What is a Sectoral and Thematic Fund?
A Sectoral Fund is a mutual fund that invests primarily in a specific sector, such as banking, healthcare, technology, or energy. The performance of the fund is directly linked to the growth and performance of the chosen sector.
A Thematic Fund follows a broader investment approach by focusing on an overarching theme that may include multiple sectors. For example, an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Fund invests in companies that follow sustainable business practices across various industries. Similarly, an infrastructure fund invests in companies involved in roads, railways, and construction, even if they belong to different sectors.
Both types of funds allow investors to capitalise on growth opportunities within a particular segment of the market. However, since they lack diversification across all sectors, they can be more volatile compared to diversified equity funds.
How Does a Sectoral and Thematic Fund Work?
Sectoral and Thematic Funds allocate at least 80% of their assets to stocks related to their specific sector or theme, as per SEBI regulations. The fund manager actively selects and adjusts holdings based on industry performance, economic conditions, and market trends.
In a Sectoral Fund, investments are limited to companies within a single sector. For example, an IT fund may invest in software firms, cloud computing providers, and tech startups, while a banking fund may focus on commercial banks, NBFCs, and insurance firms. The fund’s performance is closely tied to industry growth, government policies, and technological advancements.
In a Thematic Fund, the portfolio includes companies that align with a broader investment theme. For instance, a consumption-themed fund may invest in FMCG, retail, and automobile companies, while an ESG fund selects businesses that prioritise sustainability and ethical governance. Since these funds invest across multiple industries under a common theme, they offer slightly better diversification than pure sectoral funds.
Both types of funds are influenced by market cycles. When a sector or theme is in a growth phase, these funds can outperform the broader market. However, if the sector faces challenges—such as regulatory changes, economic downturns, or technological disruptions—the funds may experience significant volatility.
Features of Sectoral and Thematic Funds
- Focused Investment Approach - These funds concentrate on a single sector or theme, allowing investors to capitalise on industry-specific growth trends. Unlike diversified funds, they do not spread investments across multiple sectors.
- High-Risk, High-Return Potential - Since these funds are not diversified, their performance is directly linked to the chosen sector or theme. If the sector thrives, the fund may generate high returns. However, in case of a downturn, losses can be substantial.
- Actively Managed Portfolio - Fund managers actively select stocks, monitor industry trends, and adjust allocations to maximise returns. Their expertise plays a crucial role in the fund’s performance.
- Market Cycle Dependency - These funds tend to be cyclical, meaning their performance fluctuates based on market conditions, economic growth, and government policies. Timing plays a key role in achieving favourable returns.
- Suitable for Experienced Investors - Given their concentrated exposure and market dependence, these funds are better suited for investors who understand industry trends and economic cycles. Those with limited market knowledge may find diversified equity funds more suitable.
Types of Sectoral and Thematic Funds
1. Sectoral Funds
These funds invest in stocks belonging to a single sector. Examples include:
- Banking and Financial Services Funds - Invest in banks, insurance firms, NBFCs, and financial institutions.
- Pharma and Healthcare Funds - Focus on pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and healthcare service providers.
- Technology Funds - Invest in IT companies, software providers, and cloud computing firms.
- Energy Funds - Allocate funds to power companies, oil and gas firms, and renewable energy businesses.
2. Thematic Funds
These funds follow an overarching investment theme, including multiple sectors that align with a common trend. Examples include:
- Infrastructure Funds - Invest in companies involved in roads, railways, and construction.
- Consumption Funds - Focus on businesses catering to consumer demand, such as FMCG, retail, and automobiles.
- ESG Funds - Invest in companies that follow ethical and sustainable business practices across various industries.
Who Should Invest in a Sectoral and Thematic Fund?
Sectoral and Thematic Funds are best suited for:
- Investors with a High-Risk Appetite - These funds can be volatile due to their concentrated investment strategy. Investors comfortable with short-term fluctuations may find them suitable.
- Long-Term Investors - Since industries go through different economic cycles, a 5-10 year investment horizon is recommended to benefit from sectoral growth trends.
