Top Mid Cap Mutual Funds in India in 2024
A mid cap mutual fund primarily invests in mid-sized companies, offering relatively higher returns than large caps with lower risk compared to small caps. Below, you’ll find the current market’s top mid-cap funds.
Mid cap mutual funds concentrate on stocks ranked from 101 to 250 in market capitalization. They provide growth opportunities with lower volatility compared to small caps, making them ideal for long-term investors with a strong grasp of the market and a high-risk tolerance.
Best 10 Mid Cap Mutual Funds
The following is an educational list of the top rated mid cap mutual funds in India in 2024:
Fund Name | Fund Size (in Crs) | 1Y Returns |
---|---|---|
Quant Mid Cap Fund | ₹4,857 | 56.1% |
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund | ₹7,972 | 46.8% |
HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund | ₹59,027 | 50.4% |
Nippon India Growth Fund | ₹24,365 | 49.9% |
Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund | ₹4,915 | 45.5% |
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund | ₹15,957 | 35.5% |
Baroda Midcap Direct Fund | ₹92 | 27.5% |
Kotak Emerging Equity Fund | ₹39,027 | 24.42% |
Mahindra Manulife Mid Cap Fund | ₹2,073 | 54.7% |
Baroda BNP Paribas Midcap Fund | ₹1,745 | 41% |
Disclaimer: Please note that the above list is for educational purposes only, and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.
Note: The data in our top 10 midcap funds list is from 13th February 2024. However, for real-time updates on stock prices and market trends, visit the smallcase stocks collection today!
Overview of the top 10 Mid Cap Mutual Funds
Here is a brief overview about the top mid cap mutual funds in India in 2024. These are some of the best performing mid cap mutual funds in India:
Quant Mid Cap Fund
The Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth, categorized under Quant Mutual Funds’ Equity segment, delivered impressive annualized returns of 38.84% over the past three years and 26.31% over the last five years. To invest in the Quant Mid Cap Fund, a minimum lump sum investment of ₹5,000 or an SIP starting from ₹1,000 is required. It is one of the top performing mid cap mutual funds in India.
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund
The Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund, belonging to the Equity category of Motilal Oswal Mutual Funds, has delivered impressive annualized returns of 36.6% over the past three years and 23.39% over the last five years. To get started, you can invest in this fund with a minimum lump sum amount of ₹500 or a SIP investment of ₹500. It is one the mid cap top performing mutual funds in India.
HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
In the last three years, HDFC Best Mid Cap Mutual Funds 2023 Opportunities Fund has delivered annualized returns of 33.88%, and over the past five years, it achieved returns of 21.26%. This fund falls within HDFC Mutual Funds’ Equity category. To invest, you need a minimum of ₹100 for lump sum investments and ₹100 for SIP. It is also one of the top 10 midcap mutual funds in our list!
Nippon India Growth Fund
The Nippon India Growth Fund, part of Nippon India Mutual Funds’ Equity category, has delivered impressive annualized returns of 33.53% over the past three years and 22.78% over the last five years. For this fund, the minimum investment amount is just ₹100 for lump sum investments and ₹100 for SIPs.
The SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund, categorized under Equity by SBI Mutual Funds, delivered impressive annualized returns of 33.21% over the past three years and 22.46% over the last five years. For investing in this fund, a minimum of ₹5,000 for lump sum and ₹500 for SIP is required.
Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund
The Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund, an offering in Edelweiss Mutual Funds’ Equity category, has delivered impressive annualized mid cap mutual funds returns of 31.34% over the past three years and 22.1% over the last five years. To invest in this fund, you can start with a minimum of ₹5,000 for lump sum investments or ₹100 for SIPs. It is one of the best midcap funds India.
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund
The SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund has delivered impressive annualized returns of 24.47% over the past three years and 24.66% over the last five years. This fund falls into the Equity category of SBI Mutual Funds. To invest in the SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund, a minimum of ₹5,000 is needed for lump sum investments and ₹500 for SIP investments. It is one of the best mid cap fund direct growth investments in India.
