Difference Between Flexi-Cap vs Multi-Cap Explained

What is a Flexi-Cap Fund?

What is a Multi-Cap Fund?

Key Difference Between Flexi-Cap and Multi-Cap Funds

Understanding how flexi-cap and multi-cap funds are different is significant. It helps you to choose your investment plan wisely according to your needs. The table below summarises their distinctions:

Parameters Multi-Cap Funds Flexi-Cap Funds
Definition Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks with set rules for how much to invest in each. Invest in any company size without fixed limits, giving more freedom to adjust based on market needs.
SEBI Allocation Rules For balance, you must invest at least 25% each in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. No fixed rules except for a 65% minimum in equities, allowing complete flexibility for fund managers.
Fund Manager Flexibility Limited, managers must stick to fixed allocations, no matter the market. Based on market changes, there is great flexibility in shifting money between large, mid, and small caps.
Risk Profile Riskier because small-cap and mid-cap stocks are more volatile. Risk depends on market conditions; managers can choose safer large-caps or riskier small-caps as needed.
Investor Suitability Good for investors who want steady exposure across all company sizes and can handle some risk. Suitable for investors who wish for managers to decide based on market trends and can handle moderate to high risk.
Taxation Treated as equity funds, short-term (1 year or less) gains are taxed at 15%, and long-term gains are taxed at 10% beyond ₹1 lakh per year. The same applies to flexi-cap funds; equity fund taxation rules apply.
Equity exposure Minimum 65% of total assets in equity, with flexibility to invest across market caps (large, mid, small). Minimum 75% of total assets in equity, with mandatory allocation of at least 25% each in large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Benefits of Investing in Flexi-Cap Funds and Multi-Cap Funds

If you know the benefits of both funds, it will avoid your confusion when choosing your investment plan. The following table depicts the benefits of investing in flexi-cap and multi-cap funds:

Aspect Benefits of Multi-Cap Funds Benefits of Flexi-Cap Funds
Balanced Exposure Offers exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, ensuring a balanced growth approach. It focuses on any segment: large, mid, or small-cap, based on market opportunities, boosting growth potential.
Consistency Consistent investment in mid-cap and small-cap stocks for potential long-term growth. Adjusts easily to market swings, stabilizing the economy during a recession and capturing the upswing.
Regulated Risk-Return It delivers a predictable mix of risk and returns due to structured allocation. Shifts from large-cap into safer large-cap or riskier small-caps, shifting the risk profile per market conditions.
Long-Term Growth Combines the growth potential of mid-cap and small-cap stocks with the stability of large-cap stocks. Focuses on adaptability to the market, thus offering high returns for investors willing to take more risks.
Diversified Strategy It diversifies investments in all market caps and sectors to achieve true diversification. It shifts between sectors and market caps to tap new opportunities for better portfolio growth.

Types of Flexi-Cap Funds

The flexible investment approach empowers fund managers to respond to changes in market conditions and even seize the greatest opportunities. Here's a breakdown of its key types:

1. Growth Flexi-Cap Funds

These involve investments in entities with high-growth potential rather than market-cap considerations. While the primary idea is long-term capital appreciation, there is a higher potential for risk.

2. Value-Oriented Flexi-Cap Funds

Value-oriented funds invest in under-priced stocks in various market segments. The ideal investor for this kind of fund has a moderate risk appetite and a long-term horizon for their investment returns.

3. Balanced Flexi-Cap Funds

These funds have a diversified portfolio with an even mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This approach allows a blend of stability and growth, making them lucrative for investors who want stable returns.

4. Sectoral or Thematic Flexi-Cap Funds

In sectoral flexi-cap funds, the money is invested flexibly across sectors or themes without deviating from the nature of multi-cap. These are apt for investors who know about specific industries or economic themes.

Types of Multi-Cap Fund

Which is Better: Flexi-Cap or Multi-Cap Fund?

Flexi-Cap and Multi-Cap funds can be chosen based on flexibility, risk, and return. Understanding all the above differences can help an investor reach sound financial goals and infer risk tolerance.

1. Investment Strategy

All large, mid, and small-cap stocks without any restrictions are invested in by Flexi-Cap Funds.  Managers can move their allocations depending on market trends. Multi-Cap Funds have to keep 25% in every category. Though it limits flexibility, it has ensured equal exposure.

2. Diversification & Risk

Flexi-Cap Funds alter their allocation to reduce risk in a falling market. Multi-cap funds always hold a fixed amount in mid and small-cap stocks. This increases growth potential but also raises volatility. Flexi-Cap Funds are more stable in uncertain markets.

3. Return Potential

Flexi-Cap Funds offer stable returns by adjusting investments when needed. Multi-Cap Funds provide a high growth prospect but are riskier. The static exposure to mid and small caps results in ups and downs. Flexi-Cap Funds will be safer for cautious investors.

4. Suitability for investors

Flexi-Cap Funds are better suited for investment by stability preferring investors. Multi-cap funds suit those who can handle risk for higher returns. If you want steady growth, choose Flexi-Cap. If you can take and withstand the market swings, go for Multi-Cap.

FAQs about Flexi-Cap vs Multi-Cap Funds

How does flexi-cap funds' portfolio allocation differ from that of multi-cap funds?

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Flexi-cap funds have no restrictions on investing in large, mid, and small-cap stocks. Multi-cap funds must invest at least 25% in large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Which fund is better for conservative investors, a flexi-cap or a multi-cap?

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Multi-cap funds are more conservative for investors than flexi-cap funds. They are more balanced and consistent. Thus, it is more suited for dynamic opportunity seekers.

How would the volatility of markets impact the returns of flexi and multi-cap funds?

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Flexi-cap funds can quickly react to market changes and use volatility. Multi-funds maintain an allocated percentage. This reduces flexibility but ensures stability.

Does a multi-cap fund always provide more diversification?

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No, multi-cap funds mandate allocation across market caps. Flexi-cap funds may diversify. They can, but focus on specific market caps based on trends.

Can flexi-cap funds outperform multi-cap funds in the bull market?

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Yes, flexi-cap funds would outperform in bull markets. They would increase mid and small-cap exposure and tend to generate higher returns.

Which is better for generating long-term wealth, flexi-cap or multi-cap?

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Both can create long-term wealth. However, under benign market conditions and a fund manager's allocation change at the opportune time, flexi-cap funds are likely to produce better returns.

How would liquidity conditions affect flexi-cap compared to multi-cap funds?

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Flexi-cap funds can alter their allocations to suit liquidity conditions. In contrast, multi-cap funds maintain fixed exposures that may not be as agile in tight liquidity scenarios.

Which fund has a lower expense ratio: flexi-cap or multi-cap?

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Flexi-cap funds generally have a lower expense ratio than multi-cap funds due to their flexibility in allocation. In contrast, multi-cap funds must maintain fixed allocations across market caps, increasing costs.

Do either of the flexi-cap vs multi-cap types present any tax implications?

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Flexi-cap and multi-cap funds have the same taxation treatment under the equity funds' norms. However, turnovers may arise from the active management of flexi-cap funds that would impact tax efficiency.

How should SIP investors choose between flexi-cap and multi-cap funds?

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A disciplined multi-cap allocation could attract SIP investors. However, Flexi-Cap could appeal more to those with an affinity for dynamic market exposure.

Are market conditions that benefit to flexi-cap also favourable for multi-cap?

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Yes, that makes both kinds of funds shine in a strong market. However, the flexi-cap would catch the opportunity it wants when it could because of that flexibility.

Disclaimer

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  • This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
  • All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
  • Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.

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