Is Bharat-22 ETF a good bet? Here is a look at its pros and cons

The government is planning a follow-on offer of the Bharat-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has filed draft papers. Here is a look at its pros and cons

Pros

• This ETF's year-to-date track record is poorer than that of Sensex and Nifty ETF (it was launched towards end November 2017). But this time span is too short to make any judgement
• Index's back-tested long-term returns are attractive  
• Core sectors of the economy, like industrials, basic materials, energy and finance included. Can be used to capture the India growth story
• Expense ratio is very low
• If the government offers a discount, as it did last time, the offer will become more attractive

Cons

• A more concentrated ETF that could be more volatile 
• More of a thematic, PSU-focused investment

What should you do?
 

• May consider this ETF for your satellite portfolio, with allocation of 3-5 per cent of equity portfolio
• Not for new investors