![HDFC Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Returns, portfolio and performance comparison [2025]](https://mangobunch.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Quant-Flexi-Cap-vs-HDFC-Flexi-Cap.jpg)
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund represent contrasting investment philosophies within India’s flexi cap mutual fund category. HDFC, with its established track record and 5-star Crisil rating, follows a conservative large-cap oriented approach, whilst Quant Mutual Fund employs a more aggressive multi-factor quantitative strategy. This comprehensive comparison analyses returns, portfolio composition, expense ratios, and investment strategies to help investors understand the fundamental differences between these two popular flexi cap schemes.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Key metrics at a glance
Here is a detailed comparison of essential fund parameters as of November 2025:
| Parameter | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| NAV (21 Nov 2025) | ₹2,074.87 | ₹99.76 |
| Fund Size (AUM) | ₹91,041 Cr | ₹6,889.95 Cr |
| Expense Ratio | 1.36% | 1.79% |
| Crisil Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) | ⭐⭐ (2 Stars) |
| Risk Level | Very High | Very High |
| Portfolio Turnover | 17.30% | High |
| Number of Stocks | 50 | 37 |
| Fund House | HDFC Mutual Fund | Quant Mutual Fund |
| Inception Date | 01-Jan-1995 | 20-Oct-2008 |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund commands significantly larger assets under management at ₹91,041 crore compared to Quant’s ₹6,889.95 crore. The substantial difference in Crisil ratings—5 stars for HDFC versus 2 stars for Quant—reflects their divergent recent performance trajectories. HDFC’s three-decade track record provides historical consistency, whilst Quant’s quantitative approach has faced challenges in recent market conditions.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: One-year and short-term returns
Recent performance data reveals a significant gap between these two funds:
| Period | HDFC Flexi Cap Returns | Quant Flexi Cap Returns | Category Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | 0.41% | -0.55% | -0.22% |
| 1 Month | 0.09% | 0.36% | -0.26% |
| 3 Months | 3.13% | 4.71% | 1.88% |
| 6 Months | 6.52% | 3.40% | 5.23% |
| YTD | 11.18% | 3.54% | 3.36% |
| 1 Year | 13.09% | 7.01% | 6.78% |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund has significantly outperformed with 13.09% one-year returns against Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 7.01%. The year-to-date performance gap is even more pronounced, with HDFC delivering 11.18% compared to Quant’s modest 3.54%. Whilst Quant marginally beats the category average, HDFC nearly doubles it, justifying its superior Crisil rating.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Long-term returns comparison
Long-term performance comparison reveals interesting patterns across different market cycles:
| Period | HDFC Flexi Cap Annualised Returns | Quant Flexi Cap Annualised Returns | Category Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 23.14% | 16.36% | 16.38% |
| 3 Years | 21.82% | 16.44% | 16.59% |
| 5 Years | 26.32% | 25.81% | 18.12% |
| 10 Years | 16.54% | 18.99% | 14.21% |
| Since Inception | 18.84% | 14.38% | 14.19% |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund demonstrates superior performance in recent years with 21.82% three-year returns versus Quant’s 16.44%. However, the five-year returns are remarkably close at 26.32% for HDFC and 25.81% for Quant. Interestingly, Quant Flexi Cap Fund outperforms over the 10-year horizon with 18.99% annualised returns compared to HDFC’s 16.54%, suggesting its quantitative strategy delivered stronger results during the previous decade’s market conditions.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: SIP returns analysis
Systematic Investment Plan returns reflect the real wealth creation experience for retail investors:
| SIP Period | HDFC Absolute Returns | HDFC Annualised | Quant Absolute Returns | Quant Annualised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year (₹12,000 invested) | 8.27% | 15.60% | 5.06% | 9.47% |
| 2 Years (₹24,000 invested) | 16.54% | 15.44% | 5.06% | 4.81% |
| 3 Years (₹36,000 invested) | 35.13% | 20.52% | 21.70% | 13.15% |
| 5 Years (₹60,000 invested) | 72.84% | 22.02% | 53.82% | 17.23% |