Baroda Midcap Direct Fund
Over the past three years, the Baroda Midcap Direct Fund delivered an annualized return of 23.56%, with a 16.94% return over the last five years. This fund falls within the Equity category of Baroda Mutual Funds. For investing in the Baroda Midcap Direct Fund, a minimum lump sum investment of ₹5,000 or a minimum SIP investment of ₹500 is required. It is one of the best mid cap mutual funds in India for 2024.
Kotak Emerging Equity Fund
In the last three years, the Kotak Emerging Equity Fund delivered impressive annualized returns of 30.85%, and over the past five years, it achieved returns of 22.53%. This fund falls under the Equity category of Kotak Mahindra Mutual Funds. When investing in the Kotak Emerging Equity Fund, you can start with a minimum of ₹100 for lump sum investments and ₹100 for SIPs.
Mahindra Manulife Mid Cap Fund
The Mahindra Manulife Mid Cap Fund delivered annualized returns of 30.09% over the past three years and 26.8% over the last five years. It falls under the Equity category of Mahindra Mutual Funds. To invest in the Mahindra Manulife Mid Cap Fund, the minimum lump sum amount is ₹1,000, and via SIP, it is ₹500. It is one of the best mid cap index funds India on our list!
Baroda BNP Paribas Midcap Fund
Baroda BNP Paribas Midcap Direct-Growth is a good midcap funds scheme under Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund. Launched in January 2013, it boasts a 10-year, 10-month history. As of September 2023, the fund manages ₹1,514 Crores in assets and falls in the medium-sized category. With an expense ratio of 0.62%, it aligns closely with the industry standard for midcaps funds.
Over the past year, the fund has delivered a return of 18.00%, and since inception, it has averaged an annual return of 19.03%. Notably, investors have seen their investments double approximately every 3 years.
What is Mid Cap Mutual Funds?
Mid cap mutual funds primarily invest in Indian companies with a market capitalization between Rs. 5,000 cr and Rs. 20,000 cr, typically ranked 101 to 250 by SEBI. These funds allocate at least 65% of assets to mid-cap equities, offering a balance between large-cap stability and small-cap growth. With diverse stocks across sectors, they provide an exciting opportunity to invest in rising best mid cap mutual funds companies.
How to Invest in Mid Cap Mutual Funds?
Investing in mid cap mutual funds in India can be a rewarding venture if you follow these essential steps:
- Define Investment Goals: Clarify your investment objectives – whether it’s growth, income, or a balanced approach.
- Assess Risk: Determine your risk tolerance to match the potential volatility of mid cap stocks.
- Research and Select Funds: Research and choose funds with a consistent track record, experienced fund managers, and reasonable expenses.
- Diversify: Spread risk by investing in multiple mid cap funds to create a well-rounded portfolio.
- Investment Mode: Decide between SIPs and lump sum investments based on your preferences and convenience.
- KYC Compliance: Ensure you complete the necessary KYC documentation, a mandatory requirement for mutual fund investments in India.
Features of Mid Cap Mutual Funds
Here are a few features of mid cap mutual funds:
- Growth Potential: Mid cap stocks, being in their growth stage, offer higher capital appreciation potential compared to mature large cap stocks, making mid cap funds attractive to investors.
- Risk Factor: While mid cap companies can potentially become industry giants in the future, they also carry a higher risk of going bankrupt if their performance falters. This risk level falls between that of large cap and small cap funds.
- Expense Ratio: Mid cap funds, like other mutual funds, entail an annual expense ratio imposed by the Asset Management Company (AMC). It’s crucial to choose a mid cap fund with a lower expense ratio to maximize mid cap mutual fund returns, but considering other factors like returns, exit load, and the fund manager’s performance is equally important when selecting the right mid cap fund.
How do Mid Cap Mutual Funds Work?
