{"id":250173,"date":"2026-09-16T16:29:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T10:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T16:29:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T10:59:15","slug":"icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Review 2026: NAV, Returns, Portfolio &#038; Should You Invest?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a> currently has a NAV of \u20b922.24 as of 15 Sep 2026 and an AUM of \u20b91,356 Cr. Its 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are -7.37%, 10.41% and 9.17% respectively, and it sits in the High Risk bucket.<\/p>\n<p>Our view is that the fund suits investors who can accept sharp short-term swings in exchange for a portfolio built around quality large-cap names and an exclusionary equity framework. The recent one-year outcome has been weak, but the longer-term numbers are steadier, and the portfolio mix suggests a reasonably diversified active equity exposure rather than a narrow thematic bet.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Quick_facts\" title=\"Quick facts\">Quick facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Performance\" title=\"Performance\">Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_ICICI_Pru_ESG_Exclusionary_Strategy\" title=\"Should you BUY or HOLD ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy?\">Should you BUY or HOLD ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Peer_comparison\" title=\"Peer comparison\">Peer comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\" title=\"Portfolio: where your money goes\">Portfolio: where your money goes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Who_should_invest\" title=\"Who should invest\">Who should invest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Tax_and_exit_load\" title=\"Tax and exit load\">Tax and exit load<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" title=\"Frequently asked questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_is_the_current_NAV_of_ICICI_Pru_ESG_Exclusionary_Strategy_Fund_Direct_Growth_Plan\" title=\"What is the current NAV of ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan?\">What is the current NAV of ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#How_has_the_fund_performed_over_1_year_3_years_and_5_years\" title=\"How has the fund performed over 1 year, 3 years and 5 years?\">How has the fund performed over 1 year, 3 years and 5 years?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#How_does_the_fund_compare_with_the_benchmark\" title=\"How does the fund compare with the benchmark?\">How does the fund compare with the benchmark?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_are_the_top_holdings_in_the_portfolio\" title=\"What are the top holdings in the portfolio?\">What are the top holdings in the portfolio?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Who_manages_the_fund\" title=\"Who manages the fund?\">Who manages the fund?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_are_the_tax_and_exit-load_rules\" title=\"What are the tax and exit-load rules?\">What are the tax and exit-load rules?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Bottom_line\" title=\"Bottom line\">Bottom line<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\" title=\"Explore mutual funds with Univest\">Explore mutual funds with Univest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#RIA_disclosure\" title=\"RIA disclosure\">RIA disclosure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_facts\"><\/span>Quick facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Particular<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>NAV<\/td>\n<td>\u20b922.24 as of 15 Sep 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AUM<\/td>\n<td>\u20b91,356 Cr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Expense Ratio<\/td>\n<td>1.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Launch Date<\/td>\n<td>09 Oct 2020<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Min SIP<\/td>\n<td>\u20b9100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Category<\/td>\n<td>High Risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Benchmark<\/td>\n<td>Nifty 50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Category<\/td>\n<td>Equity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Exit Load<\/td>\n<td>1% on or before 12M, Nil after 12M<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Managers<\/td>\n<td>Mittul Kalawadia, Ayush Shah<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The fund is managed by Mittul Kalawadia and Ayush Shah.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performance\"><\/span>Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Period<\/th>\n<th>Fund return<\/th>\n<th>Benchmark return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1M<\/td>\n<td>-5.08%<\/td>\n<td>-4.81%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3M<\/td>\n<td>-1.29%<\/td>\n<td>-3.63%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1Y<\/td>\n<td>-7.37%<\/td>\n<td>-8.27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3Y<\/td>\n<td>10.41%<\/td>\n<td>5.59%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5Y<\/td>\n<td>9.17%<\/td>\n<td>5.58%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The recent pattern is uneven. The fund has struggled over the past month and quarter, which tells us that short-term sentiment and price swings have been uncomfortable, but the one-year figure is still slightly better than the benchmark\u2019s one-year return.<\/p>\n<p>The longer view is more constructive. Over three and five years, the fund has stayed ahead of the benchmark, which suggests that the strategy has been able to compound better than the index through a fuller market cycle.<\/p>\n<p>That mix of weak recent numbers and better medium-term results matters for interpretation. We read it as a fund that can lag in choppy periods, but still preserve a more favourable long-horizon picture than the benchmark when the holding period is long enough.<\/p>\n<p>For investors, the message is that the fund is not a steady short-term compounder. Its profile fits better with a patient equity allocation where interim volatility is acceptable and the focus is on multi-year outcomes rather than month-to-month consistency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-mf-premium-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;background:#f7faff\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_ICICI_Pru_ESG_Exclusionary_Strategy\"><\/span>Should you BUY or HOLD ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A fund&#8217;s past returns alone don&#8217;t tell you whether you should buy it today or continue holding it.<\/p>\n<p>The right decision depends on factors such as your current allocation, purchase price, risk profile, investment horizon and the role this fund plays in your overall portfolio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Already holding ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy? Thinking of investing now?