ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund - Direct Plan - Growth

ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund - Direct Plan - Growth ranks among the stronger performers in the Dynamic Asset Allocation category, backed by a 4-star rating. Consistent 3-year performance combined with a strong rating makes this one of the more credible options in its space. TopFund's composite Health Score, which weighs rating, 3-year CAGR, expense ratio and fund size, puts it at 80/100.

Cost: At 1.06%, the expense ratio is roughly in line with the Dynamic Asset Allocation category average of 0.99% — cost isn't a standout factor either way for this fund.

Risk-adjusted performance: Over the trailing 1-year period, the fund shows a negative Sharpe ratio of -0.1 — 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 8.68% is on the lower side, suggesting a comparatively smoother ride.

Who should invest: This fund is best suited to investors whose goals and risk appetite align with a Hybrid fund. The High risk rating means near-term volatility should be expected — this isn't a fund to check daily.