Best Performing SIP Plans of 2024

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become a favored investment vehicle for retail investors in India. Through SIPs, individuals can invest a fixed sum regularly in mutual funds, helping them grow wealth over time. SIPs leverage rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding, making them ideal for long-term wealth creation. In 2024, several funds continue to deliver impressive returns while maintaining consistent performance over the last decade.

1. What Makes a Good SIP Investment?

Before diving into the top performers, it’s essential to understand what qualifies a fund as a good SIP investment.

Consistent Returns: Look for funds that have performed well over 5-10 years, even during market downturns.
Low Expense Ratio: Funds with low operational costs provide better net returns.
Fund Manager Experience: A skilled fund manager ensures the portfolio adapts to market trends.
Risk-Return Balance: Depending on your risk appetite, a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds should be chosen.

Top Performing SIP Plans for 2024

Below are some of the best SIP mutual funds that have shown remarkable growth both recently and consistently over the past 10 years.

1. Nippon India Small Cap Fund

Fund Type: Small Cap Equity Fund
1-Year Return: 54.93%
5-Year CAGR: ~25%
10-Year CAGR: ~20%

The Nippon India Small Cap Fund focuses on small-cap companies with high growth potential. This fund has maintained strong returns even during market volatility, making it ideal for aggressive investors seeking high long-term returns. It’s known for outperforming benchmarks, but investors should be prepared for short-term fluctuations.

2. Motilal Oswal Midcap 30 Fund

Fund Type: Mid Cap Equity Fund
1-Year Return: 41.7%
5-Year CAGR: 33.1%
Since Inception CAGR: 25%

This fund invests primarily in mid-sized companies that demonstrate strong growth prospects. It has offered exceptional returns over the years, with a focus on technology and consumer sectors. The Motilal Oswal Midcap 30 Fund has been a top choice for those seeking a blend of growth and stability in their SIP portfolio.

3. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund

Fund Type: Hybrid Fund (Equity + Debt)
1-Year Return: 35.04%
5-Year CAGR: ~18%
10-Year CAGR: ~15%

This fund balances investments between equity and debt instruments, providing a stable yet growth-oriented approach. It suits investors with a moderate risk appetite and long-term investment horizon. The HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund has consistently delivered steady returns, benefiting from its dynamic asset allocation strategy.

4. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund

Fund Type: Large Cap Equity Fund
1-Year Return: 30.57%
5-Year CAGR: ~16%
10-Year CAGR: ~14%

The ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund focuses on large-cap companies that are market leaders. Known for stability and reliable returns, it is an ideal SIP option for conservative investors. The fund’s exposure to well-established companies ensures lower risk compared to small or mid-cap funds.

5. Kotak Small Cap Fund

Fund Type: Small Cap Equity Fund
1-Year Return: 34.8%
5-Year CAGR: ~19%
Since Inception CAGR: 18.6%

This fund invests in small-cap companies that offer high growth potential. While it carries higher risks, the Kotak Small Cap Fund has delivered excellent returns over the long term, making it a suitable choice for investors with a high-risk tolerance.

Why SIPs are a Good Investment Strategy for Long-Term Growth?

SIPs are an effective tool for investors aiming to build a corpus over time without the pressure of timing the market. Here are some key reasons why SIPs are a favored investment route:

1. Rupee Cost Averaging

When you invest a fixed sum periodically, you buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. This helps in averaging the cost of investments over time, reducing the impact of market volatility.

2. Power of Compounding

Investing regularly in SIPs allows your returns to grow exponentially, as gains from earlier investments are reinvested to generate further returns.

3. Flexibility and Convenience

SIP investors have the flexibility to start, stop, or pause investments without penalties. This makes it convenient for individuals with fluctuating cash flows.

4. Diversification with Professional Management

Mutual funds diversify across sectors and asset classes, spreading the risk. Additionally, these funds are managed by professionals who adjust portfolios based on market trends, providing better growth opportunities.

Performance Overview: SIPs with Steady Growth for the Last 10 Years

Several funds have shown exceptional performance over the past decade, maintaining consistent returns even during volatile market phases. Let’s examine a few with steady 10-year growth:

HDFC Flexi Cap Fund

Category: Flexi Cap Fund
10-Year CAGR: ~17%
Known for shifting between large, mid, and small caps to maximize returns, this fund has maintained steady growth across market cycles.

ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund

Category: Hybrid Fund
10-Year CAGR: ~15%
This fund invests in both equity and debt, ensuring stability with moderate growth, making it suitable for long-term SIP investments.

SBI Bluechip Fund

Category: Large Cap Fund
10-Year CAGR: ~13%
A consistent performer with investments in leading large-cap companies, the SBI Bluechip Fund is known for offering stability with reasonable returns.

How to Select the Right SIP Plan?

Choosing the right SIP plan requires evaluating your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance. Here are a few tips:

Set Investment Goals: Identify whether the goal is short-term or long-term.
Assess Risk Appetite: Equity funds are better for aggressive investors, while hybrid and debt funds suit conservative investors.
Check Fund Performance: Look for funds with consistent performance over at least 5-10 years.
Monitor Expense Ratios: Lower expense ratios result in higher net returns.
Consider Fund Manager Expertise: The experience of the fund manager plays a significant role in fund performance.

Conclusion

SIPs remain one of the most reliable ways to invest for long-term financial goals, offering the benefit of compounding, disciplined savings, and professional fund management. In 2024, funds like the *Nippon India Small Cap Fund, **Motilal Oswal Midcap 30 Fund, and *HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund stand out due to their exceptional returns and consistent performance over the years.

Investors are advised to diversify their portfolios by investing in multiple SIPs across categories—small-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds—based on their financial objectives and risk tolerance. Monitoring the performance periodically (every 3-5 years) ensures alignment with goals and enables corrective measures if required. With careful planning and patience, SIPs can help investors achieve financial freedom.