Top-Performing AIFs Across Categories: A 5-Year Performance Review

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have become a popular choice for investors seeking diversified strategies beyond traditional markets. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top-performing AIFs across three categories—Long Only, Long Short, and Long Short-Equity Plus—based on their 5-year returns as of the dates provided. Let’s explore the standout funds in each category and their performance over 1, 3, and 5 years.

Long Only Category: High Returns with Steady Growth

The Long Only category includes funds that primarily take long positions in securities, focusing on growth without shorting. Here are the top performers based on their 5-year returns:

1. Abakkus Emerging Opportunities Fund 1
   • Date: June 2019
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 1.10%
     • 3 Years: 17.60%
     • 5 Years: 39.70%This fund leads the Long Only category with an impressive 39.70% return over 5 years. While its 1-year return is modest at 1.10%, the fund has shown strong growth over the longer term, with a 17.60% return over 3 years, making it a standout for investors seeking consistent long-term gains.
2. Ampersand Growth Opportunities Fund Scheme-1
   • Date: September 2017
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 2.27%
     • 3 Years: 25.96%
     • 5 Years: 32.92%With a 5-year return of 32.92%, this fund is a strong contender. Its 3-year performance of 25.96% is particularly notable, indicating robust growth in the mid-term. The 1-year return of 2.27% suggests a more conservative short-term performance, but the long-term results are promising.
3. Abakkus Growth Fund 1
   • Date: July 2018
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 1.20%
     • 3 Years: 13.00%
     • 5 Years: 30.20%Another strong performer from Abakkus, this fund delivered a 30.20% return over 5 years. Its 3-year return of 13.00% is lower than its peers, but the 5-year figure reflects steady growth, making it a reliable option for long-term investors.
4. Camelian Capital Compounder Fund-1
   • Date: May 2019
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 7.69%
     • 3 Years: 24.64%
     • 5 Years: 27.69%This fund achieved a 5-year return of 27.69%, with a solid 3-year performance of 24.64%. Its 1-year return of 7.69% is the highest in this category, indicating strong recent performance alongside consistent long-term growth.
5. I Wealth Fund
   • Date: June 2018
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 2.46%
     • 3 Years: 22.05%
     • 5 Years: 26.07%Rounding out the Long Only category, I Wealth Fund delivered a 5-year return of 26.07%. Its 3-year return of 22.05% is commendable, though its 1-year return of 2.46% suggests a more moderate short-term performance.

Long Short Category: Balancing Risk and Reward

The Long Short category includes funds that take both long and short positions to hedge risks and capitalize on market movements. Here’s the top performer:

1. ICICI Long Short Fund – I
   • Date: August 2018
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 12.12%
     • 3 Years: 7.98%
     • 5 Years: 11.84%As the sole fund listed in this category, ICICI Long Short Fund – I achieved a 5-year return of 11.84%. Its 1-year return of 12.12% is the strongest in this timeframe across all categories, showing excellent recent performance. However, its 3-year return of 7.98% is relatively modest, suggesting some variability in mid-term performance.

Long Short-Equity Plus Category: Enhanced Strategies for Growth

The Long Short-Equity Plus category likely includes funds that combine long-short strategies with additional equity-focused tactics. Here’s the top performer:

1. ITI Long Short Equity Fund
   • Date: April 2018
   • Performance:
     • 1 Year: 12.24%
     • 3 Years: 16.14%
     • 5 Years: 15.44%This fund leads its category with a 5-year return of 15.44%. It also boasts a strong 1-year return of 12.24%—the highest in this category—and a 3-year return of 16.14%, indicating balanced performance across all timeframes.

 

Key Takeaways

• Long Only Dominates Long-Term Returns: The Long Only category, led by Abakkus Emerging Opportunities Fund 1 (39.70% over 5 years), offers the highest 5-year returns, making it ideal for investors focused on long-term growth.
• Long Short for Short-Term Gains: ICICI Long Short Fund – I shines in the 1-year timeframe with a 12.12% return, though its 5-year performance (11.84%) is more modest.
• Balanced Performance in Long Short-Equity Plus: ITI Long Short Equity Fund (15.44% over 5 years) provides a balanced approach, with strong returns across all periods.

 

Each of these funds offers unique strengths depending on your investment horizon and risk appetite. For long-term growth, the Long Only category stands out, while the Long Short and Long Short-Equity Plus categories provide opportunities for more dynamic strategies. Always consider your financial goals and consult with a financial advisor before investing.