What Contributed to the Midcap's 3.94% Rally and Smallcap's Gains?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Midcap index gained 3.94% in April.
- Smallcap index rose by 1.69%.
- The Defence sector experienced an 11.49% increase.
- Investor enthusiasm remains high for mid and small-cap stocks.
- Global markets displayed mixed performance.
Mumbai, May 10 (NationPress) The Indian equity markets concluded April on a robust note, with the Nifty Midcap index standing out as the leading performer, achieving a remarkable gain of 3.94 percent. Following closely was the Nifty Smallcap index, which saw a 1.69 percent increase, as reported on Saturday.
This performance underscores the persistent investor enthusiasm in mid- and small-cap stocks amid a backdrop of broader market positivity, as per data gathered by Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company.
The benchmark Nifty also showcased a commendable performance, climbing by 3.46 percent for the month, while the Nifty Next 50 appreciated by 2.32 percent.
The Nifty 500 index grew by 3.24 percent, bolstered by ongoing gains in the financial services, consumer discretionary, and energy sectors.
The Nifty Microcap 250 also contributed to the upward trend, rising by 1.28 percent, according to the report.
A standout feature of the month was the Defence sector, which soared by 11.49 percent in April and recorded an impressive 32.03 percent return over the past year.
This growth has been propelled by robust government backing for self-reliance and continued investments in the sector.
The Information Technology (IT) sector experienced a slight dip of 0.27 percent, while commodities edged down by 0.07 percent, influenced by global market challenges and sector-specific issues.
Factor-based indices such as momentum and quality maintained steady returns.
In addition, enhanced value and low volatility indices also advanced, with government bond indices showing modest gains, reflecting stability in the fixed income sector across the 5-year and 10-year G-Sec benchmarks.
On the global front, US markets exhibited mixed results, with the S&P 500 declining slightly by 0.21 percent as gains in IT and consumer staples were countered by losses in energy and healthcare.
The Nasdaq 100 increased by 1.5 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 2.2 percent.