Indian Mutual Fund Industry Poised for Multi-Fold Growth in 2025, Says ICRA
Team Finance Saathi
24/Dec/2024

What's covered under the Article:
- Indian mutual fund AUM grows by 39%, driven by retail optimism.
- Equity mutual fund inflows rise significantly, with large-cap and sectoral funds leading the charge.
- The industry remains resilient amid global market volatility and domestic uncertainties.
The Indian mutual fund industry has shown a significant uptrend in 2024, with key metrics such as net inflows and Assets under Management (AUM) witnessing a remarkable surge. According to ICRA Analytics' latest report, the mutual fund inflows for November 2024 reached US$ 7.09 billion (approximately Rs. 60,295 crore), marking a 135% year-on-year increase compared to November 2023. This surge in inflows has helped net AUM rise by nearly 39%, reaching a record US$ 800.09 billion (around Rs. 68,08,000 crore), up from US$ 576.45 billion (Rs. 49,05,000 crore) in November 2023.
Growth in Equity Schemes
A major driver of this growth is the equity mutual fund inflows, which saw a staggering rise of 131.35% in November 2024, amounting to US$ 4.22 billion (Rs. 35,943 crore). The strong inflows into equity schemes underscore the increasing investor confidence in the Indian market, despite external market challenges. Since the beginning of 2024, equity mutual fund inflows have grown by 65.03%, reaching US$ 2.56 billion (Rs. 21,780 crore) in January 2024 alone. This growth is attributed to strong retail participation and a rising interest in long-term equity investments.
Resilience Amid Global Market Volatility
Despite facing global market volatility, primarily due to sluggish growth, increasing protectionism, and geopolitical uncertainties, the Indian mutual fund sector has proven resilient. Retail investor participation has been a significant contributor to the sector’s strength. There is also growing awareness and interest in mutual funds from investors in smaller cities, further expanding the investor base.
Growth in Specific Fund Categories
Large-cap funds saw a massive inflow, with investments jumping by 731% to US$ 299.4 million (Rs. 2,547 crore) in November 2024 compared to US$ 36 million (Rs. 307 crore) in November 2023. Similarly, sectoral and thematic funds witnessed strong growth, with inflows increasing by 289.77% to US$ 900 million (Rs. 7,658 crore). These funds are gaining traction as investors seek sector-specific growth opportunities.
Investor Trends and Market Sentiment
The Indian mutual fund industry is witnessing a shift in investor preferences, with increased interest in large-cap and mid-cap funds. While some concerns have arisen due to volatility in domestic equity markets, particularly following disappointing corporate earnings in Q2 FY24, the industry remains optimistic. Experts predict that large-cap funds will continue to attract significant investor interest due to their stability in uncertain market conditions. Additionally, small and mid-cap funds are expected to retain investor attention, thanks to strong corporate governance and government-backed growth initiatives that continue to support these sectors.
Future Outlook for the Mutual Fund Industry
The outlook for the Indian mutual fund industry in 2025 remains positive, driven by continued retail investor optimism, robust equity inflows, and the government's commitment to fostering financial inclusion and economic growth. The industry is poised for multi-fold growth, with ICRA Analytics forecasting continued growth in the coming year as more investors shift to mutual funds as a preferred investment vehicle. The expansion of the mutual fund market is also expected to be fueled by increasing investor awareness and the rise of digital investment platforms.
Conclusion
The Indian mutual fund industry is on track to witness significant growth in 2025, driven by strong retail investor optimism, equity inflows, and a broadening investor base. As AUM continues to rise and sector-specific funds gain popularity, the industry remains resilient despite global uncertainties. With the growing interest in equity and large-cap funds, as well as strong government-backed initiatives, the outlook for the Indian mutual fund industry remains robust, marking a promising future for both investors and the broader economy.
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