Passive mutual fund assets under management rose 5.2% in October to ₹13.67 lakh crore, supported by fresh inflows of ₹16,668 crore. Gold ETFs led the surge with ₹7,743 crore in new money, reflecting heightened investor interest amid global uncertainty and commodity market resilience. Index funds and debt passive products also recorded broad-based traction. Industry analysts attribute the expansion to rising retail adoption of systematic ETF investing and stronger participation from institutions. The trend underscores growing confidence in rule-based and low-cost investment strategies across the Indian market.