This article lists the top 5 mutual funds (MFs) for the year 2008 for various types / categories – Equity Diversified MFs, Tax Saving (ELSS) MFs and Debt MFs.
| As we did in 2007, it is time again to look into the rear view mirror, and find out which mutual funds have performed the best in the year gone by. Of course, we need to remember that “past performance is not a guarantee for future performance”. But please keep in mind that consistent performance over a long period of time can be a convincing proof of strong stock picking and fund management skills. |
So, here is a list of top performing mutual funds (MFs) for the year 2008.
My recommendation – It is always advisable to pay more attention to long term performance and rankings instead of the 1 year performance. (In any case, the 1 year performance is nothing to talk about for most funds in 2008).
Equity – Diversified
Top 5 Funds Based on 5 Year Return (Annualized)
| Fund Name | 5 Year Return (Annualized %) | 1 Year Return (%) |
| SBI Magnum Contra | 26.90 | -53.81 |
| Reliance Growth | 21.91 | -53.90 |
| Kotak 30 | 20.10 | -48.88 |
| DSPBR Equity | 20.00 | -49.74 |
| SBI Magnum Multiplier Plus | 19.40 | -55.90 |
Top 5 Funds Based on 1 Year Return
| Fund Name | 5 Year Return (Annualized %) | 1 Year Return (%) |
| Birla Sun Life Asset Allocation Aggressive | NA | -35.68 |
| FT India Life Stage FoF 20s | 11.24 | -40.70 |
| IDFC Imperial Equity | NA | -43.03 |
| UTI MNC | 9.66 | -43.10 |
| Sahara Growth | 16.53 | -43.22 |
Equity – Tax Saving (ELSS)
Top 5 Funds Based on 5 Year Return (Annualized)
| Fund Name | 5 Year Return (Annualized %) | 1 Year Return (%) |
| SBI Magnum Taxgain | 24.75 | -55.63 |
| Sundaram BNP Paribas Taxsaver | 20.44 | -48.62 |
| HDFC Taxsaver | 18.35 | -52.48 |
| Canara Robeco Equity Tax Saver | 14.75 | -47.76 |
| Franklin India Taxshield | 14.20 | -50.14 |
Top 5 Funds Based on 1 Year Return
| Fund Name | 5 Year Return (Annualized %) | 1 Year Return (%) |
| Canara Robeco Equity Tax Saver | 14.75 | -47.76 |
| Sundaram BNP Paribas Taxsaver | 20.44 | -48.62 |
| Lotus India Tax Plan | NA | -48.73 |
| Sahara Tax Gain | 13.42 | -49.44 |
| Franklin India Taxshield | 14.20 | -50.14 |
Debt – Medium Term
Top 5 Funds Based on 5 Year Return (Annualized)
| Fund Name | 5 Year Return (Annualized %) | 1 Year Return (%) |
| Canara Robeco Income | 9.94 | 28.62 |
| IDFC Dynamic Bond Plan A | 9.08 | 26.35 |
| Birla Sun Life Income | 8.79 | 20.86 |
| Kotak Bond Regular | 8.38 | 19.97 |
| ICICI Prudential Long-term | 8.32 | 10.03 |
Top 5 Funds Based on 1 Year Return
| Fund Name | 5 Year Return (Annualized %) | 1 Year Return (%) |
| Canara Robeco Income | 9.94 | 28.62 |
| IDFC Dynamic Bond Plan A | 9.08 | 26.35 |
| IDFC SSI Inv Plan A | 7.71 | 24.25 |
| ICICI Prudential Income | 8.15 | 23.56 |
| Birla Sun Life Income Plus | 8.06 | 21.58 |
So, go ahead and make investment plans for the year 2009. And remember not to get influenced by short term returns – long term performance is the only way to judge a mutual fund (MF) prudently!
Happy investing!
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