The SBI ETF Nifty 50 is widely considered a solid investment option for those looking to passively track the performance of India’s top 50 large-cap companies, as represented by the Nifty 50 Index. Below is a more detailed review of its features, performance, and factors to consider:
1. Performance:
- Historical Returns: Over the long term, the ETF has generally mirrored the performance of the Nifty 50 Index, which has been positive in recent years. The Nifty 50 has delivered attractive returns in the past decade, though it is important to note that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
- Volatility: As with any equity-focused investment, the ETF can experience volatility, especially during market downturns. The performance is directly linked to the performance of the stock market, so periods of economic uncertainty may lead to short-term declines in value.
- Dividend: The ETF may also distribute dividends to investors, though the yield is typically lower than in sector-specific or high-dividend-focused ETFs.
2. Liquidity & Accessibility:
- Liquidity: The SBI ETF Nifty 50 is listed on the NSE (National Stock Exchange), meaning it can be bought and sold during regular market hours, providing high liquidity. Investors can trade it just like a stock, which is a significant advantage for those looking to access their investments quickly.
- Low Investment Minimum: The ETF can be purchased in units, making it accessible for small investors. You can start with the price of one unit, which provides flexibility compared to mutual funds that may have higher minimum investment thresholds.
3. Cost Efficiency:
- Expense Ratio: One of the most attractive features of SBI ETF Nifty 50 is its low expense ratio, typically around 0.05% to 0.10%. This is lower than most actively managed mutual funds, which means investors keep a larger portion of their returns.
- No Exit Load: There is no exit load if you sell the ETF, so it’s relatively cost-effective for long-term investors.
4. Diversification:
- The ETF offers exposure to a diversified portfolio of 50 top companies from various sectors of the Indian economy, including financials, IT, energy, consumer goods, and healthcare. This diversification helps reduce individual stock risk and provides a more balanced exposure to the market.
- While it provides broad diversification across sectors, it still carries risks as it is heavily weighted towards the largest companies in India. Some sectors or companies within the Nifty 50 Index may not perform as well as others, which could impact returns.
5. Taxation:
- Capital Gains Tax: The ETF is subject to capital gains tax. If held for more than 3 years, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10%. If held for less than 3 years, short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 15%. This makes the ETF tax-efficient for long-term investors.
- Dividend Tax: If the ETF distributes dividends, those are subject to tax based on your tax bracket.
6. Risk Profile:
- Moderate Risk: The SBI ETF Nifty 50 primarily invests in large-cap companies, which are relatively stable but still subject to market fluctuations. The ETF carries a moderate risk profile: it is less risky than investing in mid-cap or small-cap stocks, but more volatile than fixed-income or debt investments.
- Market Risk: The primary risk is tied to the overall market performance. If the Nifty 50 Index declines, so will the value of the ETF.
7. Tracking Error:
- Minimal Tracking Error: As a passive fund, the SBI ETF Nifty 50 aims to replicate the Nifty 50 Index closely. While there may be a small tracking error due to factors like fund management expenses or slight variations in the ETF’s portfolio, this error is typically very low and does not significantly impact performance.
8. Pros:
- Low-Cost and Tax-Efficient: With a low expense ratio and favorable long-term capital gains tax treatment, it’s an affordable and tax-efficient way to gain exposure to India’s top 50 companies.
- Diversified Exposure: Provides diversified exposure to the Nifty 50, reducing the risk of investing in individual stocks.
- Liquidity: High liquidity, allowing you to trade easily like a stock.
- Ease of Investment: Simple to invest in, and no exit load on sales.
9. Cons:
- Limited to Large-Cap: The ETF only includes large-cap stocks, which may not provide the same growth potential as mid or small-cap stocks. Investors seeking higher growth may need to complement the ETF with other investments.
- Market Volatility: Like all equity-based investments, the ETF is exposed to market risks, and its value can fluctuate in the short term.No Active Management: Since it’s a passive fund, it does not have the potential for active stock picking that may outperform the index.
Who Should Invest in SBI ETF Nifty 50?
- Long-Term Investors: Those looking for long-term growth aligned with the Indian economy’s performance will benefit from holding this ETF.
- Passive Investors: Those who prefer a simple, hands-off investment approach with exposure to India’s top companies will find this ETF appealing.
- Diversification Seekers: If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio with a low-cost equity option that tracks the broader market, this ETF can be an excellent choice.
- New Investors: The low entry point and straightforward nature of ETFs make it a good option for newcomers to investing.
