,000 30 Jun 22 ₹10,819 30 Jun 23 ₹12,177 30 Jun 24 ₹14,959 30 Jun 25 ₹19,547 30 Jun 26 ₹28,179 Returns for Axis Gold Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 3 Jul 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -5.2% 3 Month 0.8% 6 Month 7.8% 1 Year 48.5% 3 Year 33.9% 5 Year 23.7% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 10.3% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 69.8% 2023 19.2% 2022 14.7% 2021 12.5% 2020 -4.7% 2019 26.9% 2018 23.1% 2017 8.3% 2016 0.7% 2015 10.7% Fund Manager information for Axis Gold Fund
Name Since Tenure Aditya Pagaria 9 Nov 21 4.56 Yr. Pratik Tibrewal 1 Feb 25 1.33 Yr. Data below for Axis Gold Fund as on 31 May 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 1.85% Other 98.15% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity Axis Gold ETF
- | -100% ₹2,942 Cr 236,027,486
↑ 4,237,000 Net Receivables / (Payables)
Net Current Assets | -0% -₹6 Cr Clearing Corporation Of India Ltd
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -0% ₹6 Cr 4. Kotak Gold Fund
Kotak Gold Fund
Growth Launch Date 25 Mar 11 NAV (03 Jul 26) ₹55.5883 ↑ 1.21 (2.22 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹7,065 on 31 May 26 Category Gold - Gold AMC Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co Ltd Rating ☆ Risk Moderately High Expense Ratio 0.5 Sharpe Ratio 2.12 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load 0-6 Months (2%),6-12 Months (1%),12 Months and above(NIL) Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Jun 21 ₹10,000 30 Jun 22 ₹10,677 30 Jun 23 ₹11,934 30 Jun 24 ₹14,710 30 Jun 25 ₹19,261 30 Jun 26 ₹27,849 Returns for Kotak Gold Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 3 Jul 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -5.7% 3 Month -0.1% 6 Month 7.8% 1 Year 47.8% 3 Year 33.9% 5 Year 23.3% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 11.9% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 70.4% 2023 18.9% 2022 13.9% 2021 11.7% 2020 -4.7% 2019 26.6% 2018 24.1% 2017 7.3% 2016 2.5% 2015 10.2% Fund Manager information for Kotak Gold Fund
Name Since Tenure Abhishek Bisen 25 Mar 11 15.2 Yr. Jeetu Sonar 1 Oct 22 3.67 Yr. Data below for Kotak Gold Fund as on 31 May 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 1.57% Other 98.43% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity Kotak Gold ETF
- | -100% ₹6,682 Cr 535,830,125
↑ 9,383,899 Triparty Repo
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -0% ₹23 Cr Net Current Assets/(Liabilities)
Net Current Assets | -0% -₹11 Cr 5. Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
Growth Launch Date 7 Mar 11 NAV (03 Jul 26) ₹55.3445 ↑ 1.20 (2.22 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹7,553 on 31 May 26 Category Gold - Gold AMC Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd. Rating ☆☆ Risk Moderately High Expense Ratio 0.35 Sharpe Ratio 1.74 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 100 Exit Load 0-1 Years (2%),1 Years and above(NIL) Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value 30 Jun 21 ₹10,000 30 Jun 22 ₹10,753 30 Jun 23 ₹12,075 30 Jun 24 ₹14,797 30 Jun 25 ₹19,451 30 Jun 26 ₹28,091 Returns for Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 3 Jul 26 Duration Returns 1 Month -5.8% 3 Month -0.3% 6 Month 7.4% 1 Year 47.9% 3 Year 33.9% 5 Year 23.5% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 11.8% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2024 71.2% 2023 19% 2022 14.3% 2021 12.3% 2020 -5.5% 2019 26.6% 2018 22.5% 2017 6% 2016 1.7% 2015 11.6% Fund Manager information for Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
Name Since Tenure Himanshu Mange 23 Dec 23 2.44 Yr. Data below for Nippon India Gold Savings Fund as on 31 May 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Cash 1.62% Other 98.38% Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity Nippon India ETF Gold BeES
- | -100% ₹7,181 Cr 581,787,572
↑ 12,095,589 Net Current Assets
Net Current Assets | -0% -₹15 Cr Triparty Repo
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -0% ₹12 Cr Cash Margin - Ccil
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -0% ₹0 Cr Cash
Net Current Assets | -0% ₹0 Cr 00
Gold at Record Highs – Is It Still Worth Investing?
