When it comes to mutual fund investing, nothing grabs investor attention like consistent high performance backed by strong themes such as technology, global innovation, AI, gold mining, and small caps. Over the last 3 years, global and thematic funds have outperformed traditional equity categories, delivering exceptional returns—some even crossing 60% CAGR. In this article, we present 16 High Return Mutual Funds with Over 30% CAGR in the Last 3 Years, based on the latest 3-year performance data.
Earlier we wrote about 8 High Return Hybrid Mutual Funds with Over 20% CAGR in the Last 5 Years.
How We Filtered These Mutual Funds?
To shortlist these high-performing mutual funds, we followed a transparent and data-backed filtering process:
1. Considered All Equity-Oriented Mutual Funds and Fund of Funds (FoFs)
Our scan included:
- Global and international FoFs
- US technology-focused funds
- NASDAQ 100 index FoFs
- Global innovation and AI-based funds
- Domestic equity funds
- Largecap
- Midcap
- Small cap
- Flexicap
- Thematic / sector funds
2. Used Direct Plan NAV Data Only
Direct plans carry lower expense ratios, leading to higher long-term returns.
3. Applied Strict 3-Year CAGR Screening
We examined NAV performance over the last 3 years for all qualified funds.
4. Finalised Funds Delivering Over 30% CAGR
Only funds that consistently delivered 30%+ CAGR in the last 3 years were shortlisted—resulting in a final list of 16 top performers.
List of 16 High Return Mutual Funds with Over 30% CAGR in the Last 3 Years
Below is the list of mutual funds along with their 3-year CAGR, absolute returns, and the future value of ₹1 Lakh investment.
| Fund Name | 3-Year CAGR (%) | 3-Year Absolute Return (%) | ₹1 Lakh Would Have Turned Into (₹ Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF | 64.25 | 343.11 | 4.43 |
| DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF | 45.22 | 206.25 | 3.06 |
| Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF | 39.58 | 171.94 | 2.72 |
| Mirae Asset Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF FoF | 38.73 | 167.00 | 2.67 |
| Edelweiss US Technology Equity FoF | 37.87 | 162.07 | 2.62 |
| Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund | 37.36 | 159.17 | 2.59 |
| Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF | 34.97 | 145.87 | 2.46 |
| Navi US NASDAQ 100 FoF | 34.33 | 142.39 | 2.42 |
| ICICI Prudential NASDAQ 100 Index Fund | 34.21 | 141.74 | 2.42 |
| Kotak US Specific Equity Passive FoF | 34.21 | 141.74 | 2.42 |
| Invesco India – Invesco EQQQ NASDAQ-100 ETF FoF | 34.00 | 140.61 | 2.41 |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life US Equity Passive FoF | 33.76 | 139.32 | 2.39 |
| Axis US Specific Equity Passive FoF | 33.32 | 136.97 | 2.37 |
| DSP Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FoF | 31.73 | 128.59 | 2.29 |
| Motilal Oswal BSE Enhanced Value Index Fund | 30.78 | 123.68 | 2.24 |
| Bandhan Small Cap Fund | 30.16 | 120.51 | 2.21 |
Deep Dive into 16 High Return Mutual Funds with Over 30% CAGR
Let’s now look at each fund’s objective, performance summary, highlights, reasons to invest, and risk factors.
1 – Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF
Investment Objective: To provide returns that closely correspond to the performance of the NYSE FANG+ Index.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 64.25%
- 5-Year Return: :
- 10-Year Return: :
Highlights:
- Exposure to high-growth global technology giants.
- Strong performance driven by AI, cloud computing, and digital adoption.
Why to Invest:
- Suitable for aggressive investors seeking global tech exposure.
Risk Factors:
- High volatility during tech sector corrections.
This is one among 10 Mutual Funds that Outperformed with 40% to 110% Returns Since Last Diwali.
2 – DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF
Investment Objective: Long-term capital appreciation by investing in global gold mining companies.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 45.22%
- 5-Year CAGR: 21.02%
- 10-Year CAGR: 20.17%
Highlights:
- One of the few funds offering exposure to global gold mining businesses.
Why to Invest:
- Acts as a hedge during global uncertainty.
Risk Factors:
- Highly sensitive to global gold price movements.
3 – Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF
Investment Objective: To mirror S&P 500 Top 50 Index performance.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 39.58%
- 5-Year CAGR: :
- 10-Year CAGR: :
Highlights:
- Exposure to the top 50 US blue-chip companies.
Why to Invest:
- Ideal for investors seeking global diversification with stable growth.
Risk Factors:
- Global macro-economic sensitivity.
This is the top performing fund in the last 6 months which we covered in 13 Mutual Funds that Delivered 32% to 56% Returns in 6 Months.
4 – Mirae Asset Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF FoF
Investment Objective: Exposure to AI and frontier technologies.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 38.73%
- 5-Year CAGR: :
- 10-Year CAGR: :
Highlights:
- Focus on AI, robotics, and next-gen technologies.
