Which type of mutual fund primarily invests in stocks?

Equity funds primarily invest in stocks, making them a key category within mutual funds that targets capital appreciation. These funds are designed specifically to provide investors with exposure to the stock market, allowing for potential growth through the appreciation of stock value over time. By focusing on equities, they also typically carry a higher level of risk compared to other types of funds, such as bond funds, which invest in fixed-income securities, or money market funds, which invest in highly liquid, low-risk short-term instruments. Balanced funds, on the other hand, incorporate both stocks and bonds, aiming to provide a mix of growth and income. This characteristic of equity funds is what distinguishes them clearly, making them the correct answer to the question regarding which type primarily invests in stocks.