HDFC Children's Fund vs HDFC Small Cap Fund
Direct Plan, Growth option · Data as on 30-10-2026
HDFC Children's Fund is a Solution fund and HDFC Small Cap Fund is a Small Cap fund. In the 3 years to 30-10-2026, HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) returned 8.0% a year and HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) returned 8.9% a year. HDFC Children's Fund charges 1.03% a year and HDFC Small Cap Fund 0.80% (Direct plans). Their portfolios overlap 19.7%: they hold 28 of the same securities.
Which is better, HDFC Children's or HDFC 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.
- HDFC Small Cap returned more over 5 years: 13.1% a year against 9.3%.
- HDFC Small Cap returned more over 3 years: 8.9% a year against 8.0%.
- HDFC Small Cap costs less: 0.80% a year against 1.03% (Direct plans).
- HDFC Children's swung less over 3 years: a standard deviation of 9.6% a year against 15.8%.
- HDFC Children's fell less in its worst fall since 30-06-2014: −28.9% against −48.3%.
- HDFC Children's holds more in large companies: 36.7% of the fund in large caps against 6.5%.
- HDFC Small Cap is the larger fund: ₹40,801 Cr against ₹10,339 Cr.
- Their portfolios overlap 19.7%: 28 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 | HDFC Children's Fund | HDFC Small Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Fund house | HDFC Mutual Fund | HDFC Mutual Fund |
| Category | Solution | Small Cap |
| AUM | ₹10,339 Cr (30-09-2026) | ₹40,801 Cr (30-09-2026) |
| NAV | ₹311.41 (Direct) | ₹148.62 (Direct) |
| Expense ratio (Direct) | 1.03% | 0.80% |
| Expense ratio (Regular) | 1.81% | 1.57% |
| Riskometer | Very High | Very High |
| Benchmark | NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 Index (Total Returns Index) | BSE 250 Smallcap TRI |
| Launch date | 02-03-2001 | 03-04-2008 |
| Minimum investment | ₹100 | ₹100 |
| Lock in | 5 years, or until the child turns 18 if earlier | None |
| Fund managers | Chirag Setalvad, Gopal Agrawal, Anil Bamboli | Chirag Setalvad, Gopal Agrawal, Bhagyesh Kagalkar |
| Exit load | (i) For existing investments by investors including SIP / SWAP registrations, etc (until May 22, 2018). In respect of units subject to lockin period: Nil In case of Units not subject to Lock-in Period: -3% if the Units are redeemed / switched-out within one year from the date of allotment. - 2% if the Units are redeemed / switched-out between first and second year of the date of allotment. - 1% if the Units are redeemed / switched-out between second and third year of the date of allotment. - Nil if the Units are redeemed / switched-out after third year from the date of allotment (ii) Fresh investments by investors including SIP/ SWAP registrations, etc (effective May 23, 2018): Nil | In respect of each purchase/ switch-in of units, an Exit Load of 1.00% is payable if Units are redeemed/switched-out within 1 year from the date of allotment. No Exit Load is payable if Units are redeemed/ switched-out after 1 year from the date of allotment. |
HDFC Children's vs HDFC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | −1.71% | −3.88% | −0.62% | −6.09% | +7.95% | +9.25% | +12.30% |
| HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) | −4.90% | −7.14% | −1.36% | −9.85% | +8.90% | +13.07% | +16.39% |
| 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.
HDFC Children's vs HDFC Small Cap: Year-wise Returns
| Year | Children'sHDFC Children's | Small CapHDFC Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | −6.11% | −5.88% |
| 2025 | +3.18% | +0.25% |
| 2024 | +17.03% | +21.54% |
| 2023 | +27.95% | +46.17% |
| 2022 | +7.69% | +5.64% |
| 2021 | +27.53% | +66.49% |
HDFC Children's vs HDFC Small Cap: Rolling Returns
Every holding period of both funds, against BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI, the benchmark of HDFC Small Cap Fund
Rolling returns
Every 3-year holding period, 2,299 of them, one for each trading day from 30-06-2017 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.
