Are Momentum ETFs Good for Long-Term Investors? Data, Risks & Verdict

17 Apr 2026
Are Momentum ETFs Good for Long-Term Investors? Data, Risks & Verdict

Quick Answer

Momentum ETFs can be effective for long-term investing in India, but they work best as a satellite allocation (10–20%) rather than a core portfolio holding. While they offer higher long-term returns, they also come with higher volatility and sharp drawdowns during market reversals.

The question “momentum ETF long term investment India” is increasingly relevant as investors explore factor-based strategies. Momentum ETFs track indices like the Nifty 200 Momentum 30, which historically delivered higher returns than traditional indices—but not without risk.

The Case For Momentum ETFs in a Long-Term Portfolio

Historical Factor Premium

  • Momentum factor has delivered ~4–6% excess return over long periods
  • Nifty 200 Momentum 30: ~18–20% CAGR (vs Nifty 50 ~14%)
  • Supported by global academic research (Carhart 4-factor model)

Low Cost, Systematic Exposure

  • Expense ratio ~0.20–0.30%
  • No fund manager bias
  • Disciplined rule-based investing

Key Insight

Momentum ETFs allow investors to capture a proven return factor in a low-cost, scalable way.

The Case Against Momentum ETFs for Long-Term Investing

Momentum Crashes & Recovery Time

  • March 2020: Momentum index fell ~45% vs Nifty 50 ~35%
  • Recovery took 6+ months
  • Sharp reversals can erase gains quickly

High Turnover & Tax Drag Over Time

  • Portfolio churn ~50–80% annually
  • Potential tax drag vs passive index funds
  • Important for long-term compounding

Sector Concentration Changing Every 6 Months

  • Can shift from BFSI-heavy to capex-heavy rapidly
  • Lack of sector stability

Reality Check

Momentum works well in trending markets but struggles during sharp market reversals or sideways phases.

Momentum ETF vs Nifty 50 Index Fund: 10-Year Comparison

MetricMomentum ETFNifty 50 Index
CAGR~18–20%~14%
Max Drawdown~45%~35%
VolatilityHighModerate
ConsistencyLowerHigher

How Much Allocation to Momentum ETF Is Appropriate?

  • Recommended: 10–20% of equity portfolio
  • Use as satellite allocation
  • Combine with Nifty 50 / Nifty 500 core

Core-Satellite Strategy

Core (70–80%): Index funds | Satellite (10–20%): Momentum ETF | Optional (10%): Thematic/Active

Long-Term Holding vs Tactical Allocation

  • Long-term holding smoothens volatility
  • Tactical allocation can enhance returns
  • Rebalancing annually improves outcomes

Who Should and Shouldn't Hold Momentum ETFs Long-Term?

Investor TypeSuitability
High risk toleranceSuitable
Low risk / retireesNot suitable
Long-term investors (5+ yrs)Suitable
Short-term tradersBetter alternatives exist

How to Build a Long-Term Portfolio with Momentum ETFs

  • Start with core index allocation
  • Add momentum ETF as satellite
  • Rebalance annually
  • Track using analytics tools

Build Your Portfolio

Explore Portfolio Management Services (PMS) for active strategies, open a Demat account to invest in ETFs, and track momentum trends using the ReSach App.

FAQs

  • Can I hold a momentum ETF for 10+ years?  
    Yes, but it should be part of a diversified portfolio.
  • How has momentum performed vs Nifty 50?  
    Historically higher returns but also higher volatility.
  • What is the drawdown risk?  
    Momentum ETFs can fall up to 40–45% in extreme cases.
  • Is it suitable for retirement portfolios?  
    Not ideal as a core holding due to volatility.
  • What allocation is recommended?  
    10–20% as satellite exposure.
  • Are momentum ETFs better than index funds?  
    They can outperform, but with higher risk.

Start Investing in Momentum ETFs

Monarch Networth Capital Limited (MNCL) is a SEBI-registered Portfolio Manager (Registration No. INP000006059). Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. This content is for educational purposes only. Read full disclaimer.

