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Mutual Fund Investment : The Indian stock market has seen a notable decline in 2025, raising concerns among investors, especially those invested in mid and small-cap mutual funds.

  • Nifty 50 has dropped 2% so far this year.
  • Nifty Midcap 150 has fallen 7%.
  • Nifty Smallcap 250 has plunged 9%.

With these sharp corrections, many investors are now wondering whether they should continue or stop their Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mid and small-cap funds.

Expert Opinion: Stay Patient and Think Long Term

Mid and small-cap funds come with higher risk and volatility, making them suitable for investors with a high-risk tolerance.

Key Expert Recommendations:

  • Investors should have a long-term horizon of at least 7-8 years for these funds.
  • The exposure to mid and small caps in the portfolio should not exceed 30-40%.
  • Market corrections are normal, and exiting in panic can lead to missing potential recovery phases.

What Does History Suggest?

Market trends show that corrections in mid and small-cap stocks are temporary, and they tend to bounce back strongly.

  • In 2008, mid and small caps crashed by 70%, but they recovered over 70% the following year.
  • Over the last three years, this category has delivered absolute returns of up to 100%.
  • A 20% decline today may seem concerning, but for long-term investors, it's not a major red flag.

The key takeaway? Patience and discipline in SIPs have historically paid off in the long run.

Investor Caution: Should You Start New SIPs?

For new investors, it's important to evaluate current market valuations before committing to mid and small-cap funds.

  • If you already have 20-25% of your portfolio allocated to these funds and your investment horizon is 10+ years, you can continue your SIPs without worry.
  • However, if you’re starting fresh, it may be wise to stagger your investments instead of investing a lump sum, given the high valuations.

Final Verdict : Stay Invested with a Strategy

The current market dip is not a reason to panic-sell or stop SIPs. Instead, investors should:

Stick to their long-term goals.
Maintain a diversified portfolio with the right allocation.
Continue SIPs if they are in it for the long haul (7+ years).
Avoid lump sum investments if valuations are high.