4 Best Flexi Cap Funds for 2024 – Top Performing Flexi Cap Mutual Funds in India

December 23, 2023 Mutual Fund

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds offer investors an opportunity to create long-term wealth by following a dynamic investment approach. The flexible investment mandate allows the schemes to swiftly adapt to changing market trends. As a result, this category has emerged as a favoured investment option for many individuals.

In this article, we will reveal PersonalFN’s list of 4 best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds for 2024. Before we reveal our list, let us get to know about the category in detail.

What are Flexi Cap Mutual Funds?

SEBI defines Flexi Cap Mutual Funds as equity-oriented mutual funds that invest a minimum of 65% of their assets in equity and equity-oriented instruments of companies across the market cap range without any upper or lower limit.

Depending on market conditions, liquidity conditions, and valuations, the fund manager of a Flexi Cap Fund has the flexibility to manoeuvre among large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This allows fund managers the scope to identify alpha-generating opportunities from a large universe of stocks, which can reward investors with superior risk-adjusted returns across market phases.

Examples of Flexi Cap Mutual Funds in India

The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory.
AUM data as of November 30, 2023
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN) 

Does it make sense to invest in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds in 2024?

With India headed towards general elections in about five months, experts expect a pre-election rally as seen during the past elections. Additionally, expectations of a rate cut by the RBI in 2024, macro stability, strong balance sheets of the corporate sector, and robust participation by domestic investors are among the other positive factors that can give a boost to the rally.

As you may know, key indices across the large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments are currently trading near their all-time high levels.

However, concerns such as geopolitical tensions and their potential negative impact on commodity prices, fears of a slowdown in global growth, and any unlikely outcome of the elections can lead to volatility in the market.

Amid the global uncertainties and rising valuations, particularly in the mid-cap and small-cap segments, it is important to tread with caution. It would be better to avoid getting carried away by irrational exuberance and instead focus on creating a well-diversified portfolio spread across market caps and sectors.

Flexi Cap Funds are well-placed to align their portfolio in line with the dynamic market conditions. Thus, Flexi Cap Funds can form an integral part of the equity portfolio of investors in 2024.

Diversification across market caps enables you to earn optimal risk-adjusted returns

*Data as of December 18, 2023
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN Research) 

What are the advantages of investing in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds?

As you may know, market cap performance differs every year; sometimes large-caps outperform, while other times, it could be mid and small-caps. Hence, diversification across the market cap, viz. large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap, can help you lower the impact of volatility on your portfolio and thereby earn better risk-adjusted returns. Investing in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds is a great way to diversify your portfolio across market caps and thereby maximise portfolio returns over the long run.

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds have the flexibility to increase/decrease exposure to a particular segment depending on market conditions, liquidity conditions, and valuations. This flexibility gives fund managers greater scope to identify attractive opportunities from a large universe of stocks, thereby reducing the risk. As a result, Flexi Cap Mutual Funds can potentially generate stable returns across market phases.

What are the risks involved in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds?

Since the Flexi Cap Funds do not have any market cap restrictions, they are riskier than pure Large Cap Funds. However, they require a lower risk appetite than Mid Cap Funds and Small Cap Funds. Another risk factor is that depending on market conditions, the schemes may hike exposure to lower market caps, which can make the portfolio vulnerable to higher volatility. Thus, the portfolio allocation can change anytime based on the fund manager’s evaluation.

Flexi Cap Mutual Fund vs Multi Cap Mutual Fund: Which is better?

While both Flexi Cap Mutual Funds and Multi Cap Mutual Funds have the mandate to invest across market caps, a few factors distinguish the two.

Unlike Flexi Cap Mutual Funds, Multi Cap Mutual Funds cannot follow a dynamic asset allocation approach. As per the new SEBI guidelines, a Multi Cap Fund is mandated to invest at least 75% of its total assets in equities, with at least 25% exposure each in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.

Multi Cap Mutual Funds have to maintain a minimum exposure of 25% in each market cap, regardless of the market conditions. During bearish market phases, stocks in the mid-cap and small-cap segments may face liquidity constraints and high volatility. Therefore, Multi Cap Mutual Funds may witness a higher drawdown compared to Flexi Cap Mutual Funds. On the other hand, during broad-based market rallies, Multi Cap Mutual Funds may potentially outpace Flexi Cap Mutual Funds.

