Gold has always held a special place in the Indian financial landscape, not only as a cultural symbol but also as a dependable investment avenue. With rising economic uncertainties and increasing global demand for the precious metal, gold mutual funds continue to attract attention. These funds offer an easy way to gain exposure to gold without dealing with physical storage or purity concerns. As 2026 approaches, selecting high-performing and stable gold mutual funds becomes even more important for building a resilient portfolio.
The SBI Gold Fund Direct – Growth remains one of the most prominent choices in this category. With an NAV of ₹39.27 and a strong AUM of ₹8,456.78 crore, this fund represents a large investor base and high liquidity. Over the past month, it delivered returns of 6.34%, followed by 20.98% over three months. Its one-year return stands at an impressive 65.96%, while three-year and five-year returns are 32.30% and 19.93% respectively. Such consistent multi-year performance reflects stability and efficient gold price tracking.
With an NAV of ₹40.18 and an AUM of ₹7,092.09 crore, the HDFC Gold ETF Fund of Fund Direct – Growth also ranks among the leading performers. It has recorded 6.48% returns in the last one month and 21.09% over the previous three months. The one-year return stands at 66.07%, slightly higher than many peers. The three-year and five-year returns, at 32.38% and 19.88%, show the fund’s ability to deliver strong medium-term growth.
The Nippon India Gold Savings Fund Direct – Growth presents another strong option, with an NAV of ₹51.38 and an AUM of ₹4,545.14 crore. Its recent one-month return of 6.44% and three-month return of 21.14% show its ability to respond effectively to market movements. Over one year, it generated 66.01% returns, supported by three-year returns of 32.22% and five-year returns of 19.70%. This consistency makes it a reliable choice for long-term planning.
Displaying steady performance, the Kotak Gold Fund Direct – Growth has an NAV of ₹51.88 and an AUM of ₹4,539.90 crore. The fund returned 6.33% over the past one month and 20.71% over the last three months. Its one-year return of 65.32% aligns closely with other top funds in the category, while the three-year return of 32.23% and five-year return of 19.76% reflect long-term stability.
With an NAV of ₹41.12 and an AUM of ₹3,770.12 crore, this fund from ICICI Prudential continues to demonstrate competitive performance. The one-month return is 6.72%, slightly higher than several peers in the same category. It has produced 20.89% returns over the last three months. The one-year return is 66.21%, while the three-year return stands at 32.47%. Over five years, the fund has delivered 19.83% returns, showing balanced performance across all time frames.
The Axis Gold Fund Direct – Growth holds an NAV of ₹40.65 and an AUM of ₹1,799.99 crore. It has delivered 6.75% in the last one month and 20.61% over three months. Its one-year return of 65.73%, along with three-year and five-year returns of 32.22% and 19.97%, highlight its stable long-term track record. The fund maintains its position as a dependable choice for diversified portfolios.
This fund differs from the others because it invests in global gold mining companies rather than gold prices directly. With an NAV of ₹53.10 and an AUM of ₹1,497.73 crore, it offers international exposure. Its short-term performance has been strong, with a remarkable one-month return of 16.15% and a three-month return of 31.96%. Over one year, it has delivered an exceptional 134.55%. The three-year return of 46.80% and five-year return of 21.98% show higher long-term potential, though with typically higher volatility due to equity involvement. This fund is suitable for investors seeking growth beyond traditional gold-linked funds.
The gold mutual fund segment in India continues to perform strongly, driven by rising global gold prices, market uncertainties, and investors’ desire for safer assets. The data across these funds shows consistent performance, especially in the one-year, three-year, and five-year periods. Funds such as SBI Gold Fund Direct, HDFC Gold ETF FoF, Nippon India Gold Savings Fund, and ICICI Prudential Gold Savings Fund stand out for their balanced returns and stable AUM.
Meanwhile, the DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni Fund offers a unique alternative by tapping into global mining stocks, delivering higher returns but with greater risk exposure.
A 2026-ready portfolio benefits from diversification across asset classes, and gold mutual funds continue to play an important role. Their steady performance, ease of access, and long-term stability make them valuable for building financial resilience in an unpredictable economic environment.