Axis Small Cap Fund vs DSP Small Cap Fund
Direct Plan, Growth option · Data as on 30-10-2026
Axis Small Cap Fund and DSP Small Cap Fund are both Small Cap funds. In the 3 years to 30-10-2026, Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) returned 13.2% a year and DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) returned 15.7% a year. Axis Small Cap Fund charges 0.69% a year and DSP Small Cap Fund 0.84% (Direct plans). Their portfolios overlap 17.8%: they hold 25 of the same securities.
Which is better, Axis Small Cap or DSP Small Cap? Key differences
It depends on what you want from the fund. These are the differences in numbers, from the data on this page.
- DSP Small Cap returned more over 5 years: 16.1% a year against 14.4%.
- DSP Small Cap returned more over 3 years: 15.7% a year against 13.2%.
- Axis Small Cap costs less: 0.69% a year against 0.84% (Direct plans).
- Axis Small Cap swung less over 3 years: a standard deviation of 15.0% a year against 16.8%.
- Axis Small Cap fell less in its worst fall since 05-12-2013: −34.6% against −49.1%.
- Axis Small Cap is the larger fund: ₹30,678 Cr against ₹21,467 Cr.
- Their portfolios overlap 17.8%: 25 of the same holdings.
Past returns do not promise future returns. This page is information, not investment advice.
Key facts
From each fund's scheme summary document and AMFI
| Fact | Axis Small Cap Fund | DSP Small Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Fund house | Axis Mutual Fund | DSP Mutual Fund |
| Category | Small Cap | Small Cap |
| AUM | ₹30,678 Cr (30-09-2026) | ₹21,467 Cr (30-09-2026) |
| NAV | ₹126.97 (Direct) | ₹237.23 (Direct) |
| Expense ratio (Direct) | 0.69% | 0.84% |
| Expense ratio (Regular) | 1.68% | 1.72% |
| Riskometer | Very High | Very High |
| Benchmark | Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI | BSE 250 Smallcap TRI |
| Launch date | 29-11-2013 | 14-06-2007 |
| Minimum investment | ₹100 | ₹100 |
| Lock in | None | None |
| Fund managers | Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki, Krishnaa N | Vinit Sambre |
| Exit load | Exit load of 1% for investments beyond 10% if redeemed within 12 months | Exit load of 1% if redeemed less than 12 months |
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: Returns Comparison
Returns as on 30-10-2026. Up to one year they are absolute returns. Longer periods are a rate per year.
| Fund | 1M | 3M | 6M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | 10Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | −5.18% | −4.11% | +3.40% | +1.02% | +13.23% | +14.44% | +18.24% |
| DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) | −6.75% | −2.67% | +5.91% | +9.47% | +15.70% | +16.05% | +15.58% |
| Small Cap average | −5.86% | −3.28% | +5.03% | +3.00% | +14.03% | +14.51% | +16.19% |
Category average: the average of the 36 Small Cap funds, same plan type.
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: Year-wise Returns
| Year | AxisAxis Small Cap | DSPDSP Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | +4.39% | +9.92% |
| 2025 | −0.95% | −1.92% |
| 2024 | +26.40% | +26.72% |
| 2023 | +35.57% | +42.45% |
| 2022 | +4.11% | +1.37% |
| 2021 | +60.71% | +60.30% |
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: Rolling Returns
Every holding period of both funds, against Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI, the benchmark of Axis Small Cap Fund
Rolling returns
Every 3-year holding period, 2,449 of them, one for each trading day from 05-12-2016 to 30-10-2026: the yearly return (CAGR) of each, plotted on the day it ended. One lucky or unlucky start day cannot flatter or hide a fund.
Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct)
DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct)
Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
to
Sept 2017May 2016
to
May 2019Jan 2018
to
Jan 2021Oct 2019
to
Oct 2022Jun 2021
to
Jun 2024Jan 2023
to
Jan 2026
How the periods spread
| Fund | Below 0% | 0-5% | 5-10% | 10-15% | 15-20% | 20-25% | Above 25% | Mean | Median | Lowest | Highest | Beat benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Small Cap | 0.0 | 2.7 | 4.4 | 19.6 | 25.0 | 12.7 | 35.6 | 21.3% | 19.5% | −0.0% | 41.3% | 58% |
| DSP Small Cap | 7.8 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 5.6 | 13.0 | 18.5 | 38.6 | 20.1% | 21.6% | −12.6% | 47.1% | 65% |
| Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI | 16.1 | 8.1 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 13.9 | 21.7 | 32.3 | 17.3% | 21.1% | −17.5% | 44.7% | -- |
The table shows the % of periods in each return band; a darker cell holds more of them. Lumpsum: the yearly rate (CAGR) from a period's first NAV to its last. SIP: the XIRR of the monthly instalments. The benchmark is Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI, over the same periods. "Beat benchmark" counts the periods in which the fund did better. Every fund is measured over the days all of them have, from 05-12-2013. Past returns do not promise future returns.
