Market volatility presents opportunities and challenges for investors; discipline and long-term view advised

Market corrections provide buying opportunities for seasoned investors but make new investors jittery. India's stock market fell recently due to global factors like geopolitics and oil prices.

Mid and small caps are more volatile but can give higher long-term returns versus large caps. Investors should stay disciplined and invest based on financial goals and time horizons.

Index funds are a decent choice for mid caps given high divergence in performance of active funds. Scope for alpha generation exists in small caps.

Investor appetite has grown but fund managers are being cautious about deploying lumpsum money into small and mid caps. Gradual investments advised.

Recommended active funds SBI Midcap, Mirae Midcap; Tata Small Cap, Nippon Small Cap. Investors must do their own due diligence before investing.