What is an Equity Fund?
An equity fund is a type of mutual fund that primarily invests in stocks (equities). These funds aim for capital appreciation by diversifying investments across various companies, industries, and market capitalisations.
Key Characteristics of Equity Funds:
- Professionally Managed – Managed by fund managers who select and monitor stocks.
- Diversification – Investments spread across multiple stocks to reduce risk.
- Growth-Oriented – Aims to generate higher returns compared to traditional savings instruments.
- Market-Linked Returns – Performance depends on stock market trends.
- Flexible Investment Options – Investors can invest through lump sum or Systematic Investment Plans (SIP).
Equity funds are also called Growth Funds because they focus on wealth creation over the long term. Bajaj Broking offers a range of equity funds suitable for different risk appetites and investment goals.
What are the Features of Equity Mutual Fund
Equity mutual funds possess distinct characteristics that make them appealing to a broad spectrum of investors:
Lower Expense Ratio
- Expense ratio refers to the annual charges levied on mutual funds for fund management and operational costs.
- SEBI regulations ensure the expense ratio remains within a capped percentage, typically 2.5% for equity funds.
Tax Exemption under Section 80C
- Investments in Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) funds are eligible for tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C.
- ELSS funds have a lock-in period of 3 years.
Portfolio Diversification
- Equity mutual funds invest across different companies, sectors, and market capitalisations.
- Diversification reduces risk while enhancing return potential.
Professional Fund Management
- Funds are handled by experienced fund managers who conduct in-depth market research, risk assessment, and portfolio rebalancing.
Investment Flexibility
- Investors can choose between:
- Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) – Investing small amounts periodically.
- Lump Sum Investment – Investing a large sum at once.
Flexibility of Entry and Exit
- Open-ended mutual funds allow investors to enter and exit anytime.
- Closed-ended mutual funds have a fixed maturity period.
Types of Equity Funds
Equity mutual funds can be categorised based on various factors:
Based on Investment Style
- Active Funds – Fund managers actively select stocks after research and analysis to outperform the market.
- Passive Funds – The fund mirrors an index such as Sensex or Nifty 50, with no active stock selection by the manager.
Based on Investment Strategy
- Theme & Sectoral Funds – Invest in specific sectors like IT, banking, pharmaceuticals, or theme-based investments like emerging markets.
- Focused Equity Funds – Invest in a small pool of selected stocks, restricting the number to a maximum of 30 stocks.
- Contra Equity Funds – Take a contrarian approach, investing in undervalued stocks with the assumption they will appreciate in the long run.
Based on Market Capitalisation
- Large-Cap Funds – Invest in large, well-established companies with a market capitalisation of ₹20,000 crore & above, offering stability and moderate returns.
- Mid-Cap Funds – Invest in mid-sized companies with a market capitalisation between ₹5,000 crore – ₹20,000 crore, providing higher growth potential but moderate risk.
- Small-Cap Funds – Invest in small-sized companies with a market capitalisation of less than ₹5,000 crore, offering high growth potential but higher risk.
- Multi-Cap Funds – Maintain a balanced allocation across large, mid, and small-cap stocks to mitigate risk.
Based on Tax Treatment
- Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) – Eligible for Section 80C tax benefits (₹1.5 lakh limit) and comes with a 3-year lock-in period. Gains above ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10% (LTCG tax).
- Non-Tax Saving Equity Funds – Do not offer tax benefits and have no lock-in period. They are taxed as per capital gains rules.
How Does Equity Funds Work?
Equity mutual funds primarily invest in stocks, aiming to generate capital appreciation over time. The working of equity funds can be understood as follows:
- Pooling of Funds – Investors contribute money to a common pool, which is then managed by a professional fund manager.
- Investment in Stocks – The pooled capital is invested in equity shares of various companies across different sectors and market capitalisations.
- Diversification – To manage risk, funds spread investments across multiple stocks rather than focusing on a single company.
- Performance Monitoring – The fund manager continuously tracks market conditions, company performances, and economic trends to adjust the portfolio accordingly.
- Return Generation – Investors earn returns in two ways:
- Capital Gains – When the value of stocks increases, leading to higher Net Asset Value (NAV).
- Dividends – Some funds distribute profits to investors as dividends.
- Flexibility – Investors can enter or exit equity mutual funds depending on the type of fund chosen (open-ended or close-ended).
- Risk-Return Trade-off – As equity investments are linked to stock markets, returns fluctuate with market conditions.
Advantages of Investing in Equity Funds
Investing in equity funds offers several benefits:
Professional Fund Management
- Equity funds are managed by experienced professionals who conduct in-depth research before selecting stocks.
- Fund managers make informed investment decisions, reducing the burden on individual investors.
Diversification
- Spreading investments across multiple stocks minimises risk associated with investing in a single company or sector.
- Investors benefit from exposure to various industries, reducing overall portfolio volatility.
Flexibility of Investment
- Investors can choose between:
- Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) – Regular investments at fixed intervals, ensuring disciplined investing.
- Lump Sum Investment – One-time investment to take advantage of market opportunities.
Liquidity
- Most equity funds (especially open-ended funds) allow investors to redeem their units at any time, offering high liquidity.
Potential for High Returns
- Equity funds aim for capital appreciation and tend to offer higher returns compared to traditional savings instruments like Fixed Deposits (FDs).
Tax Benefits
- Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) funds offer tax deductions up to ₹1,50,000 under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Risks Involved in Equity Mutual Funds
While equity funds offer a potential for higher returns, they come with certain risks:
Market Risk
Equity funds are directly linked to stock market performance, and prices fluctuate based on economic conditions, political events, and global factors.
Volatility Risk
Stocks experience frequent ups and downs, affecting fund NAVs. Short-term investors may face higher risk due to sudden market corrections.