- Investors Seeking Targeted Exposure - Those who want to invest in specific industries they believe will perform well in the future can use these funds for focused investment.
- Market-Savvy Investors - Since these funds require an understanding of economic and sectoral trends, they are ideal for investors who actively track market developments.
How to Invest in a Sectoral and Thematic Fund?
Step 1: Log in to Your Bajaj Broking Account
- Visit the Bajaj Broking website or mobile app.
- Enter your registered mobile number and verify the OTP for authentication.
- Input your MPIN to access your account.
Step 2: Choose the Right Sectoral and Thematic Fund
- Navigate to the mutual fund section in your Bajaj Broking account.
- Search for Sectoral and Thematic Funds and compare available options.
- Analyse the fund’s past performance, risk levels, and sector exposure.
Step 3: Select Investment Type & Complete the Transaction
- Choose between Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or lump sum investment.
- Enter the investment amount and select your preferred payment mode.
- If opting for SIP, set up an auto-payment mandate.
- Track your investment performance through your Bajaj Broking account.
Advantages of Investing in Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Sectoral and Thematic Funds offer unique investment opportunities that allow investors to target specific industries or broad themes with high growth potential. Unlike diversified equity funds, which spread their investments across various sectors, these funds focus on a particular industry or theme, providing concentrated exposure. While they come with risks, they also offer several key advantages.
1. High Growth Potential - Investing in a Sectoral or Thematic Fund enables investors to participate in the growth of a high-performing industry or an emerging theme. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, and infrastructure have witnessed significant expansion over the years, offering strong return potential. If a sector or theme experiences a boom due to favourable market conditions, the returns on these funds can be significantly higher compared to diversified equity funds.
2. Targeted Exposure to High-Performing Sectors - Sectoral and Thematic Funds allow investors to allocate funds to industries they believe have strong future prospects. For instance, if an investor expects the banking sector to perform well due to economic reforms and credit growth, they can specifically invest in a Banking and Financial Services Fund. Similarly, investors confident about the rise of digital transformation can invest in Technology Funds.
3. Ideal for Long-Term Investors - While these funds can be volatile in the short term, they have the potential to generate attractive returns over a long investment horizon. Investors who stay committed for at least 5 to 10 years can benefit from the cyclical nature of sectoral growth, which tends to average out market volatility over time.
4. Actively Managed by Experts - Fund managers play a crucial role in the success of Sectoral and Thematic Funds. These funds are actively managed, meaning that professional fund managers continuously monitor industry trends, government policies, and economic indicators to make informed investment decisions. Their expertise helps in selecting stocks that have strong fundamentals within the targeted sector.
5. Portfolio Diversification within a Theme - While Sectoral Funds invest in a single industry, Thematic Funds provide some level of diversification by investing across multiple sectors linked to a common theme. For instance, an Infrastructure Fund may invest in companies from construction, cement, and energy sectors, providing broader exposure within an overarching investment idea.
6. Potential Hedge Against Market Trends - Some sectors tend to perform well during specific market conditions. For example, pharmaceutical and FMCG funds are considered defensive, meaning they remain stable even during economic downturns, as demand for healthcare and essential consumer goods remains constant. Investors can use these funds to hedge against market volatility in their portfolio.
7. Flexible Investment Options - Investors can choose between a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and lump sum investment depending on their risk tolerance and financial goals. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging, reducing the impact of short-term market volatility, while lump sum investments can yield higher returns if timed correctly during a sector’s growth phase.
Risks Involved in Sectoral and Thematic Funds
While Sectoral and Thematic Funds have high return potential, they also carry substantial risks due to their concentrated investment approach. It is essential for investors to assess these risks before investing.
- Market Risk - The performance of these funds is directly tied to the industry or theme they invest in. If the sector faces a downturn, the fund’s performance may decline sharply.
- Volatility Risk - Since these funds do not spread investments across multiple sectors, they tend to be more volatile compared to diversified funds. A sudden decline in the sector can lead to significant fluctuations in the fund’s NAV.
- Liquidity Risk - Some stocks within a sectoral fund may have low liquidity, making it difficult to sell during market downturns. This can impact the ability to exit an investment when needed.