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Get your portfolio analysed for FREE by SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (RIA) through Univest MF Premium<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peer_comparison\"><\/span>Peer comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Fund<\/th>\n<th>1Y return<\/th>\n<th>3Y return<\/th>\n<th>5Y return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>-7.37%<\/td>\n<td>10.41%<\/td>\n<td>9.17%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-strategic-metal-and-energy-equity-fof-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru Strategic Metal and Energy Equity FoF Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>69.8%<\/td>\n<td>36.32%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/kotak-healthcare-fund-g-direct-plan\">Kotak Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>26.51%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/motilal-oswal-active-momentum-fund-g-direct-plan\">Motilal Oswal Active Momentum Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>25.46%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/hdfc-pharma-and-healthcare-fund-g-direct-plan\">HDFC Pharma and Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>25.31%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/pgim-india-healthcare-fund-g-direct-plan\">PGIM India Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>23.52%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This assessment is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639. On a recent one-year view, the fund trails the strongest peer returns by a wide margin, even though its one-year loss is less severe than some broad-market weakness in the same period. The longer-term picture is more balanced: its three-year and five-year returns are stronger than the available peer figures in this table where those figures exist, which points to a strategy that has held up better over fuller cycles than in the latest stretch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<div class=\"univest-peer-login-cta\" style=\"margin:20px 0;padding:16px 18px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;border-radius:8px;background:#f7faff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Want to know more?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Log in to Univest<\/a> for more mutual fund insights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\"><\/span>Portfolio: where your money goes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding<\/th>\n<th>Sector<\/th>\n<th>Weight<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>HDFC Bank Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>9.05%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ICICI Bank Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>7.75%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Healthcare<\/td>\n<td>5.47%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>TVS Motor Company Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Automobile &amp; Ancillaries<\/td>\n<td>4.9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Axis Bank Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>4.55%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Automobile &amp; Ancillaries<\/td>\n<td>4.04%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Avenue Supermarts Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Retailing<\/td>\n<td>3.34%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bharti Airtel Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Telecom<\/td>\n<td>2.89%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Eternal Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Retailing<\/td>\n<td>2.82%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Interglobe Aviation Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Aviation<\/td>\n<td>2.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The largest holding, HDFC Bank Ltd., carries a 9.05% weight, which is meaningful but not dominant on its own. The drop from the first holding to the tenth is fairly clear, as the table moves from a high-single-digit position to 2.6%, suggesting that influence is shared rather than concentrated in just one stock.<\/p>\n<p>The top 10 holdings together account for approximately 47.41% of the portfolio, and the disclosed holding count is 46. That combination points to a portfolio with a sizeable core in a few large positions, but also a longer tail of smaller holdings that may help spread stock-specific risk.<\/p>\n<p>Because the leading names include banks, healthcare, consumer, telecom and travel-linked businesses, the portfolio may behave like a diversified large-cap equity book rather than a narrowly focused sector fund. That said, the weight in the top names means the largest positions could still have greater influence on near-term returns.<\/p>\n<p>To see all holdings, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a> page<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_should_invest\"><\/span>Who should invest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This fund is more suitable for investors with a high tolerance for equity volatility and a multi-year horizon. The recent one-year loss shows that short-term outcomes can be uncomfortable, while the three-year and five-year returns suggest that the strategy has worked better when held through a fuller cycle.<\/p>\n<p>It also fits investors who are comfortable with a benchmark-linked equity process but want an exclusionary approach and a portfolio that leans on established large-cap businesses. The trade-off is clear: you may accept weaker short-term consistency in exchange for a better chance of capturing longer-horizon equity compounding.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tax_and_exit_load\"><\/span>Tax and exit load<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding period<\/th>\n<th>Tax rate<\/th>\n<th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held less than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>20%<\/td>\n<td>Short-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held more than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>12.5%<\/td>\n<td>Long-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Exit load:<\/strong> 1% if units are sold within 12 months; nil after 12 months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_current_NAV_of_ICICI_Pru_ESG_Exclusionary_Strategy_Fund_Direct_Growth_Plan\"><\/span>What is the current NAV of ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The current NAV is \u20b922.24 as of 15 Sep 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_has_the_fund_performed_over_1_year_3_years_and_5_years\"><\/span>How has the fund performed over 1 year, 3 years and 5 years?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Its 1-year return is -7.37%, its 3-year return is 10.41%, and its 5-year return is 9.17%.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_fund_compare_with_the_benchmark\"><\/span>How does the fund compare with the benchmark?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is ahead of the benchmark over 3 years and 5 years, while the 1-year return is also slightly better than the benchmark\u2019s 1-year return. Over the most recent month and quarter, performance has been weaker.