Re-Search By Monarch

Your All-in-One Investment App

Empower your finances with ReSach – the stock trading apptrusted by serious investors. Whether you're planning to invest in stocks, explore commodity trading, or need a financial advisor to guide you, Resach brings it all under one platform.
Start trading today with ReSach and unlock seamless investing on the go.

The Ultimate Trading App

Investor Announcements

Name of the Company has changed from Networth Stock Broking Limited to Monarch Networth Capital Limited upon Certification of Incorporation received from Registrar of Companies, Mumbai vide certificate dated 13th October, 2015.

    • KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets-once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (Broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), You need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary.
    • No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorize your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor’s account.
    • Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat account - > Update your Mobile Number with your Depository Participant. Receive alert on your Registered Mobile for All Debit and other important transactions. In your demat account directly from depository on the same day.
    • Stock Brokers can accept securities as margin from clients only by way of pledge in the depository system w.e.f. September 1, 2020.
    • Update your mobile number & email Id with your stock broker/depository participant and receive OTP directly from depository on your email id and/or mobile number to create pledge.
    • Pay 20% upfront margin of the transaction value to trade in cash market segment.
    • Investors may please refer to the Exchange’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) issued vide circular reference NSE/INSP/45191 dated July 31, 2020 and NSE/INSP/45534 dated August 31, 2020 and other guidelines issued from time to time in this regard.
    • Check your Securities /MF/ Bonds in the consolidated account statement issued by NSDL/CDSL every month. Issued in the interest of Investors

    If you are not satisfied with the resolution provided, you can lodge your complaint online at: https://scores.sebi.gov.in/link

    Download Pdf

    In case of grievance client can log on to the SMART ODR Portal, if they are unsatisfied with the response provided by us. Your attention is drawn to the SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/OIAE/OIAE_IAD-1/P/CIR/2023/131 dated July 31, 2023, on “Online Resolution of Disputes in the Indian Securities Market”.

    Download Pdf

  • Purchase of REs only gives buyer the right to participate in the ongoing Rights Issue of the concerned company by making an application with requisite application money or renounce the REs before the issue closes. REs which are neither subscribed by making an application with requisite application money nor renounced, on or before the Issue closing date shall lapse and shall be extinguished after the Issue closing date. Please check your dp account for further details.

  • Please do not share your online trading password with anyone as this could weaken the security of your account and lead to unauthorized trades or losses.
    Monarch Networth Capital Limited (‘MNCL’) | CIN No.: L64990GJ1993PLC120014

    Registered Address

    Unit No. 803-804A, 8th Floor, X-Change Plaza, Block No. 53, Zone 5, Road-5E, Gift City, Gandhinagar - 382050, Gujarat

    Corporate Address

    Ahmedabad

    “Monarch House”, Opp Prahladbhai Patel garden, Near Ishwar Bhuvan, Commerce Six Roads, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad - 380009

    Mumbai

    Monarch Networth Capital Limited, G Block, Laxmi Tower, B Wing, 4th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051.

    Contact Details

    Tel:079-26666500 / 6600500
    NPS Email ID:nps@mnclgroup.com
    Compliance Officer:Nikhil Parikh (Click to view details)
    Compliance Email:compliance@mnclgroup.com
    Compliance Tel:+91-79-26666768

    “Filing of complaints on SCORES – Easy & quick
    (Link is given in our useful link option on our website)

    • A. Register on SCORES portal
    • B. Mandatory details for filing complaints on SCORES:
      • I. Name, PAN, Address, Mobile Number, Email ID
    • C. Benefits
      • I. Effective communication
      • II. Speedy redressal of the grievances

    Email for Grievance: grievances@mnclgroup.com

    CLIENT BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS

    Investors are requested to note that Stock broker (Monarch Networth Capital Ltd) is permitted to receive money from investors through designated bank accounts only named as Up streaming Client Nodal Bank Account (USCNBA). Stock broker (Monarch Networth Capital Ltd) is also required to disclose these USCNB accounts to Stock Exchange. Hence, you are requested to use following USCNB accounts only (Click to View) for the purpose of dealings in your trading account with us. The details of these USCNB accounts are also displayed by Stock Exchanges on their website under “Know/ Locate your Stock Broker".

