Synopsis: Gold mutual funds remain as a reliable option for diversification. These funds offer a simple and efficient way to invest in gold without physical commodities. This article talks about the top Gold Mutual funds to invest in 2026 comparing them with various factors.
Gold mutual funds allow investors to gain exposure to gold without buying physical gold. These funds invest in gold exchange trade funds which are backed by physical gold and track the price movements in the market. Investors can either invest through a lump-sum investment or a SIP.
The value of these bonds depends on the physical gold prices in the market. These funds are managed by professionals who offer liquidity, transparency and make it easier for investments. Gold mutual funds are expected to be very important to investors in 2026 as they are majorly looking for stability, volatility, inflation concerns and global uncertainty.
Top 5 Gold Mutual Funds to Invest in 2026
1) SBI Gold Fund
Invests majorly in gold ETFs to closely track the price of gold. Aims to provide returns that align with movements in gold prices.
- NAV: ₹51.6546 (as of 30th Jan, 2026)
- Minimum investment: Lumpsum: ₹5,000; SIP: ₹500
- AUM: ₹10,805.26 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.24
- Risk: Very High
- 1Y Returns: 115.9%
- 3Y Returns: 44.3%
- 5Y Returns: 28.2%
- Exit load: 1%, if redeemed within 15 days
2) HDFC Gold EFT Fund
Invests majorly in gold ETFs to track the price of gold and align return with price movements.
- NAV: ₹55.30(as of 30th Jan, 2026)
- Minimum investment: SIP: ₹100
- AUM: ₹8,501.18 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.18%
- Risk: Very High
- 1Y Returns: 116.0%
- 3Y Returns: 44.0%
- 5Y Returns: 28.0%
- Exit load: 1%, if redeemed within 15 days
3) ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings
Invests majorly in gold ETFs to track the price of gold and align return with price movements.
- NAV: ₹55.0727(as of 30th Jan, 2026)
- Minimum investment: SIP: ₹100
- AUM: ₹4,481.52 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.09%
- Risk: High
- 1Y Returns: 117.4%
- 3Y Returns: 44.5%
- 5Y Returns: 28.3%
- Exit load: 1%, if redeemed within 15 days
Also Read: Flexi-Cap vs Multi-Cap vs ELSS: Which Is the Best Investment choice for 5-Year Goal?
4) Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
- NAV: ₹67.45(as of 29th Jan, 2026)
- Minimum investment: SIP: ₹100
- AUM: ₹5,301.24 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.13%
- Risk: Very High
- 1Y Returns: 115.4%
- 3Y Returns: 43.9%
- 5Y Returns: 27.8%
- Exit load: 1%, if redeemed within 15 days
5) Axis Gold Direct Plan Growth
- NAV: ₹56.26(as of 30th Jan, 2026)
- Minimum investment: SIP: ₹100
- AUM: ₹2,1666.98 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.17%
- Risk: High
- 1Y Returns: 115.7%
- 3Y Returns: 44.3%
- 5Y Returns: 28.1%
- Exit load: 1%, if redeemed within 15 days
Benefits of Investing in Gold Mutual Funds
- Gold helps in protecting purchasing power when prices rise and currency weakens
- Helps balance overall portfolio risk as gold moves differently from equities.
- No physical gold commodity reduces risks related to storage and security and purity.
- Units can be bought or redeemed easily with NAVs
- Investors can start with small amounts, making it accessible to everyone.
Steps to Invest in Gold Mutual Funds
- Select a gold mutual fund that suits needs based on AUM, returns, and expense ratio.
- Complete KYC through PAN, Aadhar and bank details.
- Decide on SIP or Lumpsum
- Invest through AMC websites, mutual fund apps
- Regularly monitor NAV, and performance periodically.
Conclusion
Gold mutual funds remain as a good portfolio diversification option for investors which helps in reducing their risk. This offers stability during high inflation and market volatility. Gold mutual funds have minimum entry requirements which provide access through SIPs. These funds help investors gain exposure to gold without risks associated with physical gold.
Written by Boyapati Sai Jasmitha