Every mutual fund, whether debt or equity, contains an underlying asset that generates returns. In the case of mid cap funds, this asset comprises stocks from mid-sized companies. Investors’ money is channeled by fund managers into these mid-sized companies, known for their long-term growth potential.
SEBI classifies these companies as mid cap based on their market capitalization, ranking them between 101-250. Mid cap companies bridge the gap between large cap and small cap companies, evolving from the latter and aspiring to attain the status of the former. They tend to exhibit faster growth during economic upturns but are more susceptible to slowdowns.
It’s crucial to understand that mid-sized companies include well-known names like Voltas, Sundaram Finance, and Godrej Industries Ltd, dispelling any notion of obscurity.
Factors to Consider When Investing in Mid Cap Mutual Funds
When seeking the best mid cap mutual funds for 2024, keep these vital factors in mind:
- The Manager’s Mastery: The expertise of the fund manager is a critical factor. Their market knowledge, investment strategy, and management style can significantly impact the fund’s performance. Thoroughly examine their track record and experience before committing your investment.
- Historical Track Record: Evaluate the fund’s historical performance, spanning different market cycles, to assess its consistency in delivering returns. Keep in mind that while past performance is valuable, it doesn’t guarantee future results.
- Expense Efficiency: Consider the expense ratio, which encompasses management fees and research costs. Comparing cost ratios across best mid cap mutual funds is essential to ensure you’re getting value for your investment.
- Risk Profile Alignment: Examine the fund’s risk profile to ensure it matches your risk tolerance. Some best mid cap mutual funds may carry higher risks, irrespective of their investment approach or sector focus.
Who Should Invest in Mid Cap Mutual Funds?
Here are a few types of investors who might be interested in mid cap mutual funds:
Risk-Ready Investors Seeking Amplified Returns
Mid-cap funds present a higher level of risk compared to large-cap counterparts, but in return, they offer a chance for returns that outpace the market. Therefore, this category is best suited for investors with an appetite for risk.
Investors Eyeing the Long Term
Significant businesses don’t sprout overnight. Given that mid-cap mutual funds focus on companies in the process of growth, investors need to cultivate patience. These firms may not be as financially robust as their larger counterparts, and during economic downturns, they might stumble and take time to regain their footing. To fully harness the benefits of these funds, a long-term commitment of 7 to 10 years is advisable.
Embracing Short-Term Fluctuations for Long-Term Rewards
Mid-cap funds can experience short to medium-term fluctuations, which may lead to abrupt portfolio value declines. Those considering this category should be prepared for such ups and downs and remain focused on their long-term objectives.
How to Choose the Best Mid Cap Mutual Funds?
Consider making a checklist before making your final decision on choosing your favored Mid Cap Mutual Fund for investment. Here are a few suggestions on how you can choose the best mid cap mutual funds for investment:
- Fund Performance: Evaluate the historical performance of the mid-cap mutual funds you’re considering. Look at their returns over various time periods, comparing them to relevant benchmarks.
- Fund Manager’s Track Record: A skilled fund manager is crucial to the success of a mutual fund. Assess the manager’s past performance and experience in managing mid-cap funds.
- Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can significantly impact your returns in the long run. Choose funds with competitive expense ratios to minimize costs.
- Asset Under Management (AUM): Consider the fund’s AUM. While a larger AUM may indicate the fund’s popularity, it could also impact the fund’s agility in taking advantage of mid-cap opportunities.
How are Returns Calculated on Midcap Mutual Funds?
When evaluating the best midcap mutual funds in India, it’s crucial to understand how returns are calculated. That is why we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on how you can calculate your returns on midcap mutual funds:
Annualized Returns
Annualized returns help investors gauge a fund’s performance over various time frames. To calculate annualized returns, consider the investment duration and the growth in NAV during that period. The formula for annualized returns is:
Annualized Returns (%) = [(Final NAV / Initial NAV)^(1/n) – 1] x 100
Here:
Final NAV: NAV at the end of the investment period.
