Authors: Aarya Rahul Bhikule, Dr. Shekhar Chavan
Abstract: In India's ever-growing mutual fund industry, investors are increasingly faced with the challenge of choosing a fund company that meets their financial objectives, risk appetite and return expectations. Titled 'Comparative Study of SBI Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund', the study aims to assess and compare the performance, risk-return dynamics and investor perception of two of India's leading asset management companies. This study has a descriptive and analytical design that combines primary and secondary data sources. Primary data is collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 mutual fund investors, and secondary data is collected from company reports, financial statements, and industry publications for a period of 10 years (2016-2026). Key financial metrics such as CAGR, NAV growth, Sharpe ratio, standard deviation and expense ratio are used to evaluate the fund's performance across a selection of equity and hybrid schemes. Investigate differences in performance, risk levels, and consistency between two funds using statistical tools such as correlation analysis, t-tests, and comparative ratio analysis. The study also takes into account qualitative factors such as brand trust, service quality, and investment preferences that influence investors' decisions. Preliminary results show that SBI Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund have good long-term performance, but there are differences in terms of risk management, stability of returns, and fund management strategies. While SBI Mutual Fund has experienced competitive growth with several high-performing schemes, HDFC Mutual Fund has enjoyed relatively stable returns and strong investor confidence based on its brand This research provides valuable information to retail investors, financial advisors and policy makers, highlighting key comparative advantages and helping investors make informed decisions based on performance, risk tolerance and investment objectives.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19940146
