Core Insights - International funds outperformed domestic funds in September, driven by a strong performance in the US tech sector and NASDAQ 100 [16][19] - Overall, equity mutual funds showed stable but subdued performance amid global challenges such as tariff concerns and geopolitical tensions [16][19] Fund Performance - The top-performing fund was DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF, which delivered a return of 13.15% in September, followed by Mirae Asset Global Electric & Autonomous Vehicles Equity Passive FOF with 11.88% [1][19] - Other notable performers included Invesco Global Consumer Trends FoF at 11.27%, Mirae Asset Hang Seng TECH ETF FoF at 11.22%, and Mirae Asset Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF FoF at 10.68% [19] - A total of 577 funds were analyzed, with 268 providing positive returns and 305 yielding negative returns [19] Negative Performers - The worst-performing funds included Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund (-5.59%), Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund (-4.88%), and Motilal Oswal Business Cycle Fund (-4.79%) [10][19] - Technology sector funds also faced losses, with Kotak Technology Fund and others losing between 3.20% to 4.41% [11][19] Market Outlook - The market outlook remains positive entering the final quarter of CY25, supported by strong GDP growth of 7.8% in Q1 FY26 and revised inflation forecasts of 3.1% for FY26 [17][19] - Rate cuts from the RBI and recent GST cuts are expected to enhance corporate profitability and consumption [17][19] Investment Strategy - For SIP investors, it is advised to continue existing investments and consider using festive bonuses to enhance contributions [17][19] - New lump-sum investors are recommended to adopt a staggered approach over 3-4 weeks, transitioning from debt to equity to manage volatility [17][19]