Should I stop investing in my small cap fund?

I subscribed for an SIP of a top-rated small-cap fund about 18 months ago. Since then, it's been performing slightly better than the benchmark index, but its ratings have decreased drastically. I see a lot of better performing funds in the category. Should I stop investing in it and choose a better performing fund or continue in the same? I am planning to invest for six to seven years.
--Vanamali Santosh

Without specific details, we will not be able to offer you personal advice. If the scheme is beating it’s benchmark, it is doing a good job. There may be better performers and it is not possible to always be investing in a top performing fund. Some strategies get rewarded and some strategies get punished in certain market conditions. It is not always possible for a strategy to always be successful. If you are not clear about the basics, you should hire a mutual fund advisor. We do not recommend small cap funds to new and inexperienced investors. These schemes are highly risky and volatile. They are suitable for experienced investors with a high risk appetite and ability to tolerate a lot of volatility. They should also have a long investment horizon.