| 10 Years (₹1,20,000 invested) | 174.04% | 19.13% | 193.83% | 20.42% |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund delivers consistently superior SIP returns across one to five-year periods. The five-year SIP absolute returns stand at 72.84% for HDFC versus 53.82% for Quant. However, Quant Flexi Cap Fund shows remarkable 10-year SIP performance with 193.83% absolute returns and 20.42% annualised gains, surpassing HDFC’s 174.04% and 19.13% respectively. This suggests Quant’s quantitative strategy rewarded patient long-term SIP investors exceptionally well.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Portfolio allocation strategy
The portfolio composition reveals fundamentally different investment approaches:
| Asset Class | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Total Equity | 87.14% | 97.92% |
| Equity Holdings | 87.14% | 91.31% |
| F&O Holdings | 0.00% | 6.61% |
| Debt | 0.57% | 2.82% |
| Others | 12.29% | -0.74% |
| Large Cap | 60.11% | 44.96% |
| Mid Cap | 2.09% | 13.03% |
| Small Cap | 4.16% | 8.38% |
| Other Equity | 20.78% | 31.56% |
Quant Flexi Cap Fund maintains significantly higher equity exposure at 97.92% compared to HDFC’s 87.14%, including 6.61% in Futures & Options positions—a unique feature reflecting its quantitative trading approach. HDFC’s conservative large-cap allocation of 60.11% contrasts sharply with Quant’s more aggressive multi-cap strategy featuring 44.96% large-cap, 13.03% mid-cap, and 8.38% small-cap allocation. Quant’s concentrated 37-stock portfolio versus HDFC’s 50 stocks indicates a higher conviction, concentrated bet approach.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Top 10 holdings comparison
Stock selection philosophies differ significantly between these funds:
| Rank | HDFC Flexi Cap Holdings | Sector | % | Quant Flexi Cap Holdings | Sector | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ICICI Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 9.01% | Reliance Industries Ltd | Refineries | 10.38% |
| 2 | HDFC Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 8.57% | Adani Power Ltd | Power Generation | 8.57% |
| 3 | Axis Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 7.31% | Adani Enterprises Ltd | Trading | 6.52% |
| 4 | State Bank of India | Public Banking | 4.53% | Motherson Sumi Systems | Auto Components | 6.28% |
| 5 | SBI Life Insurance | Life Insurance | 4.30% | Aurobindo Pharma Ltd | Pharmaceuticals | 5.01% |
| 6 | Kotak Mahindra Bank | Private Banking | 4.20% | Jio Financial Services | NBFC | 4.92% |
| 7 | Maruti Suzuki India | Automobiles | 3.56% | LIC of India | Life Insurance | 4.20% |
| 8 | Cipla Ltd | Pharmaceuticals | 3.46% | Britannia Industries | Packaged Foods | 3.65% |
| 9 | HCL Technologies | IT Services | 3.05% | Larsen & Toubro Ltd | Construction | 3.63% |
| 10 | Bharti Airtel Ltd | Telecom | 2.48% | Tata Power Co Ltd | Utilities | 3.45% |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund exhibits heavy banking sector concentration with five banks comprising nearly 34% of the portfolio. Quant Flexi Cap Fund demonstrates broader sector diversification with significant exposure to Reliance Industries, Adani Group companies, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure stocks. Quant’s high-conviction positions in Adani Power (8.57%) and Adani Enterprises (6.52%) reflect its momentum-driven quantitative approach, whilst HDFC’s banking focus indicates a quality-oriented value strategy.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Expense ratio and cost comparison
Investment costs significantly impact net returns, particularly over extended periods:
| Cost Parameter | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.36% | 1.79% |
| Category Average | 1.89% | 1.89% |
| Cost Difference | Below Average | Below Average |
| Annual Cost on ₹10 Lakh | ₹13,600 | ₹17,900 |
| 10-Year Cost Impact on ₹10 Lakh | ₹1,36,000 | ₹1,79,000 |
| Cost Savings (HDFC vs Quant) | ₹4,300/year | – |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund offers substantial cost advantage with a 1.36% expense ratio compared to Quant’s 1.79%. For a ₹10 lakh investment, investors save approximately ₹4,300 annually by choosing HDFC. Over a 10-year investment horizon, this cost differential amounts to ₹43,000 in savings, which compounds further when considering opportunity costs.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Risk metrics and Crisil ratings
Risk assessment reveals significant differences in fund quality and consistency:
| Risk Parameter | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-O-Meter | Very High Risk | Very High Risk |
