Strategy-Driven Performance Variations in ESG-Themed Mutual Funds in India: A Comparative Study
Bhattacharya K1*
DOI:10.54741/SSJAR/6.2.2026.345
1* Kakali Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Shree Agrasain College, Howrah, West Bengal, India.
The ESG-themed mutual funds have progressively evolved from a niche concept to a recognized green investment option. Beyond the general notions of being “Environment-Friendly” or “Socially Responsible,” it is the strategies in which these funds select and mobilise their portfolios towards sustainability and ensure profitability. The present study aims to investigate the growth behaviour, risk–return characteristics, and comparative performance efficiency of selected strategy-based ESG-themed mutual funds in India. Annualised secondary data, spanning 2022–23 to 2024–25 for four actively managed ESG mutual funds, has been used. The Growth performance was assessed through Net Asset Value (NAV) and Assets under Management (AUM), and Risk-adjusted performance has been measured using the Sharpe Ratio, Treynor Ratio, and Jensen’s Alpha. Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test was employed to evaluate performance patterns and determine significant differences among funds. Findings suggest Exclusionary Strategy Funds exhibited consistent and stable growth in both NAV and AUM, and performed positively in terms of each risk-adjusted ratio. Further, the Kruskal–Wallis test statistically confirms significant differences in Sharpe and Treynor ratios (p < 0.05) across the four funds, with mean ranks favouring the Exclusionary Strategy reflecting strong investor confidence and a favourable perception of strictly ethical and sector-screened investment portfolios.
Keywords: exclusionary strategy, integration strategy, responsible investment, ESG mutual funds, risk-adjusted performance, sustainable finance
| Corresponding Author | How to Cite this Article | To Browse |
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| , Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Shree Agrasain College, Howrah, West Bengal, India. Email: |
Bhattacharya K, Strategy-Driven Performance Variations in ESG-Themed Mutual Funds in India: A Comparative Study. Soc Sci J Adv Res. 2026;6(2):63-71. Available From https://ssjar.singhpublication.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/345 |


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