Axis Nifty SDL September 2026 Debt Index Fund - Direct Plan - IDCW

Axis Nifty SDL September 2026 Debt Index Fund - Direct Plan - IDCW holds up reasonably well within the Index Funds category, backed by a 4-star rating. TopFund's composite Health Score, which weighs rating, 3-year CAGR, expense ratio and fund size, puts it at 68/100.

Cost: At 0.16%, the expense ratio is meaningfully cheaper — about 61% below the Index Funds category average of 0.41% (based on 857 comparable funds). Lower costs compound in your favour over long holding periods.

Risk-adjusted performance: Over the trailing 1-year period, the fund shows a negative Sharpe ratio of -1.43 — over the past year, returns haven't kept pace with the volatility involved, even before accounting for the risk-free rate. Separately, annualised volatility of 0.39% is on the lower side, suggesting a comparatively smoother ride.

Who should invest: This fund is best suited to cost-conscious investors happy to simply match the market rather than try to beat it. The High risk rating means near-term volatility should be expected — this isn't a fund to check daily.