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_top_holdings_in_the_portfolio\"><\/span>What are the top holdings in the portfolio?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The largest holdings are HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., TVS Motor Company Ltd. and Axis Bank Ltd. The top 10 disclosed holdings together account for approximately 47.41% of the portfolio.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_manages_the_fund\"><\/span>Who manages the fund?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund is managed by Mittul Kalawadia and Ayush Shah.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_tax_and_exit-load_rules\"><\/span>What are the tax and exit-load rules?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Units held for less than 1 year attract short-term capital gains tax at 20%, while units held for more than 1 year attract long-term capital gains tax at 12.5%. The exit load is 1% if units are sold within 12 months and nil after 12 months.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_line\"><\/span>Bottom line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The fund\u2019s recent performance has been weaker than its longer-term record, so the latest stretch does not fully match the three-year and five-year picture. Against peers in the available comparison set, the one-year return is far behind the strongest recent numbers, but the medium-term record is more resilient where those figures are available. The portfolio is built around large, familiar names and is not excessively concentrated in a single holding, which supports a more diversified equity profile. Overall, it looks better suited to patient investors who can handle High Risk volatility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"univest-posted-at\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#666;margin:20px 0 8px\">Published on 16 September 2026 at 4:27 PM IST<\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-login-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;background:#eef5ff;border:1px solid #cddff7;text-align:center\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\"><\/span>Explore mutual funds with Univest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Review mutual fund data, compare performance and explore fund insights on Univest.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:6px;background:#1f4e79;color:#fff !important;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700\">Explore Univest<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"univest-disclaimer\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"RIA_disclosure\"><\/span>RIA disclosure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. This review is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. (earlier known as Uniapps Global Research Pvt. Ltd.) under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639 for general informational purposes and is not personalized investment advice.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"InvestmentFund\",\"name\":\"ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan\",\"identifier\":\"icici-pru-esg-exclusionary-strategy-fund-g-direct-plan\",\"category\":\"Equity\",\"dateCreated\":\"09 Oct 2020\",\"isAccessibleForFree\":true,\"additionalProperty\":[{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"NAV\",\"value\":22.24,\"valueReference\":\"as of 15 Sep 2026\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"AUM\",\"value\":\"1356 Cr\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Expense Ratio\",\"value\":\"1.0\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Benchmark\",\"value\":\"Nifty 50\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"1Y Return\",\"value\":-7.37},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"3Y Return\",\"value\":10.41},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"5Y Return\",\"value\":9.17},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Fund Managers\",\"value\":\"Mittul Kalawadia, Ayush Shah\"}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the current NAV of ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The current NAV is \u20b922.24 as of 15 Sep 2026.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How has the fund performed over 1 year, 3 years and 5 years?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Its 1-year return is -7.37%, its 3-year return is 10.41%, and its 5-year return is 9.17%.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does the fund compare with the benchmark?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is ahead of the benchmark over 3 years and 5 years, while the 1-year return is also slightly better than the benchmark\u2019s 1-year return. Over the most recent month and quarter, performance has been weaker.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the top holdings in the portfolio?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The largest holdings are HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., TVS Motor Company Ltd. and Axis Bank Ltd. The top 10 disclosed holdings together account for approximately 47.41% of the portfolio.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who manages the fund?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund is managed by Mittul Kalawadia and Ayush Shah.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the tax and exit-load rules?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Units held for less than 1 year attract short-term capital gains tax at 20%, while units held for more than 1 year attract long-term capital gains tax at 12.5%. The exit load is 1% if units are sold within 12 months and nil after 12 months.\"}}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd.\",\"description\":\"SEBI Registered Investment Adviser INA000017639\"}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan has a \u20b922.24 NAV as of 15 Sep 2026, \u20b91,356 Cr AUM and 1Y\/3Y\/5Y returns of -7.37%, 10.41% and 9.17%.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":250171,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3841],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-250173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mutual-funds"],"metadata":{"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["250171"],"rank_math_title":["ICICI Pru ESG Fund Review 2026 | NAV &amp; Returns"],"rank_math_description":["ICICI Pru ESG Fund NAV is \u20b922.24 as of 15 Sep 2026; 1Y return is -7.37% and 3Y return is 10.41%."],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy Fund Direct Growth Plan review"],"rank_math_robots":["a:2:{i:0;s:7:\"noindex\";i:1;s:8:\"nofollow\";}"]},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ICICI_Pru_ESG_Exclusionary_Strategy_Fund_Direct_Growth_Review_2026_NAV_Returns_Portfolio_Should_You_Invest_neutral.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=250173"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250173\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/250171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=250173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=250173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=250173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}