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Difference Between Small Cap, Mid Cap and Large Cap Stocks

To invest in the stock market, it is helpful to learn about the three types of company stocks: large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Large-cap stocks are more established and stable. Mid-cap stocks often give investors the best chance at growth while experiencing less risk.
On the other hand, small-cap stocks provide the highest growth potential but come with the highest level of volatility. Understanding how each one works can provide a means for building a smarter investment strategy. Each category suits different investor goals and risk levels.
Let's explore how they differ and which one might be right for you.
Table of Contents
What is Market Capitalisation?
Market capitalisation (market cap) is a company's total market value, as well as its potential risk and risk-reward profile. It can be calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares.
Companies are divided into three key types based on their market capitalisation as follows:
- Large-cap Companies: These companies have a market cap of more than ₹20000 crore.
- Mid-cap Companies: These companies have a market cap of ₹5000 crore and ₹20000 crore.
- Small-cap Companies: These companies are below ₹5000 crore market cap.
What are Large-Cap Stocks?
Large-cap Stocks refer to equity securities of the top 100 large companies with the largest market capitalisation. These stocks are typically large, stable, publicly traded companies that are financially sound. They are safe investment vehicles for preserving capital.
- Typically, it is part of an index like the Nifty 50 or BSE Sensex.
- Institutional investors (e.g., pension funds) are drawn to these stocks because of solid fundamentals.
- Distributing dividends and steady earnings add to the total return of large-cap stocks.
- Generally safer during recessions and stress periods in the economy.
What are Mid-Cap Stocks?
Mid-cap stocks are shares of companies ranked 101st to 250th based on market capitalisation. They are generally companies that are experiencing or about to experience fast growth, expanding their business, entering new markets, or growing profits faster.
- Mid-caps are more volatile than large caps, so shorter investment timeframes increase volatility.
- More nimble to changes in the market and consumer trends.
- Higher total return potential than large-cap stocks.
- Usually trades in mid-cap indexes, e.g., Nifty Midcap 150.
What are Small-Cap Stocks?
Small-cap stocks represent companies that rank below 250th in terms of market capitalisation. These companies exist in niche sectors and have less market coverage. They provide a high-risk/high-reward opportunity for investors to realise large gains or losses due to investor sentiment and the issuer's operational performance.
- Limited trading volume can lead to volatile price behaviour.
- May be subject to manipulative trading activity and speculative behaviour.
- Provide the potential for tremendous gains in strong bull runs.
- Useful for very aggressive portfolio strategies and tactical investing.
- Require due diligence, research, and monitoring.
Key Differences Between Large Cap, Mid Cap and Small Cap Stocks
Each stock type has different degrees of risk and return associated with it that may appeal to different types of investors. Below are the key differences among these stocks:
Benefits of Investing in Large-cap, Mid-cap and Small-cap Stocks
Understanding the benefits of each stock type will assist you in making value judgments as they relate to your portfolio. Below is a table outlining the benefits:
Risks of Investing in Large-cap, Mid-cap and Small-cap Stocks
Although stocks can be rewarding, some risks come with each market-cap category. The following table outlines some of the key risks of each type of stock:
Who Should Invest in Large-cap, Mid-cap and Small-cap Stocks?
1. Large-cap Stocks
- Conservative investors seeking stability in challenging market environments should consider large-cap stocks.
- Investors preferring a steady return and consistent dividends might be well served by large-cap stocks.
- People wanting less risk and more liquidity should mainly look at large-cap stocks.
2. Mid-cap Stocks
- Investors in search of moderate risk with growth potential have the opportunity to benefit through mid-cap stocks.
- Investors who wish to strike a balance between stability and activity in their investments may want to explore mid-cap stocks.
- Mid-cap stocks are a good choice for those seeking diversification who are okay with the risk.
3. Small-cap Stocks
- People who are risk-friendly and interested in multiple-fold growth might consider small-cap stocks.
- If you're ready to invest long-term, consider small-cap stocks in new industries.
- Small-cap stocks are a great option for those looking for lower valuations and higher volatility.
How to Diversify Your Portfolio With Large, Mid and Small-Cap Stocks?
Including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks in your investment portfolio can reduce risk and boost returns. Here are some tips on how to properly diversify your investments:
1. Diversify Across Market Capitalisation
Invest in large-cap stocks for stability, mid-cap for moderate risk and growth, and small-cap for higher growth. A mix of these offers both security and growth.
2. Invest in Various Sectors
Include technology, healthcare, and consumer goods stocks to reduce sector-specific losses and add safety during economic cycles.
3. Include Geographic Diversification
Combine local and global stocks to benefit from different economic cycles and emerging markets, reducing risks.
4. Balance Risk Levels
Large-cap stocks offer low risk, mid-caps offer a balanced risk, and small-caps are riskier. Adjust allocations based on your risk tolerance.
5. Rebalance After Time Exposures
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the right mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks, helping manage long-term returns.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Large-cap, Mid-cap and Small-cap Stocks
Check different factors before investing in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This will help you ensure they match your financial goals and risk tolerance. Some of the key factors include:
Knowing the differences between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks is key for smart investing. Each category of stocks serves a unique purpose for varied financial objectives and risk preferences. No matter which cap category you invest in, it's smart to check and update your portfolio often. This keeps it aligned with market cap shifts and economic changes.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information for your specific needs.
We do not promote or endorse any financial product or service mentioned in these articles. Readers are advised to conduct their own research, consult with financial experts, and make informed decisions based on their unique financial circumstances. Any reliance you place on the information provided here is strictly at your own risk.
FAQs about Large-cap vs Mid-cap vs Small-cap Stocks
What are large-cap stocks?
How do mid-cap stocks differ from large-cap and small-cap stocks?
What are small-cap stocks?
What are the key risks associated with large-cap stocks?
How do mid-cap stocks create a balance of risk and growth?
Why do small-cap stocks appeal to investors?
What cap size is right for conservative investors: large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap?
How do dividend yields vary according to market cap size?
What are the benefits of diversifying into mid-cap stocks?
Why do small-cap stocks tend to be less transparent?
Which cap size is the most nimble for innovation: large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap?
What is the primary risk of investing in mid-cap stocks?
What benefits does a small-cap stock offer for diversification?
How do mid-cap stocks balance stability and growth?
What are the challenges of accessing capital for small-cap stocks?
Which is better: large, mid, or small-cap stocks?
What is the main difference between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks?
Which is more stable: large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap stocks?
Where Should I invest: small-cap, mid-cap, or large-cap stocks?
How do I know if a stock is large, mid, or small-cap?
Which is riskier: large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap?
Other Important Articles about Stocks
Disclaimer
- This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
- All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
- Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.
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