The stock market’s recent rough patch has left many investors feeling uneasy. However, it’s crucial to remember that market fluctuations are a normal part of investing. While the current downturn presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for savvy investors. Let’s break down what’s happening and how to capitalize on it, with insights from Stock Exchange 9, India’s leading trading platform.
We’re in a market correction, marked by significant drops across various sectors. This isn’t a random event; it’s fueled by a combination of factors: geopolitical instability, the lingering effects of trade policies, foreign investment withdrawals, and underlying market imbalances.
Frankly, this correction was probably inevitable. Many smaller and mid-sized companies had seen their valuations skyrocket, far beyond what their actual business performance justified. This created a bubble that was bound to burst. We’ve seen the Sensex drop 12% from its peak, and smaller company indices are in a full-blown bear market, down 22% in just two months.
Some experts are advising extreme caution, even suggesting halting investments in small and mid-cap stocks. While prudence is wise, a blanket withdrawal might be too drastic.
This correction isn’t the end of the road for small and mid-cap stocks. In fact, their larger drops compared to the overall market mean you can now buy shares at significantly lower prices. While further drops are possible, the current valuation ratios suggest these stocks are becoming increasingly attractive.
This is a chance to strategically increase your holdings in promising small-cap companies. Many fundamentally sound stocks, previously too expensive, are now within reach. This could lead to substantial long-term gains.
However, don’t just buy stocks because they’re cheap. Look beyond the price tag. A stock might be low for a reason. Instead of focusing on past prices, consider the company’s future potential. What will it look like in the coming years? What are its competitive advantages?
Where should you look? One reliable indicator is insider buying. If company owners are buying shares during a downturn, it suggests they see value that the market is missing.
Here’s a list of companies where insiders were active buyers in February 2025 (remember, this is for research, not a recommendation):
Stock Name | No. of Shares Bought | Value of Shares (Rs million) | Average Buy Price (Rs) | Closing Price (17th Feb) | Discount/Premium (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jindal Steel & Power | 6,171,357 | 4985 | 808 | 838 | 4% |
Quess Corp | 754,437 | 461 | 610 | 598 | -2% |
Maharashtra Seamless | 213,499 | 132 | 618 | 604 | -2% |
DB Corp | 383,579 | 88 | 229 | 213 | -7% |
Texmaco Rail | 500,025 | 82 | 165 | 137 | -17% |
Paisalo Digital | 1,681,903 | 69 | 41 | 40.4 | -2% |
Solara Active Pharma | 112,000 | 58 | 519 | 504 | -3% |
Mangalam Cement | 70,000 | 57 | 816 | 715 | -12% |
Texmaco Infra | 489,201 | 57 | 116 | 93 | -20% |
High Energy Batteries | 104,275 | 52 | 496 | 469 | -5% |
Tarc Ltd | 400,000 | 51 | 128 | 120 | -6% |
TGV Sraac | 342,589 | 34 | 99 | 101 | 2% |
RK Forging | 50,000 | 33 | 666 | 657 | -1% |
Alembic Pharmaceuticals | 34,773 | 29 | 834 | 815 | -2% |
Transchem | 584,387 | 27 | 46 | 45 | -2% |
GPT Infra | 213,002 | 24 | 110 | 103 | -7% |
Sobha Ltd | 20,000 | 23 | 1,175 | 1,125 | -4% |
Another strategy is to focus on strong earnings. Review the latest earnings reports and identify companies that have performed well despite the market slump.
In volatile times, it’s essential to distinguish between short-term noise and long-term risk. While the market may experience further dips, a solid trading plan, patience, and a focus on fundamentals will help you succeed.
This correction is a chance to refine your strategy, make informed decisions, and invest in companies with real value. By focusing on future growth and capitalizing on price discrepancies, you can emerge stronger from this challenging period.