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What are Small Cap Funds in India & How Do They Work?

Category : Investing Guides March 5, 20245 minutes read

So, what are small-cap funds, and why might they be an interesting investment? Small cap funds in India are a type of mutual fund that mostly invests in stocks of small-sized companies. These funds aim to find small-cap companies which have the potential to grow in the long term. Investing in small-cap funds can be exciting, but it’s important to know that it can be riskier because smaller companies can be a bit unpredictable. They can add variety to your investment plan and give you the chance to earn potentially more money. However, make sure you research carefully and pick the right funds based on your goals and how much risk you’re comfortable with.

Introduction

In the world of personal finance, the complexities of managing money and making sound financial decisions can sometimes feel daunting. This article aims to be your reliable guide, simplifying the intricate aspects of what are small-cap funds. Whether you’re new to financial planning or seeking to enhance your financial acumen, we’ll break down key concepts and provide practical advice to help you make informed choices.
In this guide, we will walk you through what are small cap funds and small cap growth stocks. Learn about what is a small cap company and the difference between small cap, mid cap and large cap companies.

What are Small Cap Companies & Mutual Funds?

To understand what are small-cap funds and how they work it is crucial to understand the concept of market capitalisation in India.

Market Cap Meaning: What is Market Capitalisation in India and Why Does it Matter?

Market capitalization is a key metric used in India to gauge the size and significance of publicly traded companies. It holds immense relevance for investors as it helps them make informed choices about where to park their money. Before investing in small-cap companies, you need to understand small-cap market capitalisation.

How is Market Capitalization Determined?

Now that you know the meaning of market cap, you must understand how to calculate market cap. Calculating market cap in India is straightforward. It’s the product of a company’s total outstanding shares and its current stock price.

Market Cap = Number of Shares × Stock Price

For example, if a company has 1 million shares, each priced at ₹100, its market cap would be:

Market Cap = 1,000,000 shares × ₹100 per share = ₹100,000,000

So, this company’s market cap stands at ₹100 crore.

What are Small Cap Companies in India?

Now, let’s shift our focus to what are small-cap companies in India. Typically, companies with a market capitalisation range from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore are considered to be part of small-cap market capitalisation. However, these figures can fluctuate slightly.

Small-cap companies in India hold great promise due to their growth potential. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that they come with higher risk because they might not have the financial stability of larger, more established firms. Small-cap funds in India serve as vehicles that bring together a collection of small-cap companies, providing investors with a diversified approach to capitalise on India’s small-cap growth stocks.

Invest in small-cap companies in India to potentially benefit from small-cap growth stocks!

How do Small Cap Funds Work?

We have understood what are small-cap funds. Now let’s look at how they work. When you invest in a small-cap mutual fund, you’re essentially buying a slice of a diverse portfolio containing several small-cap stocks. What is the meaning of small-cap stocks? They are the stocks of small-cap companies. It’s akin to owning a piece of a pie that’s filled with the potential of these smaller firms. Professional fund managers in India oversee these funds, conducting in-depth research to select potentially promising small cap companies for inclusion.

Why Invest in Small Cap Funds in India?

Investing in small-cap funds in India can be a strategic move for those seeking exposure to Indian companies. These funds provide access to small-cap stocks, meaning that they have the potential to become significant players in India’s economic landscape. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that investing in small-cap companies and funds carries a higher degree of risk, and investors should be prepared for market volatility.

Key Takeaways:

Small-cap funds are identified based on their market capitalisation. Small cap companies in India have a market capitalisation between ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore. Small-cap funds are invested in these companies. Such companies may have tremendous growth potential, however, they may be vulnerable to volatility.

Pros and Cons of Small-Cap Equity Funds in India

Now we understand what are small-cap funds, let’s explore their pros and cons. Small-cap equity funds in India offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Small Cap Equity Funds in India

Potential Returns: Small-cap mutual fund returns tend to be potentially higher.  These funds are known for their potentially better returns, often surpassing larger portfolios. These potential returns can help boost your investments.

Diversification: Small-cap funds diversify your portfolio across various sectors, managing risk effectively. Small-cap index funds may track the index of a variety of small-cap companies.

Growth Potential and M&A Opportunities:What are small cap funds growth potential? Small-cap investing presents growth potential. These funds often include firms poised for expansion and potential mergers or acquisitions allowing for potential gains.

Diversify your portfolio and get potentially higher returns by starting a SIP in small-cap equity funds in India.

Disadvantages of Small Cap Equity Funds in India

Higher Risk: Small-cap mutual funds risk is higher in India due to market volatility and economic fluctuations, making them riskier than large-cap investments.

Volatility: Investing in small-cap equity funds in India means embracing volatility. Values in potentially high-return mutual funds can fluctuate rapidly with market conditions.

Liquidity Issues: Small cap funds are not a liquid asset, low trading volumes may hinder transactions.

Selecting the Right Fund: Not all small-cap funds in India are equal. Thorough research is essential to choose a fund with a strong track record with potentially good small-cap returns.

