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Many mutual fund investors have the habit of searching for top 10 mutual fund schemes while investing in mutual funds. Often, they land in sites where mutual fund schemes would be listed on the basis of their performance over a short period. No wonder, many investors keep wondering whether they picked up the right schemes even after investing in them for a few years. That is why ET Mutual Funds decided to come with our own list of Top 10 mutual fund schemes. Unlike other sites, the list is not just a list of 10 schemes in every category based on their short-term returns. We have picked up two schemes from five different categories -- largecap, midcap, multicap, ELSS or tax saving schemes and equity-oriented hybrid schemes - which we believe should be enough for regular mutual fund investors. We believe that the list would be of immense help to new investors looking to invest in mutual funds. Mostly, new investors start with Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSSs) or tax saving/mutual fund schemes. Investments in these schemes qualify for tax deductions of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. These schemes are ideal for new investors as they come with a mandatory lock-in period of three years and it helps investors tackle volatility typically associated with equity mutual funds. Equity-oriented hybrid schemes or balanced schemes are also ideal for novices to the stock market. These schemes invest in a mix of equity (minimum 65 per cent) and debt, and they are relatively less volatile than pure equity schemes that invest the entire corpus in stocks. Equity-oriented hybrid schemes are the best investment vehicle for investors looking to create long-term wealth without much volatility. A regular investor looking to invest in the stock market need not look beyond mutlicap mutual funds or diversified equity schemes. These schemes invest across market capitalisation based on the view of the fund manager. They invest mostly in largecap and midcap stocks, with a small allocation to smallcap stocks. A regular investor can benefit from the uptrend in any of the sectors, categories of stocks by investing in these schemes.
Some investors want to play extremely safe even while investing in stocks. Largecap schemes are meant for such individuals. These schemes invest in top 100 stocks and they are relatively safer than other stocks. They are also relatively less volatile than midcap and smallcap schemes. In short, you should invest in largecap schemes if you are looking for modest returns with relative stability.
What about aggressive investors looking to take extra returns by taking extra risk? Well, they can bet on midcap schemes that invest mostly in medium sized companies. These schemes can be a bit volatile, but they also have the potential to offer superior returns over a long period. You can invest in midcap schemes if you have a long-term investment horizon and an appetite for higher risk.