Best large and mid-cap mutual funds October 2026: Consistent performers across YTD, 3- and 5-year returns—and their beta

Large & mid-cap mutual funds have delivered varying returns in 2026. We compare the top performers across YTD, 3-year and 5-year periods and examine whether consistent performers also carry higher beta, offering investors a closer look at returns alongside market sensitivity.

Large- and mid-cap mutual funds are equity schemes that are required to invest at least 35% of their assets each in large-cap and mid-cap stocks. According to AMFI's August 2026 data, there are 36 schemes in this category.

While returns are an important factor for mutual fund investors, comparing them with the risk taken to generate those returns can provide a more complete picture. Here’s what you need to know about the YTD leaders as of October 2026, along with their 3- and 5-year performance.

Which large & mid-cap funds are leading in 2026 returns?

*Source: Morningstar, Direct plans, Returns as on 5 October 2026

Motilal Oswal Large & Midcap Fund leads the category in year-to-date (YTD) returns at 9.1%, followed by HSBC Large & Midcap Fund at 6.77% and Quant Large & Midcap Fund at 5.79%.

Invesco Large & Midcap Fund and Axis Large & Midcap Fund follow with returns of 5.21% and 1.65%, respectively.

Which large & mid-cap funds lead over three years?

*Source: Morningstar, Direct plans, CAGR as on 5 October 2026

Invesco Large & Midcap Fund has delivered the highest three-year CAGR return among the funds listed, at 21.41%, closely followed by Motilal Oswal Large & Midcap Fund at 21.21%.

Which large & mid-cap funds led over five years?