Equity Funds

Here are some equity fund types you should know about:

1. Large Cap Funds: These fall under the equity funds category that invests in large-sized companies ranked 1st to 100th in terms of market cap (market value). Large cap funds are relatively safer within the equity schemes offering long-term stability with a low-risk profile.  
2. Mid Cap Funds: It invests in mid-sized companies listed under 101st to 250th position as per the market capitalization. Mid cap mutual funds have moderate risk and offer steady returns by investing in growing companies. 
3. Small Cap Funds: It is one of the aggressive categories of equity funds. Small Cap Mutual Funds invest in the top 250 companies while identifying their growth potential at an early stage. These equity funds are more volatile in nature as compared to large and mid cap funds. Likewise, it's suitable if you have a high reward for a high-risk mindset. 
4. Multi Cap Funds: These funds invest in large cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Therefore, offers the investors greater diversification benefits. These funds have moderate risk and returns because they invest in both small and large companies.
5. Sectoral or Thematic Funds: These funds are oriented at certain industries and may include technology, medicine, or construction. They are more risky than absolute sector indices since their performance reflects the performance of the selected sector.
6. ELSS Funds: These are Equity-Linked Savings Schemes shorter for ELSS funds. It is the only category in Mutual Funds that offers tax benefits to investors under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Based purely on equity funds it has a lock-in period of three years. Thereby, suitable for investors planning for long-term investments while minimizing tax liabilities. 

Here are the 3 Best Equity Funds in India for you to start a SIP:

1. ICICI Prudential Large & Mid Cap Fund: After being launched on 9th July 1998, it has given an impressive 29.55% SIP returns in just 3 years. It holds a robust AUM (Asset Under Management) at Rs.17,464 Crores as of 30th September 2024.
2. Bandhan Small Cap Fund: This small cap mutual fund has been in the market for the last 5 years, dated 01.02.2020. Currently, it holds an impressive AUM of Rs.8,489 Crores while it has delivered 44.52% annualized SIP returns in the 3-year time frame. Moreover, you can start your investments in this scheme at just Rs.1000.
3. Nippon India Multi Cap Fund: This Multi cap fund is amongst the oldest schemes, introduced on March 25, 2005. If you had started a SIP of Rs.3000 in it 5 years ago, the total investment in equities would be Rs.1,80,000. On this, you would have made a whopping profit of up to Rs.4, 53,511.

Try out this viral SIP Calculator to get an idea of returns on your investments.

Equity funds are perfect for investors seeking to gain extra or passive income from their investments. Here’s a quick rundown of who would benefit most: 

1. Long-Term Investors: When you are planning for goals that are more than five to ten years away or more like buying a house, financing children’s tuition fees, or building for retirement, equity funds will suffice. It can be noted that the Internet business may develop considerably in the future.
2. High Risk Takers: Equity funds on the other hand can invest with very high returns though these are reflected in the short-term fluctuations. It requires understanding that volatile bounces are good for your investment and if you can afford to have your invested money go down for some time, equity funds perfectly suit you.
3. Investors Looking to Beat Inflation: Equity funds make your money appreciate more than the inflation rates and can help you cope with rising prices in future in terms of purchasing power.
4. Diversification Seekers: Equity funds involve themselves in a lot of companies hence act as a spread since the risks involved are higher when you make a single stock market investment.

In other words, equity funds are appropriate for those individuals with long-term investment time, moderate risk tolerance, and aim at achieving investment growth much faster than other savings products.

To begin investing, a user-friendly platform such as MySIPonline. Here's how to get started:

1. Open an Account: Start by creating your account, filling out your profile and completing the KYC process.
2. Set Up Auto-Debit: Register for automatic SIP deductions by setting up your debit mandate.
3. Choose a Fund: Pick an equity fund that fits your goals or consult with a financial expert for advice.
4. Make Your Purchase: Add selected fund to cart, choose SIP date and process your initial payment online.
5. Monitor Your Investment: Keep track of fund's performance and transaction details via personalized dashboard.

The best strategy is to invest via SIP for long-term wealth.