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: SIP and Lumpsum Returns
What the same monthly or one-time investment would be worth in each fund today, from their own NAV history
Growth of an investment
₹10,000 on the first trading day of every month, from 05-12-2013 to 30-10-2026: 155 instalments, ₹15,50,000 in all.
| Investment | Invested | Value now | Gain | Return a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Small CapAxis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | ₹15,50,000 | ₹59,20,716 | ₹43,70,716 | 19.1% |
| DSP Small CapDSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) | ₹15,50,000 | ₹57,26,391 | ₹41,76,391 | 18.7% |
Axis Small CapAxis Small Cap Fund (Direct)
DSP Small CapDSP Small Cap Fund (Direct)
Amount invested
From each plan's published NAV (Growth option), over the same days. Return a year: XIRR for a SIP, CAGR for a lumpsum, shown for a year or more. It does not include exit load, stamp duty or tax. Past returns do not promise future returns.
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: Risk and Drawdowns
How much each fund swings, and the worst fall over the same days
Risk and return
| Measure | Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +1.02% | +9.47% |
| Standard deviation | 15.51% | 16.62% |
| Sharpe ratio | -0.27 | 0.25 |
| Sortino ratio | -0.37 | 0.36 |
| Maximum drawdown | −14.7% (23-03-2026) | −12.7% (23-03-2026) |
| Beta | 0.84 | 0.88 |
| Alpha | +2.83% | +13.38% |
From daily NAVs, 30-10-2025 to 30-10-2026. Standard deviation: how much the daily value swings, scaled to a year. Sharpe: return above the risk-free rate (NSE's overnight rate index) per unit of swing. Sortino: the same, counting only the falls. Beta and alpha compare each fund with its own benchmark's TRI.
| Measure | Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +13.23% | +15.70% |
| Standard deviation | 15.00% | 16.75% |
| Sharpe ratio | 0.48 | 0.58 |
| Sortino ratio | 0.65 | 0.78 |
| Maximum drawdown | −19.4% (03-03-2025) | −24.1% (03-03-2025) |
| Beta | 0.76 | 0.86 |
| Alpha | +2.41% | +5.48% |
From daily NAVs, 30-10-2023 to 30-10-2026. Standard deviation: how much the daily value swings, scaled to a year. Sharpe: return above the risk-free rate (NSE's overnight rate index) per unit of swing. Sortino: the same, counting only the falls. Beta and alpha compare each fund with its own benchmark's TRI.
| Measure | Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +14.44% | +16.05% |
| Standard deviation | 14.23% | 16.09% |
| Sharpe ratio | 0.61 | 0.64 |
| Sortino ratio | 0.81 | 0.85 |
| Maximum drawdown | −19.4% (03-03-2025) | −24.1% (03-03-2025) |
| Beta | 0.73 | 0.85 |
| Alpha | +3.27% | +4.82% |
From daily NAVs, 29-10-2021 to 30-10-2026. Standard deviation: how much the daily value swings, scaled to a year. Sharpe: return above the risk-free rate (NSE's overnight rate index) per unit of swing. Sortino: the same, counting only the falls. Beta and alpha compare each fund with its own benchmark's TRI.
| Measure | Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +21.76% | +20.66% |
| Standard deviation | 14.59% | 16.34% |
| Sharpe ratio | 1.09 | 0.89 |
| Sortino ratio | 1.46 | 1.19 |
| Maximum drawdown | −34.6% (24-03-2020) | −49.1% (24-03-2020) |
| Beta | -- | 0.83 |
| Alpha | -- | +8.72% |
From daily NAVs, 05-12-2013 to 30-10-2026. Standard deviation: how much the daily value swings, scaled to a year. Sharpe: return above the risk-free rate (NSE's overnight rate index) per unit of swing. Sortino: the same, counting only the falls. Beta and alpha compare each fund with its own benchmark's TRI.
Drawdowns
How far below its previous high each one was on every day: the falls an investor had to sit through. 0% means it was at a new high.
Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct)
DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct)
Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
| Fund | Worst fall | High before it | Bottom | Back at the high | Time to climb back | Below its high today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | −34.6% | 11-02-2020 | 24-03-2020 | 13-11-2020 | 8 months | −8.3% |
| DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) | −49.1% | 09-01-2018 | 24-03-2020 | 04-01-2021 | 9 months | −8.8% |
| Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI | −59.8% | 15-01-2018 | 24-03-2020 | 03-05-2021 | 13 months | −9.4% |
From daily values since 05-12-2013, the first day every fund has.
Rolling standard deviation
Whether the swings have grown or calmed over time: the standard deviation of daily changes over every 1-year window, scaled to a year, plotted on the window's last day. Higher means a bumpier ride.
Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct)
DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct)
Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
Whether the swings have grown or calmed over time: the standard deviation of daily changes over every 3-year window, scaled to a year, plotted on the window's last day. Higher means a bumpier ride.
Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct)
DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct)
Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
Whether the swings have grown or calmed over time: the standard deviation of daily changes over every 5-year window, scaled to a year, plotted on the window's last day. Higher means a bumpier ride.
Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct)
DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct)
Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
Against Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI
| Fund | Up capture | Down capture | Tracking error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Small Cap Fund (Direct) | 80% | 56% | 8.85% |
| DSP Small Cap Fund (Direct) | 93% | 81% | 6.08% |
From month-end values since 05-12-2013. Up capture: a fund's average month when the benchmark rose, as % of the benchmark's; above 100% it gained more. Down capture: the same for months the benchmark fell; below 100% it fell less. Tracking error: how far the monthly returns strayed from the benchmark's, a year; an index fund aims near 0.
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: Portfolio Overlap
From each fund's latest monthly portfolio: Axis Small Cap Fund, September 2026; DSP Small Cap Fund, September 2026
Holdings in common
- Overlap
- 17.8%
- Held by both
- 25
- Only in Axis Small Cap
- 103
- Only in DSP Small Cap
- 59
| Security | % of Axis Small Cap | % of DSP Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Sansera Engineering Limited | 1.86% | 2.85% |
| Welspun Corp Limited | 1.51% | 2.94% |
| Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited | 1.29% | 3.77% |
| PNB Housing Finance Limited | 1.24% | 1.33% |
| Gland Pharma Limited | 1.22% | 1.78% |
| Navin Fluorine International Limited | 1.40% | 1.00% |
| Narayana Hrudayalaya Limited | 0.97% | 0.99% |
| Cyient Limited | 0.90% | 1.42% |
| Kalpataru Projects International Limited | 1.15% | 0.78% |
| R R Kabel Limited | 0.77% | 0.90% |
| Jubilant Ingrevia Limited | 0.66% | 1.83% |
| Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited | 0.63% | 0.61% |
| Apar Industries Limited | 0.58% | 1.11% |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited | 0.85% | 0.56% |
| Happy Forgings Limited | 0.69% | 0.56% |
| Amber Enterprises India Limited | 0.54% | 0.71% |
| Rolex Rings Limited | 0.54% | 0.70% |
| Rainbow Childrens Medicare Limited | 0.46% | 0.94% |
| Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 0.39% | 0.58% |
| Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited | 0.76% | 0.36% |
| Aadhar Housing Finance Limited | 0.28% | 0.59% |
| Suprajit Engineering Limited | 0.22% | 1.34% |
| Engineers India Limited | 0.21% | 0.43% |
| Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited | 0.60% | 0.14% |
| SPR Auto Technologies Ltd | 0.11% | 2.34% |
Overlap: for each holding both funds own, the smaller of its two weights, added up. 17.8% means 17.8% of each fund's money sits in positions the other also holds. Matched by ISIN. Cash and hedged positions are left out.
Largest holdings only in Axis Small Cap Fund
| Security | % of fund |
|---|---|
| Krishna Institute Of Medical Sciences Limited | 2.46% |
| Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited | 2.32% |
| CCL Products (India) Limited | 2.24% |
| City Union Bank Limited | 1.94% |
| Sai Life Sciences Limited | 1.84% |
Largest holdings only in DSP Small Cap Fund
| Security | % of fund |
|---|---|
| Lumax Auto Technologies Limited | 5.16% |
| Thangamayil Jewellery Limited | 3.37% |
| IPCA Laboratories Limited | 2.14% |
| eClerx Services Limited | 2.02% |
| Dodla Dairy Limited | 1.96% |
Asset and sector split
Share of each fund, from its latest monthly portfolio
Asset allocation
| Asset | Axis Small Cap | DSP Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 90.3% | 88.7% |
| Debt | 0.5% | 0.0% |
| Cash and others | 9.2% | 11.3% |
Market cap of stocks
| Market cap | Axis Small Cap | DSP Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Large Cap | 6.3% | 0.0% |
| Mid Cap | 9.4% | 7.1% |
| Small Cap | 74.1% | 80.9% |
| Not on AMFI's list | 0.5% | 0.8% |
Share of the whole fund. Groups follow AMFI's latest list: Large Cap is the 100 largest companies, Mid Cap the next 150, Small Cap the rest.
