Your Portfolio Shouldn't End at India's Borders.
India represents only 3\u20134% of global market capitalization. If your entire portfolio is Indian, you're missing out on 96% of the world's wealth creation. The rupee has depreciated 4.2% annually since 1947.
SoHo Wealth helps you build a truly global portfolio \u2014 US stocks, international ETFs, GIFT City funds \u2014 while navigating LRS, RBI regulations, FEMA compliance, and cross-border tax implications.
Start Your Global PortfolioWhy Global Diversification Matters
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have beaten the Nifty over multiple time periods. Different markets win in different years \u2014 that's the power of diversification.
Currency Depreciation
The rupee has depreciated from ₹3.32/$ in 1947 to ~₹90/$ today — a 4.2% annual erosion. Dollar-denominated assets protect your purchasing power.
Access 96% of Global Markets
India represents only 3–4% of global market capitalization. Limiting yourself to India means missing out on 96% of the world's wealth creation.
Portfolio Diversification
Different markets win in different years. Global diversification reduces single-country risk and smooths out returns over time.
Nasdaq Outperformance
The Motilal Oswal Nasdaq ETF has delivered ~23% CAGR in rupee terms since its 2011 launch, far exceeding Nifty's ~12% over the same period.
Global Returns in INR
CAGR returns in Indian rupees. Source: Value Research, as on 2nd January 2026.
| Index | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 14% | 22% | 26% |
| Nasdaq | 19% | 45% | 9% |
| Europe | 15% | 43% | 8% |
| China | 5.8% | 22% | 8% |
| Japan | 9% | 54% | 8% |
| Brazil | 3% | 8% | 8% |
Nifty: NiftyBees, Nasdaq: Motilal Oswal Nasdaq ETF, Europe: Invesco Pan European FoF, China: HangSeng BeES, Japan: Nippon India Japan Equity, Brazil: HSBC Brazil Fund.
Global Investing Services
US Stock & ETF Investing
Direct investment in US-listed stocks and ETFs through partner platforms. Stock selection, portfolio construction, and rebalancing guidance.
International Mutual Funds
India-domiciled MFs that invest abroad — US, Europe, China, emerging markets, and global thematic funds. No LRS required for combo funds.
Global Asset Allocation
Strategic allocation across Indian and international assets based on relative valuations, currency outlook, and global macro trends.
Currency Risk Management
Guidance on INR-USD dynamics, hedging strategies, and optimal timing for LRS remittances.
GIFT City Fund Advisory
Access global markets through GIFT City funds with favourable tax treatment, Indian regulatory oversight, and no Schedule FA requirements.
Tax & Compliance Support
End-to-end assistance with LRS documentation, FEMA compliance, Schedule FA filing, Form 67 for DTAA credit, and TCS refund claims.
Routes to Invest Abroad
Multiple pathways with different trade-offs in cost, compliance, and access.
| Route | Advantage | Disadvantage | US Estate Tax? | Schedule FA? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian MFs investing abroad | Easy to transact, less tax compliance | RBI limit hit, very few accept inflows | ❌ | ❌ |
| Indian ETFs investing abroad | Easy to transact, less tax compliance | RBI limit hit, often at premium to NAV | ❌ | ✅ |
| GIFT City Funds | Less tax compliance, Indian regulator | Very few funds available | ❌ | ❌ |
| Direct US Stocks & ETFs | Entire universe of stocks & ETFs | Heavy tax compliance | ✅ | ✅ |
Overseas MFs Open for Subscription
Indian mutual funds that invest abroad \u2014 currently accepting inflows. Returns as on 2nd Jan 2026.
Three types: (1) Pure feeder funds, (2) Combo funds (e.g., Parag Parikh Flexicap), (3) India-listed ETFs feeding into foreign stocks. Many closed due to RBI limits.