HDFC Children's Fund (Direct)
HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct)
BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI
to
Mar 2018Oct 2016
to
Oct 2019May 2018
to
May 2021Jan 2020
to
Jan 2023Aug 2021
to
Aug 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Children's | 0.2 | 4.2 | 12.0 | 34.8 | 37.4 | 8.4 | 2.9 | 14.6% | 14.9% | −1.6% | 30.9% | 33% |
| HDFC Small Cap | 5.5 | 4.3 | 7.2 | 8.4 | 18.9 | 27.9 | 27.7 | 20.3% | 20.9% | −8.8% | 49.7% | 82% |
| BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI | 11.7 | 7.7 | 5.9 | 13.4 | 20.8 | 15.5 | 25.0 | 16.3% | 17.4% | −17.0% | 45.1% | -- |
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 BSE 250 SmallCap Index 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 30-06-2014. Past returns do not promise future returns.
HDFC Children's vs HDFC 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 02-06-2014 to 30-10-2026: 149 instalments, ₹14,90,000 in all.
| Investment | Invested | Value now | Gain | Return a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Children'sHDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | ₹14,90,000 | ₹32,94,488 | ₹18,04,488 | 12.1% |
| HDFC Small CapHDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) | ₹14,90,000 | ₹45,03,728 | ₹30,13,728 | 16.6% |
HDFC Children'sHDFC Children's Fund (Direct)
HDFC Small CapHDFC 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.
HDFC Children's vs HDFC Small Cap: Risk and Drawdowns
How much each fund swings, and the worst fall over the same days
Risk and return
| Measure | HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | −6.09% | −9.85% |
| Standard deviation | 9.47% | 15.23% |
| Sharpe ratio | -1.20 | -0.99 |
| Sortino ratio | -1.58 | -1.34 |
| Maximum drawdown | −11.1% (30-03-2026) | −18.0% (30-03-2026) |
| Beta | -- | 0.81 |
| Alpha | -- | −6.64% |
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 | HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +7.95% | +8.90% |
| Standard deviation | 9.57% | 15.83% |
| Sharpe ratio | 0.20 | 0.18 |
| Sortino ratio | 0.27 | 0.24 |
| Maximum drawdown | −12.4% (03-03-2025) | −22.6% (03-03-2025) |
| Beta | -- | 0.82 |
| Alpha | -- | −1.13% |
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 | HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +9.25% | +13.07% |
| Standard deviation | 9.66% | 15.91% |
| Sharpe ratio | 0.36 | 0.46 |
| Sortino ratio | 0.48 | 0.61 |
| Maximum drawdown | −12.4% (03-03-2025) | −22.6% (03-03-2025) |
| Beta | -- | 0.84 |
| Alpha | -- | +1.86% |
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 | HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (CAGR) | +14.00% | +17.07% |
| Standard deviation | 10.71% | 16.21% |
| Sharpe ratio | 0.74 | 0.70 |
| Sortino ratio | 1.00 | 0.92 |
| Maximum drawdown | −28.9% (23-03-2020) | −48.3% (24-03-2020) |
| Beta | -- | 0.82 |
| Alpha | -- | +5.62% |
From daily NAVs, 01-01-2013 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.
HDFC Children's Fund (Direct)
HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct)
BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI
| Fund | Worst fall | High before it | Bottom | Back at the high | Time to climb back | Below its high today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | −28.9% | 24-01-2020 | 23-03-2020 | 26-08-2020 | 5 months | −6.5% |
| HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) | −48.3% | 30-04-2018 | 24-03-2020 | 04-01-2021 | 9 months | −10.4% |
| BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI | −58.8% | 15-01-2018 | 24-03-2020 | 03-03-2021 | 11 months | −11.5% |
From daily values since 30-06-2014, 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.
