ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund: Good returns, well diversified

Launched in October 1994, ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund is classified under the diversified equity category of CRISIL Mutual Fund Ranking. It has been ranked in the top 30 percentile (CRISIL Fund Rank 1 or 2) in the past four consecutive quarters ended March 2017. The fund's primary objective is to generate capital appreciation through investments in equity and equity related securities in core sectors and associated feeder industries. The fund is managed by George Heber Joseph and Atul Patel. Its quarterly average assets under management stood at Rs 2,155 crore for the March 2017 quarter.  Future & Option Trading Tips

Steady performance

The fund's returns exceeded those of its benchmark (S&P BSE 200) and the category (funds ranked under the diversified equity category in March 2017 CRISIL Mutual Fund Ranking) in most periods. The fund has experienced several bull and bear phases since its inception. It has outperformed peers and the benchmark during the recent two market phases. The fund protected itself adeptly by limiting its downside to -13.0 per cent during the Chinese slowdown, while the category and benchmark took a hit of -16.6 per cent and -19.8 per cent, respectively. An investment of Rs 1,000 in the fund on April 15, 1998 would have grown to Rs 28,949 (compounded annualised returns of 19.32 per cent) on April 28, 2017. A similar investment in the category and the benchmark would have grown to around Rs 35,645 (20.74 per cent) and Rs 9,737 (12.69 per cent), respectively. Similarly, Rs 1,000 invested per month in the fund in the past five years via systematic investment plan (SIP), totaling Rs 60,000, would have grown to Rs 99,740 by April 28, 2017 at 20.51 per cent annualised returns. In comparison, a similar amount invested in the benchmark would have returned Rs 85,082 at 13.99 per cent.  Financial Astrology Tips