Everyone wants to save enough for a comfortable retirement.
While some prefer safe options like fixed deposits, post office schemes, or monthly income plans, others take a bit more risk with mutual funds.
Equity retirement funds are a popular choice for long-term wealth creation because they offer potentially higher returns, though they come with market risks.
In this article, we’ll look at the top five equity retirement funds over the past five years and show how a Rs 14 lakh investment would have grown in each.
What is an Equity Retirement Fund?
Equity retirement funds invest around 65% of their assets in stocks and have a lock-in period of at least five years or until retirement, whichever comes first.
They aim to provide long-term growth while preparing your savings for retirement.
ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund – Pure Equity Plan
Annualised return (5 years): 29.4%
Assets under management (AUM): Rs 1,410 crore
NAV (October 20, 2025): Rs 37.3
A Rs 14 lakh lump sum investment would have grown to Rs 50.79 lakh in five years, making this fund the top performer among the five.
HDFC Retirement Savings Fund – Equity Plan
Annualised return (5 years): 25.6%
AUM: Rs 6,693 crore
NAV: Rs 58.7
The same Rs 14 lakh investment would have increased to Rs 43.75 lakh, showing strong growth for retirement planning.
Nippon India Retirement Fund – Wealth Creation Scheme
Annualised return (5 years): 21.6%
AUM: Rs 3,179 crore
NAV: Rs 33.2
Your Rs 14 lakh investment would have grown to Rs 37.22 lakh in five years.
Tata Retirement Savings Fund – Progressive Plan
Annualised return (5 years): 17.5%
AUM: Rs 2,048 crore
NAV: Rs 81
This fund would have turned Rs 14 lakh into Rs 31.35 lakh over five years.
Aditya Birla Sun Life Retirement Fund – The 30s Plan
Annualised return (5 years): 16.5%
AUM: Rs 411 crore
NAV: Rs 22.7
A Rs 14 lakh investment here would have grown to Rs 30.04 lakh in five years.
Key Takeaways
Equity retirement funds can deliver higher returns than traditional saving options but carry market risk.
ICICI Prudential and HDFC funds performed the best in the last five years.
Always consult a financial advisor before investing to match funds with your risk appetite and retirement goals.
Investing early in equity retirement funds can help you grow your wealth significantly over time and secure your future comfortably.
