These 10 Thematic Mutual Funds gave up to 160% Returns in 1 Year

Best Performing Thematic Mutual Funds in 2021

Who said that only largecap or midcap stocks can provide superior returns. There are several thematic mutual funds that gave returns 100%, 120% and 160% in the last 1 year. Thematic Mutual Funds are those which would invest in specific sectors or specific themes. These are considered to be high risk as these funds would invest in specific themes and not diversified. In this article we would analyze Thematic Mutual Funds that gave up to 160% returns in the last 1 year.

Also Read: Top Performing Mutual Funds in last 15 years

What are Thematic Mutual Funds?

Thematic Mutual Funds would invest based on specific themes. There is difference between sector fund and thematic mutual fund. Sector funds would invest in single sector e.g. banking, infrastructure, FMCG etc., However, thematic funds on other hand would invest based on specific themes like consumption, energy etc.,

Here is the sample list of themes where mutual funds invest.

1) Consumption theme

2) Logistics theme

3) Manufacturing theme

4) Energy theme

5) Housing theme

6) ESG theme

This is not comprehensive, but just sample list.

Thematic Mutual Funds with 1 Year Returns up to 160%

Here is the list of thematic funds with superior returns in the last 1 year. The returns what you are seeing now in the last 1 year is from when stock market corrected last year due to Corona Virus.

#1 – ICICI Pru Commodities Fund – 1 Year Return – 160%

#2 – Quant Consumption Fund – 1 Year Return – 106%

#3 – Kotak Pioneer Fund – 1 Year Return – 104%

#4 – UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund – 1 Year Return – 103%

#5 – Tata Resources and Energy Fund – 1 Year Return – 100%

#6 – DSP Natural Resources and New Resources Fund – 1 Year Return – 100%

#7 – SBI Magnum Comma Fund – 1 Year Return – 94%

#8 – Templeton India Equity Income Fund – 1 Year Return – 93%

#9 – Franklin Opportunities Fund – 1 Year Return – 87%

#10 – ICICI Prudential Manufacturing in India Fund – 1 Year Return – 87%

Thematic Mutual Funds with 1 Year Returns up to 160% – Detailed view

Now let me analyse top 5 funds from this list on where the fund invests, the fund performance and our view about these funds.

#1 – ICICI Pru Commodities Fund – 1 Year Return – 160%

This mutual fund scheme would invest in companies engaged in commodity and commodity related sectors.

Fund Performance

1 Year Return – 160%

3 Year annualiesd return – Not Applicable

5 Year annualized return – Not Applicable

Our View: This fund was launched < 1.5 years back. It invests majorly in Metals, FMCG, Energy and Chemical sector related stocks. While its benchmark S&P BSE 500 has generated 95% returns in last 1 year, this fund delivered 160% returns, which is phenominal. The growth is driven by the underlying themes and sectors this fund has chosen. While such high returns might not be repeated in future, if you are thinking to invest in commodities theme, you can invest in such funds.

#2 – Quant Consumption Fund – 1 Year Return – 106%

This mutual fund would invest in equity and equity-related instruments of the companies which are consumption driven.

Fund Performance

1 Year Return – 106%

3 Year annualiesd return – 16%

5 Year annualized return – 20%

Our View: This fund was launched 12.5 years back. It invests in diversified portfolio of FMCG,Healthcare, Technology, Financial sector, Energy and Chemical sector stocks. This fund generated positive returns in 10 out of 12 years. It is consistent performing consumption mutual fund. High risk investors can invest some amount of their portfolio in such schemes for short to medium term.

#3 – Kotak Pioneer Fund – 1 Year Return – 104%

The scheme seeks to generate capital appreciation from a diversified portfolio of equity, equity related instruments and units of global mutual funds which invests into such companies that utilize new forms of production, technology, distribution or processes which are likely to challenge existing markets or value networks, or displace established market leaders, or bring in novel products and/or business models.

Fund Performance

1 Year Return – 104%

3 Year annualiesd return – Not Applicable

5 Year annualized return – Not Applicable

Our View: This global fund was launched < 1.5 years back. It invests majorly in Financial, Energy, Automobile, Services, Healthcare etc., both in domestic and international markets. While its benchmark, S&P BSE 500 has generated 95% returns in 1 year, this fund delivered 104% which is phenomenal. The growth is driven by the underlying themes and sectors. While such high returns cannot be seen in near future, if you are thinking to invest in diversified portfolio of theme that invests in both in domestic and international markets, you can invest in such funds.

#4 – UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund – 1 Year Return – 103%

The scheme seeks to generate long term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity related securities of companies engaged in the transportation and logistics sector.

Fund Performance

1 Year Return – 103%

3 Year annualiesd return – 0%

5 Year annualized return – 8%

Our View: This fund was top performing fund few years back, however lost its shine now. Currently this fund invests majorly in Automobile and some portion in Services and Engineering segments. This fund gave positive returns for 6 out of 10 years. It is under performer in the last 4 years. I would recommend to avoid this fund as of now.

You may like: These International Mutual Funds gave 75% returns in 1 year

#5 – Tata Resources and Energy Fund – 1 Year Return – 100%

The scheme seeks long term capital appreciation by investing atleast 80% of it’s net assets in equity/equity related instruments of the companies in the Resources & Energy sectors in India.

Fund Performance

1 Year Return – 100%

3 Year annualiesd return – 17%

5 Year annualized return – 19%

Our View: This thematic fund invests in resources and energy sector stocks. This fund invests majorly in Energy, Metals, Chemicals, Construction and Healthcare and related themes. This fund gave positive returns for 3 out of 5 years. The performance of such themes would keep changing with the focus on this special theme. One cannot say whether such theme might be good in next 2 years or 5 years time frame. High risk investors can still invest in such energy theme mutual funds.

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Suresh KP

Founder at Myinvestmentideas.com

Suresh KP is the founder of MyInvestmentIdeas.com, which he has run since 2011. He has over 23 years of experience across investments, mutual funds, stock markets, insurance, taxation and financial planning, and has written 2,500+ articles for Indian retail investors. He has completed NISM Investment Adviser (Level 1 & 2) and NISM Research Analyst certifications. Articles on this site compare publicly available data for educational purposes; Suresh is not a SEBI-registered investment adviser. More about his background: About Suresh KP | X (Twitter)

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