Following weak global cues amid US recession apprehensions, the Indian stock market on Friday witnessed a massive selling with the Sensex falling over 1,000 and the Nifty dropping to its day low of 24,800. For Indian investors, navigating a falling stock market can be a challenging experience. Market downturns, triggered by factors like global economic uncertainty, rising inflation, or domestic policy changes, can cause panic.
Experts, however, said understanding how to approach such periods wisely can make a significant difference in your investment journey.
Vishnu Kant Upadhyay, assistant vice-president (research & advisory) at Master Capital Services, said, The key Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, declined by nearly 1 per cent, trading at 81,400 and 24,900, respectively, as investor sentiment weakened ahead of the US jobs report, which is expected to provide clarity on the potential scale of a US interest rate cut. Investors are opting to stay on the sidelines, holding cash in anticipation of the report’s release.”
Apart from this, profit booking and a potential regulatory change in the futures and options segment also dampened spirits of investors.
Experts share five critical things to keep in mind during falling stock markets.
Avoid Panic Selling – Markets Recover Over Time
When markets fall, fear often drives investors to sell in haste, leading to losses. The Sensex and Nifty 50 have experienced corrections in the past, but the Indian stock market has shown resilience, recovering and achieving new highs over time. The key is to avoid panic selling and making emotionally driven decisions. Selling your investments during a market decline could lock in temporary losses.
Tip for Indian investors
Instead of exiting the market, take time to assess your holdings. “If your investments are in quality companies with strong fundamentals, it is often better to hold on through short-term turbulence. Indian markets have historically rebounded, and long-term investors typically benefit from staying the course,” said market experts.
Review Your Asset Allocation
A market downturn is a good time to review your portfolio’s asset allocation. Are your investments too concentrated in one sector or asset class? A well-diversified portfolio — spread across stocks, bonds, and mutual funds — can help mitigate risks during volatile periods.
Diversify with Indian mutual funds and bonds:
Consider spreading your investments across large-cap stocks, small-cap stocks, and mid-cap funds, as well as sectors like technology, manufacturing, and FMCG. Additionally, include fixed-income options like public provident fund (PPF) or National Pension System (NPS) to provide a safety net in turbulent times, said the market experts.
Focus on the Fundamentals of Indian Companies
During a market decline, stock prices often disconnect from the true fundamentals of companies. It’s important to focus on a company’s long-term growth potential rather than short-term price movements. Strong Indian companies with solid financials, low debt, and good market positioning are more likely to weather economic downturns and emerge stronger.
Look for Indian companies with strong fundamentals. By focusing on well-managed companies, you can find opportunities to buy fundamentally sound stocks at lower prices during market downturns.
Consider Systematic Investment Plans (SIP)
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are an effective way to invest in Indian mutual funds, especially during volatile markets. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, averaging out the purchase price over time. This strategy helps mitigate the impact of market volatility and reduces the risk of investing a lump sum at the wrong time.
Why SIPs work in falling markets:
When markets decline, your fixed SIP investment buys more units of the mutual fund, which can result in higher gains when markets recover. Long-term SIPs in equity funds like SBI Bluechip Fund or HDFC Top 100 Fund can be an excellent choice to navigate market fluctuations in India.
Stay Focused on Long-Term Financial Goals
Indian markets are influenced by global economic factors as well as domestic developments like inflation, interest rate hikes, and government policies. These may cause short-term market volatility, whereas the long-term growth trajectory of the Indian economy remains bullish. Keeping your financial goals in mind will help you stay grounded during market downturns.
For Indian investors, falling markets are not a reason to panic but an opportunity to reassess, realign, and possibly even accumulate quality stocks and mutual funds at lower prices. By avoiding panic selling, focusing on strong fundamentals, reviewing your asset allocation, and leveraging SIPs, you can turn market downturns into opportunities. Always remember that stock market corrections are temporary, but a disciplined, long-term investment approach is your path to financial success.
