The ASX is expensive, yes? Correct, but only if you're looking at the big names. The real opportunity? It’s hiding in plain sight: Australian small-cap stocks. While large caps have been marching higher and grabbing headlines, a treasure trove of undervalued gems lies buried beneath.
This disconnect between small and large-cap stocks has created an interesting dynamic. On the surface, the market looks expensive, but beneath the surface, a different story is unfolding; one that many investors are overlooking.
ASX All Ordinaries Index vs. ASX Small Ordinaries Index
Source: S&P Capital IQ
It’s natural to feel uneasy when the market is at an “all-time high,” but history tells us that this is a normal and expected part of investing. Over the past decade, the Australian market has delivered an average annual return of around 9%, meaning it has regularly pushed past previous highs to reach new ones. In such an environment though, where the index makes it look like everything is expensive, knowing where to look can make all the difference.
The Challenge of the Small-Cap Index
The small-cap index is an interesting mix - some winners, some duds (think speculative, low-quality businesses that lack profitability or a sustainable competitive advantage). That's why active management is critical for this sector. You need someone who can sift through the noise and find the companies with potential. Many of the best opportunities exist in specific sectors or individual companies that require deeper research and decision making.
Why invest in small caps now?
- Undervalued: Precisely because the small-cap index has performed so poorly, many small-cap businesses are trading at bargain prices.
- Growth potential: Niche tech, specialised industries, and select consumer-facing companies are starting to get investor attention, resulting in substantial share price appreciation
- Active advantage: Forget passive investing. This is where active managers thrive, uncovering pockets of opportunity.
What is Forager's Edge:
At Forager, we don't just follow the crowd when it comes to small-cap investing. We dig deep to find:
- Stock mispricing: We identify undervalued companies that have big growth potential before the market does (like Catapult).
- Earnings turnarounds: We capitalise on companies poised for recovery before they appear on others’ radar (like Bravura).
- Structural growth stories: We invest in long-term winners before the market catches on (like Praemium).
The Proof is in the Pudding:
Unlike their large-cap counterparts, Morningstar data shows that the average actively managed small and mid-cap funds outperform the index. And the Forager Australian Shares Fund? It is even further ahead since inception. The track record speaks for itself:
Source: Morningstar, as at 28 February 2025
The above figures assume that all distributions have been reinvested and are net of all fees. Past performance is not indicative of future performance and the value of your investment can rise or fall
Don't Miss Out:
The investment team at Forager believes that the small-cap market is still ripe with opportunities and continues to research relentlessly to find them.
Contact us today to learn how Forager can help you unlock the hidden potential of Aussie small caps.