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Small-Cap Funds Lead 2026 Equity Mutual Fund Return Rankings
The article compares returns from active diversified equity mutual funds over three periods.
Small-cap funds lead the year-to-date rankings for 2026.
Bank of India Small Cap Fund has the highest YTD return, at 31.74%.
Over three years, Bandhan Small Cap Fund ranks first at 23.15%.
Two mid-cap schemes also appear among the top five for that period.
Over five years, Bank of India Small Cap Fund ranks first at 20.04%.
It is the only fund listed in all three time periods.
The rankings show that top performers can differ depending on the period being compared.
Small-cap schemes hold all five top positions for year-to-date returns as of October 1, 2026.
Bank of India Small Cap Fund leads the YTD chart at 31.74%.
Bandhan Small Cap Fund tops the three-year CAGR list at 23.15%, with two mid-cap funds also in the top five.
Bank of India Small Cap Fund leads the five-year list at 20.04%; four of the five leading schemes are small-cap funds.
Bank of India Small Cap Fund is the only scheme appearing in all three rankings.
- Who
- Active diversified equity mutual fund schemes, including Bank of India Small Cap Fund and Bandhan Small Cap Fund.
- What
- A comparison of the highest fund returns over YTD, three-year, and five-year periods.
- Where
- India; the article concerns Indian equity mutual funds.
- When
- Returns are stated as of October 1, 2026.
- Why
- To compare leading schemes across different investment periods rather than relying on one return measure.
Recent performance
Longer-term comparison
How to compare funds
Recent performance
YTD rankings show small-cap funds occupying all five top positions, with Bank of India Small Cap Fund leading.
Longer-term comparison
The three- and five-year rankings include a broader mix, including mid-cap schemes, illustrating that leaders vary by time period.
Key facts
- YTD leader
- Bank of India Small Cap Fund, 31.74%
- Three-year leader
- Bandhan Small Cap Fund, 23.15%
- Five-year leader
- Bank of India Small Cap Fund, 20.04%
- Only scheme in all three lists
- Bank of India Small Cap Fund
- YTD data source
- Morningstar; direct plans; returns as of October 1, 2026
- Three- and five-year data source
- Value Research; direct plans; CAGR as of October 1, 2026
Sources
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