Search+Investment IdeasSynopsisSometimes the real market story is not in the headline index. The Nifty and Sensex can be under pressure, and yet, below them, mid- and small-cap stocks may be doing better. That is happening now, and there are reasons behind it that are worth understanding. But here’s the thing to remember: Mid-caps reward patience and punish haste. So the question is not whether to buy them, but for how long.Another spike in crude prices and another drop in the Nifty and Sensex The only silver lining is market breadth. So, while, no one knows what will happen next in the US-Iran conflict, there are some macro factors that may hold out hope for the Indian markets, especially for the mid-cap segment.A couple of these are familiar. One is that foreign funds appear to be looking at India again (or, at least they are not exiting with gusto any more). ETMarkets.com 19 mins readAug 11, 2026, 03:38:00 PM ISTGift this Story to your friendsFONT SIZEAbcSmallAbcMediumAbcLargeSAVEPRINTCOMMENTContinue reading with one of these options:Limited AccessFreeLogin to get access to some exclusive stories & personalised newslettersLogin NowUnlimited AccessStarting @ Rs120/monthGet access to exclusive stories, expert opinions & in-depth stock reportsSubscribe NowETUh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.Worry not. You’re just a step away.What’s Included withETPrime Membership