Tracking difference and excess return
The gap between a scheme's return and its benchmark's over the same period.
What it measures
For an index fund, tracking difference is its return minus the index return; it is usually slightly negative because of costs. For an active fund the same calculation is called excess return.
How MFIC calculates it
1-year return, 3-year and 5-year CAGR of the scheme minus the same for its benchmark proxy, over identical dates. Shown on scheme pages and available in the screener as “Excess 1Y / 3Y / 5Y”.
Limitations
Benchmark is an index-fund NAV proxy, which already bears that fund's costs.
Tracking difference and excess return by category today
Spread of tracking difference and excess return across Regular-plan schemes in each category, calculated by MFIC from AMFI NAVs as of 23 Oct 2026. The middle half of schemes falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles.
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Related: Tracking error · Alpha (Jensen's alpha) · Rolling returns · Methodology