Smallcaps vs Largecaps: As markets recover, which is the better investment bet currently?

Economic Times

20-05-2025

Small-cap stocks are known for their potential to deliver high returns, especially during market recoveries whereas largecaps offer stability and are less volatile, making them appealing to conservative investors.
Smallcap stocks have recently outperformed largecaps, sparking debate among investors. While smallcaps offer high growth potential but come with increased risk, largecaps provide stability with potentially lower returns. Experts suggest a diversified approach, considering individual risk tolerance and investment goals, as large caps are better positioned for investment in the current cycle.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Smallcaps vs largecaps
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Which is a better investment currently?
In the recent market rally, smallcap stocks have outperformed their large-cap counterparts, drawing significant investor interest. The BSE SmallCap index surged by 9% last week, while the BSE MidCap index gained 7%, both outpacing the Sensex and Nifty 50, which rose by 4.2%. This trend has led to a debate among investors about the merits of smallcap versus largecap investments in the current market.Small-cap stocks are known for their potential to deliver high returns, especially during market recoveries. However, this potential comes with increased volatility and risk. The Nifty Smallcap 250 index currently has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32.2, indicating that valuations are on the higher side.Atul Parakh, CEO of Bigul, notes that small caps are attractively valued and poised for earnings growth, making them suitable for investors with a medium- to long-term horizon and a higher risk tolerance Chakrivardhan Kuppala, co-founder of Prime Wealth Finserv, adds that many small-cap companies are still trading 35–40% below their previous highs, suggesting room for growth.Meanwhile, convention suggests that largecaps offer stability and are less volatile, making them appealing to conservative investors. They have shown improved earnings compared to the past two quarters, and there has been a revival in foreign institutional investor (FII) interest, particularly in sectors like banking, infrastructure, healthcare, and power.Given the current market dynamics, a diversified investment approach that includes both smallcap and largecap stocks can help balance risk and return, experts say.Investors should consider their risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals when making investment decisions. While smallcaps offer higher growth potential, they come with increased volatility. Largecaps provide stability and steady returns but may offer lower growth prospects in the short term.Kush Gupta, Director at SKG Investment and Advisory, believes that large caps are better positioned for investment in the current cycle, offering steady returns with lower risk.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)