- Regulatory and Policy Risk - Changes in government regulations, policies, or taxation laws can impact sectoral performance. For instance, regulatory restrictions on the pharmaceutical industry can negatively impact Pharma Funds, while banking reforms may affect Banking Funds.
- Cyclical Risk - Some sectors perform well during specific phases of the economic cycle. For example, infrastructure and real estate funds tend to do well when the economy is expanding but may decline during periods of slow growth or rising interest rates.
- Fund Manager Risk - Since these funds are actively managed, their success largely depends on the expertise of the fund manager. A poorly managed fund may underperform even if the sector itself is doing well.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Before investing in Sectoral or Thematic Funds, it is crucial to evaluate multiple factors to determine whether they align with your financial goals and risk profile.
1. Investment Horizon - Sectoral and Thematic Funds require a long-term commitment as industries go through cycles of growth and decline. A minimum investment horizon of 5 to 10 years is recommended to offset short-term volatility and maximise returns.
2. Risk Appetite - Since these funds focus on specific industries, they come with higher risk compared to diversified equity funds. Investors with a high-risk tolerance and an understanding of market cycles are better suited for these funds.
3. Sector-Specific Growth Potential - Investors must conduct thorough research on the industry they plan to invest in. Analysing trends, technological advancements, government policies, and economic indicators can help determine a sector’s future potential.
4. Economic Cycles and Market Conditions - Sectors perform differently based on economic conditions. Infrastructure, real estate, and energy funds tend to perform well during economic expansion, whereas FMCG and healthcare funds may be more stable during downturns. Timing plays a crucial role in maximising returns from sectoral investments.
5. Expense Ratio and Exit Load - Actively managed Sectoral and Thematic Funds usually have higher expense ratios compared to diversified equity funds. Additionally, some funds impose an exit load if investors redeem their units within a specific timeframe. These costs should be factored into the overall return expectations.
Taxability of Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Sectoral and Thematic Funds are categorised as equity mutual funds for tax purposes. The taxation rules applicable to these funds are as follows:
1. Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) - If the investment is sold within one year, the gains are classified as short-term capital gains (STCG) and are taxed at 15% plus applicable cess and surcharge.
2. Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) - If the investment is held for more than one year, the gains qualify as long-term capital gains (LTCG). LTCG up to ₹1 lakh per financial year is exempt from tax. Gains above ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10% without indexation benefits.
3. Dividend Taxation - Previously, dividends from mutual funds were subject to Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT), but under the revised tax structure, dividends are now taxed at the investor’s income tax slab rate.
Investors should consider the tax implications while planning their investment strategy, as taxation can impact overall returns.
Popular Sectoral and Thematic Funds in India
Fund Name
| AUM (₹ Crore)
| 3-Year Returns (%)
| Expense Ratio (%)
|
SBI PSU Fund
| 4,542.83
| 31.15%
| 0.75%
|
Invesco India PSU Equity Fund
| 1,229.51
| 29.09%
| 0.85%
|
HDFC Infrastructure Fund
| 2,341.13
| 29.06%
| 0.89%
|
ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Fund
| 7,434.93
| 29.05%
| 0.82%
|
DSP Healthcare Fund
| 3,339.79
| 29.34%
| 0.57%
|
Top 5 Sectoral and Thematic Funds Explained
- SBI PSU Fund: This fund focuses on public sector undertakings (PSUs), providing exposure to government-backed companies. It has delivered strong returns due to recent policy support for PSUs.
- Invesco India PSU Equity Fund: Invests in PSU stocks across industries such as energy, banking, and infrastructure, benefiting from government reforms.
- HDFC Infrastructure Fund: Focuses on infrastructure-related companies involved in construction, engineering, and utilities, making it suitable for long-term investors.
- ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Fund: One of the largest infrastructure funds in India, known for strong historical performance in economic growth cycles.
- DSP Healthcare Fund: Provides exposure to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare service providers, benefiting from rising healthcare demand.
By carefully analysing sector trends, risks, and investment goals, investors can determine whether Sectoral and Thematic Funds align with their financial strategy.