| Fund Name | 3Y Lumpsum | 3Y SIP |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin U.S. Opportunities Equity Active Fund | 12% | 26% |
| Edelweiss US Technology Equity Fund | 24% | 40% |
| Edelweiss Greater China Equity Off-shore Fund | 44% | 14% |
| Axis Global Equity Alpha Fund | 26% | 23% |
| Axis Greater China Equity Fund | 44% | 13% |
| Axis Global Innovation Fund | 21% | 25% |
| Kotak Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni Fund | 20% | 23% |
| Franklin Asian Equity Fund | 27% | 14% |
| Edelweiss US Value Equity Offshore Fund | 16% | 14% |
| Edelweiss Emerging Markets Opportunities Equity Offshore Fund | 45% | 18% |
| Edelweiss Europe Dynamic Equity Offshore Fund | 51% | 24% |
| Edelweiss ASEAN Equity Off Shore Fund | 18% | 10% |
| Kotak Global Emerging Market Overseas Equity Omni Fund | 41% | 18% |
| Kotak International REIT Fund | 23% | 8% |
All SIPs/STPs in Edelweiss MF's international schemes are capped at \u20B95,000 per PAN.
Combo Funds with Overseas Exposure
Hybrid/multi-asset funds that invest partly in India and partly abroad. Not affected by RBI overseas limits.
| Fund Name | Overseas % | 1Y Return | 3Y Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Prudential Passive Multi-Asset Fund | 28% | 19%% | 16%% |
| DSP Multi Asset Allocation Fund | 18% | 25%% | N/A% |
| Invesco India Multi Asset Allocation Fund | 15% | 24%% | N/A% |
| Bandhan Multi Asset Allocation Fund | 10% | 20%% | N/A% |
| PGIM India Aggressive Hybrid Equity Fund | 10% | 5%% | 13%% |
GIFT City Outbound Funds
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) hosts funds that invest globally with favourable tax treatment. Taxed at fund level \u2014 your redemption proceeds are tax-free.
STCG (<2 yrs)
42.7%
Paid by the fund
LTCG (>2 yrs)
14.95%
Paid by the fund
Investor Tax
0%
Tax-free on redemption
Retail Funds (min $5,000)
| Fund | Strategy | Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| DSP Global Equity Fund | Focus on value, stocks, market cap and country agnostic | 40% US, 32% EU, rest Japan & China |
| PPFAS Nasdaq 100 | Invests in Nasdaq 100 linked UCITS & ETFs, passive style | 90% in index, 10% cash/debt |
| PPFAS S&P 500 | Invests in S&P 500 linked UCITS & ETFs, passive style | S&P 500 exposure |
| Edelweiss Greater China Fund | Feeds into JP Morgan China Fund | China theme at low valuations |
PMS Strategies (min $75,000)
| Fund House | Strategy | Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Phillip Capital | Invests in ETFs listed in US, sector agnostic | 67% US, rest Japan, Taiwan & others |
| Marcellus | Bottom up, 25–30 stocks, across market cap | 62% US, rest EU & Canada |
| PPFAS | Value investing, 25% sector cap, 10% single stock cap | Global |
Tax & Compliance
Taxation on Direct US Investments
TCS is not a new tax \u2014 it's adjustable against your total tax liability. Claim refund when filing ITR.
FEMA Restrictions
- \u2715No leverage trading
- \u2715No currency trading
- \u2715No leveraged ETFs
- \u2715No cryptocurrency
- \u2715Idle funds must be brought back or reinvested within 180 days
US Estate Tax Alert
If your US-domiciled assets exceed $60,000, estate tax (up to 40%) applies on your heirs. Avoid this by investing through UCITS ETFs (Europe-domiciled) or GIFT City funds instead of directly holding US stocks.
Broker Comparison
Cost comparison of platforms for investing in US stocks & ETFs. Your US holdings are insured up to $500,000 under SIPC.
| Platform | Charges | $100 Trade | $10K Trade | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0.0035/share or $0.35 min | $0.35 | $3.50 | US-based global broker; Low costs, long track record | Tax reports not tailored for India |
| Vested Finance | 0.25% per transaction | $0.25 | $25 | Indian fintech partnered with DriveWealth; Tax reports for India | Higher costs |
| INDmoney | 0.25% (max $25) | $0.25 | $25 | Indian + US investing from one platform | Not a specialist |
| Appreciate | 0.05% or ₹5 (whichever higher) | $0.05 | $5 | Low cost Indian fintech | New entrant, limited track record |
Banks charge an additional 1\u20132% currency conversion fee on deposits/withdrawals. Negotiate with your RM for better forex rates on larger remittances.
LRS & RBI Compliance
We handle the regulatory complexity so you can focus on building wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Go Global with Confidence
Build a diversified international portfolio with full compliance support \u2014 LRS, FEMA, tax filing, and beyond.