{"id":243866,"date":"2026-09-11T12:55:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T07:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T12:55:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T07:25:47","slug":"hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Direct Growth Plan Review 2026: NAV, Returns, Portfolio &#038; Should You Invest?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-plan-g-direct-plan\">HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a> has a NAV of \u20b954.851 as of 10 Sep 2026 and a scheme AUM of \u20b96,997 Cr. Its 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are -4.05%, 8.84% and 12.25%, and the fund sits in the High Risk bucket.<\/p>\n<p>Our view is that this is a retirement-oriented equity fund with a meaningful equity commitment and a long lock-in, so it is better suited to investors who can stay patient through weaker stretches. The recent 1-year decline contrasts with the steadier 3-year and 5-year record, while the portfolio is led by large financials and other diversified names.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Quick_facts\" title=\"Quick facts\">Quick facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Performance\" title=\"Performance\">Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_HDFC_Retirement_Fund-Equity_Plan\" title=\"Should you BUY or HOLD HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan?\">Should you BUY or HOLD HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Peer_comparison\" title=\"Peer comparison\">Peer comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\" title=\"Portfolio: where your money goes\">Portfolio: where your money goes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Who_should_invest\" title=\"Who should invest\">Who should invest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Tax_and_exit_load\" title=\"Tax and exit load\">Tax and exit load<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" title=\"Frequently asked questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#What_is_the_current_NAV_of_HDFC_Retirement_Fund-Equity_Plan_Direct_Growth_Plan\" title=\"What is the current NAV of HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan?\">What is the current NAV of HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#What_are_the_funds_1-year_3-year_and_5-year_returns\" title=\"What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?\">What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#How_has_the_fund_performed_against_Nifty_50\" title=\"How has the fund performed against Nifty 50?\">How has the fund performed against Nifty 50?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#How_does_it_compare_with_the_peer_funds_shown_here\" title=\"How does it compare with the peer funds shown here?\">How does it compare with the peer funds shown here?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Is_there_a_minimum_SIP_amount\" title=\"Is there a minimum SIP amount?\">Is there a minimum SIP amount?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Who_manages_the_fund_and_what_is_the_exit_load\" title=\"Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?\">Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Bottom_line\" title=\"Bottom line\">Bottom line<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\" title=\"Explore mutual funds with Univest\">Explore mutual funds with Univest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-direct-growth-plan-review-2026\/#RIA_disclosure\" title=\"RIA disclosure\">RIA disclosure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_facts\"><\/span>Quick facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Particular<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>NAV<\/td>\n<td>\u20b954.851 as of 10 Sep 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AUM<\/td>\n<td>\u20b96,997 Cr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Expense Ratio<\/td>\n<td>0.71%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Launch Date<\/td>\n<td>25 Feb 2016<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Min SIP<\/td>\n<td>\u20b9100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Category<\/td>\n<td>High Risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Benchmark<\/td>\n<td>Nifty 50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Category<\/td>\n<td>Solution Oriented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Exit Load<\/td>\n<td>NIL &#8211; Upon completion of Lock-in Period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Managers<\/td>\n<td>Chirag Setalvad, Anupam Joshi, Nandita Menezes, Arun Agarwal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The fund is managed by Chirag Setalvad, Anupam Joshi, Nandita Menezes and Arun Agarwal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 10 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performance\"><\/span>Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Period<\/th>\n<th>Fund return<\/th>\n<th>Benchmark return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1M<\/td>\n<td>-3.27%<\/td>\n<td>-4.06%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3M<\/td>\n<td>3.10%<\/td>\n<td>1.37%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1Y<\/td>\n<td>-4.05%<\/td>\n<td>-7.31%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3Y<\/td>\n<td>8.84%<\/td>\n<td>6.07%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5Y<\/td>\n<td>12.25%<\/td>\n<td>5.91%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The short-term pattern is mixed but not weak relative to the benchmark. Over one month the fund fell less than Nifty 50, and over three months it moved ahead of the index, which points to some recovery after a softer patch.<\/p>\n<p>The one-year number is still negative, so recent performance has not fully repaired the drawdown. Even so, the fund has held up better than the benchmark over the same period, which suggests the strategy has been less damaging than the index in a difficult year.<\/p>\n<p>The longer horizon is clearer. The 3-year and 5-year returns are both ahead of Nifty 50, and the gap is wide over five years. That tells us the fund has been able to compound more effectively over a full market cycle than the benchmark, even though the latest year was disappointing.<\/p>\n<p>The return path also looks uneven rather than smooth. The 3-year and 5-year patterns show stretches of advance interrupted by pullbacks, so investors should expect equity-style volatility rather than a straight line of gains. The main message is that the fund\u2019s longer record is stronger than its recent one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 10 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-mf-premium-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;background:#f7faff\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_HDFC_Retirement_Fund-Equity_Plan\"><\/span>Should you BUY or HOLD HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A fund&#8217;s past returns alone don&#8217;t tell you whether you should buy it today or continue holding it.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Already holding HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan? Thinking of investing now?