Axis Small Cap Fund vs HDFC Small Cap Fund
Over the last 3 years, Axis Small Cap Fund returned 14.5% a year against 9.9% for HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct plans). HDFC Small Cap Fund was the more consistent: ahead of its index in 63% of rolling 3-year periods, against 12%. In falling months, Axis Small Cap Fund fell less: 73% of the index's fall, against 78%. They hold 17 stocks in common; the portfolio overlap is 11%. Data as of 12 Nov 2026.
| Axis Small Cap Fund | HDFC Small Cap Fund | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Small Cap | Small Cap |
| Fund house | Axis Mutual Fund | HDFC Mutual Fund |
| Benchmark | Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI | Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI |
| Age | 12.9 years | 12.4 years |
| AUM on 30 Oct 2026 | ₹29,721 cr | ₹38,972 cr |
| Direct plan | ||
| Rating | B | C |
| Expense ratio | 0.70% | 0.79% |
| 1Y return | 8.2% | -3.9% |
| 3Y return (a year) | 14.5% | 9.9% |
| 5Y return (a year) | 14.8% | 13.7% |
| 3Y vs index | +1.5% | -3.1% |
| Rating score, rank | 42 · #15 of 25 | 30 · #21 of 25 |
| Regular plan | ||
| Rating | B | C |
| Expense ratio | 1.68% | 1.56% |
| 1Y return | 7.2% | -4.7% |
| 3Y return (a year) | 13.3% | 9.0% |
| 5Y return (a year) | 13.5% | 12.6% |
| 3Y vs index | +0.4% | -4.0% |
| Rating score, rank | 42 · #15 of 25 | 30 · #21 of 25 |
| Consistency, risk and portfolio | ||
| Ahead of index, rolling 3Y periods | 12% | 63% |
| Deepest fall, 3Y | -19.4% | -22.6% |
| Volatility, 3Y | 15.9% | 17.3% |
| Max fall, 5Y | -19.4% | -22.6% |
| Down capture, 3Y | 73 | 78 |
| Stocks held | 127 | 85 |
| Top 10 holdings | 19% | 25% |
| Large / mid / small caps | 6 / 9 / 74% | 6 / 9 / 74% |
| Largest sector | Chemicals & Petrochemicals | Auto Components |
Common questions
Axis Small Cap Fund or HDFC Small Cap Fund: which is better?
On our track-record ratings (Direct plans), Axis Small Cap Fund is rated B and HDFC Small Cap Fund is rated C, each against its own category. Ratings describe the record so far and are not a forecast; which suits you depends on your goal and the funds you already hold.
Axis Small Cap Fund or HDFC Small Cap Fund: which has done better?
Over the last 3 years, Axis Small Cap Fund returned 14.5% a year against 9.9% for HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct plans).
How much do Axis Small Cap Fund and HDFC Small Cap Fund overlap?
They hold 17 stocks in common; the portfolio overlap is 11%.
Should I hold both?
Two funds with a high overlap add little diversification. Check how they fit your goal and the rest of your portfolio; we can help.
More comparisons
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Past performance does not guarantee future returns. This comparison is not a recommendation to buy or sell either fund.
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