ICICI Securities picks the five best mutual funds for investors to look at. The best picks are schemes that one can invest in with a long-term horizon, says ICICI Securities in a research report. These schemes have a good performance track record.

1. Franklin India Prima Plus

A well-diversified, large-cap oriented portfolio with low volatility and fairly decent returns, Franklin India Prima Plus has remained among the top performers. The essence of this fund: No flashy returns and no sleepless nights.

2. HDFC Top 200

The fund concentrates primarily on India's top 200 companies by market capitalisation and hence offers a portfolio consisting large-cap, blue chip and highly liquid stocks.

This fund has everything that one looks for in a core fund.

3. Prudential ICICI Power

Prudential ICIC Power is among the funds, which have shown resilience while delivering good returns. The fund has always maintained its exposure to large cap stocks to around 60 per cent for stability.

4. Reliance Growth

Since its launch in September 1995, this fund is known for great returns. In the past five calendar years, it has consistently beaten the category average by a fairly impressive margin. While allocation to small-caps has always been large, the focus has now shifted largely to mid-caps.

5. Sundaram BNP Paribas Select Midcap

The fund's performance has been consistent over the years. Its focus on mid-caps paid when the tide turned in favour of mid-caps in 2003. The fund manager has displayed a skill in identifying winners.

Currently, the fund has increased its allocation towards large-caps while that for the small-caps are on the decline.