Nifty Smallcap 100 Plunges to 14,986 Low: Why Mid- and Small-Caps Are Crashing Harder Than the Market in March 2026

  The Indian stock market witnessed intense selling pressure on March 23, 2026, as mid- and small-cap indices tumbled over 4% amid a broader market crash driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Nifty Midcap 100 index has now declined around 13% year-to-date in 2026, reflecting sharp corrections in broader market segments that have outperformed in previous years but are now facing heightened volatility. Sharp Intraday Declines in Midcap and Smallcap Indices The Nifty Smallcap 100 index opened at 15,565.30 on Monday but quickly slipped to an intraday low of 14,986, erasing significant ground in early trade. By the afternoon session, the selling intensified, with the index down over 4% at points during the day. Market breadth was overwhelmingly negative—except for isolated performers like Trident (up around 2.85%), virtually every stock in the Nifty Smallcap 100 traded in the red, signaling widespread panic across smaller companies. Similarly, the Nifty M...
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15 Equity Mutual Funds Lose Over 15% in Six Months: What Should Investors Do?



Over the past six months, the performance of equity mutual funds has been volatile, with over 15 schemes recording losses of more than 15%. Among the top losers were funds from Quant Mutual Fund, with Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund leading the decline. Meanwhile, a few funds, like Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund and Bandhan Focused Equity Fund, managed to deliver positive returns during the same period.

If you’re an investor wondering whether to discontinue SIPs or adjust your portfolio, here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide.

1. Funds That Lost Over 15%

Here’s a breakdown of the equity mutual funds that posted the highest losses over the past six months:

  • Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund: -19.08%
  • Quant Active Fund: -18.37%
  • Quant Value Fund: -17.82%
  • Quant Flexi Cap Fund: -17.69%
  • Samco Flexi Cap Fund: -17.65%
  • Motilal Oswal Focused Fund: -17.58%
  • Samco ELSS Tax Saver Fund: -17.52%
  • Shriram Flexi Cap Fund: -17.21%
  • Quant Mid Cap Fund: -17.04%
  • Shriram ELSS Tax Saver Fund: -16.70%
  • NJ Flexi Cap Fund: -16.20%
  • JM Value Fund: -15.61%
  • ITI Value Fund: -15.59%
  • Taurus Mid Cap Fund: -15.43%
  • Quant Large & Mid Cap Fund: -15.35%

2. Positive Performers in a Challenging Market

Despite the broad losses, a few mutual funds managed to deliver positive returns:

  • Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund: +6.67%
  • Bandhan Focused Equity Fund: +1.47%
  • Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: +1.14%
  • Motilal Oswal Large Cap Fund: +0.15%
  • Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund: +0.50%

3. Should Investors Discontinue SIPs?

Here’s what you should consider before making a decision:

a. SIPs Work Best Over the Long Term

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are designed to help investors average out market volatility over time. A short-term decline does not necessarily indicate a long-term failure. Stopping SIPs during a downturn could prevent you from benefitting when the market rebounds.

b. Assess Fund Performance and Risk

Not all funds are created equal. While some, like Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund, have experienced steep declines, others, such as Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund, have delivered positive returns. Analyze the reasons behind a fund's underperformance—whether it's due to market conditions, poor management, or other structural issues.

c. Align with Your Investment Goals

Consider your investment horizon and risk appetite. If you’re investing for long-term goals, like retirement or a child’s education, short-term losses shouldn’t deter you from continuing SIPs. However, if a fund no longer aligns with your financial goals, it might be time to reassess.

4. How to Navigate This Volatile Period

If some of these underperforming funds are part of your portfolio, here’s what you can do:

a. Avoid Panic Selling

Market corrections are a natural part of investing. Selling in a panic could lock in losses and prevent you from participating in future recoveries.

b. Rebalance Your Portfolio

Evaluate your portfolio’s allocation to ensure it’s diversified across asset classes, sectors, and geographies. Reduce exposure to consistently underperforming funds and consider adding funds with strong fundamentals and a proven track record.

c. Monitor Fund Performance Regularly

Keep an eye on quarterly and annual performance rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations. Consistently underperforming funds might need to be replaced, but one bad quarter does not necessarily mean a fund is failing.

d. Consult a Financial Advisor

If you’re unsure about your portfolio or investment strategy, consulting a financial advisor can provide clarity and help you make informed decisions.

5. Lessons for Investors

  1. Volatility is Inevitable: Equity mutual funds are subject to market risks, and periodic declines are normal. Stay focused on your long-term goals.
  2. Diversification is Key: Don’t put all your money into one category of funds or a single fund house. A well-diversified portfolio can reduce risk.
  3. Stick to Your Plan: SIPs are designed to weather market fluctuations. Discontinuing them during a downturn might lead to missed opportunities.
  4. Research Before Investing: Understand the risk profile, sectoral exposure, and past performance of funds before adding them to your portfolio.

Conclusion

The recent underperformance of over 15 equity mutual funds highlights the importance of careful fund selection and a long-term perspective. While some funds struggled, others demonstrated resilience and delivered positive returns. Rather than discontinuing SIPs or reacting emotionally, investors should focus on reviewing their portfolios, diversifying risk, and sticking to their financial goals.

Market downturns offer valuable lessons, and with the right approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Location:Nainital Uttarakhand ,India India

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