No structural breakdown yet in small and midcap indices: Anand James

After refusing to leave the party when nifty and senex corrected for the last two months, small cap stocks witnessed correction in the last three weeks. One trend which has appeared is that on the day when the small index is down, the breadth of the whole segment is extremely weak. It is an indication that investors should put more checks and balances while navigating the small cap space. Also beware of rude shocks which this segment of the market may witness given the fact there are more headwinds ahead.ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus applies different algorithms & filters to all BSE and NSE stocks, and lists stocks which fulfill the various criteria as specified into the algorithms & filters to find those which might help navigate the stock market.

Even as the stock market corrects, small and midcap stocks are refusing to leave the party. On a number of days the breadth of the small cap segment is better than large caps. Coming on the list are stocks from infrastructure, FMCG and home appliances space. All of them have beaten the bearish phase of the last one month with a positive return in the last month. ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus applies different algorithms & filters to all BSE and NSE stocks, and lists stocks which fulfill the various criteria as specified into the algorithms & filters to find those which might help navigate the stock market.

In a period where small-cap stocks underperformed significantly, leading to a situation where large investors were calculating their losses in their small-cap holdings, there would be a group of steadfast enthusiasts who continue to see potential in small caps. Investing in these stocks, even amidst turmoil, can be sensible for those prepared to maintain their investment for three to five years. However, it's crucial to recognize the distinction between high-quality and poor-quality businesses across the small, mid, and large-cap spectrums, as well as the difference between the intrinsic value of a stock and the overall value of the company. Certain niche small businesses may still generate significant returns over time if they are held long enough. On the other hand, if one's approach to small-cap investments is merely based on the absolute value of a stock with hopes of a tenfold increase, then it's a misconception. Stock market investing, whether in small, mid, or large caps, should not be driven by unrealistic expectations; otherwise, it leads to nothing but undue stress, rather than substantial returns.

As Nifty comes closer to form a new high, more small cap stocks are joining the party. Right from a power and a diagnostic major to an engineering company are coming on the list. ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus applies different algorithms & filters to all BSE and NSE stocks, and lists stocks which fulfill the various criteria as specified into the algorithms & filters to find those which might help navigate the stock market.

For a large majority of investors, when the word “ large cap” is used , it is stocks like HDFC bank, ICICI and other big names come to mind. The fact is that these stocks have moved into the mega cap category. There is another set of stocks which have now entered into large cap territory when it comes to market capitalisation but in terms of certain aspects of business, some of these are from sectors which are getting discovered or getting re-rated as if they are mid-cap stocks. Having exposure to them might appear to be risky, but then the possibility of reward is higher as more institutional investors take exposure to them.

All thanks to the US Fed move to raise interest rates, sudden change in mutual fund taxation laws, news flow on Adani group, have ensured that bears continue to rule Wall street and Dalal street market. The market breadth and all other market parameters have moved back into the deep correction zone.These large cap companies have shown an improvement in their SR score even in such turbulent times. ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus applies different algorithms & filters to all BSE and NSE stocks, and lists down stocks which fulfill the various criteria as specified into the algorithms & filters.

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In 1999-2000, the market cap of Asian Paints was ~$200m, just 2% of the largest consumer company then, Hindustan Unilever. Today Asian Paintss market cap is $35bn, more than 50% of Unilevers! Titan was a tiny cap during 2001-4 (the lowest was in 2001, a market cap of $25m, vs $40bn now!) when it entered the jewellery segment and changed the industry.