Top equity mutual funds in 2026: Which active diversified schemes lead YTD, 3-year and 5-year CAGR return charts?

Small-cap funds dominate the top-performing active diversified equity mutual fund list in 2026 so far, while mid-cap schemes also feature over longer periods. A comparison of YTD, three-year and five-year returns shows how rankings change across different investment horizons.

Equity mutual funds come in different categories, including large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and diversified strategies. While short-term returns can be led by a particular segment of the market, a longer return period can show whether a scheme has also delivered across different market cycles.

Among active diversified equity funds, small-cap schemes currently dominate the list of top performers based on year-to-date (YTD) returns in 2026.

However, the three-year and five-year return charts also include mid-cap funds, showing that the leadership changes when investors look at a longer investment period.

Which active equity funds have delivered the highest YTD returns in 2026?

*Source: Morningstar, Direct plans, Returns as on 1 October 2026

Small-cap funds occupy all five positions among the top active diversified equity mutual funds by YTD returns in 2026. Bank of India Small Cap Fund leads the list with a 31.74% return, significantly ahead of the other schemes.

This indicates that small-cap funds have been among the strongest performers so far this year.

Which equity funds lead on a 3-year return basis?