    Registered Numbers

    SEBI Registration No:INZ000008037
    NSE Member ID:06386
    BSE: Member ID :197
    MCX: Member ID :10585
    Date of Admission:28/02/2004
    NCDEX: Member ID :00011
    Date of Admission:06/12/2003
    CDSL-DP ID:35000
    NSDL-DP ID:IN303052
    SEBI Reg (DP):IN-DP-278-2016
  • Complete name of entity registered with SEBI as Portfolio Manager:Monarch Networth Capital Limited
    Type of Registration (Individual, Non-Individual):Non-Individual
    PMS Registration No.:INP000006059
    Corporate Identification No.:L64990GJ1993PLC120014
    Principal Place of Business:301-302, 3rd Floor, Arunachal Building, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi - 110001
    Registered Office Address:Unit No. 803-804A, 8th Floor, X-Change Plaza, Block No. 53, Zone 5, Road-5E, Gift City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, 382050
    Corresponding SEBI regional/local office Address:8th floor, Plate B, Tower 1, NBCC Complex, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi – 110023

    Contact Details

    Principal Officer:Md Shaukat Ali
    Contact No.:011-40851303
    Compliance Officer:Ms. Bhumika Gowda
    Contact No.:011-40851312

    Mechanism for addressing grievances and information about SCORES.

    Contacts for Investor Grievance

    pms.grievance@mnclgroup.com

  • Fund Name:Monarch AIF
    Category of AIF :Category III
    AIF Registration number :IN/AIF3/20-21/0787
    Registration Date :April 23, 2020
    Registered Office Address :Laxmi Tower, B Wing, 4th Floor, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051

    Contact Details

    Fund Manager:Mr. Abhisar Jain
    Phone :+91 22 66746425
    Compliance Officer:Ms. Bhumika Gowda
    Phone :+91 22 66746424

    Gift City AIF Disclaimer

    Monarch Networth Capital IFSC Private Limited (Wholly owned subsidiary of Monarch Networth Capital Limited) is a Registered Fund Management Entity (Retail) having Registration No: IFSCA/FME/III/2025-26/169. Monarch India Growth Fund will be an open-ended Restricted Scheme (Non-Retail) construed as a Category III AIF under the IFSCA (Fund Management) Regulations, 2025. Monarch AIF is a Category III AIF having SEBI Registration No. IN/AIF3/20-21/0787. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation or investment advice to buy or sell securities. Investments are subject to market risks. The offering is made only through official scheme documents to eligible investors under GIFT IFSC regulations. Investors should read all documents carefully and consult their advisors before investing.

  • Complete name of entity registered with SEBI as Merchant Banker:Monarch Networth Capital Limited
    Type of Registration (Individual, Non-Individual):Non-Individual
    MB Registration No.:INM000011013
    Corporate Identification Number:L64990GJ1993PLC120014
    Principal Place of Business:4th FLoor, B Wing, Laxmi Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai-400051
    Registered office address:Unit No. 803-804A, 8th Floor, X-Change Plaza, Block No. 53, Zone 5, Road-5E, Gift City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, 382050

    Contact Details

    Compliance Officer:Mr.Jayesh Bhagwat
    Contact No.:(022) 66476400
    Email for Regulatory Communication:mbdcompliance@mnclgroup.com

    Mechanism for addressing grievances and information about SCORES.

