Parag Parikh vs HDFC Flexi Cap
Two of India's most popular flexi cap funds go head-to-head. We compare returns, portfolios, risk metrics, and fund manager styles to help you pick the right one.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
Inception: May 2013
AUM
₹1,43,388 crore
Expense Ratio
0.53-0.70% (Direct)
Fund Manager
Rajeev Thakkar
Benchmark
Nifty 500 TRI
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund
Inception: January 1994
AUM
₹1,06,496 crore
Expense Ratio
0.78% (Direct)
Fund Manager
Chirag Setalvad & Rakesh Sethia
Benchmark
Nifty 500 TRI
Returns Comparison
| Period | Parag Parikh | HDFC Flexi Cap | Nifty 500 TRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 22.8% | 25.1% | 20.4% |
| 3 Years | 16.2% | 17.5% | 16.8% |
| 5 Years | 18.5% | 19.2% | 17.2% |
| 10 Years | 15.8% | 16.1% | 14.1% |
Returns as of August 2026. Highlighted values indicate the winner for each period.
Portfolio Overlap Analysis
Despite both being flexi cap funds, these two have significantly different portfolio construction approaches:
Parag Parikh Top Holdings
- Reliance Industries
- HDFC Bank
- Infosys
- ICICI Bank
- Microsoft (via ETF)
HDFC Flexi Cap Top Holdings
- HDFC Bank
- Reliance Industries
- ICICI Bank
- Infosys
- Bajaj Finance
The estimated portfolio overlap is approximately 25-30%. While both hold HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, Parag Parikh's international allocation (via US ETFs) gives it a fundamentally different risk profile. HDFC Flexi Cap is 100% India-focused with exposure to sectors like telecom and infrastructure that Parag Parikh doesn't have.
Risk Metrics
| Metric | Parag Parikh | HDFC Flexi Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deviation | 12.8% | 14.2% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.42 | 1.28 |
| Max Drawdown (1Y) | -18.4% | -22.1% |
| Beta | 0.78 | 0.92 |
Parag Parikh has lower volatility (standard deviation), better risk-adjusted returns (Sharpe ratio), and shallower drawdowns — largely thanks to its international diversification which reduces India-specific risk.
Fund Manager Styles
Rajeev Thakkar (Parag Parikh): A value-conscious investor with a long-term, buy-and-hold approach. He has been managing this fund since inception and maintains a relatively concentrated portfolio of 30-40 stocks. His international allocations (via ETFs) have been significant contributors. Known for patience and discipline — the fund rarely chases market momentum.
Chirag Setalvad / Rakesh Sethia (HDFC Flexi Cap): Managed by HDFC's experienced equity team. The fund follows a more dynamic approach — shifting between value and growth styles based on market conditions. The fund tends to have broader sector allocation including infrastructure, telecom, and energy.
Which Fund Is Right for You?
Choose Parag Parikh if you want:
- International diversification in your flexi cap allocation
- Lower volatility and better risk-adjusted returns
- A long-tenured, consistent fund manager
- Value-oriented approach with patience
- Protection during India-specific market downturns
Choose HDFC Flexi Cap if you want:
- 100% India-focused portfolio
- Dynamic style that adapts to market conditions
- Broader sector allocation (infrastructure, energy, telecom)
- Backing of India's largest fund house
- Potential for higher returns in India bull runs
SIP Returns: ₹10,000/Month Over 5 Years
If you had invested ₹10,000 monthly via SIP in each fund over the past 5 years:
| Metric | Parag Parikh | HDFC Flexi Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Total Invested | ₹6,00,000 | |
| Portfolio Value | ₹8,94,200 | ₹8,52,600 |
| XIRR | 19.8% | 17.4% |
Parag Parikh edges ahead on a 5-year SIP basis, primarily due to its international stock picks which outperformed during certain periods. Use our SIP calculator to model different time periods and amounts.
Our Verdict
Both funds are excellent choices for long-term wealth creation. Parag Parikh offers a unique edge with international diversification, lower volatility, and a consistent fund manager. HDFC Flexi Cap offers a more dynamic, India-focused approach with the backing of a large fund house and adaptability across market cycles.
If you can only pick one, Parag Parikh has the edge on risk-adjusted returns and diversification. But there's nothing wrong with holding both — their low portfolio overlap (25-30%) means they complement each other well in a portfolio.
Last updated: August 2026
Disclaimer
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Past performance is not indicative of future returns.Please read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. The information on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Returns, portfolio data, and risk metrics shown are approximate and may contain inaccuracies.Investors should invest according to their risk appetite, investment horizon, and financial goals. Consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions.