New to the mutual funds market and confused by the terms large cap and mid cap funds? Based on the market capitalisation or size of the company the funds are invested in, each of these two types of mutual funds brings with them unique opportunities and risks. Let us first understand each and draw a detailed comparison between the two.
Large cap funds receive their name based on the fund category they belong to, namely, market capitalisation. What this means is these equity funds invest a greater portion of their total assets in companies with a large market capitalisation or share. These companies are highly renowned and have a proven track record for generating wealth for their investors in the long run.
Following are the major benefits of large cap equity funds –
- They create long-term wealth
- They promise steady returns
- They carry a low degree of risk
Investors who have a low risk tolerance coupled with a long-term investment horizon will find large cap funds to be an ideal investment option.
Again a mutual fund type based on the category of market capitalisation, mid cap funds are equity funds wherein a significant portion of the total assets (nearly 80% to 90%) is invested in mid cap or BSE listed companies. These companies typically have a market capitalisation that ranges between Rs. 500 crores to Rs. 10,000 crores. Though mid cap funds also come with a long-term investment horizon (around seven to 10 years), they usually carry a high degree of risk.
These equity funds are also useful in generating wealth over the years; however, they are the ideal investment option for investors with reasonably high risk tolerance levels.
Now that the two fund types have been discussed, let us look at the major differences between the two.
| Point of Distinction | Large Cap Funds | Mid Cap Funds |
| Market Capitalisation | These funds are invested in top 100 companies. | These funds are invested in companies that fall between 101 to 250 |
| Portfolio Constitution | A minimum of 80% of the total assets are invested in equity or related securities of large cap companies | A minimum of 65% of the total assets are invested in equity or related securities of mid cap companies |
| Degree of Risk Involved | Low degree of risk involved | Higher degree of risk involved |
| Investment Horizon | Generally ranges from 3 to 5 years | Generally ranges from 5 to 7 years |
| Returns | Offers steady returns that help generate wealth in the long run | Higher returns than large cap funds; however, the risk involved is also higher |
| Suitability | Investors with a long-term investment horizon and a low risk appetite with expectations of steady returns | Investors with a high risk appetite and expectations of higher returns |
Large-cap and mid-cap funds allocate at least 65% of their net assets to equity shares and related securities, classifying them as equity-oriented mutual funds for taxation. Gains from these investments are classified as Capital Gains.
For investments held for less than 12 months, the gains are taxed as STCG or Short-Term Capital Gains at a rate of 15%. If the holding period is 12 months or more, the gains are treated as LTCG or Long-Term Capital Gains. LTCG up to INR 1 lakh in a financial year is not taxable, while gains exceeding this limit are taxed at the rate of 10% without indexation benefits.
These taxation rules apply equally to large-cap and mid-cap funds, offering investors clarity on tax implications based on the duration of their investments. Considering these tax factors, you can better plan your investment strategies while aligning them with your financial goals and preferred holding periods.
Ready to start your investment journey? To have an informed choice, compare between funds and do thorough research from the comfort of your home now! Tata Moneyfy's mutual fund app will help you choose the ideal fund based on your key requirements – risk appetite, investment goals, and more.
Large-cap stocks offer stability and steady growth, making them suitable for conservative investors. Small-cap stocks have significant growth potential but come with increased volatility and risk. Your decision should be based on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon.
In India, companies are classified based on market capitalisation. Large-cap companies rank from 1st to 100th, mid-cap from 101st to 250th, and small-cap beyond 250th. Market capitalisation is calculated by multiplying a company's current share price by the total number of outstanding shares.
Large-cap stocks generally offer stability and lower risk, while mid-cap stocks provide higher growth potential with increased volatility. Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on your individual risk appetite and investment objectives.
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13 January 2025
4 mins read
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