Equirus Wealth
18 Mar 2025 • 5 min read
The Indian stock market has been quite volatile recently, particularly for those who own small-cap or mid-cap stocks. As of March 18, 2025, the Nifty Smallcap 250 is down 9% this year, and the Nifty Midcap 150 isn’t far behind with a 7% drop. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50’s only slipped about 2%. Ouch, right? It’s enough to make anyone second-guess their picks. But hold on—don’t let this bumpy patch scare you off. We have been watching these markets for a while, and we are here to tell you: that this dip is just a hiccup, not a knockout. Small-caps and mid-caps are gearing up for a comeback, and there’s plenty of reason to stay upbeat.
Okay, let’s zoom out a bit. These smaller stocks have been on fire lately, last year, small-caps were up around 20%, and mid-caps weren’t far off that mark, leaving large-caps eating dust at 8%. This year’s slide? It’s just the market catching its breath. Investors cashed in some profits, foreign funds pulled back a little thanks to a strong dollar, and global jitters didn’t help. Prices got a bit too high too fast—small-cap valuations were stretched, no question. But this pullback? It’s like a sale rack at your favorite store. Things are settling down to levels that scream “deal” if you’ve got the guts to shop now.
We see it like a quick rain after weeks of heat, it messes up your plans for a minute, but it’s what makes everything grow later. Word on the street is this rough patch might linger into mid-2025. Fine by us, that means more time to get in before the bounce.
So why are we so chipper about these stocks? Well, India’s still got a lot going for it. The economy’s chugging along at 6.5-7% growth this year, and that’s gold for smaller companies. They are quick on their feet, tied to homegrown trends like green energy, tech startups, and rural spending. Big firms might grab headlines, but these little guys are where the action’s at.
Earnings tell a solid story too. Sure, growth slowed a touch after last year’s boom, but small-caps and mid-caps still churned out 25% profit growth in Q1 FY24—not far off the Nifty 50’s 30%. With raw material costs easing and demand holding steady, those profits should perk up soon. That’s a win in our book.
And here’s something else: Indian investors are stepping up big time. Foreign funds might be flaky, but SIPs, those monthly investments we all love, hit ₹15,814 crore back in 2023, and the momentum’s still there. That cash keeps flowing right into small-caps and mid-caps, cushioning the blows.
Here’s a nugget we love sharing: over the last 10 years, small-caps have grown at 16% a year, and mid-caps at 19%, while large-caps trailed at 13%. Yeah, they bounce around more, but stick with them, and they deliver. Right now, prices are coming off their highs—small-cap P/E ratios dropped from 34 to 29, and mid-caps from 40 to 34 since late last year. At that point, risk begins to appear more favorable than reward.
India's ambitious aspirations, such as the development of manufacturing hubs, the construction of new roads, and the proliferation of digital technology, provide ample opportunities for these companies to thrive. They’re not just stocks; they’re tickets to India’s next chapter.
We get it—watching your portfolio shrink isn’t fun. But this isn’t a collapse; it’s a pause. The hype’s cooling off, and what’s left are companies worth rooting for—the ones with solid books, real cash, and leaders who know their stuff. Those are the ones that’ll shine when things turn up, probably later this year or early next.
Our advice? Don’t bail. Mix in some big stocks if you want a safety net, but keep your small-cap and mid-cap bets. They have made a strong return in the past; 2022 was a quiet year, but 2023 saw a significant surge. This time’s no different.
Small-caps and mid-caps aren’t down and out, they’re just warming up. With India’s growth, strong profits, and local money pouring in, this dip is a launchpad, not a graveyard. Keep persevering, conduct thorough research, and you have the potential to transform today's deals into significant gains in the future.
Not sure where to dig? Our wealth experts are eager to assist you in uncovering the hidden treasures within this market. Reach out to us; together, we can transform this correction into your significant opportunity! Book a free consultation.
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