HDFC Small Cap Fund — SIP Calculator
Calculate historical returns for HDFC Small Cap using actual month-by-month NAV data. See real performance, not assumed returns.
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Small Cap
AUM
₹14,200+ crore
Expense Ratio
0.70-0.85% (Direct)
Fund Manager
Chirag Setalvad & Rakesh Sethia
Fund Overview
HDFC Small Cap Fund is a small cap fund managed by HDFC Asset Management Company, investing in companies ranked 251 and below by market capitalisation. The fund follows a growth-oriented approach within the small cap universe, seeking companies with strong business momentum and the potential to scale.
HDFC AMC brings its well-regarded research platform to small cap investing, applying the same rigorous fundamental analysis that has made its large cap and flexi cap funds successful. The fund’s small cap strategy focuses on identifying companies with differentiated business models and strong management teams.
Who Should Invest
This fund suits aggressive investors with a 10+ year horizon who are comfortable with the high volatility characteristic of small cap investing. It works as a satellite holding alongside more conservative core holdings.
Investors should understand that small cap funds can experience 40-50% declines in bear markets and require significant patience to realize their full potential.
Key Strengths
- HDFC research platform — One of India’s most respected AMCs with strong equity research capabilities
- Growth-oriented small cap approach — Focus on companies with strong growth momentum and scalability potential
- Experienced management — Fund management team with deep small cap investing experience
- Brand trust — HDFC is among the most trusted names in Indian asset management
Risks to Consider
- Small cap volatility — Category can decline 40-50% in severe bear markets
- Growth style risk — Growth-oriented approach may underperform during value-led small cap rallies
- Liquidity constraints — Small cap positions may be difficult to exit during market stress
- Size limitations — Large AUM may limit the fund’s ability to take meaningful positions in smaller small caps
How It Compares
Within the small cap category, HDFC Small Cap competes with Nippon India Small Cap and SBI Small Cap. Its growth orientation means it tends to perform well during small cap rallies but may experience sharper drawdowns during corrections.
Performance Context
The small cap category has seen dramatic boom-bust cycles. The 2018 crash saw small cap funds decline 40-50%, followed by a strong recovery in 2019-2021. HDFC Small Cap Fund’s growth approach helped it identify small cap companies with strong recovery potential.
Use Our SIP Calculator with This Fund
To see how a monthly SIP in HDFC Small Cap Fund would have performed over any time period, use our SIP calculator. The real NAV data shows actual performance through full small cap market cycles.
About HDFC Small Cap Fund
A small cap fund from HDFC AMC investing in emerging companies with high growth potential. Benefits from HDFC's strong research and risk management framework.
Investment Strategy
Identifies small cap companies with sustainable competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and professional management. Takes a long-term view with lower portfolio churn.
Key Facts
- Managed by HDFC AMC's experienced equity team
- Lower portfolio churn compared to category average
- Benefits from HDFC's risk management framework
- Benchmark: Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
Historical Returns
3-Year CAGR
19.8%
5-Year CAGR
24.2%
10-Year CAGR
16.2%
Benchmark
Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
Returns are illustrative based on historical performance. Actual returns may vary. Data as of August 2026. Verify with AMC before investing.
Top Holdings & Sector Allocation
As of August 2026, HDFC Small Cap's portfolio includes:
Top 5 Holdings
- C.E. Info Systems
- Affle India
- Newgen Software
- Home First Finance
- Cygnet Industries
Sector Allocation
Financials 16%, IT 15%, Industrial 15%, Consumer 12%, Others 42%
Risk & Drawdowns
High volatility. Standard deviation ~20%. Lower churn than category average.
Max drawdown -46% in 2008. -40% in March 2020. Recovery time 16-20 months.
Tax Treatment
LTCG 12.5% above ₹1.25L/year. STCG 20% if sold within 1 year.
Who Should NOT Invest in HDFC Small Cap?
Investors seeking large cap stability or those with < 10 year horizon.
About the Fund Manager
Chirag Setalvad and Rakesh Sethia. HDFC's risk management framework provides downside protection.
Who Is This Fund Suitable For?
Suitable for investors with high risk appetite and 10+ year horizon. Can be a satellite holding for portfolio diversification.
How to Calculate HDFC Small Cap SIP Returns
- Visit our SIP calculator page
- Search for "HDFC Small Cap Fund" in the fund search box
- Enter your monthly SIP amount (e.g., ₹5,000 or ₹10,000)
- Choose your start and end dates
- Click Calculate to see the XIRR, total invested amount, and final portfolio value based on real NAV data
- Export the results as PDF, Excel, or share as an image
Similar Funds to Consider
Or compare side by side using our main SIP calculator — you can test different funds with the same investment amount and dates to see which performed better.
Other Tools for HDFC Small Cap Investors
- FIRE Calculator — Plan your retirement corpus with HDFC Small Cap as part of your portfolio
- Cost of Delay Calculator — See how much delaying your SIP in HDFC Small Cap could cost you
- SIP vs EMI Calculator — Compare investing in HDFC Small Cap vs paying off loans
Frequently Asked Questions About HDFC Small Cap
What are the top holdings in HDFC Small Cap?
HDFC Small Cap's top holdings include C.E. Info Systems, Affle India, Newgen Software, and Home First Finance. The fund's sector allocation is Financials 16%, IT 15%, Industrial 15%, Consumer 12%, Others 42%.
How has HDFC Small Cap performed historically?
HDFC Small Cap has delivered 19.8% over 3 years, 24.2% over 5 years, and 16.2% over 10 years (as of August 2026). Max drawdown -46% in 2008. -40% in March 2020. Recovery time 16-20 months.
What is the risk profile of HDFC Small Cap?
High volatility. Standard deviation ~20%. Lower churn than category average. This fund may not be suitable for investors seeking large cap stability or those with < 10 year horizon..
What are the tax implications of investing in HDFC Small Cap?
LTCG 12.5% above ₹1.25L/year. STCG 20% if sold within 1 year.
Who manages HDFC Small Cap?
Chirag Setalvad and Rakesh Sethia. HDFC's risk management framework provides downside protection. The fund's benchmark is Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI.
Data last updated: August 2026 | Fund data sourced from AMFI and BSE public APIs
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