Brief
Indian equity markets slump 13% YTD as investors cite recent losses
The Nifty 50 is down roughly 13‑14% this year, sparking criticism despite long‑term returns that remain near historical norms.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In early October 2026 the Nifty 50 index was trading around 22,520, down about 13‑14% year‑to‑date, according to newindianexpress.com. The decline places the market on track for its weakest calendar year since 2011.
What happened
The index fell from an early‑2026 peak near 26,370, a drop of roughly 14‑15%, after a multi‑week losing streak earlier in the year. Over the past three years the Nifty’s price‑only CAGR has been 4.5‑4.7%, while five‑ and ten‑year returns sit near 8% and 11% respectively, figures that align with historical norms.
What the reports add
New Indian Express notes that the recent slump is amplified by retail investors who entered during the post‑COVID rally of 2020‑2024; many now see flat or negative returns over the last one to three years. It also points to relative underperformance versus markets with stronger AI/tech exposure such as Korea, Taiwan and the United States.
What was said
The outlet reports that “people focus more on recent experience than on decade‑long averages,” and that “recency bias and entry timing” are key behavioural factors behind the complaints.
How it came about
Higher oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions, a weaker rupee, rising global yields and substantial foreign portfolio investor outflows have pressured the market, while domestic flows have offered only partial support.
Key facts
- Nifty 50 was around 22,520 in early October 2026 (newindianexpress.com)
- The index is down roughly 13‑14% year‑to‑date (newindianexpress.com)
- Three‑year CAGR is 4.5‑4.7%, five‑year 8%, ten‑year 11% (newindianexpress.com)
- Retail investors entered during the 2020‑2024 post‑COVID rally (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Why are people complaining with what is happening in the equity markets?”
