Independent Financial Research

Before you cross
the Rubicon

Independent research on financial costs, market structures, and investment decisions. We do the analysis so you understand what you are committing to before you commit.

Explore Research
Series 02 · Step 2
Latest Research
April 2026
Lowest-Cost Funds on Kuvera: S&P 500 and Nifty 50
True all-in costs, hidden FoF layers exposed, and fund rankings by cost and tracking efficiency.
Read the report →
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Independent
No fund relationships, sponsorships, or commercial affiliations of any kind.
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Quantitative
Numbers-first analysis. Methodology and data sources documented in every report.
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Actionable
Structured for decisions. Each series builds to a clear, usable conclusion.
Coverage

What Rubicon Insights covers

Research is organised by topic area. Each area builds a library of interconnected series over time.

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Equities & Index Funds
Cost analysis, benchmark tracking, passive vs active structures, and fund selection.
Active research
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More topics in progress
Coverage is expanding as new research series are completed. Topics include commodities, fixed income, portfolio construction, and global markets.
Research Library

Latest Research

Newest series first

Each series is a complete body of work on a single topic. Articles within a series build on each other.

Series 02 Equities & Index Funds

S&P 500 and Nifty 50: Costs, Returns, and Portfolio Construction

A three-part analysis of US and Indian equity index investing: historical return comparisons across asset classes, fund cost rankings, and a practical portfolio construction guide.

Key finding The true all-in cost of fund-of-funds structures can be significantly higher than the fee displayed on investment platforms. Understanding the full cost stack is essential before selecting any fund.
  • Step 1 Rolling 7-Year CAGR Analysis: Comparing Asset Class Returns Coming to library
  • Step 2 Lowest-Cost Index Funds: Rankings by True All-In Cost April 2026 Read →
  • Step 3 Portfolio Construction Guide: Combining Markets and Asset Classes Pending
Series 01 Commodities

Gold ETF and Fund of Funds: True Cost Analysis

A complete ranking of Gold ETF and Fund of Funds structures, including the hidden two-layer cost that most platforms do not disclose. Includes analysis of Sovereign Gold Bond structures and the impact of recent tax changes.

Coming soon Being prepared for the library
Our Approach

How we research

Three principles that define every report we publish.

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Independent, always
Research conclusions are driven by data, not commercial relationships. Our analytical independence is non-negotiable.
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Quantitative, methodology-first
Every finding is numbers-first. The methodology, data sources, and calculations behind each conclusion are documented within the report so conclusions can be understood in context.
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Structured for decisions
Research is organised in series, each building toward a clear conclusion. We aim to give readers the analytical foundation to form their own informed view.
About

Research for investors who read before they act

Rubicon Insights publishes independent financial research. We look closely at what things cost, how markets behave, and what the numbers actually say, so that readers can make more informed decisions.

The name comes from Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon river: a decisive, one-way commitment. Good financial decisions start with understanding exactly what you are stepping into, before you step.

Rubicon Insights is a publication of Rubicon Advisory Pty Ltd, an Australian research and advisory firm.

What this is
Independent financial research. Original analysis, clearly sourced and methodology-driven.
What this is not
Financial advice. We are not licensed advisers. Nothing here should be read as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment.
Published by
Rubicon Advisory Pty Ltd, Australia. Contact via rubicon-advisory.com.au
Data sources
Primary sources including fund scheme documents, exchange filings, regulatory data, and public market data providers.