The struggles for these shares come regardless of inflows of over ₹27,000 crore into midcap funds and over ₹31,000 crore into smallcap funds this yr, as per the most recent AMFI information till July. In 2024, midcap inflows stood at ₹34,303 crore, whereas smallcap fund flows have been at ₹34,223 crore for all the yr.
Cash managers stated the underperformance regardless of inflows is especially due to many of the cash is being absorbed by a gradual stream of share gross sales. “This yr has seen vital provide from promoters, non-public fairness buyers and uptick in IPO exercise in small and midcap classes,” stated Ramesh Mantri, chief funding officer at WhiteOak Capital AMC. “Whereas devoted small and mid-cap funds stay uncovered to those segments, different MF schemes and home institutional buyers are allocating the place the alternatives are extra enticing, resulting in further stress.” Thus far in 2025, IPOs have collected about ₹72,400 crore.
Mid- and small-cap shares have been the highest performers on Dalal Road within the bull run until September final yr. Whereas institutional and wealthy buyers have turned cautious on the segments amid stake gross sales by promoters and huge shareholders, particular person buyers continued to pour cash regardless of considerations over-stretched valuations.
“We imagine out of the three market drivers, fundamentals, flows, and sentiment, fundamentals and sentiment are suppressing mid and small caps regardless of sturdy inflows,” stated Saurabh Rungta, chief funding officer, Avendus Wealth Administration.
“Earnings restoration isn’t but seen, and second quarter development may be pushed out as shoppers defer purchases in anticipation of decrease GST.” Up to now yr, the Nifty Midcap 150 and Nifty Smallcap 250 are down 2.8% and seven%, respectively. The Nifty 50 can be down 2.2%. REALLOCATION OF FLOWS
Whereas flows present continued urge for food for small-caps and midcaps shares, there are early indications of a shift rather than bluechips. “Investor choice is shifting to largecap equities which at the moment supply extra enticing valuations and a stronger monitor report of resilience during times marked by geopolitical dangers, world commerce tensions, and home financial slowdown,” stated Mantri.
Retail buyers holding direct shares are reducing publicity to their mid-cap and small-cap shares in contrast to their friends sticking with mutual fund schemes, stated brokers.
“Extra just lately, we’re observing a transparent development of retail buyers reserving income in mid and smallcap shares and reallocating capital towards largecaps, notably after widespread portfolio corrections,” stated Pranay Aggarwal, director and CEO of Stoxkart. Aggarwal stated this rotation could also be in its early levels.
“Ought to market situations stay subdued and mid and small-cap shares proceed to underperform, additional shifts towards largecap publicity are possible within the coming months,” he stated. Rungta stated he has not but seen any early indicators of broad retail redemptions, however as one-year returns flip unfavourable, the chance of a pullout rises, which can add additional stress.

