For years, Indian equity performance kept most investors focused on domestic markets. That began to shift when a handful of international schemes quietly posted exceptional three-year CAGR, powered largely by global technology and innovation cycles. Based on Financial Express’ mutual fund screener, four international funds have delivered more than 30% CAGR over three years. During this same period, the Nifty delivered a CAGR return of just 12.93%. They follow different approaches, but all benefited from global tech strength, semiconductor demand and the rebound in US digital platforms.
Can you buy US mutual funds in India?
While individuals can buy US-domiciled mutual funds directly from India, due to regulatory rules, it’s a complicated process. An easier way to get global exposure it invest in Indian mutual fund schemes that allocate money to global markets through feeder funds or ETFs. These products give exposure to US technology, Taiwanese electronics and global innovation without needing an international trading account. The four funds in this story are currently among the most widely used gateways for offshore diversification.
Here are the top-performing international funds
#1 Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF – Direct Plan
This is the strongest performer in the global category with a three-year CAGR of 63.73%, driven by a concentrated basket of major US technology and digital companies. The fund’s NAV is Rs 36.0700, and the AUM is Rs 2,624 crore. Almost the entire portfolio is invested in the Mirae Asset FANG+ ETF, with technology exposure close to 90%.
A Fund of Funds, or FOF, is an investment fund that puts money into other funds instead of buying stocks or bonds directly. It gives investors a ready-made mix of investments managed by different fund managers.
The expense ratio is 0.07%, one of the lowest in the international FoF universe. The Sharpe ratio is 1.97, which indicates that the fund delivered high risk-adjusted outcomes. The fund is managed by Ekta Gala and Ritesh Sheth and is best suited for investors who understand that FANG+ stocks can move sharply in both directions.
#2 Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund – Direct Plan
The scheme has delivered a three-year CAGR of 38.19%, supported by Taiwan’s semiconductor and electronic manufacturing cycle. The NAV stands at Rs 18.3957, and the fund size is Rs 2,612 crore. Technology accounts for 41.82% of the portfolio, while industrials contribute 32.55%. The top holding, Chroma ATE, carries a weight of 9.07%.
The Sharpe ratio is 1.17, suggesting better risk-adjusted efficiency compared with peers. The fund follows a narrow, high-beta theme and tends to respond sharply to global semiconductor demand cycles.
#3 Edelweiss US Technology Equity FoF – Direct Plan
This feeder fund has grown at a three-year CAGR of 35.57%. Its NAV is Rs 33.7139, and the AUM is Rs 346.96 crore. Close to 96.08% of the portfolio is invested in the JPMorgan FAS Technology Fund, which gives the scheme near-direct exposure to US technology companies across hardware, cloud, software, and AI.
The Sharpe ratio is about 0.91. Fund managers Bhavin Lakhataria and Bhavin Jain oversee the strategy. Since this fund relies heavily on one US tech feeder, its performance tends to mirror large-cap technology moves closely.
#4 Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF – Direct Plan
The Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF has delivered a three-year CAGR of 34.40%, making it one of the largest and most established international options for Indian investors. The NAV is Rs 49.0362, with an AUM of Rs 5,253 crore. The scheme invests roughly 99.92% in the Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF, providing exposure to the Nasdaq’s leading non-financial companies.
The expense ratio is 0.42%. The Sharpe ratio at 1.38 indicates stronger risk-adjusted outcomes. The fund is handled by Pranav Mehta, Rakesh Shetty, and Dhrishtk Mehta. Given its ETF-linked structure, the scheme behaves like a direct bet on the Nasdaq 100.
Is it good to invest in international mutual funds?
International funds can balance a portfolio because global equity cycles rarely move in lockstep with India. Themes like US technology, Taiwanese semiconductors, and global consumer digital platforms provide exposure beyond domestic drivers for investors who want to look beyond India. The trade-off is volatility. Currency fluctuations, external policy changes, and concentrated global themes can cause sharper drawdowns.
The investor’s takeaway
The four international funds that crossed 30% three-year CAGR show that global exposure can strengthen a long-term portfolio when chosen with intent. These outcomes were driven largely by global technology cycles, which rewarded investors who stayed invested through volatility. These funds suit individuals who are comfortable with overseas themes, currency swings and concentrated sectors. For investors looking to complement Indian equities with global trends, these schemes show how international exposure can add a different engine of growth over time.
Note: Indian mutual fund schemes that invest internationally have RBI-imposed restrictions on the total amount of money that can be invested in foreign equities. So, before you decide to allocate money to such funds, best to check with your advisor/planner.
Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks. Please consult your financial advisor before investing.
