Momentum ETF vs Active Momentum PMS India: Which Is Better for Investors?

17 Apr 2026
Momentum ETF vs Active Momentum PMS India: Which Is Better for Investors?

Quick Answer

Momentum ETFs offer low-cost, rules-based exposure to momentum investing, while active momentum PMS strategies aim to enhance returns using filters like quality and earnings. However, after fees and taxes, ETFs often outperform unless the PMS manager generates significant alpha.

The debate between momentum ETF vs active momentum PMS India comes down to one key question: can active managers consistently beat a rules-based strategy after costs and taxes? While both approaches follow momentum investing, their execution and outcomes differ significantly.

Understanding the Two Approaches

Passive Momentum ETF (Rules-Based)

  • Tracks indices like Nifty 200 Momentum 30
  • No fund manager discretion
  • Low cost (0.20–0.30%)
  • Transparent methodology

Active Momentum Strategy (PMS/Discretionary)

  • Manager selects stocks based on momentum + fundamentals
  • Adds quality and earnings filters
  • Higher cost (1–2.5% + performance fee)
  • Requires ₹50 lakh minimum investment (SEBI rule)

Key Insight

Active momentum strategies attempt to reduce drawdowns, but higher costs create a significant hurdle to outperform ETFs on a net basis.

Performance Comparison: ETF vs Active

5-Year CAGR Comparison

  • Momentum ETF (Index-based): ~14–18% CAGR
  • Active Momentum PMS: ~12–22% CAGR (wide variation)
  • High dispersion due to manager skill

Drawdown Analysis

  • ETF: Full exposure → sharper drawdowns
  • PMS: Can reduce drawdowns via cash/filters
  • Momentum crashes affect both strategies

Reality Check

Global data suggests ~65–70% of active managers underperform benchmarks over 5 years (Source: SPIVA India reports).

Cost Comparison

ETF Expense Ratio (0.20–0.30%)

Low cost ensures minimal drag on long-term returns.

PMS Fees (1–2.5% + Performance Fee)

Higher cost structure significantly reduces net returns.

ComponentMomentum ETFActive PMS
Expense Ratio0.20–0.30%1–2.5%
Performance FeeNone10–20%
Total Cost ImpactLowHigh

Tax Treatment Comparison

ETF Tax Efficiency

  • LTCG: 12.5% above ₹1.25 lakh
  • Lower turnover → lower tax drag

Active PMS: Higher STCG Due to Turnover

  • High churn (~80% turnover)
  • STCG taxed at 20%
  • Significant post-tax return impact

After-Tax Reality

At a 30% tax slab, higher turnover in PMS can reduce returns by 5–8% annually compared to ETFs.

Flexibility & Control

  • PMS offers customization and active risk management
  • ETF offers simplicity and transparency
  • PMS depends heavily on manager skill

Who Should Choose Which?

Investor TypeBest Option
Retail investorsMomentum ETF
HNI investors (>₹50L)Momentum PMS
Cost-sensitive investorsETF
Alpha-seeking investorsPMS

How to Invest in Momentum Strategies

  • Open a Demat account for ETF investing
  • Choose PMS for active strategy exposure
  • Track momentum trends using analytics tools

Compare & Invest Smartly

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

FAQs

  • Does an active momentum PMS outperform a passive ETF? 
    Only a few managers outperform consistently after fees and taxes.
  • How does cost impact returns? 
    Higher PMS fees can reduce returns by 3–4% annually compared to ETFs.
  • Which has better drawdown protection? 
    PMS can manage risk better, but not always successfully.
  • Are momentum ETFs suitable for SIP? 
    Yes, ETFs can be accumulated systematically.
  • What is the tax difference? 
    ETFs are more tax-efficient due to lower turnover.
  • Can small investors access momentum strategies? 
    Yes, ETFs allow entry with small investments unlike PMS.

Compare Momentum ETF vs PMS Now

Monarch Networth Capital Limited (MNCL) is a SEBI-registered Portfolio Manager (Registration No. INP000006059). Investments in 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