Initial NAV: NAV at the beginning of the investment period.
‘n’ is the number of years the investment was held.
Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
CAGR provides a smoothed-out representation of returns over time. It considers the compounding effect and is particularly useful for assessing long-term performance. The formula for CAGR is:
CAGR (%) = [(Ending NAV / Beginning NAV)^(1/n) – 1] x 100
Here:
Ending NAV: NAV at the end of the investment period.
Beginning NAV: NAV at the beginning of the investment period.
‘n’ is the number of years the investment was held.
Taxation on Mid Cap Mutual Funds as per the Union Budget 2024-25
The taxation on capital gains from your mutual fund investments is based on their holding periods and asset allocation. A few revisions were made to the tax rates, depending on their types, in the Union Budget 2024-25. It may be important to learn about these revisions when considering mid cap mutual funds. These changes include:
Equity Mutual Funds
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): The gains from equity mutual funds held for less than 12 months are now taxed at 20%. This is an increase from the previous tax rate of 15%.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): For equity mutual funds held for over a period of over 12 months, gains are classified as long-term capital gains. The new budget introduces these key changes to the LTCG:
- Tax-Free Limit: The capital gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh per year are tax-free. This is an increase from the previous limit of Rs. 1 lakh.
- Tax Rate: The gains exceeding Rs. 1.25 lakh are now taxed at a flat rate of 12.5%. This is an increase from the previous rate of 10%.
- Indexation: The benefit of indexation, which allowed investors to adjust the purchase price for inflation, has been removed for all asset classes, including equity mutual funds.
Indexation was a method that allowed investors to adjust the purchase price of assets for inflation. This adjustment reduced taxable profits when selling assets like property or gold. Previously, these long-term capital gains were taxed at 20%. The new rule imposes a flat 12.5% tax on all long-term capital gains but eliminates any indexation benefits.
Capital Gains Tax | Holding Period | Old Rate | New Rate |
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | Less than 12 months | 15% | 20% |
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) | More than 12 months | 10% | 12.50% |
Debt Mutual Funds
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If you sell your debt fund units within a period of 36 months, the gains are classified as short-term capital gains. The STCG will be taxed according to your income tax slab rate.
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): For debt funds held for a period over 36 months, the gains are classified as long-term capital gains. The new budget outlines a few changes on the LTCG for debt funds, including:
- Tax Rate: A flat 12.5% tax rate applies to these gains.
- No Indexation Benefit: The previous benefit of adjusting the purchase price for inflation is removed. Now, the entire gain after three years is taxable at 12.5%.
- Change in Holding Period for Specified Mutual Funds: Previously, debt mutual funds with a holding period of over 36 months were taxed based on the investor’s tax slab, classified as Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG). Now, for specified mutual funds where over 65% of the investment is in debt, the holding period for taxation has been reduced to over 24 months. These funds will still be taxed according to the investor’s tax slab as either LTCG or STCG.
Capital Gains Tax | Holding Period | Old Rate | New Rate |
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | Less than 36 months | Taxed according to your income tax slab | Taxed according to your income tax slab |
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) | More than 36 months | 10% | 12.50% |
Hybrid Mutual Funds
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)
The tax on short-term capital gains depends on the fund’s asset allocation when it comes to hybrid mutual funds. Here is a breakdown of STCG tax rates according to their asset allocation in hybrid funds:
- Equity-Oriented Hybrid Funds (more than 65% in equity): The gains from units sold within 12 months are taxed at 20%.
- Debt-Oriented Hybrid Funds (less than 65% in equity): The gains from units sold within three years are taxed according to your income tax slab.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
The capital gains tax on hybrid mutual funds that extend the specified period (12 or 36 months) is known as the long-term capital gain tax. The tax treatment under this condition is as follows:
- Equity-Oriented Hybrid Funds: The gains from units held for over a period of 12 months are taxed at 12.5%. The gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh are tax-free.