| Crisil Rating | 5 Stars | 2 Stars |
| Rating Description | Very Good Performance | Below Average Performance |
| Portfolio Turnover | 17.30% | High |
| Number of Stocks | 50 | 37 |
| F&O Exposure | None | 6.61% |
| Concentrated Holdings | Moderate | High |
The stark difference in Crisil ratings—5 stars for HDFC versus 2 stars for Quant—reflects recent performance divergence. HDFC’s lower portfolio turnover of 17.30% indicates a stable investment approach with lower transaction costs. Quant’s F&O exposure of 6.61% and concentrated 37-stock portfolio suggest higher risk-reward characteristics. The below-average rating for Quant signals recent underperformance relative to category peers.
HDFC Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Investment philosophy comparison
Understanding the underlying investment philosophies helps investors align fund selection with their beliefs:
| Philosophy Aspect | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Approach | Fundamental Research | Multi-Factor Quantitative |
| Primary Focus | Large-Cap Quality | Momentum & Value |
| Sector Strategy | Banking Concentration | Diversified Sectors |
| Portfolio Style | Stable, Low Turnover | Dynamic, High Turnover |
| Risk Management | Conservative Allocation | Aggressive with F&O Hedging |
| Track Record | 30+ Years Established | Volatile but High Potential |
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund follows traditional fundamental research-driven stock selection with emphasis on quality large-cap companies, particularly in the banking sector. Quant Mutual Fund employs a quantitative multi-factor model incorporating momentum, value, and quality factors, resulting in a more dynamic portfolio with higher turnover and concentrated positions.
Which flexi cap fund is suitable for different investor profiles
Selecting between these funds requires understanding personal investment preferences:
| Investor Profile | Recommended Fund | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative investors | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | 5-star rating, stable large-cap focus |
| Aggressive growth seekers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Higher mid/small-cap exposure, momentum strategy |
| Cost-conscious investors | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Lower expense ratio (1.36% vs 1.79%) |
| Long-term SIP investors (10+ years) | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Superior 10-year SIP returns (20.42%) |
| Risk-averse investors | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | No F&O exposure, established track record |
| Momentum believers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Quantitative multi-factor approach |
| Banking sector bulls | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Heavy banking concentration in portfolio |
| Diversified sector exposure seekers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Broader sector allocation |
Final verdict: HDFC Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund cater to distinctly different investor profiles. HDFC’s 5-star Crisil rating, superior recent returns of 13.09% over one year, lower expense ratio of 1.36%, and conservative large-cap approach make it suitable for investors seeking stability with consistent performance. The fund’s three-decade track record and ₹91,041 crore AUM provide confidence in its investment management capabilities.
Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 2-star rating reflects recent underperformance, with one-year returns of 7.01% trailing both HDFC and the category average. However, its exceptional 10-year SIP returns of 20.42% and 18.99% annualised returns over a decade demonstrate the quantitative strategy’s long-term potential. The fund suits aggressive investors comfortable with higher volatility, concentrated positions, and F&O exposure who believe in momentum-driven quantitative investing.
Investors prioritising consistency, lower costs, and established fund management should favour HDFC Flexi Cap Fund. Those with higher risk appetite, longer investment horizons, and conviction in quantitative strategies may consider Quant Flexi Cap Fund despite its recent challenges, recognising that past long-term performance has been compelling.
Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Investors should consult financial advisors before making investment decisions.
