CategoryMonitor
Track mutual fund returns across all SEBI categories. Compare Equity, Debt, and Hybrid fund performance over multiple time periods.
Understanding SEBI Mutual Fund Categories
In 2017, SEBI introduced a standardized categorization framework that classifies all mutual funds into clearly defined categories such as Large Cap, Mid Cap, Small Cap, Flexi Cap, ELSS, and various debt categories. This framework ensures that each fund house offers only one scheme per category, making it easier for investors to compare similar funds across AMCs. Understanding which category a fund belongs to is the first step in evaluating whether it aligns with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Tracking category-level average returns helps you understand how an entire segment of the market is performing. For instance, if the Small Cap category average has delivered 18% over 3 years, you can evaluate individual small-cap funds against this average to see if they are above or below the category norm. This tool aggregates return data across all SEBI-defined categories for equity, debt, and hybrid funds, giving you a bird's-eye view of market performance. As a mutual fund distributor, Acornia provides these tools to help you explore and analyze fund categories before making investment decisions.
How to Use This Tool
- Select the broad fund type (Equity, Debt, or Hybrid) to filter categories relevant to your interest.
- Compare average returns across categories for different time periods (1M, 3M, 1Y, 3Y, 5Y) to identify trends.
- Use category averages as a baseline when evaluating individual fund schemes within that category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap categories?
SEBI defines Large Cap as the top 100 companies by market capitalization, Mid Cap as the 101st to 250th companies, and Small Cap as the 251st company onward. Large-cap funds must invest at least 80% in large-cap stocks, mid-cap funds at least 65% in mid-cap stocks, and small-cap funds at least 65% in small-cap stocks. Each category carries different risk-return characteristics.
Q: Why should I look at category averages instead of just individual fund returns?
Category averages provide context. A fund delivering 15% may seem good in isolation, but if the category average is 20%, the fund has actually underperformed relative to its peers. Conversely, a 10% return in a category averaging 8% indicates relative strength. Category averages help you set realistic expectations for each market segment.
Q: How often is the category return data updated?
The category return data is sourced from AMFI and updated regularly to reflect the latest NAV-based calculations. Returns shown are category averages computed from all schemes within that SEBI-defined category. Note that past performance does not indicate future results, and category returns should be used as a research input, not as a sole basis for investment decisions.
Want help picking the right fund category? Let us guide you.
Acornia Investment Services Pvt Ltd (ARN: 192746) is an AMFI-registered mutual fund distributor. All investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme-related documents carefully. The information on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation.