Best Focused Funds
About Focused Mutual Funds
Focused funds are a type of equity mutual fund investment that allows investors to get exposure to a small number of stocks. Unlike general equity funds, focused funds can invest in up to 30 stocks at a time. A focused fund can be a large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap or multi-cap fund, depending on the investment strategy. However, the fund is spread across a limited number of stocks or sectors, with an investment strategy betting on the growth of those few stocks and sectors.
These funds function like any equity mutual fund, with additional focus given to a growing sector/theme. Hence, these are also called the best idea funds. The fund allocation involves investing at least 65% in equities and the rest in debt securities to generate balanced returns.
How Do Focused Funds Work?
Focused mutual funds employ a distinct investment approach by concentrating their holdings in a limited number of stocks, typically no more than 30. This strategy involves creating a concentrated portfolio with selective stock bets, contrasting with the more diversified approach of traditional equity mutual funds, which often hold between 50 and 100 stocks. The specific number of stocks held in a focused fund can vary based on the fund’s investment objectives.
Furthermore, focused funds have considerable flexibility regarding where they invest. They are not bound by restrictions on sectors or market capitalisations, enabling them to invest in companies across the spectrum.
This means that a focused mutual fund can allocate its capital to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks without being constrained by predefined limits.
Essentially, these funds resemble multi-cap mutual funds but with a more focused selection of stocks, granting fund managers the autonomy to determine the allocation of assets among companies of various sizes and sectors.
Features of Focused Funds
- Focused funds are open-ended mutual funds that invest in a limited number of high-quality securities to offer better returns to investors. While equity mutual funds can invest in a portfolio containing 100 securities, most focused funds limit exposure to 20-30 assets, which helps the fund managers to optimise returns on the fund.
- The concentrated investment strategy makes these funds highly volatile and suitable mostly for experienced investors with a higher risk appetite.
- Concentration isn’t always a bad approach. In fact, these funds strive for optimal diversification with stocks, sectors, and market caps. As a result, they are capable of generating better risk-adjusted returns. The low number of stocks means less stocks to track and adjust for and greater resources for researching each stock.
- The performance analysis of these funds shows that focused funds are better performers than large and multi-cap funds over a period of 10 years. These funds grew at a CAGR of 18.2% compared to large-cap (15.6%) and multi-cap (17.8%) during the same timeframe.
Advantages of Investing in Focused Funds
The following are the major advantages of focused mutual fund investment.
- The benefit of well-researched investment: Focused funds offer curated investments where each security in the portfolio is selected after careful research to provide maximum returns.
- Higher returns than average: Concentrating investment on high-performing assets results in higher returns. Unlike other funds, focused funds concentrate on selected securities that help investors optimise gains more effectively.
- Minimises risk with selected diversification: Careful selection of stocks minimises risks through thorough filtration of stocks. It helps investors diversify into selected segments and limits the drawbacks arising from investing across sectors.
Risk Involved in Focused Funds
The risks associated with focused funds are pretty much the same as those associated with any equity fund. This means they run the risk of their stock investments losing value due to a fall in share prices. However, in addition to the market risks, there are some additional risks to investing in focused equity funds that investors should know about.
- Focused funds are usually volatile – In the search for greater returns, fund managers may often end up investing in a small set of volatile stocks. The concentrated approach offers reduced chances of mitigating the underperformance of just one asset or one sector by the performance of another.
- Lack of diversification – Although the stocks included in a scheme are highly researched, focused funds can either be a hit or a miss depending on the performance of only a few underlying securities. Lack of diversification increases the weight of each stock in the fund, which adds to the risk factor.
Factors To Consider Before Investing in Focused Funds
When contemplating investments in focused funds, it’s essential to weigh several key factors before diving in:
- Investment Horizon: Determine your investment timeframe. Focused funds are often better suited for long-term goals, as they may be subject to short-term volatility.
- Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance carefully. Focused funds tend to be more concentrated in a limited number of stocks, which can amplify risks.
- Fund Manager Expertise: Research the fund manager’s track record and expertise in managing focused portfolios. Their skills can significantly impact returns.
- Portfolio Concentration: Understand the fund’s concentration in specific sectors or stocks. Ensure it aligns with your investment objectives and risk appetite.
- Expense Ratio: Consider the fund’s expense ratio, as it affects your overall returns. Lower expenses can enhance long-term gains.
By carefully assessing these factors, you can make informed decisions when investing in focused funds, aligning your choices with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Who Should Invest in Focused Funds?
Focused funds invest in select stocks. Although hand-picked, limited diversification is responsible for increasing the fund’s volatility. Keeping these in mind, focused funds are usually recommended to seasoned investors with a higher appetite for risk.
Focused mutual funds suit the portfolios of investors looking for a higher profit with a moderate to long-term investment horizon. These are for investors looking for higher capital appreciation in the long run by investing in a concentrated portfolio. Aggressive investors will take higher risks for higher returns by investing in a small number of securities.
Focused funds invest in a smaller number of securities that are correlated. Despite higher volatility, these funds can bring higher returns for investors who invest for 3-4 years.
Taxability of Focused Funds
The taxation of these funds is similar to the tax implications of mutual funds. Focused funds are treated like equity funds, and the tax is applied for long and short-term gains.
The capital gains from investment of less than 12 months are considered short-term gains and are taxed at a 15% rate.
If the capital gain is realised after 12 months, LTCG with a rate of 10% will apply after the standard deduction of ₹1 lakh each year. A simple way to calculate capital gain is to deduct the redemption value from the initial investment amount.
Focused funds are considered higher risk because of the concentrated investment approach. If the selected stocks don’t perform, there are no options to mitigate one underperforming asset with another.
Dividend taxation – The dividend income is added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed as per their slab. There is also a 10% TDS charged by the mutual fund house on a dividend amount exceeding ₹5,000 in a financial year.
How to Invest in Focused Funds?
Investing in Focused Funds is a straightforward process through your Angel One account. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Log in to your Angel One account using your registered mobile number. Validate the OTP and enter your MPIN.
Note: If you don’t have a Demat account with Angel One, you can easily open one by completing the KYC procedure and submitting the required documents.
Step 2: Choose the right fund based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. You can assess each fund in the mutual fund section of the Angel One app. Consider the following factors:
- Search for the fund you’re interested in or explore Angel One’s recommended funds across different categories.
- Analyze the fund’s historical performance, tax implications, portfolio sectors, and holdings.
- Use the provided calculator to estimate potential returns.
- Evaluate the fund’s risk level and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.
- Take into account the fund’s ratings from reputable rating agencies, typically ranging from 1 to 5.
- Review the fund’s expense ratio to understand the associated costs.
Step 3: Once you’ve decided on the fund(s) you want to invest in, access your Angel One account, navigate to the Mutual Funds section, and locate the chosen fund. As this could be a long-term investment, exercise caution during this phase:
- Decide whether you want to make a lump-sum investment or opt for a monthly SIP (Systematic Investment Plan).
- Enter the investment amount and select your preferred payment method. UPI is the recommended choice, but you can also use net banking.
- If you’re opting for the SIP route, you can set up a mandate for hassle-free future contributions.
Top 5 Focused Funds
| Fund Name | AUM ( in ₹ crores) | Expense Ratio (%) | CAGR 3Y (%) | CAGR 5Y (%) |
| ICICI Pru Focused Equity Fund | 9,944.67 | 0.59 | 20.73 | 25.31 |
| HDFC Focused 30 Fund | 15,520.74 | 0.6 | 24.44 | 24.51 |
| Quant Focused Fund | 1,075.42 | 0.68 | 18.02 | 23.94 |
| 360 ONE Focused Equity Fund(IDCW-Reinv) | 7,305.03 | 0.87 | 14.20 | 21.51 |
| Franklin India Focused Equity Fund | 12,183.26 | 0.94 | 16.76 | 21.03 |
Note: The above-mentioned top focused funds are for informational purposes only and are not recommendations. The funds are based on a 5-yr CAGR as of January 8, 2025, which is subject to change frequently. Check out real-time data on Angel One.
ICICI Pru Focused Equity Fund
The ICICI Pru Focused Equity Fund offers a strong balance between risk and returns, highlighted by its expense ratio of 0.59% and a Sharpe ratio of 1.66, reflecting superior risk-adjusted performance. Its portfolio boasts an average PE ratio of 50.66, aligning with a growth-oriented investment strategy.
Managed by ICICI Prudential AMC, a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Plc, the fund benefits from robust management expertise. With ₹8.18 lakh crore in AUM and 99 schemes under management, ICICI Prudential AMC leads the mutual fund industry in India, ensuring reliable stewardship of investments.
HDFC Focused 30 Fund
HDFC Focused 30 Fund stands out with an expense ratio of 0.60% and an impressive Sharpe ratio of 1.69, showcasing its risk-adjusted performance. Its portfolio maintains a conservative average PE ratio of 38.46, appealing to value-conscious investors. Managed by HDFC Asset Management Company, a trusted name in the financial sector, the fund is supported by the joint expertise of HDFC and Standard Life Investments. With 83 schemes and ₹7,64,728.25 crore in AUM, HDFC AMC continues to be a leading player in the Indian mutual fund market.
Quant Focused Fund
Quant Focused Fund offers a competitive edge with a low expense ratio of 0.68% and a diversified portfolio reflecting a PE ratio of 46.19. However, its Sharpe ratio of 0.57 suggests moderate risk-adjusted performance. Managed by Quant Money Managers Limited (QMML), the fund benefits from a focused approach, leveraging the AMC’s expertise since 1995.
360 ONE Focused Equity Fund
The 360 ONE Focused Equity Fund balances growth and costs with an expense ratio of 0.87% and a portfolio PE ratio of 43.02. Its Sharpe ratio of 0.73 highlights consistent risk-adjusted returns. Managed by 360 ONE Mutual Fund, an asset management company established in 2011, the fund emphasises high-conviction investment ideas.
With ₹11,687.54 crore in AUM across 7 schemes, 360 ONE stands out as a rising player in India’s wealth and asset management landscape.
Franklin India Focused Equity Fund
The Franklin India Focused Equity Fund offers a strategic portfolio with an expense ratio of 0.94% and a PE ratio of 37.20, appealing to investors seeking value-driven growth. Its Sharpe ratio of 1.07 reflects stable risk-adjusted returns.
Managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, a trusted global asset manager operating in India since 1996, the fund benefits from extensive experience and expertise. With ₹1.13 lakh crore in AUM across 36 schemes, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund ensures dependable and diverse investment opportunities.
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