BS EDIT: Why smallcaps are defying the market downturn

By Business StandardPublished On Dec 6, 2024

Twist in market correction

Recent stock market correction saw FPIs selling, while domestic investors stayed bullish; smallcaps outperformed largecaps defensively

Smallcaps outperform largecaps

Smallcaps rose 38% vs Nifty’s 26% till September; during the correction, Nifty fell 6% while smallcaps dropped only 2.5%, showing rare resilience

What’s driving this trend?

FPIs avoid smallcaps, which saw faster growth in Q2FY25, driven by sectors like green energy, defence, and health care dominated by small firm

The rise of sunrise sectors

Smallcap growth is driven by under-represented sectors like electronics manufacturing, drug manufacturing, smart meters, and data centres

The valuation dilemma

Smallcaps trade at high valuations: Nifty Smallcap 100 PE 24 vs 10-year avg 16-17; Nifty Midcap 100 PE 32 vs avg 17. Growth exists, but caution advised

Investor caution is key

Smallcaps hold multibagger potential but come with high risks. Elevated valuations and slowdown signs call for due diligence and cautious investment