HDFC Children's Fund (Direct)
HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct)
BSE 250 SmallCap Index 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.
HDFC Children's Fund (Direct)
HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct)
BSE 250 SmallCap Index 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.
HDFC Children's Fund (Direct)
HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct)
BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI
Against BSE 250 SmallCap Index TRI
| Fund | Up capture | Down capture | Tracking error |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Children's Fund (Direct) | 56% | 36% | 12.62% |
| HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct) | 90% | 70% | 6.16% |
From month-end values since 30-06-2014. 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.
HDFC Children's vs HDFC Small Cap: Portfolio Overlap
From each fund's latest monthly portfolio: HDFC Children's Fund, September 2026; HDFC Small Cap Fund, September 2026
Holdings in common
- Overlap
- 19.7%
- Held by both
- 28
- Only in HDFC Children's
- 80
- Only in HDFC Small Cap
- 57
| Security | % of HDFC Children's | % of HDFC Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| eClerx Services Limited | 2.55% | 2.92% |
| Aster DM Quality Care Limited | 2.53% | 3.37% |
| JSW Dulux Limited | 1.38% | 1.32% |
| Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. | 1.15% | 1.23% |
| Voltamp Transformers Ltd. | 1.77% | 1.03% |
| TEGA INDUSTRIES LIMITED | 0.93% | 1.20% |
| Transport Corporation of India Ltd. | 0.90% | 1.02% |
| Sonata Software Ltd. | 0.75% | 1.28% |
| Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Limited | 0.69% | 1.63% |
| PVR LIMITED | 0.65% | 1.75% |
| PEARL GLOBAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED | 0.60% | 1.90% |
| Vedant Fashions Ltd | 0.83% | 0.54% |
| Usha Martin Ltd | 0.53% | 0.57% |
| Zensar Technologies Ltd. | 0.53% | 0.90% |
| Aditya Vision Limited | 0.52% | 1.28% |
| Chalet Hotels Ltd. | 0.51% | 1.62% |
| GMM Pfaudler Limited | 0.50% | 0.76% |
| CIE Automotive India Ltd | 0.47% | 1.03% |
| Firstsource Solutions Ltd. | 0.46% | 3.68% |
| Wakefit Innovations Limited | 0.44% | 0.57% |
| Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd | 0.42% | 1.15% |
| FIEM INDUSTRIES LIMITED | 0.37% | 1.04% |
| Vishal Mega Mart Limited | 0.31% | 1.02% |
| The Anup Engineering Limited | 0.24% | 0.58% |
| Carborundum Universal Ltd. | 0.75% | 0.20% |
| Shoppers Stop Ltd. | 0.19% | 1.02% |
| PNC Infratech Ltd. | 0.17% | 0.43% |
| Lumax Industries Ltd | 0.16% | 0.83% |
Overlap: for each holding both funds own, the smaller of its two weights, added up. 19.7% means 19.7% 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 HDFC Children's Fund
| Security | % of fund |
|---|---|
| ICICI Bank Ltd. | 6.62% |
| HDFC Bank Ltd. | 6.19% |
| 7.18% GOI MAT 140833 | 3.74% |
| Larsen and Toubro Ltd. | 3.58% |
| State Bank of India | 3.25% |
Largest holdings only in HDFC Small Cap Fund
| Security | % of fund |
|---|---|
| Gabriel India Ltd. | 3.09% |
| Bank of Baroda | 2.65% |
| Krishna Institute Of Medical Sciences Limited | 2.04% |
| Apar Industries Limited | 1.92% |
| Indian Bank | 1.91% |
Asset and sector split
Share of each fund, from its latest monthly portfolio
Asset allocation
| Asset | HDFC Children's | HDFC Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 70.5% | 90.1% |
| Debt | 26.4% | 0.0% |
| Cash and others | 3.2% | 9.9% |
Market cap of stocks
| Market cap | HDFC Children's | HDFC Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Large Cap | 36.7% | 6.5% |
| Mid Cap | 6.5% | 9.2% |
| Small Cap | 25.6% | 74.1% |
| Not on AMFI's list | 1.6% | 0.3% |
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 | HDFC Children's | HDFC Small Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Banks | 21.3% | 8.8% |
| Auto Components | 3.4% | 11.8% |
| Commercial Services & Supplies | 3.4% | 8.3% |
| Healthcare Services | 3.2% | 8.2% |
| Industrial Products | 5.8% | 3.9% |
| Transport Services | 0.9% | 5.4% |
| Consumer Durables | 1.8% | 4.4% |
| Construction | 3.8% | 4.1% |
| Retailing | 3.5% | 3.9% |
| Petroleum Products | 3.4% | 0.0% |
The six largest sectors of each fund's stocks, % of the fund.
