Compare Mutual Fund Performance and Returns (2026)

Popular fund comparisons

Head-to-heads between the top Qonfido-rated funds in each category.

Category & style comparisons

Educational A vs B guides for common Indian mutual fund choices.

• Equity vs Debt Mutual FundsEquity and debt mutual funds play different roles. Equity funds own company shares and can swing with markets; debt funds own bonds and money-market instruments and are more sensitive to interest rates and credit. Use this page to understand the trade-offs, then explore Qonfido-rated shortlists on each side.
• Index Funds vs Active FundsIndex funds aim to track a market benchmark at low cost. Active equity funds try to outperform a peer group or benchmark through stock selection. Both can be useful—compare structure, costs, and Qonfido-rated quality rather than past returns alone.
• Gold ETF vs Equity FundsGold-oriented ETFs and funds give exposure to gold prices. Equity mutual funds give exposure to company earnings and markets. They are different diversifiers—not substitutes for each other. Compare roles, then open Qonfido-rated shortlists.
• Mid Cap vs Large CapLarge cap funds focus on India’s biggest companies; mid cap funds own medium-sized companies and can be more volatile. Compare the risk–return trade-off, then review Qonfido-rated peers in each category.
• Multi Asset vs EquityMulti asset allocation funds mix equity, debt, and often commodities (such as gold) under one scheme. Pure equity funds stay focused on stocks. Compare flexibility and risk profile, then open Qonfido-rated shortlists.
• Multi Cap vs Large CapMulti cap funds must invest across large, mid, and small caps with SEBI-defined minimums in each. Large cap funds stay concentrated in the biggest companies. Compare flexibility versus large-cap focus.
• Small Cap vs Mid CapSmall cap funds own smaller companies and can move sharply. Mid cap funds sit between large and small. Both are higher-risk equity sleeves—compare horizons and risk appetite before exploring Qonfido-rated peers.
• Flexi Cap vs Multi Cap Mutual FundsFlexi cap and multi cap both span market caps, but the rules differ. Flexi cap funds can allocate freely across large, mid, and small. Multi cap funds must keep SEBI-mandated minimums in each segment. Compare the mandates, then open Qonfido-rated shortlists.
• Gold ETF vs Gold Mutual FundBoth aim for gold price exposure, but the wrapper differs. Gold ETFs trade like stocks on the exchange (usually needing a demat account). Gold mutual funds / fund-of-funds buy gold ETF or bullion exposure through mutual-fund units. Compare costs, liquidity, and tracking, then open Qonfido-rated gold peers.
• Balanced Advantage vs Aggressive HybridBalanced Advantage (dynamic asset allocation) funds can shift equity and debt with valuation or model signals. Aggressive hybrid funds typically keep a higher, more stable equity band (often around 65–80%). Compare the structures, then review Qonfido-rated peers in each category.
• Arbitrage Funds vs Liquid FundsArbitrage funds seek equity–cash or cash–futures spreads and are often treated as equity-oriented for tax after the holding rules. Liquid funds invest in very short-term debt for parking cash. Compare taxation, return drivers, and risk—then open Qonfido-rated shortlists.
• Index Mutual Funds vs ETFsIndex mutual funds and index ETFs both aim to track a benchmark (for example Nifty 50), but you access them differently. Funds are bought at end-of-day NAV through a folio; ETFs trade intraday on the exchange and usually need demat. Compare costs, tracking, and convenience, then open Qonfido-rated index peers.
• Direct vs Regular Mutual FundsEvery open-ended mutual fund in India typically offers Direct and Regular plans of the same portfolio. Direct plans have a lower expense ratio because they skip distributor commission. Regular plans route through a distributor or platform that may provide guidance. Compare the cost and service trade-off—Qonfido’s public shortlists use Regular Growth for like-for-like peer comparison.

What to compare

• Same peer group first

  Compare funds inside one SEBI category when you can—tiers and metrics mean more among peers.

• Returns and risk together

  Look at 3Y CAGR with Sharpe, max drawdown, and capture-style metrics—not returns alone.

• Tier as a quality signal

  Qonfido Premier / Select tiers summarise relative quality within the category, not a forecast.

• Size and mandate fit

  Fund size (AUM) and category mandate should match how you plan to use the fund in a portfolio.

• Ask a follow-up

  Use Ask Qonfido to explain which option fits a stated horizon or SIP plan in plain language.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I compare two mutual funds?

  Use the tool on this page to pick 2–3 schemes and see Qonfido tier, 3Y CAGR, Sharpe, max drawdown, alpha, and beta side by side. Prefer the same SEBI category so peer ratings stay meaningful, then ask Qonfido AI to explain trade-offs.

• Can I compare mutual funds from different categories?

  Yes, but carefully—categories differ in risk and return, and Qonfido ratings are peer-relative, not one ranking across all funds. The tool warns when selections span categories.

• What matters more when comparing mutual funds: returns or risk?

  Both. Returns without drawdown context can mislead. The matrix shows Sharpe, max drawdown, alpha, and beta with CAGR; tiers reflect peer quality, not past returns alone.

• Is a mutual fund comparison the same as investment advice?

  No. Comparisons and ratings are educational research support—not personalised advice, suitability assessments, or return predictions. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks.

• How is this different from equity vs debt comparison guides?

  This tool compares specific schemes. Below it, A vs B guides (equity vs debt, index vs active, and more) explain style trade-offs and link to rated categories.