Best Equity Funds
Equity fund is a class of mutual funds that predominantly deals with equity shares. In other words, equity funds are essentially listed stock market securities. These funds are preferred to generate long term returns.
According to the apex mutual fund body, Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the total investment in equity funds has clocked over Rs. 8 lakh crore as of December 2018. The reason behind their soaring popularity is that in the long run, the best performing equity funds typically generate much higher returns compared to debt funds or even fixed deposits.
There are several types of equity funds based on market capitalization, investment style, tax treatment, geographical markers, management style, and growth prospects. Some of the best equity mutual funds are even sector-specific investments; such funds are called sectoral fund.
The cost of an equity fund is determined by subtracting the liabilities from its net asset value (NAV). An individual may invest in the best equity mutual funds available in India, with a relatively small pool of capital.
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Top 10 Equity Mutual Funds
| Fund Name | Category | Risk | 1Y Returns | Rating | Fund Size(in Cr) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Prudential Technology Fund | Equity | High | 72.0% | 5star | ₹1,185 | |
| Nippon India Pharma Fund | Equity | High | 67.7% | 5star | ₹4,383 | |
| Quant Tax Plan Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 58.0% | 5star | ₹35 | |
| Axis Bluechip Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 20.9% | 5star | ₹22,517 | |
| Axis Multicap Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 20.3% | 5star | ₹7,451 | |
| Quant Active Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 51.2% | 5star | ₹133 | |
| Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 25.7% | 5star | ₹1,364 | |
| IIFL Focused Equity Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 28.2% | 5star | ₹1,353 | |
| Canara Robeco Equity Tax Saver | Equity | Moderately High | 31.5% | 5star | ₹1,476 | |
| Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 32.4% | 5star | ₹6,393 | |
| Axis Midcap Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 27.3% | 5star | ₹8,515 | |
| Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 25.8% | 5star | ₹5,489 | |
| ICICI Prudential Sensex Index Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 18.8% | 5star | ₹177 | |
| Axis Focused 25 Fund | Equity | Moderately High | 21.3% | 5star | ₹14,358 | |
| HDFC Index Fund - SENSEX Plan | Equity | Moderately High | 17.9% | 5star | ₹1,747 | |
| View All Top 10 Equity Mutual Funds |
Features of Equity Funds
Like all other investment instruments, the primary purpose of investing in the equity funds is to generate high returns. These funds achieve this objective by investing 65% of the assets in equity shares of listed companies. It is in tune with SEBI’s investment dictate. The other 35% of assets are usually invested in debt instruments.
Taxability
There are two types of earnings an investor can avail through equity funds, namely Dividends and Capital Gain. The tax on dividends, known as Dividend Distribution Tax or DDT, is cleared by the Asset Management Company (AMC), and investors need to pay any other taxes on those returns.
Capital gain is taxable but not in its entirety. Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) on Equity-Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) comes with certain tax benefits. Up to Rs. 1 Lakh in LTCG is tax-exempt. Anything above that comes under a tax slab of 10% as per section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Do note that there is a lock-in period of 3 years applicable on ELSS, which implies that you cannot redeem your returns before 3 years.
Short-Term Capital Gain is taxed at 15% in case the investor redeems his/her returns within a year.
Who Are These Funds Suited For?
These funds are ideal investment instruments for individuals looking for long term gains. It should, however, align with the investor's risk appetite and investment goals.
It is usually preferred by a majority of retail investors as it does not require a substantial capital pool. Because the funds’ portfolio is diversified, and the capital required is comparatively low, the risk factor is severely undercut. Also, the long-term nature of these funds allows them the time to ride out any temporary market fluctuations.
Major Advantages
Based on past returns we can narrow down the best performing equity funds that you can invest in via SIP. There are several advantages of investing in such funds. Some of them are mentioned below.
Equity funds are generally managed by professional fund management entities known as Asset Management Companies (AMC). These AMCs research, analyse and invest on behalf of their clients. They are privy to industry insights that an individual investor cannot possibly be.
- The risk factor is substantially mitigated if you invest in the best equity mutual funds. AMCs monitor several risk parameters such as concentration, volatility, liquidity, etc., and invest accordingly.
- The small ticket size ensures that an investor is not burdened beyond their means by this type of investment. In India, you can start an SIP in best equity mutual funds with as low as Rs 500
- These mutual funds are closely monitored by the SEBI, which ensures unmatched transparency in all transactions. All funds are mandated to publish their daily NAV and monthly portfolios on their websites.
- The sheer number of equity funds gives investors ample choices. As of 2018, there are over 9,500 equity mutual funds available currently. The best among these funds have recorded over 25% gains over a 3 year period.
- The tax benefits of ELSS funds are unavailable on other investment instruments. Investors can save taxation of up to Rs. 1 Lakh through these investments.
- Capital losses on an equity scheme are adjustable against the capital gains on another equity fund in the same year. This feature is also unavailable on any other investment scheme.
Let's have a closer look
Now let us jump and check about these top 10 mutual fund schemes.
ICICI Prudential Technology Direct Plan Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 29.93% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 71.95%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 71.95% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹100.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹1,185Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 72.0% |
Nippon India Pharma Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 22.55% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 67.67%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 67.67% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹100.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹4,383Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 67.7% |
Quant Tax Plan Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 16.4% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 58.02%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 58.02% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹500. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹500 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹35Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 58.0% |
Axis Bluechip Fund Direct Plan Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 16.34% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 20.92%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 20.92% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹22,517Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 20.9% |
Axis Multicap Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 16.25% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 20.28%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 20.28% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹7,451Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 20.3% |
Quant Active Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 16.12% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 51.23%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 51.23% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹1,000.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹133Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 51.2% |
Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 15.87% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 25.7%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 25.7% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹1,000.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹1,364Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 25.7% |
IIFL Focused Equity Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 15.71% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 28.23%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 28.23% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹1,000.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹1,353Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 28.2% |
Canara Robeco Equity Tax Saver Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 15.3% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 31.5%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 31.5% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹500. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹500 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹1,476Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 31.5% |
Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 15.24% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 32.44%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 32.44% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹1,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹1,000.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹1,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹6,393Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 32.4% |
Axis Midcap Direct Plan Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 15.19% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 27.32%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 27.32% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹8,515Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 27.3% |
Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 13.08% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 25.78%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 25.78% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹500. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹500 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹5,489Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 25.8% |
ICICI Prudential Sensex Index Fund Direct Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 13.04% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 18.8%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 18.8% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹100. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹100.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹100 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹177Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 18.8% |
Axis Focused 25 Direct Plan Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 13.02% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 21.27%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 21.27% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹14,358Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 21.3% |
HDFC Index Sensex Direct Plan Growth
Fund Performance: This fund has given 12.95% annualized returns in the last three years. In the last year, its returns were 17.88%. It has continually hit its benchmark in the Equity segment.
Why to invest: It is one of the most remarkable Equity mutual funds in India. This fund has constantly outperformed other similar funds, providing 17.88% returns in the last one year. Minimum lump sum investment amount required to invest in this scheme is ₹5,000. Minimum SIP investment amount required for this scheme is ₹500.
| Min Investment Amt | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| AUM | ₹1,747Cr |
| 1Y Returns | 17.9% |
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