Largest sectors
| Sector | Axis Small Cap | DSP Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Products | 8.2% | 15.5% |
| Auto Components | 7.9% | 14.7% |
| Consumer Durables | 3.7% | 11.3% |
| Chemicals & Petrochemicals | 8.5% | 6.0% |
| Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology | 7.6% | 8.2% |
| Banks | 7.7% | 0.9% |
| Finance | 6.0% | 2.4% |
| Fertilizers & Agrochemicals | 0.0% | 3.1% |
The six largest sectors of each fund's stocks, % of the fund.
Axis Small Cap vs DSP Small Cap: Expense Ratio
What each plan charges a year, from AMFI's expense ratio file
| Charge | Axis Small Cap Fund | DSP Small Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Total expense ratio (Direct) | 0.69% | 0.84% |
| Base expense ratio (Direct) | 0.51% | 0.66% |
| Total expense ratio (Regular) | 1.68% | 1.72% |
| Base expense ratio (Regular) | 1.35% | 1.41% |
The expense ratio comes out of the fund's assets every day, so every return on this page is already after it. Base expense ratio: the fund house's own fee. The total adds brokerage, transaction costs, and levies with GST.
More comparisons
Each fund against the others of its category
Compare Axis Small Cap with
Axis Small Cap Fund vs DSP Small Cap Fund: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Axis Small Cap Fund and DSP Small Cap Fund?
Both are Small Cap funds, run by Axis Mutual Fund and DSP Mutual Fund. Their portfolios overlap 17.8%. Axis Small Cap Fund charges 0.69% a year and DSP Small Cap Fund 0.84%.
Which has given higher returns, Axis Small Cap Fund or DSP Small Cap Fund?
Over 1 year: Axis Small Cap Fund +1.02%, DSP Small Cap Fund +9.47%. Over 3 years: Axis Small Cap Fund +13.23% a year, DSP Small Cap Fund +15.70% a year. Over 5 years: Axis Small Cap Fund +14.44% a year, DSP Small Cap Fund +16.05% a year. As on 30-10-2026. Past returns do not promise future returns.
Which has the lower expense ratio, Axis Small Cap Fund or DSP Small Cap Fund?
Axis Small Cap Fund charges less: 0.69% a year against 0.84%. These are the Direct plans' total expense ratios reported to AMFI.
How much do Axis Small Cap Fund and DSP Small Cap Fund overlap?
17.8%. They hold 25 of the same securities, the largest shared ones being SANSERA, WELCORP, KIRLOSENG. From each fund's latest monthly portfolio.
Which is riskier, Axis Small Cap Fund or DSP Small Cap Fund?
On SEBI's riskometer, Axis Small Cap Fund is rated Very High and DSP Small Cap Fund Very High. Over 3 years, the standard deviation of daily returns was 15.00% and 16.75% a year.
Which is better for SIP, Axis Small Cap Fund or DSP Small Cap Fund?
Over the last 5 years, a monthly SIP of ₹10,000 from 01-10-2021 to 30-10-2026 grew to ₹8,44,565 in Axis Small Cap Fund (XIRR 12.8% a year) and ₹9,02,507 in DSP Small Cap Fund (XIRR 15.4% a year). Both received 61 instalments. Past returns do not promise future returns.
Can I invest in both Axis Small Cap Fund and DSP Small Cap Fund?
Yes. 17.8% of each fund's money sits in the same holdings, so some of the two investments would move together.
Who manages Axis Small Cap Fund and DSP Small Cap Fund?
Axis Small Cap Fund: Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki, Krishnaa N. DSP Small Cap Fund: Vinit Sambre.
Sources: NAV and expense ratio from AMFI. Holdings from each fund house's monthly portfolio statement. Fund facts from each scheme summary document.
This page is information, not investment advice. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks; read all scheme related documents carefully. Past returns do not promise future returns. Figures come from AMFI, NSE, BSE and each fund house's own documents.