Conclusion:
The SBI ETF Nifty 50 is a well-regarded and efficient investment for those who want exposure to the broader Indian market, particularly large-cap stocks. With its low cost, liquidity, and decent historical performance, it is suitable for investors with a long-term horizon who are comfortable with the volatility of the stock market. If you’re looking for a diversified, passive way to invest in India’s top companies, the SBI ETF Nifty 50 is a solid option to consider.
Top Holdings in the SBI ETF Nifty 50:
As of the most recent data, the top holdings (by weight) in the SBI ETF Nifty 50 are typically the same as the Nifty 50 Index. The exact weight and composition may change over time based on market performance, but here’s an idea of the largest companies typically present in the portfolio:
(1) Reliance Industries Ltd.
- Sector: Energy, Telecom, Retail
- Reliance is often the largest weight in the Nifty 50, and it spans a variety of sectors, making it one of India’s most significant companies.
(2) HDFC Bank Ltd.
- Sector: Financials (Banking)
- One of the largest private sector banks in India, HDFC Bank has a significant weight in the Nifty 50.
(3) Infosys Ltd.
- Sector: Information Technology
- A global IT services company and one of India’s top exporters in the tech sector.
(4) ICICI Bank Ltd.
- Sector: Financials (Banking)
- Another large private sector bank with a notable presence in the Nifty 50 Index.
(5) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Sector: Information Technology
- One of the largest IT services companies in India and a key player in the global IT outsourcing space.
(6) Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL)
- Sector: Consumer Goods
- A leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in India, HUL has strong presence in home and personal care, food, and beverages.
(7) Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.
- Sector: Financials (Banking)
- A significant private-sector bank in India with a wide range of banking services.
(8) Bajaj Finance Ltd.
- Sector: Financials (Non-Banking Financial Companies, NBFCs)
- A prominent player in the consumer finance and lending market.
(9) Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T)
- Sector: Engineering and Construction
- A leading player in the infrastructure and construction sector.
(10) Asian Paints Ltd.
- Sector: Consumer Goods (Paints)
- The largest paint company in India, known for its household and industrial paint products.
Other Notable Holdings (in the ETF):
- Bharti Airtel Ltd. (Telecom)
- Axis Bank Ltd. (Financials, Banking)
- State Bank of India (SBI) (Financials, Banking)
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Healthcare)
- Wipro Ltd. (Information Technology)
- Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (Automobile)
Sector Allocation (Approximate):
- Financials: 30-35% (includes banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Kotak)
- Information Technology: 15-20% (TCS, Infosys, Wipro)
- Energy: 10-15% (Reliance Industries, NTPC, ONGC)
- Consumer Goods: 10-15% (HUL, Asian Paints, ITC)
- Healthcare: 5-10% (Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories)
- Automobiles: 5-10% (Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors)
- Other Sectors: Telecom, utilities, cement, metals, and infrastructure make up the remaining portion of the ETF’s holdings.
Conclusion:
The SBI ETF Nifty 50 offers diversified exposure to India’s leading large-cap companies. By investing in this ETF, you get access to a range of sectors, with the financial and IT sectors usually having the highest weightage. The ETF’s portfolio is designed to closely track the performance of the Nifty 50 Index, giving investors the chance to participate in the growth of India’s top companies.

SBI ETF Nifty 50 Returns
The SBI Nifty 50 ETF is designed to replicate the performance of the Nifty 50 Index by investing in the same 50 large-cap Indian companies that constitute the index. This ETF offers investors a low-cost avenue to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of India’s leading companies.
Performance Overview:
As of January 22, 2025, the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the SBI Nifty 50 ETF stands at ₹243.26.
The fund has demonstrated consistent performance over various time frames, as detailed below:
Time Period | Returns (%) |
1 Year | 7.91 |
3 Years | 10.56 |
5 Years | 14.77 |
7 Years | 12.52 |
Since Inception | 12.19 |
Expense Ratio:
The ETF boasts a low expense ratio of 0.04%, making it a cost-effective choice for investors seeking to mirror the Nifty 50 Index’s performance.
Asset Under Management (AUM):
As of December 31, 2024, the fund’s AUM is ₹1,92,978 crore, reflecting its significant size and investor confidence.
Conclusion:
The SBI Nifty 50 ETF provides investors with a straightforward and cost-efficient means to invest in India’s top 50 companies, offering diversification across various sectors. Its consistent returns and low expense ratio make it an attractive option for both new and seasoned investors aiming for long-term growth aligned with the Indian equity market.
SBI ETF Nifty 50 NAV
The SBI ETF Nifty 50 is an exchange-traded fund that aims to replicate the performance of the Nifty 50 Index by investing in the same 50 large-cap Indian companies constituting the index. As of January 22, 2025, the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the SBI ETF Nifty 50 is ₹243.26.
