Large-cap funds are like the big brother you have always wanted. Stable, dependable, always ready to help. These funds invest in well-known, stable companies with large market capitalisation, and strong financial positions, and are best equipped to steer through a volatile market situation. They are known to distribute regular dividends and offer steady compounding of your investments.

It makes the top 100 companies accessible to retail investors and makes the best returns in the market affordable for all. They are best suited for those who have a low-risk appetite and are patient investors with the expectation of steady returns. Also if you are new to the mutual fund market, large caps are the best option to begin your investment journey. After all your big brother will be holding your hand to guide you along the way!

What Are Large-Cap Funds?

These are equity funds that have the maximum proportion of their assets under management in companies that SEBI lists as top 100 companies as per market capitalisation. The assets under management refer to the total size of the mutual fund portfolio that the fund manager manages on behalf of the investors.

The “Big-Cap” stocks, a common name for large-cap stocks, belong to the most established sectors like Banking, insurance, telecom, and domestic pharma. These sectors have shown dominance in the market, time and again and are the cornerstones of a stable economy.

Key Features of Large-Cap Funds

  • Large caps are known for their stable returns compared to mid and small caps. Their vintage in the market makes them less risky and their financial strength makes them mitigate volatility of stock markets.
  • Along with lower risk, these funds also distribute dividends quite regularly offering a steady flow of income. Moreover, it also helps in consistent wealth accumulation over time due to its reliable returns.
  • These top 100 companies not only have proven track records of constant profits but also have well-established business structures, efficient management, solid market reputation and robust financial background.
  • Due to their strength and stealth, they can generate dividends and protect investors from high exposure to market risk while manoeuvring through a highly volatile market and economy.

Who Should Invest in Large-Cap Funds?

  • With bank fixed deposits, lowering their interest rates and taxation rates being levied in all fixed income instruments, large-cap investment can be a way out for those who want to protect their hard-earned money as well as gain considerable return over a period of time. Due to their financial stability, they offer risk-averse and long-term investors with substantial returns while preserving the invested capital.
  • If your investment purpose is a child’s higher education, wedding or even your retirement, large caps are the right choice for you. As long as your goals are long term these funds will keep generating returns and preserve your capital.
  • As a first-time investor, it is difficult to find a trustworthy instrument that will not only take care of your returns and taxation but also ensure your capital is safe. After all, it is your hard-earned money at work. Who else, but the best in the market deserved to be chosen? You get to invest in a few of the sought-after business houses in the country and reap benefits.
  • A great option to diversify your portfolio even if you are a seasoned investor. Someone wise said you should not put all your eggs in one basket. If you want a balanced portfolio that will give you returns in any market conditions, large caps offer you a consistent option for diversifying your investments.
  • Since risk exposure is low, your return expectations should also be moderate when you invest in large-cap stocks. Compared to mid and small-cap stocks, they are low in returns but high in dependability. Though the returns you get are moderate, they are still higher compared to bank deposits and other fixed-interest instruments.

Factors to Consider Before Investing

  • Before you take a call to enter the market, think hard about your disposable income, expenses and emergency requirements. If you are new or do not have the time or understanding of the basics of the market, you will probably be keen on risk-averse methods of entry. Large Cap funds are best suited for your requirements.
  • Are you willing to stay invested for 5 years, 10 years and even more? If the answer is yes, you can confidently choose a large-cap fund with a stable track record as the best place to put your money.
  • Set your investment objectives and sync them with the goals of the large-cap funds to realise which is the best one for you.
  • An initial study of the expense ratio or fund expenses will help you analyse the take-home profit. A fund with a lower expense ratio means the charges of fund management are lower and can mean an effective higher return.

Top Large Cap Funds of 2025

Here are the top large-cap funds according to the 5 yr returns:

Fund Name AUM (Asset Under Management)in Crs.,

(as of 31st Dec 2024)

 

1 Yr Return (%) (as of Jan 25, 2025)

 

3 Yrs Return (%)

(as of Jan 25, 2025)

 

5 Yrs Return (%)

(as of Jan 25, 2025)

 

Nippon India Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth 35,700 14.15 19.16 19.13
ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct-Growth 63,264 12.87 16.03 18.39
Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund Direct-Growth 14799 14.84 13.47 17.55
Invesco India Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth 1324 15.72 14 17.51
JM Large cap Fund Direct-Growth 480 8.57 15.12 17.45

Conclusion

If after much deliberation you feel the urge to take help from the “big brother” of mutual funds but are not ready to take a leap of faith in taking high risks, try out monthly investments in some of the top-rated mutual funds. As a newbie in the market, if you are unsure of self-research you should take the help of professional advisors who can guide and assist you in the right direction. However, you should only decide the timeline of your investment depending on your financial goals and requirements. For experienced ones, Large caps are avenues to balance your high-risk and high-return investment portfolios, so that returns are least impacted in an unpredictable market.