The stock market had a rough week, and many small-cap stocks took a big hit. Between February 10 and February 14, the BSE Sensex, which tracks the performance of major companies, dropped by 2.47%. During this time, all five trading sessions ended with losses. This downturn affected smaller companies even more, with some seeing their stock prices fall by as much as 41%. Let’s take a closer look at the ten small-cap stocks that performed the worst during this period.
1. NGL Fine-Chem: The Biggest Loser
NGL Fine-Chem was the worst-performing stock of the week. Its share price dropped by a massive 41.31%, closing at Rs 1,101.60. This means that if someone had invested Rs 10,000 in this stock at the start of the week, they would have lost Rs 4,131 by the end of the week. Such a sharp decline is rare and shows how volatile small-cap stocks can be.
2. Natco Pharma: A Tough Week for Pharma
Natco Pharma, a well-known pharmaceutical company, also had a bad week. Its stock fell by 32.99%, closing at Rs 883.70. The pharma sector has been facing challenges lately, and Natco Pharma’s performance reflects the struggles of the industry.
3. Excel Industries: A Steep Drop
Excel Industries, which specializes in chemicals and agriculture products, saw its stock price drop by 32.79%. It ended the week at Rs 923.25. Companies like Excel Industries often face ups and downs depending on market conditions, and this week was particularly tough.
4. Orchid Pharma: Another Pharma Stock in Trouble
Orchid Pharma, another player in the pharmaceutical sector, wasn’t spared either. Its stock fell by 32.67%, closing at Rs 945.45. Like Natco Pharma, Orchid Pharma’s decline highlights the challenges faced by the pharma industry during this period.
5. WPIL: Heavy Selling Pressure
WPIL Ltd, a company that deals with pumps and water systems, faced heavy selling pressure this week. Its stock dropped by 32.25%, closing at Rs 398.75. When investors sell off a stock in large quantities, it can lead to a sharp decline in its price, as seen with WPIL.
6. Tilaknagar Industries: A Rough Patch
Tilaknagar Industries, which is involved in the liquor business, saw its stock fall by 30.88%. It closed the week at Rs 253.45. The company has been dealing with challenges in its sector, and this week’s performance adds to its struggles.
7. Banco Products (India): Struggling in a Bearish Market
Banco Products (India), which manufactures auto components, saw its stock price drop by 30.58%. It closed the week at Rs 320.10. The broader market was bearish, meaning most stocks were falling, and Banco Products was no exception.
8. Senco Gold: Losing Its Shine
Senco Gold, a popular jewelry brand, saw its stock decline by 28.21%. It ended the week at Rs 357.60. The jewelry sector can be sensitive to changes in consumer spending, and this week’s drop might reflect broader economic concerns.
9. Suyog Telematics: A Significant Drop
Suyog Telematics, which provides telecom infrastructure services, saw its stock fall by 28.15%. It closed the week at Rs 1,046.55. The telecom sector has been under pressure, and Suyog Telematics’ performance is a reflection of that.
10. Concord Biotech: A Challenging Week
Concord Biotech, a biotechnology company, saw its stock drop by 27.71%. It closed the week at Rs 1,693.20. Biotechnology companies often face ups and downs based on market sentiment and this week was a down period for Concord Biotech.
Why Did This Happen?
The overall market was in a downturn, with the BSE Sensex falling for five straight days. When the broader market is down, smaller companies, especially small-cap stocks, tend to get hit harder. This is because they are often seen as riskier investments compared to larger, more established companies. Investors may sell off these stocks quickly during uncertain times, leading to sharp declines.