Why to Invest:
- High-growth potential as AI adoption accelerates.
Risk Factors:
- High valuation risk.
5 – Edelweiss US Technology Equity FoF
Investment Objective: Long-term capital growth by investing in US-based tech companies.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 37.87%
- 5-Year CAGR: 15.03%
- 10-Year CAGR: :
Highlights:
- Dominated by FAANG and leading tech innovators.
Why to Invest:
- Strong long-term global technology theme.
Risk Factors:
- High volatility tied to US tech market.
This fund is part of 10 Best Mutual Funds to Invest in 2026 as per Gemini AI.
6 – Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund
Investment Objective: To provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in Taiwan equities.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 37.36%
- 5-Year CAGR: :
- 10-Year CAGR: :
Highlights:
- Largest exposure to global semiconductor supply chain.
Why to Invest:
- Strong semiconductor-driven tailwinds.
Risk Factors:
- Geopolitical tensions.
7 – Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF
Investment Objective: To replicate NASDAQ 100 performance.
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 34.97%
- 5-Year CAGR: 20.32%
- 10-Year CAGR: :
Highlights:
- Exposure to 100 top US non-financial companies.
Why to Invest:
- Ideal for long-term tech growth.
Risk Factors:
- Volatile during US market downturns.
While this is my favorite global fund, this fund is recommended by X Grok AI which we covered at 12 Best Mutual Funds to Invest in 2026 As per Grok AI.
8 – Navi US NASDAQ 100 FoF
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 34.33%
Highlights:
- Low-cost passive exposure to US tech.
Why to Invest:
- Suitable for cost-conscious investors.
Risk Factors:
- US market fluctuations.
9 – ICICI Prudential NASDAQ 100 Index Fund
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 34.21%
Highlights:
- Growing popularity among global diversification seekers.
Why to Invest:
- Good for long-term global allocation.
Risk Factors:
- Currency and US market risk.
10 – Kotak US Specific Equity Passive FoF
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 34.21%
Highlights:
- Replicates top US indices.
Why to Invest:
- Passive, low-cost global investing.
Risk Factors:
- Dependent on US economy.
11 – Invesco India – Invesco EQQQ NASDAQ-100 ETF FoF
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 34.00%
Highlights:
- Strong global track record.
Why to Invest:
- Ideal for investors seeking professional US exposure.
Risk Factors:
- Tech-heavy volatility.
12 – Aditya Birla Sun Life US Equity Passive FoF
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 33.76%
Highlights:
- Simple and efficient US exposure.
Why to Invest:
- Suitable for beginners wanting global allocation.
Risk Factors:
- Currency fluctuation.
13 – Axis US Specific Equity Passive FoF
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 33.32%
Highlights:
- Exposure to leading US corporations.
Why to Invest:
- Good for long-term investors.
Risk Factors:
- High correlation to US markets.
14 – DSP Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FoF
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 31.73%
Highlights:
- Focus on innovative companies across the globe.
Why to Invest:
- Exposure to frontier innovation.
Risk Factors:
- High thematic volatility.
15 – Motilal Oswal BSE Enhanced Value Index Fund
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 30.78%
Highlights:
- Value investing approach.
Why to Invest:
- Suitable for investors seeking value opportunities.
Risk Factors:
- May underperform in growth-driven markets.
16 – Bandhan Small Cap Fund
This fund is among the 13 Best Mutual Funds Rated 5-Star by Value Research (30%+ CAGR in 5 Years).
Performance Summary:
- 3-Year CAGR: 30.16%
- 5-Year CAGR: 28.36%
Highlights:
- One of the strong-performing small-cap funds.
Why to Invest:
- Ideal for long-term aggressive investors.
Risk Factors:
- High volatility during corrections.
Conclusion
These 16 mutual funds have delivered exceptional returns above 30% CAGR over 3 years. However, investors must remember that such high returns often come with higher risk. Always align your mutual fund selection with:
- Your risk profile
- Your investment horizon
- Your financial goals
While this list helps identify short-term outperformers, ensure proper diversification and long-term planning before investing.
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Hello Sir
I’m currently investing as following per your recommendations over the years. I can now invest up to 10,000 more in SIPs.
Can you please suggest which scheme shall I choose so there is no overlap. I also used to invest in Motilal Oswal S&P Index Funds but they have stopped accepting SIPs from last year.
My Current Portfolio:
UTI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund G = 5000
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund G = 6000
Quant Small Cap Fund Regular Plan G = 6000
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund G = 14,000
PGIM India Midcap Fund – Regular Plan G = 4500
Quant Aggressive Hybrid Fund Regular Plan G = 3500
Thank you.
You can continue investing in these funds. You have covered all categories except for global funds. You can invest some portion in NASDAQ Index funds too (while there are restrictions on investing in global funds, few of them have open now). Add one largecap fund too. e.g. I am personally investing in Nippon Largecap Fund and adviced my daughter to invest in ICICI Largecap fund. You can choose any fund of your choice