Indian broader markets came under pressure on December 16, with smallcap and midcap stocks witnessing sharp selling, dragging key broader indices into the red. The decline snapped recent gains and reflected a broader risk-off mood across equity markets.
At around 11:50 am, the Nifty Smallcap 100 index was down 0.7 percent at 17,305, ending a three-session winning streak. The Nifty Midcap 100 index fell over 0.8 percent to 59,716.60, extending losses for the second consecutive session.
The weakness in broader markets mirrored the fall in benchmark indices. The Nifty slipped nearly 140 points, or more than 0.5 percent, to trade around 25,886, while the Sensex declined about 473 points, or nearly 0.6 percent, to 84,734.
Why Smallcap and Midcap Stocks Are Falling
According to Siddharth Maurya, Founder & Managing Director at Vibhavangal Anukulakara, the sharp sell-off in smallcap and midcap stocks is driven by a drop in overall risk appetite.
He noted that the correction is a result of stretched valuations, coupled with global uncertainties and the absence of fresh positive domestic triggers. This combination has prompted investors to aggressively book profits in high-beta stocks, leading to outsized losses in the broader market space.
Stocks such as PB Fintech, Swiggy, and SAIL were among the names witnessing notable pressure during the session.
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