February 18, 2026

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are gaining massive popularity among Indian investors due to low expense ratios, real-time trading, diversification, and transparency. Based on the data you provided, here is a well-structured and detailed comparison of the Top 5 ETFs. 1. Nippon India Silver ETF Parameter Details Asset Class Commodity (Silver) AUM ₹16,032.64 Cr 1-Year Return 53.10% 3-Year Return 61.44% Beta 2.20 (High Volatility) Expense Ratio 0.56% Investment Theme Inflation hedge, commodity exposure Risk Level High Analysis This ETF delivered the highest 1-year and 3-year returns among the top 5. It tracks physical silver prices and benefits from global demand, industrial usage, and precious metal momentum. However, high beta makes it volatile. Best For: Aggressive investors seeking commodity diversification. 2. Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF Parameter Details Asset Class International Equity (US Tech) AUM ₹9,342.15 Cr 1-Year Return 38.40% 3-Year Return 35.99% Beta 1.99 Expense Ratio 0.58% Investment Theme Global technology growth Risk Level High Analysis Provides exposure to leading U.S. tech companies via the NASDAQ 100 Index. Offers geographical diversification and currency benefit (USD exposure), but comes with higher volatility and expense ratio. Best For: Investors seeking global diversification and tech-led growth. 3️. Kotak Nifty Bank ETF Parameter Details Asset Class Sectoral Equity (Banking) AUM ₹11,952.15 Cr 1-Year Return 7.11% 3-Year Return 12.26% Beta 1.11 Expense Ratio 0.15% Investment Theme Indian banking growth Risk Level Moderate Analysis Tracks the Nifty Bank Index and gives concentrated exposure to India’s leading banks. With improving credit growth and asset quality trends, banking remains a strong long-term theme. Best For: Investors bullish on India’s financial sector. 4️. Nippon India ETF Nifty Bank BeES Parameter Details Asset Class Sectoral Equity (Banking) AUM ₹14,721.94 Cr 1-Year Return 7.12% 3-Year Return 12.22% Beta 1.03 Expense Ratio 0.19% Investment Theme Large-cap banking exposure Risk Level Moderate Analysis One of the most liquid and established banking ETFs in India. Returns are similar to Kotak’s ETF, but slightly higher AUM improves liquidity comfort. Best For: Investors preferring high liquidity in banking ETFs. 5️. UTI BSE Sensex ETF Parameter Details Asset Class Large Cap Equity AUM ₹21,722.93 Cr 1-Year Return 4.34% 3-Year Return 5.78% Beta 0.95 Expense Ratio 0.05% (Lowest) Investment Theme Broad large-cap exposure Risk Level Low to Moderate Analysis Tracks the BSE Sensex and offers diversified exposure to 30 blue-chip Indian companies. It has the lowest expense ratio, making it ideal for long-term passive investing. Best For: Conservative investors seeking stable, low-cost core portfolio exposure. Final Ranking Based on Performance Which ETF Should You Choose in 2026? Diversification across asset class, geography, and sector can reduce overall portfolio risk while enhancing return potential.