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Get your portfolio analysed for FREE by SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (RIA) through Univest MF Premium<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peer_comparison\"><\/span>Peer comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Fund<\/th>\n<th>1Y return<\/th>\n<th>3Y return<\/th>\n<th>5Y return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-plan-g-direct-plan\">HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>-4.05%<\/td>\n<td>8.84%<\/td>\n<td>12.25%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/aditya-birla-sl-retirement-fund-30-g-direct-plan\">Aditya Birla SL Retirement Fund-30 Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>14.79%<\/td>\n<td>16.18%<\/td>\n<td>12.49%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/tata-retirement-sav-fund-prog-plan-g-direct-plan\">Tata Retirement Sav Fund &#8211; Prog Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>8.66%<\/td>\n<td>13.2%<\/td>\n<td>11.09%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-retirement-fund-hybrid-aggressive-plan-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru Retirement Fund-Hybrid Aggressive Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>8.65%<\/td>\n<td>17.37%<\/td>\n<td>15.41%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/icici-pru-retirement-fund-pure-equity-plan-g-direct-plan\">ICICI Pru Retirement Fund-Pure Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>8.44%<\/td>\n<td>19.37%<\/td>\n<td>19.59%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/tata-retirement-sav-fund-mod-plan-g-direct-plan\">Tata Retirement Sav Fund &#8211; Mod Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>8.26%<\/td>\n<td>12.43%<\/td>\n<td>10.96%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This assessment is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639.<\/p>\n<p>On the 1-year figure, the fund trails the stronger peer names that are in positive territory, although it is still better than some benchmark-heavy weakness seen in the broader market. That short-term gap matters because the recent year has been choppier than the fund\u2019s own 3-year and 5-year record.<\/p>\n<p>The longer view is more balanced. The fund\u2019s 3-year and 5-year returns are ahead of the Tata retirement funds shown here, but behind the stronger ICICI Pru retirement options and Aditya Birla SL Retirement Fund-30. So the peer set points to a middle ground: decent compounding over time, but not the strongest long-run outcome among the available comparables.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 10 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<div class=\"univest-peer-login-cta\" style=\"margin:20px 0;padding:16px 18px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;border-radius:8px;background:#f7faff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Want to know more?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Log in to Univest<\/a> for more mutual fund insights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\"><\/span>Portfolio: where your money goes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding<\/th>\n<th>Sector<\/th>\n<th>Weight<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>ICICI Bank Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>7.69%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>HDFC Bank Ltd.\u00a3<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>6.59%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>TREPS &#8211; Tri-Party Repo<\/td>\n<td>Cash &amp; Cash Equivalents and Net Assets<\/td>\n<td>4.92%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Reliance Industries Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Crude Oil<\/td>\n<td>4.74%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Axis Bank Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>4.46%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>4.2%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Maruti Suzuki India Limited<\/td>\n<td>Automobile &amp; Ancillaries<\/td>\n<td>3.07%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>State Bank of India<\/td>\n<td>Bank<\/td>\n<td>3.03%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bharti Airtel Ltd.<\/td>\n<td>Telecom<\/td>\n<td>2.59%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Infosys Limited<\/td>\n<td>IT<\/td>\n<td>2.43%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The top 10 holdings account for approximately 43.72% of the portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>To see all holdings, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-plan-g-direct-plan\">HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan<\/a> page<\/p>\n<p>The largest holding is ICICI Bank Ltd. at 7.69%, which is sizable but not overwhelming on its own. The next few positions remain relatively close in size, so influence is shared across several large names rather than resting on one dominant bet.<\/p>\n<p>Weight then steps down gradually into the mid-single-digit range, with the tenth holding at 2.43%. That profile suggests the portfolio is not narrowly built around only one or two stocks; instead, the visible holdings show a measured spread across banks, telecom, consumer cyclical and technology names.<\/p>\n<p>Because the top 10 together make up 43.72% of the portfolio and there are 59 disclosed holdings, the fund may still have a long tail beyond the biggest positions. Our view is that the visible book is concentrated enough for top names to matter, yet broad enough that performance may be shaped by multiple holdings rather than a single stock.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 10 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_should_invest\"><\/span>Who should invest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This fund is suited to investors who can tolerate High Risk exposure and stay invested for a long horizon. The 1-year decline shows that returns can turn negative over shorter periods, but the 3-year and 5-year numbers indicate better compounding when the holding period is extended.<\/p>\n<p>Our view is that the fund fits investors who want equity participation inside a retirement-oriented structure and who can accept benchmark-like weakness in some periods in exchange for stronger long-term outcomes than the index. The key trade-off is between short-term volatility and the chance of better long-term growth, especially since the portfolio is led by large financial names and other cyclical exposures.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tax_and_exit_load\"><\/span>Tax and exit load<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding period<\/th>\n<th>Tax rate<\/th>\n<th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held less than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>20%<\/td>\n<td>Short-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held more than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>12.5%<\/td>\n<td>Long-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Exit load:<\/strong> NIL upon completion of the lock-in period; no exit load after the holding period.