Small-cap stocks have experienced a decline of 18% over the past two months, while mid-cap stocks have fallen by 17.61% in the last eight weeks. Analysts from Kotak Institutional Equities have warned that the market is likely to remain directionless for the next few months, with small-cap and mid-cap stocks expected to be particularly affected by the ongoing market correction. Despite the downturn, returns in the market have remained largely flat over the past year. Sankaran Naren, Chief Investment Officer of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, has also cautioned investors about the risks associated with small- and mid-cap stocks, especially for those who have been investing through systematic investment plans (SIPs) since 2023. The overall sentiment on Dalal Street remains bearish, with no immediate relief anticipated for investors.