Sector-Specific Risk
Funds focusing on a particular sector (like IT or banking) may experience losses if that sector underperforms.
Interest Rate Risk
Changes in interest rates impact the stock market and, in turn, the performance of equity mutual funds.
Liquidity Risk
In case of economic downturns, investors may struggle to redeem their funds at favourable prices due to reduced market liquidity.
Inflation Risk
While equity funds generally beat inflation in the long run, short-term investments may not generate inflation-adjusted returns.
Factors To Consider Before Investing in Equity Mutual Funds
Before investing, consider the following:
Financial Goals
- Define whether you are investing for short-term gains, long-term wealth creation, or specific goals like retirement or children’s education.
Risk Tolerance
- Equity funds come with varying risk levels. Large-cap funds are relatively stable, while mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher risk and reward potential.
Investment Horizon
- Long-term investments (5+ years) help investors benefit from market cycles and reduce the impact of volatility.
Fund Performance
- Analyse historical performance, consistency in returns, and the fund manager’s track record before investing.
Expense Ratio
- The total annual cost of managing a mutual fund, measured as a percentage of total assets. Lower expense ratios ensure higher net returns.
Tax Implications
- Understand capital gains tax:
- Short-term Capital Gains (STCG) – 15% tax if units are sold within 12 months.
- Long-term Capital Gains (LTCG) – 10% tax for gains exceeding ₹1 lakh if held for more than 12 months.
Fund Type (Active vs Passive)
- Decide whether you prefer:
- Active Funds – Fund managers actively select stocks to beat the market.
- Passive Funds – Funds that track an index like Nifty 50, offering lower management fees.
Exit Load & Lock-in Period
- Some funds charge an exit load if you redeem your units before a specific period. ELSS funds have a 3-year lock-in period.
Investment Mode (SIP vs Lump Sum)
- SIP suits investors who prefer consistent, small investments over time.
- Lump Sum is ideal for those who have a large investable amount and want to capitalise on market opportunities.
Taxability of Equity Funds
Equity mutual funds are subject to taxation based on the type of gains realised by investors. The tax treatment varies depending on the holding period and the type of returns received. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Capital Gains Tax
Capital gains refer to the profits earned from selling mutual fund units at a price higher than the purchase price. The tax liability on capital gains depends on the holding period:
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)
- If the units are sold within 12 months of investment.
- Taxed at a flat rate of 15%.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
- If the units are held for more than 12 months.
- Gains exceeding ₹1 lakh in a financial year are taxed at 10%.
- No benefit of indexation is available.
Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT)
- Previously, dividends were taxed at the hands of the mutual fund house.
- However, as per the Finance Act 2020, dividends received from equity mutual funds are now added to the investor’s total income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab.
- Additionally, a 10% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is applicable if dividend income exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year.
Securities Transaction Tax (STT)
- An STT of 0.001% is levied when an investor sells equity fund units on the stock exchange.
- STT is deducted directly by the mutual fund house or brokerage platform.
Tax Benefits on Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
- ELSS funds qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Investors can claim deductions up to ₹1,50,000 per year.
- ELSS has a mandatory 3-year lock-in period.
Popular Equity Funds in India
Below is a table highlighting some of the most popular equity mutual funds in India based on their investment category:
Fund Name
| Category
| 1-Year Return (%)
| 3-Year Return (%)
| Expense Ratio (%)
| Fund Size (Cr.)
|
Bajaj Broking Flexi Cap Fund
| Flexi Cap Fund
| 18.5%
| 23.2%
| 0.87%
| ₹12,500
|
SBI Bluechip Fund
| Large Cap Fund
| 15.2%
| 20.4%
| 1.21%
| ₹32,800
|
HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund
| Mid-Cap Fund
| 22.1%
| 28.9%
| 1.13%
| ₹26,500
|
ICICI Prudential Small Cap Fund
| Small-Cap Fund
| 26.7%
| 31.5%
| 0.98%
| ₹9,700
|
Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund
| ELSS (Tax-Saving)
| 17.3%
| 24.5%
| 1.35%
| ₹15,300
|
Detailed Overview of 5 Popular Equity Mutual Funds
Bajaj Broking Flexi Cap Fund
- Category: Flexi Cap
- Investment Objective: Invests in a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks to balance risk and returns.
- Why Choose This Fund?
- Provides flexibility across market capitalisations.
- Strong historical performance and moderate expense ratio.
- Suitable for investors looking for diversified exposure with stable returns.
SBI Bluechip Fund
- Category: Large Cap
- Investment Objective: Focuses on investing in well-established, financially stable companies.
- Why Choose This Fund?
- Low volatility compared to mid and small-cap funds.
- Ideal for long-term wealth creation with lower risk.
- Preferred choice for conservative investors seeking steady growth.
HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund
- Category: Mid-Cap
- Investment Objective: Targets high-growth potential companies in the mid-cap segment.
- Why Choose This Fund?
- Higher return potential compared to large-cap funds.
- Suitable for investors with moderate-to-high risk appetite.
- Can deliver superior returns over a long-term investment horizon.
ICICI Prudential Small Cap Fund
- Category: Small-Cap
- Investment Objective: Invests in emerging companies with high growth potential.
- Why Choose This Fund?
- Best suited for aggressive investors willing to take high risks.
- Historically higher returns than large and mid-cap funds.
- Requires a long investment horizon to ride out volatility.
Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund
- Category: ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme)
- Investment Objective: Provides tax-saving benefits under Section 80C along with capital appreciation.
- Why Choose This Fund?
- Offers dual benefits of tax savings and equity exposure.
- Mandatory 3-year lock-in period, encouraging long-term investing.
- Suitable for investors looking for tax-efficient growth options.