HDFC vs Franklin Flexi Cap Fund: Comparing Returns Over 30 Years

Two of India’s oldest and most trusted mutual funds — HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund — have been growing investor wealth for 30 years. Launched in the mid-90s, both funds have gone through multiple market cycles. But which one gave better returns and doubled investors’ money faster over 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 years?

Let’s break down how each fund performed and what investors can learn from their long-term journey.

HDFC Flexi Cap Fund: Strong, Consistent Performer

Launch Date: January 1, 1995
Benchmark: Nifty 500 TRI

The HDFC Flexi Cap Fund has consistently outperformed both its benchmark and peer average. Here’s how it grew:

• 1-Year Return: 10.42%
• 3-Year CAGR: 28.77%
• 5-Year CAGR: 29.89%
• 10-Year CAGR: 15.68%
• 20-Year CAGR: 17.90%
• Since Inception (30 Years): 18.92% CAGR

How ₹1 Lakh Grew with HDFC Fund?

Insights:

• In the first 5 years, the fund doubled money every 2.5 years.
• Over 30 years, it doubled every 4 years — a solid pace for equity.

Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund: Steady Long-Term Compounder

Launch Date: September 29, 1994
Benchmark: Nifty 500 TRI

Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund also delivered solid long-term returns, slightly behind HDFC in most periods.

• 1-Year Return: 6.86%
• 3-Year CAGR: 25.29%
• 5-Year CAGR: 26.61%
• 10-Year CAGR: 14.14%
• 20-Year CAGR: 17.35%
• Since Inception (30 Years): 18.05% CAGR

How ₹1 Lakh Grew with Franklin Fund?

Insights:

• In the first 5 years, money doubled every 2.8 years.
• Over 30 years, doubling happened every 4.1 years — still impressive.

Read more: Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Holds Meta, Amazon, HDFC and More—Is It the Right Bet for You?

Conclusion

Both HDFC and Franklin Flexi Cap Funds have built long-term wealth for investors. However, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund has been the faster compounder, beating Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund in most timeframes. While Franklin also delivered excellent returns, HDFC’s consistent outperformance resulted in a larger final corpus, turning ₹1 lakh into nearly ₹2 crore in 30 years.

For long-term investors, this highlights the power of consistency, patience, and sticking with strong-performing funds through market ups and downs.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.