New insights reveal that systematic investment plans in the Nifty50 have consistently underperformed, presenting a five-year XIRR of merely 4.5%. This result places Nifty50 below the returns of traditional fixed deposits. In contrast, midcap and smallcap indices have shown impressive gains. Analysts recommend a strategy focusing on individual stock selection and earnings growth rather than relying solely on index performance, prompting a reassessment of index-based investment approaches.

As 2023 unfolds, the Nifty index appears headed for its most disappointing year in a decade and a half. Key contributors to this downturn include high valuations and a flight of foreign investors. The IT sector continues to struggle amid geopolitical conflicts that have exacerbated oil prices and inflation fears. While local institutions lend some assistance, international investors remain reluctant.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund MD and CEO Radhika Gupta believes trust is central to navigating weak market fundamentals, global economic realignment and AI-led disruption. Drawing on The Entropy Trap, she highlights how understanding shifts in the global system is key to understanding India’s growth story, with trust playing a crucial role in attracting capital, strengthening customer relationships and sustaining pricing power.

Solar Industries is performing well in the market despite broader weaknesses, primarily due to strong earnings. The planned acquisition of Omnia Holdings is expected to significantly increase revenue and profits in the long term. Management forecasts that combined revenues may substantially rise by FY28, enhancing overall financial performance. However, the acquisition could lower short-term profitability due to increased debt.

September 2025 marked a significant increase in Draft Red Herring Prospectuses submitted to Sebi with 55 submissions. Companies with a March 31 fiscal year end rushed to file before the September 30 deadline. Failing to meet this deadline could complicate their IPO plans, requiring updated audits and due diligence. The IPO market has surged since July, recovering from previous delays in activity.

Jefferies has maintained a Buy rating on six hospital stocks, including Apollo Hospitals and Fortis Healthcare, following a sharp correction driven by regulatory concerns over drug and consumable price caps. The brokerage expects strong fundamentals and strategic price adjustments to help limit long-term EBITDA impact.

In the last six months, all 36 smallcap mutual funds have achieved impressive double-digit returns, averaging around 25.20%. This indicates a robust recovery from prior dips. Financial experts advise investors to keep up their SIPs if they can handle the volatility. With smallcap valuations currently elevated, future success will hinge on sustained earnings growth.

Gautam Adani's ambitious acquisition strategy involves securing over 20 infrastructure deals valued at ₹1 lakh crore, encompassing diverse sectors such as power, ports, airports, and renewable energy. This approach comes in response to prior financial challenges in India. The Adani Group aims to boost operational efficiencies and expand its capacity, resulting in improved EBITDA across its thermal power plants.

A Message From Jiraaf

How Bonds Are a Great Way to Generate Passive Income

In an era defined by career uncertainty, layoffs, and shifting economic cycles, relying on a single paycheck has become risky. The post-pandemic world and the recent wave of restructuring across sectors, from technology to startups to traditional industries, have reminded everyone of a hard truth: one income source is no longer enough.

In this segment of ETMarkets Smart Talk, we speak with Sandeep Neema, Director and Fund Manager at PL Asset Management, about the real risks facing retail investors, the hidden cost of excessive trading, and why he believes the market is increasingly rewarding discipline over churn.

In India, major consumer stocks have suffered a staggering drop, with market values plummeting by nearly Rs 4 lakh crore. Even with an uptick in demand, FMCG firms like ITC and Hindustan Unilever are facing profound losses in market cap this year. Rising input costs, despite signs of consumption recovery, are tightening margins.