New Delhi, March 6 -- Eighteen months is a long time in the stock market - especially when returns are close to zero. That has been the reality for Indian investors tracking the Nifty 50, which has largely moved sideways amid global uncertainties, including the 2024 United States presidential election, trade war concerns and foreign investor outflows.

From September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2026, the Nifty 50 has seen a 0.40% decline during which it has managed to scale fresh highs while failing to sustain at those levels.

The time is especially trying for retail investors who kept faith in the Indian equities, pumping in over Rs.4.4 lakh crore, while the systematic investment plans (SIPs), according to Amfi data. FPIs have sold off sto...