Every scheme in 5 equity mutual fund categories offer over 20% in three years

Most investors invest in equity mutual funds to pocket double-digit returns. These investors got lucky. Every scheme in five equity mutual fund categories has offered more than 20% returns in three years, an analysis of returns by ETMutualFunds showed. These schemes were from contra, large & mid cap, mid cap, small cap, and value fund categories.

The small cap category has offered the highest average return of around 36.84% in three years. The category has around 21 schemes. Every scheme has offered more than 20% in three years. The returns ranged between 24.67%-47.02% in the three-year horizon. Quant Small Cap Fund gave the highest return of around 47.02%, followed by Nippon India Small Cap Fund which offered 44.26%. ITI Small Cap Fund gave the lowest return of 24.67% in three years.


The mid cap category gave an average return of around 29.99%. The mid cap category has around 24 schemes. All 24 mid cap schemes have individually offered returns between 20.78%-38.64%. Quant Mid Cap Fund gave the highest return of around 38.64%, followed by Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund which gave 37.41%. DSP Midcap Fund gave 20.78% in the three-year horizon

The contra fund category gave an average return of around 29.19% in the three year horizon. The category has three schemes. They have offered returns ranging between 23.18%-38.87%. SBI Contra Fund offered the highest return of around 38.87% in the three year horizon. Kotak India EQ Contra Fund gave 25.51%, followed by Invesco India Growth Fund which gave 23.18%.

The value fund category gave an average return of 27.66% in the three-year horizon. The category has 14 schemes. The schemes in the category offered returns ranging between 20.09%-37.28%. Bandhan Sterling Value Fund, topper in the category, gave 37.28% in three years. Templeton India Value Fund gave 35.64%. Groww Value Fund gave 20.09%.

The large & mid cap category offered 25.60%. There were around 26 schemes in the category. The schemes gave returns between 20.73%-31.10%. ICICI Prudential Large & Mid Cap Fund offered the highest return of around 31.10%. Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Advantage Fund gave 20.73%.

Note, the high or extraordinary returns are because of an exceptional performance of the stock market. Investors should not expect similar returns every year. They also should remember that these categories have different risks associated with them. They also have different return potential. One should always make investment decisions based on investment horizon, goal, and risk appetite.

If you are looking for recommendations, see:
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in 2023
Best value mutual funds to invest in 2023
Best mid cap mutual funds to invest in 2023
Best small cap mutual funds to invest in 2023