Arbitrage Mutual Funds

Buying in the cash market and selling in futures, capturing the spread.

Returns look like a short-term debt fund but are taxed as equity, which is the reason these exist. Returns depend on market activity — in quiet markets the spread thins and so does the return.

Who it suits. Parking money for a few months to a year in a taxable account. Hold for 6 months to 1 year.

Direct plans Regular plans

Direct plans in this category

Fund 1y3y5y

Point-to-point CAGR from AMFI NAV history, Direct plans only. Ordered by five-year return so the list has a shape, not because the order is a judgement. Past returns do not predict future ones — a fund near the top is usually there because its style suited the last five years, and styles take turns.

Other categories

Large CapFunds that must keep at least 80% in India's 100 biggest listed companies. Mid CapAt least 65% in companies ranked 101st to 250th by market value. Small CapAt least 65% in companies ranked 251st and below. Flexi CapAt least 65% in equity, with no limit on where across large, mid and small. Multi CapAt least 25% each in large, mid and small caps — the split is mandatory. Large & Mid CapAt least 35% in large caps and 35% in mid caps. FocusedA maximum of 30 stocks, at least 65% in equity. Value / ContraAt least 65% in equity, following a value or contrarian strategy.

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Questions people ask

What is a Arbitrage fund?

Buying in the cash market and selling in futures, capturing the spread. Returns look like a short-term debt fund but are taxed as equity, which is the reason these exist. Returns depend on market activity — in quiet markets the spread thins and so does the return.

Who should invest in Arbitrage funds?

Parking money for a few months to a year in a taxable account. A sensible holding period is 6 months to 1 year.

How is this list ordered?

By five-year CAGR computed from AMFI's published NAV history, within one plan type. It is a sort, not a verdict — a fund near the top is there because its style suited the last five years, which is not a promise about the next five.

Should I choose the Direct or Regular plan?

A Direct plan holds exactly the same portfolio without the distributor commission, so its expense ratio is lower — commonly 0.5% to 1.2% a year — and it compounds ahead of the Regular plan for ever. Choose Regular only if you want an intermediary's advice and are content to pay for it annually.