Top 4 Mutual Funds Performing Well During Market Slowdown

The Coronavirus has impacted the global Economy. The stock Market has seen a considerable slowdown in the past few weeks. Investors have been concerned about their investments since many equities got affected and are performing in red. Nifty fell 28% in the past one month and the market continues to experience the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

However, financial analysts have said that investors should select their equity product for the future during this time.

Pharma, the place of peace

Coronavirus has impacted various sectors in the economy, but has revived the interest of various mutual fund investors in pharmaceutical companies. A recent report mentioned that equity schemes focused on Pharmaceutical companies have been perceived to take a lower hit. This could be the consequence of the prevailing pandemic.

In the past one month, pharma funds have changed only 11-15% compared to the 28% fall in Nifty. In the past one year, pharma funds have lost only a mere 2.83%.

The decline in the rupee has attracted investors to invest in pharma Equity Funds as well. It is a benefit for pharma exporters as the rupee is close to Rs.75 against a dollar. The report also mentioned that the Indian pharma companies have been able to avoid falling prey to the prevailing market situation. They have been able to rationalise costs and are planning new drugs for launch. This will improve the Earnings in the pharma sector and attract global investors.

According to the report, Sailesh Raj Bhan, the deputy chief investment officer or Nippon India Mutual Fund said that pharma is a safer haven showing improved earnings trends.

Here are the 5 Mutual Funds that were not majorly hit:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Manufacturing Equity Fund

• NAV Fall: 21.38%
• AUM: Rs. 490 crore
• Fund Manager: Anil Shah

This is a regular Investment plan for investors with advanced understanding and knowledge about macro trends and prefers taking selective bets for higher returns. The investors also have to be prepared for moderate and high returns and losses. The losses can occur even is the overall market is performing better.

During the ongoing pandemic, this fund was a winner as it is largely involved with the FMCG companies and is not exposed to sectors that were majorly hit like banking and finance. Stocks like ITC, GSK Consumer, Hindustan Unilever, Dabur, United Breweries and United Spirits performed very well for this fund.

ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund

• NAV Fall: 20.14%
• AUM: 5.71 crore
• Fund Manager: Mittul Kalawadia/ Mrinal Singh

This is a multi-cap fund where the fund manager has complete freedom to invest in companies of different sizes. This fund has performed very well in the market when coronavirus was affecting the market.

As the fund has emerged winner in the last one month falling just 20% and turned to be a topper in the last month. The fund manager has a value-oriented Portfolio with just 21 stocks with the top 10 Accounting of63.5% of the portfolio. At the ending of February, the fund has a 24.5% cash holding and balanced financials of just 5% exposure.

Axis Midcap Fund

• NAV Fall: 20.71%
• AUM: 5193 crore
• Fund Manager: Shreyas Devalkar

This is a fund that invests in medium-sized companies. You can expect higher returns in the long-term with Axis Midcap fund. Along the way, there are more severe ups and downs too. But during the harsh time, the fund has high cash holding of 18% due to strong inflows and higher exposure to retailers like Trent, Dmart and private sector banks have aided this fund to keep the step ahead of all other funds.

Axis Midcap Fund manager holds a diversified portfolio of 50-60 stocks with the top 10 accounting for 37% of the portfolio.

UTI MNC Fund

• NAV Fall: 20.99%
• AUM: Rs.2137 crore
• Fund Manager: Swati Kulkarni

UTI MNC Fund usually invests mainly in shares of multinational companies. The fund manager runs a portfolio of 40 stocks and is balanced FMCG with the accounts of 39%. The portfolio includes blue chips like Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Britannia, United Spirits, Glaxo Consumer Healthcare and P&G Hygiene.

When the uncertainty occurred the fund has performed brilliantly in the market because of the strong global parentage established brands in the domestic markets.

Additional Noteworthy News Announced on 24th March 2020

On the 24th March 2020, Nirmala Sitharaman, finance minister of India said that the companies with a business turnover of over Rs. 5 crores will be exempted from paying late fees or penalty on late filing of GST returns. The interest rate will also be reduced to 9%.

Last date for filing GST Returns for March, April and May 2020 has been extended to June 30.

The last date for filing Income Tax Return for financial years 2018-19 has been extended up to 30th June 2020 and delayed payments will be attracting only 9% to 12% interest rate.

Conclusion

Stay away from panicking and invest in Mutual Funds for higher returns in the long run right now.