The answer in plain English
A lump-sum CAGR joins two valuation points into one annual rate. A SIP result depends on many cash-flow dates. A recent rally can lift a trailing return without making the path smooth, and a newly launched scheme cannot have a genuine ten- or twenty-year record. Blank history should stay blank rather than be replaced by zero or a projected figure.
What to check
- Choose a consistent period: one-year absolute return, multi-year CAGR, or dated SIP XIRR.
- Check that all funds use the same plan, option, benchmark basis and NAV dates.
- Read drawdown and rolling periods to understand how the endpoint was reached.
- Separate surviving available schemes from the full historical investment universe.
A useful comparison
| Measure | Useful question | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| CAGR | How did one starting amount compound? | Does not describe intervening contributions |
| XIRR | What annual rate matches my dated cash flows? | Can differ across investors in the same fund |
| Rolling return | How did different start dates behave? | Still historical |
| Maximum drawdown | How deep was a historical peak-to-trough fall? | Not a limit on future losses |
Make the distinction clear
Illustration: ₹1 lakh becoming ₹2 lakh over ten years corresponds to approximately 7.18% CAGR. That is a calculation from endpoints, not a promise of a smooth 7.18% every year. To compare actual funds, open the category ranking and select the stated period. Use XIRR for a personal statement with contributions or withdrawals rather than applying a fund’s CAGR to all instalments.
One final question before acting
Does the figure or document match the exact scheme, plan, option, period and purpose in your question? Keep the source date with the answer. For a real transaction or personal decision, the current scheme documents and your own records take priority over a saved educational example.