- Debt-Oriented Hybrid Funds: The gains from units held for over a period of 36 months are taxed at 12.5% without indexation benefits. This means the entire gain is taxed at this rate, without adjustment for inflation.
Type of Hybrid Fund | Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) | Indexation Benefit |
Equity-Oriented Hybrid Funds | 20% for holdings less than 1 year | 12.5% for holdings over 1 year, with gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh tax-free | Not available |
Debt-Oriented Hybrid Funds | Taxed as per income tax slab for holdings less than 3 years | 12.5% for holdings over 3 years | Not available |
Note: Mutual fund schemes where neither the equity nor debt orientation exceeds 65% will now be classified as long-term investments after 24 months. The previous holding period for these funds was 36 months. These will be taxed at the revised LTCG tax rate of 12.5%.
Risks of Investing in Mid Cap Mutual Funds
Best mid cap mutual funds come with their share of risks that investors should be aware of:
- Liquidity Challenges: Mid-cap stocks often have lower liquidity than large-cap counterparts. This means buying and selling mid-cap equities can be less straightforward, potentially leading to wider bid-ask spreads and higher transaction costs. In extreme market situations, it can even be challenging to sell best mid cap mutual funds shares at fair market value, potentially resulting in losses.
- Market Volatility: Investing in mid-cap funds entails a higher sensitivity to market swings compared to large-cap funds. This can result in increased volatility, with mid-cap funds experiencing more significant losses during market downturns or times of economic uncertainty.
- Fee Considerations: Due to the additional research required to identify undervalued mid-cap companies, mid-cap funds often charge higher fees. While these expenses may be justified by potentially higher returns, it’s essential for investors to carefully evaluate the costs associated with a mid-cap fund before getting involved.
Benefits of Investing in Mid Cap Mutual Funds
Here are a few benefits of Mid Cap Fund Investment:
- High Growth Potential: Mid cap companies offer substantial growth potential, often outperforming large-cap counterparts in delivering significant returns.
- Diversified Portfolio: These funds explore companies with market capitalizations ranging from Rs. 5,000 cr to Rs. 20,000 cr (ranked 101-250 by SEBI), promoting portfolio diversification.
- Risk Mitigation: Investing in a variety of mid-cap stocks hedges against economic downturns, reducing risk compared to direct stock investments.
- Low Entry: Investment can begin with as little as Rs. 100, making it accessible for cautious investors to test the waters.
- Regulatory Transparency: SEBI closely oversees the best mid cap mutual funds, ensuring transparency through mandatory disclosures of NAVs, expense ratios, and month-end portfolios.
- Expert Management: Experienced fund managers handle mid-cap mutual funds, making them a reliable choice for those seeking exponential returns from well-selected mid-cap stocks.
To Wrap It Up…
In conclusion, navigating the world of good mid cap mutual funds can be a rewarding journey when armed with the right information. The ‘Best 10 Mid Cap Mutual Funds’ have been curated to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top options available in the market. Remember, while historical performance and expert rankings provide valuable insights, it’s crucial to align your investments with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Diversification, regular reviews, and staying informed about market trends are key to success!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Best Mid Cap Mutual Funds
Three key factors drive the performance of a mutual fund scheme: (a) the overall market performance, (b) the risk the fund manager assumes, and (c) the value added by the fund manager, often referred to as ‘alpha.’ Over an extended investment horizon, the latter factor, alpha, emerges as the most crucial.
A mid cap fund offers increased diversification with lower risk compared to a multi-cap fund.
To benefit from investing in mid-cap stocks, it’s crucial to maintain an eight to ten-year investment horizon, as these companies are in a growth phase, with the potential to become large-cap in the future.
Mid cap mutual funds balance higher returns with more volatility than large-cap funds, while providing stability compared to small-cap funds, albeit with slightly lower returns. In essence, they offer a well-rounded risk-return profile.
Mid cap funds seek a balance between small cap growth and large cap stability, investing in promising companies yet to attain large cap status.