Flexi cap Funds v/s Multicap Funds

Flexi-cap fund as a category was introduced by SEBI in November 2020, as there was a lot of debate on the circular issued by SEBI on 11th September 2020 restricting the flexibility of the Multicap funds.

The circular mandated the Multicap funds to Invest at least 25% in Mid-caps and 25% in Small caps, in a view to making them true to label multi-cap funds. The majority of the Multicap funds had a higher allocation towards the large caps as they were preferred by the fund managers as well as the investors. The circular gave a time till 31st Jan 2021 for the funds to align to the new norms.

Asset management companies expressed dismay as it would restrict their ability to move, and sudden off-loading of the large-cap stocks would create a disruption in the market. Considering the debate and the impact on the markets SEBI took a prudent stand to start a new category of Flexi cap Funds in November which allowed the fund managers to invest across market caps according to their preferences.

Key Takeaways

  • Know the Difference between Flexi-cap & Multi-cap Funds
  • Suitability and Positioning of the Funds
  • Are Flexi-caps better than Multi-cap Funds
know the true features of the fund

Flexi-cap Funds

  • 65% of investment to be allocated in equities and related instruments and 35% in debt and cash and equivalents.
  • Absolute freedom to invest in any company across the market capitalization.
  • Go Anywhere approach & greater adaptability

 

Multicap funds

  • 75% of investment is to be allocated in equities and its related instruments.
  • As per market capitalization, 25% of minimum investment to be allocated in each of large, mid, and small-cap segments.
  • Lacks Flexibility

 

Why Flexi cap funds?

Diversification in the true sense

Large caps provide solid long-term returns, Mid-cap companies have a greater growth potential than the large caps and react more actively to the changes in a business environment.

Small-cap stocks might offer the highest growth potential as they have the furthest to grow and are more likely to react swiftly to the market opportunities. Mid and small caps are volatile and risky but a balanced combination with the Large caps may make them value enhancers.

Have a look at the chart below how the different market segments have behaved in the past.

 

A single market segment does not outperform or underperform for a long time. The Flexi cap fund managers can take advantage of the same and generate the alpha for the investors by picking up the winners which rotate across different market cap segments.

Core Portfolio Potential

Investors can consider Flexi-cap funds as a core portfolio holding for their ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The funds will provide a mix of stability with growth. The Funds would be a better option than selecting pure mid or small-cap funds which are highly volatile. The Flexi cap fund is in a way solution for investors who want to invest in small and mid-caps but want to avoid volatility.

Recommended Flexicap Funds

 

Name of the fund AUM in Crs. Large- Cap allocation Midcap
allocation
Small-cap allocation CAGR Return
3years
CAGR Return
5years
CAGR Return
10years
Remarks
UTI Flexicap Fund 20922 58.38% 30.55% 8.66% 18.24% 17.50% 16.97% The Best in the category
Parag Parikh Flexi cap 13187 37.86% 13.91% 13.74% 22.31% 20.81%   *26,75% allocation to US Equities. The Star Outperformer
Kotak Flexicap 36355 69.52% 28.05% 1.37% 13.10% 14.46% 16.63% Consistent Performer
Axis Flexicap 8938 79.21% 7.62%. 5.57% 16.45%     Top Quartile performer
DSP Flexicap 5985 57.42% 28.66% 12.94% 17.79% 16.71% 15.4% Top Quartile performer

 

Conclusion

Flexi cap funds should be a part of your core portfolio along with the large-cap funds for generating the additional alpha in all market conditions. Investors can also opt for SIPs for long-term goals. Flexi-cap funds will be a cake you would have and eat it too as they provide you with the stability as well as the enhancement of growth from mid and small-cap allocations.

Do share your views and feedback in the comments section.

 

About Author

Mansi Bhambhani

A Chartered Accountant passionate about Finance and Investment, Making wealth work for you and your family.

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