Retail investors cut holdings in 14 midcaps; stocks fall up to 45% in 6 months

Retail investors, the everyday dreamers chasing the next big win, have pulled back from several midcaps in the Nifty Midcap 150. December-quarter shareholding data show they cut stakes in roughly 96 midcap stocks, signaling a loss of confidence in select companies. (Retail investors include resident individuals holding nominal share capital of up to Rs 2 lakh.)Over half of the stocks that saw declining retail interest, roughly 63 in total, had been underperforming, delivering negative returns over the past six months. Among these laggards, 14 had fallen sharply, plummeting 25-45% in just half a year. (Data Source: ACE Equity) Midcap caution rises