Longer Investment Horizon: To be successful in small-cap investing, a longer horizon is often required. 

Tax Implications: Consider tax implications when investing in high-return mutual funds. Short-term capital gains are taxed at a higher rate in India, affecting overall returns.

In summary, small-cap equity funds in India offer relatively better returns and diversification. However, they entail higher risk, volatility, liquidity concerns, and the challenge of choosing the right fund.

Key Takeaways:

One prominent benefit of small-cap funds is their high growth potential and opportunities for mergers and acquisitions. As a result, these funds have the potential to generate higher returns. Small-cap funds are also a diverse investment option as they invest in companies from various sectors. However, they have certain disadvantages, including higher-risk and volatility, longer investment horizon, liquidity issues and unfavourable tax implications in the short-run.

Who Should Invest in Small-Cap Funds?

Small-cap funds have their unique appeal, but they aren’t suited for everyone. In this chapter let us understand who the ideal investors are and the critical factors in the world of small cap mutual funds.

Suitable Investors for Small Cap Funds

Investment Horizon: Small-cap funds are suitable for investors with a longer investment horizon. These individuals have the patience and resources to deal with market volatility and allow their small-cap investments to potentially flourish over time. Short-term investors might not fully harness the growth potential of small-cap funds.

Risk Appetite: Investors willing to embrace a higher level of risk often find themselves suited for small-cap funds. Small-cap stocks are inherently more volatile, making them better for those comfortable with market fluctuations and potential ups and downs.

Start a long-term SIP by investing in Bandhan Small Cap Fund.

Points to Consider Before Investing in Small-Cap Mutual Funds

Fund Performance: Analyzing the historical performance of small-cap mutual funds is crucial. Look for consistent returns and track records that align with your investment goals. Research the small-cap returns and how they’ve fared in various market conditions.

Expense Ratio: Pay attention to the expense ratio, which directly impacts your returns. Lower expense ratios mean a smaller chunk of your returns goes towards covering fund costs. Opt for funds with competitive expense ratios to maximize your potential returns.

Tax Implications: Understand the tax implications of investing in small-cap mutual funds. In India, short-term capital gains (holding period less than one year) are taxed differently than long-term gains. Be aware of these tax rates and plan your investments accordingly.

Current Liquidity: Liquidity is a key factor to consider. Check the liquidity of the small-cap stocks held within the fund. Stocks with lower trading volumes can pose challenges when the fund manager decides to buy or sell the stocks.

By considering these factors, you can determine whether small-cap funds align with your investment objectives and risk tolerance. Get a detailed understanding of what are small-cap funds, the fund’s performance, expense ratios, tax implications, and liquidity to make informed decisions when exploring the world of small-cap mutual funds.

Summary

  • In the world of investments, understanding what are small-cap funds is important. Small cap funds are equity schemes that invest in small cap companies. These companies have a market capitalisation range from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore.
  • Small cap funds have several benefits, including higher growth potential and diverse portfolio.
  • However, like all investments, small cap funds have certain drawbacks. They may be more vulnerable to risk and highly vulnerable to volatility. These funds also have a longer investment horizon.
  • Investors with a high-risk appetite and long-term investment horizon seeking wealth creation may potentially benefit from investing in small cap funds.
  • Before jumping into the world of small-cap mutual funds, it’s essential to assess several critical factors. These include scrutinising small-cap mutual fund returns, keeping an eye on the expense ratio, understanding the tax implications in India, and evaluating the liquidity of the underlying stocks. Being thorough in your research can make all the difference in your investment journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small cap funds are mutual funds that primarily invest in stocks of small-cap companies. These companies have a relatively small market capitalization, making them suitable for growth but often more volatile.

The meaning of small cap is a reference to small cap companies that have a market capitalization of less than Rs. 5,000 crores.

Lumpsum investments in small cap funds may pose a risk due to volatility. However, investors with a high risk appetite may opt for lumpsum investing. Contrarily, investors with a lower risk appetite may instead consider SIPs for better risk management.

Small-cap funds carry higher risk due to their investments in smaller, less-established companies. They can experience significant price fluctuations.

SIP in a Small Cap Fund refers to Systematic Investment Plans that allocate funds regularly into small cap mutual funds. SIPs offer a disciplined approach to investing in small cap stocks.

The main disadvantage of a small-cap fund is its higher risk profile, making it susceptible to market volatility and economic downturns.

A small-cap equity fund primarily invests in stocks of smaller companies, aiming for potential long-term capital growth. They are known for their potential for high returns.

Investing in mid or small-cap funds can offer the potential for better  returns over the long term, as smaller companies have room for growth and can outperform larger ones.

Small-cap stocks belong to smaller companies, mid-cap stocks to medium-sized companies, and large-cap stocks to established, larger firms. They differ in market capitalization and risk-return profiles.

Small cap company market cap refers to the total market value of a company’s outstanding shares of stock that falls within the small capitalization category. It’s calculated by multiplying the stock’s current share price by the number of outstanding shares.

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