    Contacts for Investor Grievance

    mbd@mnclgroup.com

  • Complete name of entity registered with SEBI as Research Analysts :Monarch Networth Capital Limited
    Type of Registration (Individual, Non-Individual):Non-Individual
    RA Registration No.:INH000000644
    BSE Enlistment No.:5039
    Corporate Identification Number: L64990GJ1993PLC120014

    Contact Details

    Registered office address: Unit No. 803-804A, 8th Floor, X-Change Plaza, Block No. 53, Zone 5, Road-5E, Gift City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, 382050
    Principal Place of Business: 4th FLoor, B Wing, Laxmi Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai-400051
    Principal Officer: Sahil Sanghvi
    Compliance Officer: Nikhil Parikh
    Telephone no.: +91-79-26666768
    Contacts for Investor Grievance: ragrievance@mnclgroup.com
  • Complete name of entity registered with SEBI as Investment Adviser : Monarch Networth Investment Advisors Private Limited
    Type of Registration (Individual, Non-Individual) :Non-Individual
    IA Registration No.: INA000005721
    BSE Enlistment No.:2005
    Validity of registration : Perpetual
    Corporate Identification Number : U74140GJ2007PTC052348
    Registered office address : Monarch House, Nr. Ishwar Bhuwan Cross Road, Nr. Commerce Six Road, Navrangpura, AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT, 380009
    Corresponding SEBI Office address: SEBI Bhavan, Western Regional Office, Panchvati 1st Lane, Gulbai Tekra Road, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat

    Contact Details

    Principal Officer : Arpan Dhirendra Shah
    Email address : Arpan.shah@mnclgroup.com
    Compliance Officer : Ankita Sudhir Madhwani
    Telephone no. : +91 22-66476405
    Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.
  • Monarch Networth Capital Limited

    AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Distributor

    ARN-8812

    AMC's Empanelled

  • Monarch Networth Capital Limited (‘MNCL’) | CIN No.: L64990GJ1993PLC120014

    Company Secretary & Compliance Officer

    (As per LODR Regulations and Companies Act, 2013)

    Contact information of the designated officials of the listed entity who are responsible for assisting and handling investor grievances : Mr. Nitesh Tanwar : 022 - 66476400 / 66476405

    Monarch Networth Capital Limited

    Registered Address

    Unit No. 803-804A, 8th Floor, X-Change Plaza, Block No. 53, Zone 5, Road-5E, Gift City, Gandhinagar - 382050, Gujarat

    Corporate Address

    Ahmedabad

    “Monarch House”, Opp Prahladbhai Patel garden, Near Ishwar Bhuvan, Commerce Six Roads, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380009

    Mumbai

    Monarch Networth Capital Limited, G Block, Laxmi Tower, B Wing, 4th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051.

    For Broking and Demat Related Queries : +91-79-26666768

    Email: cs@mnclgroup.com

    Contact Details

    “Filing of complaints on SCORES – Easy & quick
    (Link is given in our useful link option on our website)

    • A. Register on SCORES portal
    • B. Mandatory details for filing complaints on SCORES:
      • I. Name, PAN, Address, Mobile Number, Email ID
    • C. Benefits
      • I. Effective communication
      • II. Speedy redressal of the grievances

    Email for Grievance: cs@mnclgroup.com

    Listing of Equity Shares on Stock Exchange at

    BSE

    Add :Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Mumbai - 400 001
    Scrip Id :Monarch Scrip Code : 511551

    NSE

    Add :Exchange Plaza, C-1, Block G, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E) Mumbai – 400 051.
    Scrip Id :Monarch Scrip Code : MONARCH

    Demat ISIN Numbers in NSDL & CDSL for

    Equity Shares:INE903D01011

    REGISTRAR AND SHARE TRANSFER AGENT

    MUFG Intime India Private Limited

    (Formerly known as Link Intime India Private Limited)

    Add:C 101, 247 Park, L.B.S. Marg, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
    Tel:(0) 810 811 6767
    Toll-free number:1800 1020 878
    Fax:022 - 4918 6060

    Escalation Matrix

    For any queries related to broking please contact helpdesk@mnclgroup.com.

Disclaimer

‘Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.’

Open An Account
Open
Trading
Account
Get In Touch
Get In
Touch
Research App
Trading
App
Important Notice: Beaware of Stock Market Scams