HDFC Children's vs HDFC Small Cap: Expense Ratio
What each plan charges a year, from AMFI's expense ratio file
| Charge | HDFC Children's Fund | HDFC Small Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Total expense ratio (Direct) | 1.03% | 0.80% |
| Base expense ratio (Direct) | 0.84% | 0.65% |
| Total expense ratio (Regular) | 1.81% | 1.57% |
| Base expense ratio (Regular) | 1.50% | 1.30% |
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
HDFC Children's Fund vs HDFC Small Cap Fund: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HDFC Children's Fund and HDFC Small Cap Fund?
HDFC Children's Fund is a Solution fund, HDFC Small Cap Fund is a Small Cap fund, run by HDFC Mutual Fund. Their portfolios overlap 19.7%. HDFC Children's Fund charges 1.03% a year and HDFC Small Cap Fund 0.80%.
Which has given higher returns, HDFC Children's Fund or HDFC Small Cap Fund?
Over 1 year: HDFC Children's Fund −6.09%, HDFC Small Cap Fund −9.85%. Over 3 years: HDFC Children's Fund +7.95% a year, HDFC Small Cap Fund +8.90% a year. Over 5 years: HDFC Children's Fund +9.25% a year, HDFC Small Cap Fund +13.07% a year. As on 30-10-2026. Past returns do not promise future returns.
Which has the lower expense ratio, HDFC Children's Fund or HDFC Small Cap Fund?
HDFC Small Cap Fund charges less: 0.80% a year against 1.03%. These are the Direct plans' total expense ratios reported to AMFI.
How much do HDFC Children's Fund and HDFC Small Cap Fund overlap?
19.7%. They hold 28 of the same securities, the largest shared ones being ECLERX, ASTERDM, JSWDULUX. From each fund's latest monthly portfolio.
Which is riskier, HDFC Children's Fund or HDFC Small Cap Fund?
On SEBI's riskometer, HDFC Children's Fund is rated Very High and HDFC Small Cap Fund Very High. Over 3 years, the standard deviation of daily returns was 9.57% and 15.83% a year.
Which is better for SIP, HDFC Children's Fund or HDFC Small Cap Fund?
Over the last 5 years, a monthly SIP of ₹10,000 from 01-10-2021 to 30-10-2026 grew to ₹7,31,165 in HDFC Children's Fund (XIRR 7.1% a year) and ₹7,87,811 in HDFC Small Cap Fund (XIRR 10.0% a year). Both received 61 instalments. Past returns do not promise future returns.
Can I invest in both HDFC Children's Fund and HDFC Small Cap Fund?
Yes. 19.7% of each fund's money sits in the same holdings, so some of the two investments would move together.
Who manages HDFC Children's Fund and HDFC Small Cap Fund?
HDFC Children's Fund: Chirag Setalvad, Gopal Agrawal, Anil Bamboli. HDFC Small Cap Fund: Chirag Setalvad, Gopal Agrawal, Bhagyesh Kagalkar.
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.