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 10 Sep 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_current_NAV_of_HDFC_Retirement_Fund-Equity_Plan_Direct_Growth_Plan\"><\/span>What is the current NAV of HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The current NAV is \u20b954.851 as of 10 Sep 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_funds_1-year_3-year_and_5-year_returns\"><\/span>What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are -4.05%, 8.84% and 12.25%.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_has_the_fund_performed_against_Nifty_50\"><\/span>How has the fund performed against Nifty 50?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has outperformed Nifty 50 over 3 years and 5 years, while the 1-year return is less weak than the benchmark\u2019s decline.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_it_compare_with_the_peer_funds_shown_here\"><\/span>How does it compare with the peer funds shown here?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund trails the stronger peer returns in the latest 1-year period, but its 3-year and 5-year numbers are ahead of the Tata retirement options shown and behind the stronger ICICI Pru and Aditya Birla SL retirement funds.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_minimum_SIP_amount\"><\/span>Is there a minimum SIP amount?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. The minimum SIP amount is \u20b9100.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_manages_the_fund_and_what_is_the_exit_load\"><\/span>Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund is managed by Chirag Setalvad, Anupam Joshi, Nandita Menezes and Arun Agarwal. Exit load is NIL upon completion of the lock-in period, and there is no exit load after the holding period.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_line\"><\/span>Bottom line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The fund\u2019s recent 1-year performance is weaker than its 3-year and 5-year record, so the latest patch has not matched the longer compounding trend. Against Nifty 50, the longer horizon remains clearly better, while the peer set shows that the fund is competitive but not the strongest long-run outcome among the available comparables.<\/p>\n<p>Its High Risk profile, long lock-in and bank-heavy visible holdings make it best viewed as a patient equity allocation inside a retirement bucket. The main attraction is the stronger multi-year record; the main compromise is that shorter periods can still be volatile and occasionally negative.<\/p>\n<p class=\"univest-posted-at\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#666;margin:20px 0 8px\">Published on 11 September 2026 at 12:54 PM IST<\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-login-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;background:#eef5ff;border:1px solid #cddff7;text-align:center\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\"><\/span>Explore mutual funds with Univest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Review mutual fund data, compare performance and explore fund insights on Univest.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:6px;background:#1f4e79;color:#fff !important;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700\">Explore Univest<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"univest-disclaimer\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"RIA_disclosure\"><\/span>RIA disclosure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"InvestmentFund\",\"name\":\"HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan\",\"identifier\":\"hdfc-retirement-fund-equity-plan-g-direct-plan\",\"category\":\"Solution Oriented\",\"dateCreated\":\"25 Feb 2016\",\"isAccessibleForFree\":true,\"additionalProperty\":[{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"NAV\",\"value\":54.851,\"valueReference\":\"as of 10 Sep 2026\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"AUM\",\"value\":\"6997 Cr\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Expense Ratio\",\"value\":\"0.71\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Benchmark\",\"value\":\"Nifty 50\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"1Y Return\",\"value\":-4.05},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"3Y Return\",\"value\":8.84},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"5Y Return\",\"value\":12.25},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Fund Managers\",\"value\":\"Chirag Setalvad, Anupam Joshi, Nandita Menezes, Arun Agarwal\"}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the current NAV of HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The current NAV is \u20b954.851 as of 10 Sep 2026.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund\u2019s 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are -4.05%, 8.84% and 12.25%.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How has the fund performed against Nifty 50?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It has outperformed Nifty 50 over 3 years and 5 years, while the 1-year return is less weak than the benchmark\u2019s decline.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does it compare with the peer funds shown here?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund trails the stronger peer returns in the latest 1-year period, but its 3-year and 5-year numbers are ahead of the Tata retirement options shown and behind the stronger ICICI Pru and Aditya Birla SL retirement funds.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is there a minimum SIP amount?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. The minimum SIP amount is \u20b9100.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund is managed by Chirag Setalvad, Anupam Joshi, Nandita Menezes and Arun Agarwal. Exit load is NIL upon completion of the lock-in period, and there is no exit load after the holding period.\"}}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd.\",\"description\":\"SEBI Registered Investment Adviser INA000017639\"}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan has a NAV of \u20b954.851 as of 10 Sep 2026, an AUM of \u20b96,997 Cr and 1Y\/3Y\/5Y returns of -4.05%, 8.84% and 12.25%.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":243860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3841],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-243866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mutual-funds"],"metadata":{"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["243860"],"rank_math_title":["HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Review 2026: NAV &amp; Returns"],"rank_math_description":["HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan NAV is \u20b954.851 as of 10 Sep 2026; 5Y return is 12.25%."],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["HDFC Retirement Fund-Equity Plan Direct Growth Plan review"],"rank_math_robots":["a:2:{i:0;s:7:\"noindex\";i:1;s:8:\"nofollow\";}"]},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/HDFC_Retirement_Fund_Equity_Direct_Growth_Plan_Review_2026_NAV_Returns_Portfolio_Should_You_Invest_neutral.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/243860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}