5 key mutual fund updates this week (September 7-11): New NFOs, IDCW payouts and more

The mutual fund industry saw several key developments this week, from a sharp rise in equity fund inflows to new fund launches, fund-manager changes and IDCW announcements.

1. Equity mutual fund inflows hit four-month high

Flexi-cap funds also remained popular, receiving ₹4,709 crore in inflows during the month. The data comes as mutual fund investors continued to put money into equity-oriented schemes despite market volatility.

2. JioBlackRock launches Balanced Advantage Fund

The NFO opened for subscription on September 11 and will close on September 25, 2026. The minimum investment is ₹500. The scheme has no entry load or exit load and will be benchmarked against the Nifty 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 50:50 Index (TRI).

3. Shriram Mutual Fund launches Gold ETF Passive FOF

Shriram Mutual Fund has launched the Shriram Gold ETF Passive FOF, an open-ended fund of fund that will invest in units of various Gold ETFs.

The NFO opened on September 11 and will close on September 24, 2026. The minimum investment is ₹500. The scheme will be benchmarked against the domestic price of physical gold and will be managed by Sudip More and Surjeet Kumar Singh.

4. HDFC AMC rejigs fund managers across eight schemes

The changes form part of a broader reshuffle of fund-management responsibilities at the AMC.

5. Mutual funds announce IDCW payouts and new products

Several fund houses announced IDCW distributions during the week. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund announced payouts for ICICI Prudential ELSS – Tax Saver Fund, ICICI Prudential Exports & Services Fund and ICICI Prudential Focused Fund, with the record date set for September 10, 2026.

At the same time, AMCs continued to expand their passive-fund offerings. HDFC AMC has filed an offer document for the HDFC FTSE India Equity ETF, while Quant, DSP and UTI have proposed new index funds and ETFs tracking the Nifty 100, insurance and defence themes.

Other mutual fund developments this week Axis Mutual Fund launched the Axis Nifty500 Low Volatility 50 Index Fund, while Mirae Asset Mutual Fund launched the Mirae Asset BSE Information Technology Index Fund. Kotak Mutual Fund also launched the Kotak Multi Sector Omni FOF.