DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Review 2026: NAV, Returns, Portfolio & Should You Invest?
- September 16, 2026
- Posted by: Chaitanya Auti
- Category: Mutual Funds
DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Plan has a NAV of ₹21.679 as of 15 Sep 2026 and an AUM of ₹767 Cr. Its 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are -3.92%, 6.2% and 4.58% respectively, and the fund sits in the High Risk category.
Our view is that this is a fund for investors who can stay with a volatile equity allocation through uneven stretches. The long-term picture is modest rather than standout, and the recent one-year decline shows that the path can be choppy even when the medium-term trend improves.
Quick facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| NAV | ₹21.679 as of 15 Sep 2026 |
| AUM | ₹767 Cr |
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% |
| Launch Date | 10 Jun 2019 |
| Min SIP | ₹100 |
| Risk Category | High Risk |
| Benchmark | Nifty 50 |
| Fund Category | Equity |
| Exit Load | No exit load |
| Fund Managers | Aparna Karnik |
The fund is managed by Aparna Karnik.
Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026
Performance
| Period | Fund return | Benchmark return |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -5.41% | -4.81% |
| 3M | -1.99% | -3.63% |
| 1Y | -3.92% | -8.27% |
| 3Y | 6.2% | 5.59% |
| 5Y | 4.58% | 5.58% |
The near-term pattern looks weak, with both the fund and the benchmark under pressure over 1M and 3M. Even so, the fund has held up better than the benchmark over 1Y, which tells us the latest year has been difficult but not uniformly worse than the market reference.
The 3Y return is slightly ahead of the benchmark, which points to some recovery after the weaker phases visible in the shorter periods. That improvement matters, because it suggests the fund can participate when conditions are more supportive, even if the ride is uneven.
The 5Y return is below the benchmark, so the longer compounding record still trails the index over a full market cycle. In our view, that makes the recent rebound useful but not enough to change the broader long-term picture.
The return path also appears uneven rather than steadily progressive. For investors, that pattern usually means the fund may reward patience in selected stretches, but it has not yet shown smooth compounding across the full period we reviewed.
Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026
Should you BUY or HOLD DSP Quant?
A fund’s past returns alone don’t tell you whether you should buy it today or continue holding it.
The right decision depends on factors such as your current allocation, purchase price, risk profile, investment horizon and the role this fund plays in your overall portfolio.
Already holding DSP Quant? Thinking of investing now?
Peer comparison
| Fund | 1Y return | 3Y return | 5Y return |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Plan | -3.92% | 6.2% | 4.58% |
| ICICI Pru Strategic Metal and Energy Equity FoF Direct Growth Plan | 69.16% | 37.12% | Data not available |
| HDFC Pharma and Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan | 27.47% | Data not available | Data not available |
| SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund Direct Growth Plan | 27.05% | Data not available | Data not available |
| Kotak Healthcare Fund Direct Growth Plan | 26.51% | Data not available | Data not available |
| Motilal Oswal Active Momentum Fund Direct Growth Plan | 25.46% | Data not available | Data not available |
This assessment is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639.
On the latest one-year numbers, the fund trails the strong short-term figures seen in the peer set, although the comparison universe itself is dominated by theme-specific funds with very strong recent runs. That makes the fund’s negative 1Y return look restrained rather than competitive in this snapshot.
Over 3Y, the fund is ahead of the benchmark and also ahead of the available 3Y peer figures that can be compared directly, but the sample is limited because several peers do not have 3Y data available. On 5Y, it remains below the benchmark, which keeps the longer view more cautious than the medium-term picture.
The peer set therefore tells two different stories: a weak recent year versus a better three-year stretch. Our read is that the fund’s medium-term recovery is real, but the longer-term record still leaves it needing more consistency.
Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026
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Portfolio: where your money goes
| Holding | Sector | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank Limited | Bank | 7.52% |
| Federal Bank Limited | Bank | 3.25% |
| Hindalco Industries Limited | Non – Ferrous Metals | 3.15% |
| Larsen & Toubro Limited | Infrastructure | 3.03% |
| Bajaj Auto Limited | Automobile & Ancillaries | 3.02% |
| HCL Technologies Limited | IT | 2.97% |
| Infosys Limited | IT | 2.92% |
| Shriram Finance Limited | Finance | 2.89% |
| Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited | Healthcare | 2.88% |
| Zydus Lifesciences Limited | Healthcare | 2.75% |
The top 10 holdings account for approximately 34.38% of the portfolio.
To see all holdings, visit the DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Plan page
The largest holding, HDFC Bank Limited, is 7.52%, which is meaningful but not overwhelmingly dominant on its own. The tenth holding is 2.75%, so the weight drop across the listed names is noticeable, but not abrupt enough to suggest a single-position portfolio.
What stands out more is the spread across 41 disclosed holdings. With the top 10 accounting for about 34.38%, the visible core is important, yet a large portion of the portfolio sits beyond the first page of holdings, which may dilute the influence of any one stock.
In our view, this structure suggests a portfolio that is moderately concentrated in its leading names but still supported by a longer tail. That balance can help keep the fund from relying entirely on one or two positions, while the leading holdings are still likely to have greater influence on short-term results.
Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026
Who should invest
This fund suits investors who can tolerate high risk and accept a return path that has been uneven across short and long periods. The 1Y decline and the softer 5Y record show that patience may be required, while the 3Y improvement suggests the fund can recover when conditions are more supportive.
It is better aligned with a longer investment horizon rather than a short holding period, because the benchmark comparison also shows that outcomes can vary across time windows. The main trade-off is between the possibility of recovery over time and the discomfort of sharper interim swings. Investors who prefer steadier outcomes may find the volatility difficult to absorb.
Tax and exit load
| Holding period | Tax rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Units held less than 1 year | 20% | Short-term capital gains tax |
| Units held more than 1 year | 12.5% | Long-term capital gains tax |
Exit load: No exit load.
Source data date: as of 15 Sep 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the current NAV of DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Plan?
Its NAV is ₹21.679 as of 15 Sep 2026.
How has DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Plan performed over 1 year, 3 years and 5 years?
Its returns are -3.92% over 1 year, 6.2% over 3 years and 4.58% over 5 years.
How does the fund compare with the benchmark?
It is ahead of the Nifty 50 over 1 year and 3 years, but behind it over 5 years. The recent short-term numbers are also weak, which keeps the overall picture mixed.
How does it compare with the peer funds listed here?
Its 1-year return is below the peer funds listed here, while its 3-year figure is better than the peers with available 3-year numbers in this set. Several peer 5-year figures are not available, so the longer view is less complete.
Is there a minimum SIP amount?
The fund allows SIP investment, but a minimum SIP amount is not stated here.
Who manages the fund, and what is the exit load?
Aparna Karnik manages the fund. There is no exit load.
Bottom line
DSP Quant Fund Direct Growth Plan has a mixed record: the recent year has been weak, the 3-year stretch is better, and the 5-year outcome still trails the benchmark. Against peers, the one-year number looks subdued, while the medium-term picture is more constructive. The fund carries High Risk and holds a core of large positions led by HDFC Bank Limited, so it may suit investors who are comfortable with swings and want a fund whose returns can vary meaningfully across time periods.
Published on 16 September 2026 at 1:03 PM IST
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RIA disclosure
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. This review is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. (earlier known as Uniapps Global Research Pvt. Ltd.) under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639 for general informational purposes and is not personalized investment advice.