In 2025 and 2026, gold prices in India have remained close to all-time highs, supported by:
- Persistent global inflation
- Central Bank gold accumulation
- Geopolitical tensions
- Weakening rupee
- High global debt levels
- Equity market Volatility
While Investing a lump sum at peak levels carries short-term risk, gold mutual funds offer a more disciplined approach through Systematic Investment plan (SIPs). SIP investing helps:
- Average purchase cost over time
- Reduce timing risk
- Remove emotional decision-making
This makes gold mutual funds one of the most practical investment options even when gold prices are elevated.
Top 4 Benefits of Gold Investments
1. Hedge Against Inflation
Gold maintains purchasing power when inflation rises, unlike cash or fixed deposits that lose value.
2. Liquidity
Gold funds can be redeemed quickly through Mutual Fund Houses, making them far more liquid than jewellery or coins.
3. Diversification
Gold prices move differently from stocks and Bonds. In times of equity market stress, gold often provides stability, making it a risk-balancing tool in portfolios.
4. Timeless Asset
Gold has held value for centuries. While returns may not always be explosive, they are steady, making it a safe-haven asset during crises (e.g., COVID-19, 2008 Global Financial Crisis).
Gold Mutual Fund vs Gold ETF – Which Is Better?
| Basis | Gold Mutual Fund | Gold ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Demat account | Not required | Required |
| Minimum investment | ₹100 SIP | Market price |
| Expense ratio | Slightly higher | Lower |
| Ease of investing | Very easy | Moderate |
| Suitable for | Beginners | Experienced investors |
Who Should Invest in Gold Mutual Funds?
Gold mutual funds are ideal for:
- Investors without a Demat account.
- Those who want to start with small amounts (SIP from ₹100).
- People looking for diversification against market volatility.
- Investors seeking a long-term hedge against inflation.
They are not meant for overnight profits, but for long-term portfolio balance.
Risks of Investing in Gold Mutual Funds
Despite being considered safe, investors must understand:
- Short-term price volatility
- No regular income or dividends
- Returns fully depend on gold prices
- Not ideal for short-term goals
Gold works best as portfolio insurance, not as a growth engine.
How Invest in Gold Funds Online?
Open Free Investment Account for Lifetime at Fincash.com.
Complete your Registration and KYC Process
Upload Documents (PAN, Aadhaar, etc.). And, You are Ready to Invest!
Conclusion
Gold mutual funds are one of the most effective ways for Indians to invest in gold without storage hassles or large capital requirements. With SIPs starting from ₹100, professional management, and long-term inflation-hedging benefits, they’re a must-have in a diversified portfolio. With global uncertainty and rising inflation, allocating a portion of your wealth to gold funds can provide safety, stability, and steady returns.
FAQs
1. What should I look for while investing in gold mutual funds?
A: Compare 3-year CAGR, expense ratio, fund manager reputation, and AUM size before investing.
2. Are gold funds better than physical gold?
A: Yes — because they are liquid, cost-efficient, and transparent. No making charges or purity concerns.
3. How much should I allocate to gold funds?
A: Financial planners recommend 5–15% of portfolio allocation to gold.
4. Are gold mutual funds safe?
A: They carry market risks, but as a long-term hedge, they are safer and more stable than many other asset classes.
All efforts have been made to ensure the information provided here is accurate. However, no guarantees are made regarding correctness of data. Please verify with scheme information document before making any investment.
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Really a useful knowledge. for investment decision.espically for gold and global fund investments.
Very informative.
Which gold investment fund will be good for me pls suggest for 1- 1.3 years