Is NDIA a good ETF?
NDIA is the Global X India Nifty 50 ETF from Global X. It tracks the Nifty 50 Index. We classify it under EM, Asia, and Large-Cap. With about $179 million in assets it is a solidly established fund. Listed on the ASX since 2020-08-05 (about 6 years ago).
On a total-return basis, NDIA has delivered 3.91% a year over 5 years (ranked 132nd of 188 ETFs we track), 0% a year over 3 years (ranked 222nd of 226 ETFs we track), and -16.27% a year over 1 year (ranked 296th of 308 ETFs we track). It has trailed most comparable ETFs over the periods we measure, so look closely at whether its strategy fits what you're after.
The management fee of 0.69% is on the higher side. For comparison, similar ETFs average around 0.35%. If cost is your priority, IAA (0.29%), AVTE (0.45%), and VGE (0.48%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a moderate 2.09% yield.
Over the past 5 years its volatility has been moderate (annualised standard deviation around 13.33%), meaning the kind of swings you'd expect from a diversified equity fund. Its 5-year Sharpe ratio of 0.11 is weak — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Portfolio turnover is very low at about 5% a year — the portfolio barely changes from year to year, much like a classic buy-and-hold index fund. Very little of its return is lost to trading or to capital gains being realised early, making it highly tax-efficient.
Things to watch
- Has lagged most peers over 3 years (222nd of 226).
- Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.35%.
- Cheaper alternatives exist: IAA, AVTE, and VGE.
- Weak risk-adjusted returns (5-year Sharpe ratio 0.11).
What NDIA's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Emerging markets — developing economies such as China, India, Brazil and Taiwan. High growth potential with materially higher volatility, currency and political risk.
- Market regime
- Often trades at cheaper valuations than developed markets and performs well in global risk-on phases and when the US dollar is weak. Can endure long stretches of underperformance.
- In a portfolio
- A satellite growth allocation for patient investors with a long horizon and tolerance for big swings.
Equities across Asian markets (often ex-Japan, frequently weighted to China, India, Taiwan and Korea). Exposure to faster-growing economies, with extra political, currency and governance risk.
- Market regime
- Tends to lead during global risk-on phases and when the US dollar is weak; lags badly in risk-off, flight-to-safety episodes.
- In a portfolio
- Best used as a satellite position to add growth and diversification, not as a core holding. Long horizon and tolerance for big swings required.
The biggest, most established companies. More stable earnings, lower volatility and often steadier dividends than the broad market.
- Market regime
- Holds up comparatively well in downturns and uncertain markets; tends to lag small-caps and growth during the most aggressive bull runs.
- In a portfolio
- A dependable core building block suited to long-term holding.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.