The Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF is an open-ended exchange-traded fund (ETF) managed by Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund. It aims to replicate the performance of the Nifty PSU Bank Index, providing investors with exposure to India’s public sector banks.
Fund Details:
- Fund Manager: Harish Krishnan
- Launch Date: December 15, 2007
- Benchmark Index: Nifty PSU Bank Index
- Expense Ratio: 0.49%
Portfolio Composition:
The ETF primarily invests in large-cap stocks within the public sector banking space. As of the latest available data, the fund’s holdings include:
- Large Cap Stocks: 60.84%
- Mid Cap Stocks: 22.10%
- Small Cap Stocks: 5.31%
Performance Overview:
- Returns: Since its inception on December 15, 2007, the fund has delivered an annualized return of approximately 4.10%.
- Net Asset Value (NAV): As of November 5, 2023, the NAV stands at ₹503.2498.
Risk Considerations:
The fund is categorized under the ‘Very High’ riskometer, indicating a higher risk due to its concentrated exposure to the public sector banking sector. Investors should assess their risk tolerance before investing.
How to Invest:
Investors can purchase units of the Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF through the Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund website or via stock exchanges where the ETF is listed. It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor to ensure alignment with individual investment goals and risk profiles.
Is Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF a Good Investment?
Whether the Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF is a good investment depends on several factors, including your investment goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Here’s an analysis to help you decide:
Pros of Investing in Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF
- Sector-Specific Exposure – If you are bullish on India’s public sector banking industry, this ETF provides direct exposure to PSU banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, and PNB.
- Lower Expense Ratio – At 0.49%, the expense ratio is relatively low compared to actively managed mutual funds.
- Diversification Within PSU Banks – Instead of investing in a single PSU bank, you get exposure to multiple banks, reducing company-specific risk.
- Potential for Growth – If the government implements banking reforms, capital infusion, or privatization moves, PSU banks could see a rally.
Cons & Risks to Consider
- High Volatility – PSU banks are known for higher volatility due to government influence, NPA (bad loan) issues, and regulatory changes.
- Sector Concentration Risk – This ETF is entirely focused on PSU banks, meaning any downturn in this sector will significantly impact returns.
- Past Performance is Moderate – The fund has delivered an annualized return of ~4.10% since inception, which is lower than broader indices like Nifty 50.
Final Verdict
Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF can be a good tactical bet but is not ideal for all investors. If you believe PSU banks will perform well in the future, this ETF can be a good addition to your portfolio. However, it should not be your only or primary investment, as it carries significant sectoral risks.
Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF Top Holdings
Portfolio Composition:
The fund’s holdings are primarily in large-cap public sector banks:
- State Bank of India: 29.25%
- Bank of Baroda: 19.18%
- Punjab National Bank: 13.08%
- Canara Bank: 12.87%
- Union Bank of India: 6.30%
- Indian Bank: 5.91%
- Bank of India: 5.47%
- Indian Overseas Bank: 1.97%
- Central Bank of India: 1.62%
- Bank of Maharashtra: 1.49%
- UCO Bank: 1.04%
- Punjab & Sind Bank: 0.30%

Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF Returns
Time Period | Returns (%) |
1 Year | 16.50% |
3 Years | 12.30% |
5 Years | 9.80% |
Since Inception (Dec 15, 2007) | 4.10% |
Investment Suitability:
This ETF is suitable for investors seeking long-term capital growth and exposure to the public sector banking sector. However, due to its high-risk profile and sector-specific focus, it is advisable to align such investments with individual risk tolerance and investment objectives.
For more detailed information, including the latest NAV and performance metrics, please visit the official Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund website.
Strengths of Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF
- Exposure to PSU Banks – This ETF provides direct exposure to India’s top public sector banks, which can benefit from government reforms, recapitalization, and economic growth.
- Diversification Within PSU Banks – Instead of investing in a single bank, this ETF spreads risk across multiple PSU banks, reducing company-specific risks.
- Low Expense Ratio – At 0.49%, the expense ratio is lower than many actively managed funds, making it cost-effective.
- Potential for Growth – PSU banks have shown strong earnings growth in recent years, and continued banking sector reforms can improve their long-term performance.
- Liquidity – As an ETF, it is traded on stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell units easily during market hours.
Risks of Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF
- High Volatility – PSU banks are highly cyclical and react strongly to economic conditions, interest rates, and government policies.
- Sector Concentration Risk – This ETF is 100% focused on PSU banks, meaning it lacks diversification across other sectors, increasing vulnerability to banking-sector downturns.
- Government Influence – PSU banks are subject to government policies and regulations, which can impact profitability (e.g., loan waivers, interest rate caps).
- Non-Performing Assets (NPA) Risk – Historically, PSU banks have struggled with high NPAs (bad loans), which can affect earnings and stock prices.
- Market Timing Risk – Investing in a sectoral ETF requires careful timing. If PSU banks underperform, this ETF may not generate satisfactory returns.
Who Should Invest?
- Investors who are bullish on PSU banks’ long-term growth.
- Those looking for a sectoral bet in the banking industry.
- Experienced investors comfortable with high-risk, high-reward opportunities.
Who Should Avoid?
- Conservative investors seeking stable returns.
- Those looking for broad market diversification.
- Investors uncomfortable with short-term volatility.
Difference Between Nifty Bank and Nifty PSU Bank
Feature | Nifty Bank Index | Nifty PSU Bank Index |
Definition | Tracks the performance of the top banking stocks (both private and PSU banks) listed on NSE. | Tracks the performance of only public sector banks (PSU banks) listed on NSE. |
Composition | Includes both private sector banks (e.g., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank) and public sector banks (e.g., SBI, PNB). | Includes only public sector banks (e.g., SBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB). |
Major Players | HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, etc. | SBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB, Canara Bank, Union Bank, etc. |
Sector Diversification | More diversified, includes both strong private and PSU banks. | Sector-specific, only PSU banks, making it more concentrated. |
Risk Level | Lower risk due to inclusion of private banks, which tend to have stronger financials. | Higher risk as PSU banks are more dependent on government policies and have a history of higher NPAs (bad loans). |
Growth Potential | Higher growth potential due to the presence of fast-growing private banks. | Moderate growth potential; depends on PSU bank reforms and government support. |
Volatility | Lower volatility due to diversification. | Higher volatility due to sector-specific focus. |
Historical Returns | Higher long-term returns due to strong performance of private banks. | Comparatively lower returns due to PSU banks’ past struggles with NPAs and government intervention. |
Which One is Better?
- If you want a balanced, diversified banking investment, Nifty Bank is better.
- If you are bullish on PSU banks and expect government reforms to boost their performance, Nifty PSU Bank may offer higher upside but with more risk.
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