Mutual fund assets approach Rs 80 trillion as markets lift valuations

India’s mutual fund industry recorded a sharp rise in assets under management, nearing the Rs 80 trillion mark in October.The growth came from market appreciation rather than fresh investor inflows, highlighting the impact of rising equity prices. Smallcap and midcap schemes benefited disproportionately from mark-to-market gains. Industry experts cautioned that sustained AUM expansion will depend on consistent inflows rather than short-term market rallies alone.

India’s investment landscape is increasingly aligning with infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy expansion, bringing metal focused mutual funds into sharper focus for 2026. Industrial metals such as steel, aluminium, and copper are central to capital expenditure, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and urban development themes. Funds like DSP Natural Resource & New Energy, Tata Resource & Energy, and ICICI Prudential Commodities offer diversified exposure to this cycle without direct stock picking.