Last Updated on March 27, 2016
I am delighted to announce that the freefincal mutual fund screener which is a macro-based Excel file has now been extended to work on Google Sheets.
I constantly receive requests to make calculators in non-Excel or online platforms. I have finally been able to do so thanks to the support and motivation of friends and readers. In particular,
Ramesh Venugopal who waded this rather complex Google Apps Script for importing CSV data into a Google Spreadsheet late into the night, modified it to login to our Value Research account and retrieve annual returns for a particular mutual fund category. His modified script is seminal to the development of this sheet.
I also thank Ramesh Vijayaraghavan and Gaurav Aggarwal who also took a crack at this problem and were close to a solution. Without such support, I would have never touched a Google sheet.
Speaking of which, although it is slow it is crucially more advanced than Excel in handling formulas linked to data that can change by running a marco (or script). Without this, the sheet would have required additional scripts.
How does the screener work?
Once the sheet is set up to work (see detailed slideshow and video below), the user has to login into Value Research (via the sheet) to retrieve annual returns of a particular category.
Then the 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.10,11,12 year CAGRs are computed.
Three screens are available:
- Consistency in above CAGRs falling in the top 15 (can be varied) for each duration.
- Consistency in above CAGRs falling above category average for each duration.
- Consistency in each year’s annual return falling above category average.
They can be used together or individually to create a shortlist.
Here is a screenshot of the input page.
The sheet involves entering an username and password. Therefore, I do not wish to share the sheet online. Can it be done without affecting privacy?
Please follow these instructions:
- The screener file (.xlsx) and the script file (code.gs) are available as a zipped file at the end of this post
- Upload the .xlsx file to Google drive. This will not work in Excel and you need not open it offline
- Remaining instructions are here in the form of a slide show and a short video
[slideshare id=57189515&doc=freefincalmutualfundscreener-160118174327]
Download the Freefincal Mutual Fund Screener- Google Sheets Edition pack
Thanks to Riyaz (see comment below) we now have have a wonderful alternative:
1. go to this link
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HzG1hg2N7yOdpNVFun7bljMgaTpvj7LPItcXCjPBzps/copy
2. click ‘make a copy’
3. when loaded click menu Freefincal -> Authorize
4. Freefincal -> Get data (observe validation of username and password if its empty)
Do not share the sheet online with your friends! You may end up accidentally sharing your password!! Freefincal will not be responsible if that happens.
Do give the sheet a try and let me know your feedback.
Note that all Excel sheets which do not have a macro will work in Google sheets. I will convert the ones with macros with this technique. Let me know if you have any favourites so that I can focus on them first. Personally curious to try out the freefincal stock screener next.
Alternative
Ramesh Vijayaraghavan figured out that authentication is necessary for CSV files only. Their html can be imported without username and password. I tried to do this, but failed.
1. go to this link
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17QQ12-4w5zR-q1SD-Z29BTcIuEnVV45725xkVbdIx_c/copy?usp=sharing
2. click ‘make a copy’
3. Select fund category and screen!
Ramesh and Riyaz sent me these modifications within minutes of each other!
How to profit from content writing: is our new ebook for those interested in getting side income via content writing. It is at available at a 50% discount for Rs. 500 only!
Use our Robo-advisory Excel Template for a start-to-finish financial plan!
Join our courses in exclusive Facebook Groups!
- 520+ members are now part of our new course: How to get people to pay for your skills! (watch 1st lecture for free). Learn how to get people to pay for your skills! Whether you are a professional or small business owner who wants more clients via online visibility or a salaried person wanting a side income or passive income, we will show how to achieve by showcasing your skills and building a community that trusts you and pays you!
- Goal-based portfolio management! Join 2125+ members and get clarity on how to plan for your goals and achieve the necessary corpus no matter what the market condition is!! Watch the first lecture for free! One-time payment of Rs. 3000 only. No recurring fees! Life-long access to videos (10+ hours content) in an exclusive Facebook Group! Reduce fear, uncertainty and doubt while investing! Learn how to plan for your goals before and after retirement with confidence.
Want to check if the market is overvalued or undervalued? Use our market valuation tool (will work with any index!) or you buy the new Tactical Buy/Sell timing tool!
We publish mutual fund screeners and momentum, low volatility stock screeners .every month.
About the Author

About freefincal & its content policy Freefincal is a News Media Organization dedicated to providing original analysis, reports, reviews and insights on developments in mutual funds, stocks, investing, retirement and personal finance. We do so without conflict of interest and bias. Follow us on Google News. Freefincal serves more than one million readers a year (2.5 million page views) with articles based only on factual information and detailed analysis by its authors. All statements made will be verified from credible and knowledgeable sources before publication. Freefincal does not publish any paid articles, promotions, PR, satire or opinions without data. All opinions presented will only be inferences backed by verifiable, reproducible evidence/data. Contact information: letters {at} freefincal {dot} com (sponsored posts or paid collaborations will not be entertained)
Connect with us on social media
- Twitter @freefincal
- Subscribe to our Youtube Videos
- Posts feed via Feedburner.
Our publications
You Can Be Rich Too with Goal-Based Investing

Gamechanger: Forget Startups, Join Corporate & Still Live the Rich Life You Want

Your Ultimate Guide to Travel

Free android apps
- All calculators from our book, “You can be Rich Too” are now available on Google Play!
- Install the Financial Freedom App! (Google Play Store)
- Install Freefincal Retirement Planner App! (Google Play Store)
- Find out if you have enough to say "goodbye" to your employer (Google Play Store)