Equity funds

Equity funds is a mutual fund that invests principally in stocks.

Equity funds

About Equity funds

  • An equity fund is a mutual fund that invests principally in stocks.
  • It can be actively or passively (index fund) managed. Equity funds are also known as stock funds.
  • Stock mutual funds are principally categorized according to company size, the investment style of the holdings in the portfolio and geography.

What are Active equity funds?

  • In this fund the fund manager is ‘Active’ in deciding whether to buy, hold, or sell the underlying securities and in stock selection.
  • This fund relies on professional fund managers who manage investments.
  • Active funds adopt different strategies and styles to create and manage the portfolio.
  • They are expected to generate better returns (alpha) than the benchmark index.
  • The risk and return in the fund will depend upon the strategy adopted.

What are Passive equity funds?

  • These funds hold a portfolio that replicates a stated index or benchmark.
  • In a passive fund, the fund manager has a passive role in the stock selection.
  • Buy, hold or sell decisions are driven by the benchmark index and the fund manager/dealer merely needs to replicate the same with minimal tracking error.

Q1) What are Mutual funds?

Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They’re managed by professional fund managers or management teams who make investment decisions based on the fund’s objectives.

Source: What are active and passive equity funds — and how much inflows did they receive in the July-Sept quarter?

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Last updated on January, 2026

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2026 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹19000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹8500
Enroll Now
Enquire Now