Outlook 2026: Midcaps & Smallcaps Next? Gautam Shah Predicts Broad-Based Market Rally

As 2025 ends, Indian equities climbed the "wall of worry" amid geopolitics, FII selling, tariffs, and global volatility, yet the Nifty holds near 26,200—driven by dominant domestic liquidity and SIP inflows that absorbed every negativity. Gautam Shah of Goldilocks Global Research calls it a year of price highs clashing with sentiment lows, setting the stage for better 2026 performance through earnings validation. Precious.Precious metals (gold, silver) peaked—take profits—while base metals (copper, zinc) promise continued upside. Volatility remains low (India VIX at multi-year lows), but investors must embrace selectivity: focus on quality leaders, reasonable valuations (10–25 PE), concentration over broad diversification, and sectors like PSUs, metals, banking, auto, and real estate. Avoid adventurous/high-PE stocks and the IPO bubble—many trade below issue prices amid froth.FIIs may stay sidelined, but domestic flows keep markets supported short-term. Shah urges global thinking—China, US hotels, Singapore—for diversification. Stick to fundamentals, top names, and balanced portfolios for long-term wealth in 2026.