When it comes to investing in mutual funds, understanding the different types based on market capitalization can greatly help in making informed investment decisions. Market capitalization refers to the total value of a company, calculated by multiplying the current market price per share by the number of shares outstanding. By categorizing mutual funds based on market cap, investors can align their investment strategy with their risk tolerance and investment goals. Let us delve into the various types of mutual funds based on market capitalization, namely large cap, mid cap, multi-cap, flexi cap, and small-cap funds so that you can start your investment journey!
Large Cap Funds:
Large-cap mutual funds focus on investing in companies with large market capitalizations. Large-cap equity funds focus their investments on the top 100 companies listed on stock exchanges like BSE and NSE. These companies are typically well-established and have a proven track record in their respective industries. Large-cap funds aim to provide stability and long-term growth by allocating investments to blue-chip companies. “Blue-chip companies are industry leaders known for their stability and consistent performance. Large-cap funds are suitable for conservative investors seeking lower risk and steady returns”, shares Alok Kumar Agarwal Alankit.
Mid-Cap Funds:
Mid-cap equity funds specifically target companies ranked between the 101st and 250th positions in terms of market capitalization (on BSE and NSE). Mid-cap mutual funds target companies with medium-sized market capitalizations. These companies strike a balance between stability and growth potential. While they are more established than small-cap companies, they still have room for expansion and improvement. “Investing in mid-cap funds allows investors to benefit from the potential upside of companies poised for growth while managing risk. Mid-cap funds are suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite who seek a blend of stability and capital appreciation.” Says Alok Kumar Agarwal of Alankit.
Multi Cap Funds:
Multi-cap funds are required by SEBI to invest in companies across all market capitalization segments. These funds must allocate a minimum of 25% of their holdings to each category, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Multi-cap mutual funds offer the flexibility to invest across the entire market capitalization spectrum. Fund managers have the freedom to allocate investments based on their assessment of market conditions and growth opportunities. These funds can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, providing diversification across different segments of the market. “Multi-cap funds aim to strike a balance between stability and higher growth potential. They are suitable for investors looking for a well-diversified portfolio and a balanced investment approach”, shares Alok Kumar Agarwal.
Flexi Cap Funds:
Flexi-cap funds have the flexibility to invest in companies of any market capitalization without any restrictions on minimum holdings in specific market cap categories. Unlike multi-cap funds that may have predefined allocation rules, flexi-cap funds grant fund managers complete freedom to allocate investments at their discretion. Fund managers can seize opportunities across market capitalizations based on their assessment of market conditions and growth prospects. This flexibility enables the potential for higher returns, but it also comes with higher risk. Flexi-cap funds cater to investors with a higher risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon.
Small Cap Funds:
Small-cap equity funds focus their investments on companies ranked beyond the 251st position (on NSE and BSE) in terms of market capitalization. Small-cap mutual funds focus on investing in companies with small market capitalizations. These companies are typically in their early stages of growth and have the potential for significant expansion. However, investing in small-cap funds comes with higher risk due to the volatility and uncertainty associated with younger companies.
“Small cap funds aim to generate higher returns by capitalizing on the growth potential of these companies. They are suitable for aggressive investors with a higher risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon. however, one must have a lot of patience and courage to watch their portfolio go down in case of any market disruption. “shares Alok Kumar Agarwal Alankit.
Understanding mutual funds based on market capitalization is crucial for investors to align their investment strategies with their risk appetite and investment goals. It is vital for investors to carefully assess their risk tolerance and investment objectives before selecting a mutual fund based on market capitalization.
Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.