Key Details:
- NAV (as of January 22, 2025): ₹243.26
- Expense Ratio: 0.04%
- Assets Under Management (AUM): ₹1,92,978 crore (as of December 31, 2024)
- Fund Manager: Raviprakash Sharma
- Inception Date: July 21, 2015
Performance Overview:
The fund has demonstrated consistent performance over various time frames:
- 1-Year Return: 7.91%
- 3-Year CAGR: 10.56%
- 5-Year CAGR: 14.77%
- Since Inception: 12.19%
Portfolio Composition:
The ETF’s portfolio mirrors the Nifty 50 Index, providing diversified exposure across various sectors. The top holdings include:
- HDFC Bank: 12.70%
- ICICI Bank: 8.52%
- Reliance Industries: 7.77%
- Infosys: 6.38%
- ITC: 4.24%
Investment Objective:
The primary objective of the SBI ETF Nifty 50 is to provide returns that closely correspond to the total returns of the securities represented by the Nifty 50 Index, subject to tracking errors. This makes it a suitable option for investors seeking low-cost exposure to India’s top 50 companies.
Conclusion:
The SBI ETF Nifty 50 offers investors a cost-effective and efficient way to invest in a diversified portfolio of India’s leading large-cap companies. With its low expense ratio and consistent performance, it serves as an attractive option for those looking to align their investments with the broader Indian equity market.
Strengths Of SBI ETF Nifty 50:
(1) Diversification:
- The ETF provides exposure to the top 50 large-cap companies across various sectors, reducing the risk associated with investing in individual stocks.
(2) Low Expense Ratio:
- With an expense ratio of just 0.04%, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to invest in the Indian equity market. This helps maximize returns in the long run.
(3) Market-Linked Growth:
- The ETF tracks the Nifty 50 Index, which consists of India’s leading and most liquid stocks. By investing in this fund, you essentially track the performance of the Indian economy.
(4) Transparency:
- ETFs, including SBI ETF Nifty 50, disclose their holdings daily, ensuring complete transparency for investors.
(5) Liquidity:
- As an ETF, it can be bought or sold on stock exchanges like any other stock. High trading volumes ensure good liquidity.
(6) Long-Term Returns:
- Historically, the Nifty 50 Index has delivered 10-15% CAGR over the long term, making this ETF a good choice for wealth creation over a 5–10-year horizon.
(7) Tax Efficiency:
- Gains from this ETF are subject to capital gains tax (10% for LTCG above ₹1 lakh after 1 year, and 15% for STCG within 1 year), which can be more favorable compared to other investment avenues.
Risks Of SBI ETF Nifty 50:
(1) Market Volatility:
- Since the ETF mirrors the Nifty 50 Index, it is directly exposed to market fluctuations. If the broader market or large-cap stocks underperform, the ETF will also decline in value.
(2) Limited Returns in Bear Markets:
- Passive funds like the SBI ETF Nifty 50 cannot outperform the market, even during bear phases, as they simply track the index. Active funds might have the potential to generate alpha in such situations.
(3) Sectoral Concentration:
- While diversified, the Nifty 50 Index is heavily weighted toward certain sectors like financials and IT, which could lead to sector-specific risks. For example, if the banking sector faces a downturn, it can significantly impact the ETF’s performance.
(4) Tracking Error:
- Although minimal, there is always a possibility of a tracking error (the difference between the ETF’s returns and the index’s returns) due to operational costs, cash holdings, or timing differences.
(5) No Active Management:
- In times of market distress, active fund managers may have the ability to protect downside risks by altering their portfolios. This flexibility is absent in a passive ETF.
(6) Foreign Risks:
- Events in global markets can indirectly affect the Nifty 50, as many of the index’s companies (e.g., Reliance, TCS, Infosys) have global operations.
Who Should Invest:
Ideal for Long-Term Investors:
- Suitable for investors looking to create wealth over a period of 5–10 years or more.
Risk-Tolerant Investors:
- Best for those who are comfortable with short-term volatility in exchange for long-term growth.
Passive Investors:
- Perfect for individuals who prefer a hands-off approach and want to mirror market performance at low costs.
Conclusion:
The SBI ETF Nifty 50 is a great option for long-term, cost-conscious investors looking for exposure to India’s top companies. However, its performance is tied to the market, so it’s essential to stay prepared for short-term volatility and avoid panic during downturns. Diversifying your portfolio with other asset classes like debt or gold can further mitigate risks.
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