Synopsis: These top 10 handpicked mutual funds are ideal for Gen Z investors to build long-term wealth. This list highlights high-return funds with strong consistency and future growth potential.

As a young investor from Gen Z, you have a significant advantage like time, where  you can have an investment horizon of 20-35+ years. And  afford to take calculated risk in high growth equity funds that can compound wealth significantly.

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Small Cap Funds (High Growth Potential)

1. Nippon India Small Cap fund

    • 5 years CAGR: 32.29%
    • AUM: ₹68,969.11 Crore
    • Expense Ratio: 0.63%
    • Exit load: 1% if redeemed within 1 year.
    • SIP: 100
    • Lump sum: NIL

    2. Quant Small Cap Fund

      • 5 years CAGR: 35.42%
      • AUM: ₹30,504.39 Crore
      • Expense Ratio: 0.75%
      • Exit load: 1% if redeemed within 1 year.
      • Min SIP: 1000
      • Lump sum: 5000

      Mid cap fund

      3. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth

        • 5 years CAGR: 32.78%
        • AUM: ₹37,500.86 Crore
        • Expense Ratio: 0.70%
        • Exit load: 1% if redeemed within 1 year.
        • SIP: 500
        • Lump sum: 500

        4. Edelweiss Mid Cap Direct Plan Growth

          • 5 years CAGR: 29.65%
          • AUM: ₹11,731.01 Crore
          • Expense Ratio: 0.40%
          • Exit load: 1% if redeemed within 1 year.
          • SIP: 100
          • Lump sum: 100

          Large cap Fund

          5. Nippon India Large Cap 

            • 5 years CAGR: 23.83%
            • AUM: ₹48,870.60 Crore
            • Expense Ratio: 0.67
            • Exit load: 1% if redeemed within 7days.
            • SIP: 100
            • Lump sum: 100

            Also read: Top 10 Best-Performing Mutual Funds Delivering Up to 35.4% Returns in Last 5 Years

            6. ICICI Prudential Large Cap

              • 5 years CAGR: 20.73%
              • AUM: ₹75,863.05 Crore
              • Expense Ratio: 0.85%
              • Exit load: 1% if redeemed within 1 year.
              • SIP: 100
              • Lump sum: 100

              Large & Mid Cap Fund

              7. Invesco India Large & Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth

                • 5 years CAGR: 23.88%
                • AUM: ₹9034.16 Crore
                • Expense Ratio: 0.61%
                • Exit load: units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 1 year.
                • SIP: 100
                • Lump sum: 1000

                Flexi Cap

                8. HDFC Flexi Cap Direct Plan Growth

                  • 5 years CAGR: 27.36%
                  • AUM: ₹91041.00 Crore
                  • Expense Ratio: 0.67%
                  • Exit load: 1% will be charged for redemption within 1 year.
                  • SIP: ₹100
                  • Lump sum: ₹100

                  9. JM Flexicap Fund Direct Plan Growth

                    • 5 years CAGR: 24.70%
                    • AUM: ₹6080.39 Crore
                    • Expense Ratio: 0.54%
                    • Exit load:1%, if redeemed within 30 days.
                    • SIP: ₹100
                    • Lump sum: ₹1000

                    Debt  Mutual Fund

                    10. HDFC Income Plus Arbitrage Active FoF Direct Growth

                      • 5 years CAGR: 14.93%
                      • AUM: ₹2131.98 Crore
                      • Expense Ratio: 0.53%
                      • Exit load:1%, if redeemed within 30 days.
                      • SIP: ₹100
                      • Lump sum: ₹1000

                      Key points

                      • The best returns have historically come from small and midcap funds, with several posting >30% CAGR over 5 years.
                      • Flexi cap funds add adaptability and global/diversified exposure, useful for young investors riding multiple market cycles.
                      • Large cap funds anchor long-term portfolios, providing stability and steady compounding.
                      Fund NameCategory5 years CAGRKey features
                      Nippon India Small Cap fundSmall32.29%This fund is capturing high growth potential , delivering robust long term returns through market cycles.
                      Quant Small Cap FundSmall35.42%It has dynamic stock selection and strong performance, ideal for aggressive growth.
                      Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct GrowthMid32.78%Strong growth prospects, suitable for wealth creation over the long term.
                      Edelweiss Mid Cap Direct Plan GrowthMid29.65%Aiming for above average capital appreciation, balancing risk and return.
                      Nippon India Large Cap Large23.83%Stability by investing in industry leaders and blue chip stocks for steady returns.
                      ICICI Prudential Large CapLarge20.73%Designed for investors seeking reliable long term capital growth.
                      Invesco India Large & Mid Cap Fund Direct GrowthLarge and Mid23.88%A blend fund targeting both large and mid-cap opportunities to maximize growth.
                      HDFC Flexi Cap Direct Plan GrowthFlexi27.36%Invests flexibly across market caps and sectors, allowing for adaptability and risk.
                      JM Flexicap Fund Direct Plan GrowthFlexi24.70%Optimize returns and manage market 
                      HDFC Income Plus Arbitrage Active FoF Direct GrowthDebt14.93%Aiming to provide a lower risk returns by arbitraging and income generation strategies. 

                      Conclusion

                      Each Category of mutual fund plays a different feature, benefits, and risk. If you’re chasing higher returns and can handle some ups and downs, small- and mid-cap funds might suit you. Debt mutual funds are best for those who want lower risk and returns. Ultimately, long-term investors should choose funds based on how much risk they’re comfortable taking.

                      Written by Yatheendra N