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...

Insider Confidence on the Rise – Promoter Buys in Paper, Steel, Media, and Beyond (November 2025 Edition)

 

Building on the momentum from last week's promoter activity, November's second wave of stake hikes paints a picture of strategic optimism across overlooked sectors. From Usha Martin's hefty steel wire grab to Shakti Pumps' renewable energy nudge, these open-market buys—totaling another 0.5%+ in aggregate highlight promoters doubling down on core strengths. In a month marked by FII outflows and Rupee wobbles, such moves remind us: locals are betting big on India's manufacturing renaissance and green shifts.

This installment spotlights the latter half of these transactions, weaving in company backstories, market vibes, and investor angles. Whether you're a value hunter or growth chaser, these could be your next portfolio threads. Let's roll.

Three M Paper: Packaging Up Amid E-Commerce Boom

On November 20, Three M Paper Boards promoters inched up by 0.01%, maintaining their ironclad 70% grip. Shares trade around ₹60-70, a steal for a firm churning out 108,000 MT of eco-friendly boards annually—perfect for the packaging surge tied to online retail and FMCG. Founded in 1989, Three M has quietly scaled from 72,000 TPA capacity, riding waves like sustainable sourcing mandates.

Q2 whispers point to steady demand from pharma and food sectors, with sales growth at 7% CAGR over five years. No dividends yet, but repeated profits (₹10 crore last FY) and zero debt scream reinvestment mode. This buy? A vote for e-comm's endless boxes—expect 15-20% upside if festive sales spill into 2026.

Usha Martin: Heavy Lifting in Wires and Ropes

November 19's standout: Usha Martin promoters snapped up a chunky 0.41% stake, lifting their hold to 41.12%. At ₹448, the stock's up 19% YTD, fueled by wire ropes for mining, cranes, and oil rigs—essentials in India's infra binge. A global exporter with plants in Jharkhand, Usha's Q2 transcript (November 10) teased strong order books, with exports at 14% of mix.

Rajeev Jhawar's 1.25 million share "gift" (effectively a buy) underscores family commitment. P/E at 33 feels premium, but 42% promoter skin-in-game and ₹620 targets by 2030 justify it. For infra bulls, this is your anchor—robust, recession-resistant, ready to climb.

TV Today Network: Broadcasting a Comeback Signal

In media's choppy waters, TV Today Network (TVTODAY) promoters boosted by 4% on November 19—the biggest splash here. Shares at ₹141 reflect a 58.45% promoter fortress, owning channels like Aaj Tak amid digital ad rebounds. Q1 sales dipped 37% to ₹197 crore on ad slumps, but live events and regional expansions (like Hindi news dominance) are rebounding.

This mega-buy screams undervaluation—dividend yield at 2.05%, peers like Zee at higher multiples. With elections and IPL on horizon, viewership spikes could double revenue. Risky for ad-cyclicals, but a promoter flex this size? It's prime-time confidence.

Yash Chemex: Dyeing the Chemical Canvas Brighter

Yash Chemex promoters added 0.03% on November 18, nudging to 64.46%. Trading at ₹109, this Ahmedabad dyer (specializing in reactive dyes for textiles) posted 45% Q2 sales growth to ₹23 crore. Low employee costs (0.87%) and interest (1.64%) keep margins fat, with 107% YOY share gains.

Peers like Deepak Nitrite trade richer, but Yash's export tilt to Bangladesh/Vietnam adds edge. This buy feels like color on canvas—vibrant, undervalued, with 20%+ potential if textile exports hum.

Cords Cable: Wiring Up Infrastructure Gains

November 20's 0.02% promoter top-up in Cords Cable (CORDSCABLE) holds at 51.92%. At ₹178, it's wired for growth in power cables, with Q1 sales up 30% to ₹233 crore. Low ROE (6.42%) is a drag, but GST demands aside, infra PLI schemes could electrify orders.

A steady play for cable veterans—promoters buying amid dips signals wires for the long haul.

Haldyn Glass: Bottling Green Momentum

Haldyn Glass promoters (via Haldyn Corp) grabbed 0.05% on November 19, hitting 58.53%. Shares at ₹99, with Q3 sales up 128% to ₹106 crore, bottle pharma/food demands. Gujarat plants churn flint/amber glass, and solar ties add sustainability cred.

Up 0.75% recently, this buy bottles confidence—targets ₹120 if exports pop.

Shakti Pumps: Pumping Solar into Portfolios

Shakti Pumps saw a 0.01% promoter nudge on November 19, at 50.30% hold. At ₹692, solar pumps dominate (₹8,654 Cr mcap), with Q2 transcripts eyeing PM-KUSUM scheme windfalls. Debtors high (152 days), but 24x P/E reflects green hype.

This buy irrigates growth—up 1% daily, it's your renewable rinse.

Achyut Healthcare: Healing with Precision

Achyut Healthcare's 0.03% promoter buy on November 19 lifts to 47.07%. Penny stock at ₹5.80, but Q2 sales steady in APIs/injectables. Exports to 20+ countries, low costs—73% 6-month gains.

Microcap magic, but volatile—promoters prescribing patience.

Stel Holdings: Holding Steady in Finance

Stel Holdings promoters added 0.02% on November 19, to 70.83%. At ₹413, investments in Sterlite Power yield Q2 sales up 17% to ₹9 crore. P/E 45, but promoter hikes signal asset unlocks.

Defensive hold—watch for divestments.

Crestchem: Chemical Spark in Small Caps

Crestchem's 0.01% buy on November 19 edges to 29.69%. At ₹121, Q2 sales soared 74% to ₹8 crore in specialties. 36% ROE, 96% YOY growth—small but punchy.

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