Compare equity mutual funds across categories by long-term returns and risk-adjusted performance. Sort any column, filter by category, and search by fund name.
Inspired by Let's Talk Mutual Funds by Monica Halan
The fund categories and selection criteria in this screener are inspired by Let's Talk Mutual Funds by Monica Halan — a practical, no-jargon guide to building a simple, long-term mutual fund portfolio.
The goal is to find equity funds with a consistent long-term track record across multiple time horizons, then fine-tune using risk and quality metrics.
Start with funds that have a 20-year track record. Since direct plans weren't available that far back, use the regular plan returns for this step. Shortlist funds that fall in the top two quartiles.
From the shortlisted funds, retain those that also appear in the top two quartiles for 15-year returns (regular plan). This confirms durability across two long horizons.
Switch to direct plan returns for 10-year, 5-year and 3-year periods. Funds must appear in the top two quartiles for each of these periods.
Any fund that doesn't show up in at least 3 out of 5 time periods (20Y, 15Y, 10Y, 5Y, 3Y) is eliminated. Funds that survive are genuinely consistent performers, not one-period wonders.
From the surviving funds, make your final pick by comparing the ratios below. You want higher Alpha, higher Sharpe & Sortino, lower Std Dev, and a better Risk & Return grade.
Understanding the metrics
Excess return generated over the benchmark index. A positive Alpha means the fund manager added value beyond what the market delivered. Higher is better.
Measures how much the fund's returns fluctuate. A lower Std Dev means smoother, more predictable returns. Lower is better for the same return level.
Return earned per unit of total risk (Std Dev). Tells you how well the fund rewards you for the volatility you bear. Higher is better.
Like Sharpe, but only penalises downside volatility — it ignores upside swings. Better at capturing how painful the bad periods actually are. Higher is better.
Sensitivity of the fund to market movements. A Beta of 1 means the fund moves in step with the market; below 1 is less volatile; above 1 is more. Depends on your risk appetite.
CRISIL/Value Research grades comparing a fund to its category peers. Return Grade: Above Average or High is ideal. Risk Grade: Low or Below Average is ideal.
3Y, 5Y, and 10Y returns and all other metrics (risk grades, Sharpe,
Sortino, Beta, Alpha, Std Dev) are from the Direct Plan.
15Y and 20Y returns are sourced from the Regular Plan
of the same fund, as most direct plans do not have sufficient history
for those periods. Returns are annualised (CAGR). Past performance is
not indicative of future results. This is not investment advice.
Last updated: 21st June 2026.