Meanwhile, Flexi Cap Mutual Funds have the flexibility to decrease exposure to a particular segment if the valuation/outlook turns unfavourable. Thus, Flexi Cap Mutual Funds can potentially limit the downside risk more effectively during uncertain and bearish market conditions.

That said, over the long term, both categories can reward investors with superior gains since they have the freedom to select from a large universe of stocks. Accordingly, investors can opt for either Flexi Cap Mutual Funds or Multi Cap Mutual Funds based on their investment objective and risk-taking ability.

[Read:  Multi Cap Fund v/s Flexi Cap Fund: Which is a Better Fit for Your Portfolio?]

Favourite stocks of Flexi Cap Mutual Funds

The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory.
AUM data as of November 30, 2023
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN) 

Who should consider investing in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds?

Although Flexi Cap Mutual Funds have the flexibility to invest across market caps, most schemes in the category usually hold a large-cap-biased portfolio. As of November 2023, the average allocation of Flexi Cap Funds in large-cap stocks was about 58%, mid-cap stocks was around 18%, and small-cap stocks at around 15%. This makes Flexi Cap Funds suitable for investors looking to create a diversified portfolio by investing in a large-cap-oriented fund along with tactical allocation to mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Investors in the category should have an investment horizon of at least 5 years.

How to invest in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds?

Individuals can invest in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds offline by visiting the nearest branch of a mutual fund house or a mutual fund distributor and submitting a duly completed application form along with other relevant documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, cancelled cheque leaf, and paying the required investment amount.

Or else, individuals can choose to invest in mutual funds online from the comfort and convenience of their homes. This can be done through the official website of the AMC or through various online investment platforms that allow individuals to transact in mutual funds.

Investors can prefer the SIP route to invest regularly and systematically in the best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds. Investing via SIP helps reduce the impact of shocks of a volatile equity market through its inherent rupee-cost averaging and, at the same time, helps compound wealth over a long period.

[Read:   5 Key Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds via SIP]

Finally, when investing in Flexi Cap Mutual Funds, prefer the Direct Plan over the Regular Plan. The lower expense ratio of a Direct Plan can help you yield better returns over the long run.

How are Flexi Cap Mutual Funds taxed?

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds are equity-oriented mutual funds and hence, they follow the equity taxation. The holding period for Flexi Cap Mutual Funds from a tax perspective is 12 months. So, if investors sell their Flexi Cap Mutual Fund units before 12 months, the gains are subject to short-term capital gains (STCG) tax of 15%.

On the other hand, if they sell their Flexi Cap Mutual Fund units after completing one year, the gains are subject to long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) of 10%, but only if the gains exceed Rs 1 Lakh in a financial year.

Which are the best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds for 2024?

At  PersonalFN we have identified 4 best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds for 2024 selected based on 3-year rolling returns.

List of best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds for 2024

Past performance is not an indicator for future returns
Data as of December 18, 2023. Direct plan – Growth option considered
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN)

Let us finally take a look at the four best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds for 2024.

Best Flexi Cap Mutual Fund for 2024 #1 – Quant Flexi Cap Fund

The erstwhile Quant Consumption Fund was originally launched in September 2008. It was later recategorised and renamed to Quant Flexi Cap Fund in January 2022. Under its previous mandate, the fund held a portfolio that was concentrated towards stocks related to the consumption theme.

Now categorised under the Flexi Cap Fund category, Quant Flexi Cap Fund has the flexibility to invest in a range of stocks spread across market caps and diverse sectors. The fund has done exceptionally well under its current mandate and has turned out to be the top-performing scheme in the category. In the last five years, Quant Flexi Cap Fund registered growth at a CAGR of 27.3% compared to a growth of 17.1% in its benchmark Nifty 500 – TRI.

Fund Snapshot – Quant Flexi Cap Fund

Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory.
Portfolio data as of November 30, 2023
Returns and NAV data as of December 18, 2023. Regular Plan – Growth Option considered
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN) 

It follows an aggressive investment approach wherein it constantly looks for opportunities to generate high alpha. In other words, the fund holds many of its stocks with a short-term view, and as a result, the fund has recorded a high portfolio turnover of around 80-360% in the last one year.

Though the volatility registered by Quant Flexi Cap Fund is much higher than the benchmark and the category average, it has generated a higher premium for the level of risk taken, as denoted by its Sharpe ratio.

Click here to read our detailed coverage of the features and performance of Quant Flexi Cap Fund.

Best Flexi Cap Mutual Fund for 2024 #2 – HDFC Flexi Cap Fund

HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, the erstwhile HDFC Equity Fund, is one of the largest schemes in the Flexi Cap Fund category. Launched in January 1995, the fund was earlier categorised as a Multi Cap Fund but was reclassified as a Flexi Cap Fund in January 2021 to align with SEBI’s new definition for the category. Notably, the scheme always followed a dynamic investment strategy to invest across market caps; therefore, the change in the category did not have any impact on the investment philosophy of the scheme.

The fund follows a value-oriented investment strategy and is averse to investing in momentum-driven bets, even if it leads to short-term underperformance. In the last five years, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund has grown at a CAGR of 19.7%.

Fund Snapshot – HDFC Flexi Cap Fund

Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory.
Portfolio data as of November 30, 2023
Returns and NAV data as of December 18, 2023. Regular Plan – Growth Option considered
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN) 

The fund aims to create a diversified portfolio spread across major industries, economic sectors, and market capitalisation that offers an acceptable risk-reward balance.

Although the fund may witness underperformance in the short run due to its value-oriented investment approach, it has the potential to bounce back and generate superior returns over complete market cycles. The fund has a reliable track record of delivering reasonable risk-adjusted returns over longer time periods.

Click here to read our detailed coverage of the features and performance of HDFC Flexi Cap Fund.

Best Flexi Cap Mutual Fund for 2024 #3 – Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund

Incepted way back in September 1994, Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund stands as one of the oldest schemes in the Flexi Cap Fund category. Initially introduced as Franklin India Prima Plus, the fund concentrated on investing predominantly in large-cap stocks, along with a substantial allocation to mid-caps. In 2018, the fund was categorised as a Multi Cap Fund wherein it continued with the large-cap oriented portfolio along with strategic allocation towards mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Later, when SEBI changed the definition of Multi Cap Funds, it was recategorised under Flexi Cap funds.

The fund prefers the ‘Growth at Reasonable Valuation’ investment approach to minimise the downside risk. In the last 5 years, the value of the fund has appreciated at a CAGR of around 18.9%.

Fund Snapshot – Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund

Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory.
Portfolio data as of November 30, 2023
Returns and NAV data as of December 18, 2023. Regular Plan – Growth Option considered
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN) 

The fund places strong emphasis on effective risk management, which helps it sail through volatile market conditions and downtrends. This is evident from its healthy Sharpe ratio.

Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund’s primary focus on large caps and strategic allocation to mid and small caps, coupled with a buy-and-hold strategy in fundamentally sound stocks enables it to generate decent alpha for its investors.

Best Flexi Cap Mutual Fund for 2024 #4 – Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

Launched in May 2013, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is a value-oriented scheme in the Flexi Cap Fund category. It aims to invest in quality stocks across market caps and sectors available at reasonable or attractive valuations. The fund also holds some exposure to the stocks of around 15% in offshore companies such as Microsoft Corporation, Alphabet Inc., Amazon, Meta, and Suzuki Motor Corp to offer geographical diversification.

The superior stock-picking ability has driven the performance of the fund. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has delivered superior returns over the long run and has generated substantial alpha over its benchmark Nifty 500 – TRI and also outpaced most of its category peers. In the last 5 years, the value of FIFCF has appreciated at a CAGR of around 23.7%.

Fund Snapshot – Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory.
Portfolio data as of November 30, 2023
Returns and NAV data as of December 18, 2023. Regular Plan – Growth Option considered
(Source: ACE MF, data collated by PersonalFN) 

Known for its cautious investment approach Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has been able to efficiently limit the downside risk during depressed market conditions. Moreover, the fund has stood among the category toppers during various bull phases.

The fund management gives a high preference to safety over returns and does not compromise on the risk aspects to generate higher returns.

Click here to read our detailed coverage of the features and performance of Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund.

This completes our list of the 4 best Flexi Cap Funds for 2024. Considering the volatile and uncertain nature of the equity market, it will be better to take the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) route when you invest in the best Flexi Cap Mutual Funds.

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Note: This write-up is for information purpose and does not constitute any kind of investment advice or a recommendation to Buy / Hold / Sell a fund. Returns mentioned herein are in no way a guarantee or promise of future returns. Mutual Fund Investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing.

This article first appeared on PersonalFN here