I just returned from an exhilarating experience in Singapore, where The Stock Network partnered with Spark+ to host Australian Equities Day during the iconic Formula One Grand Prix race week.
As someone who grew up in Adelaide, F1 always held a special place in my heart, but experiencing it abroad at the Marina Bay circuit was unforgettable. The speed, precision, and strategy involved in the races mirror what it takes to succeed in the investment world—especially for those navigating the small-cap markets.
Here are my key learnings from the event:
1. It’s all about the people
Does the word "networking" make you squirm? It used to for me. Networking once felt like forced, surface-level conversations, but that changed when I started working closely with investors.
Behind every successful investment is one non-negotiable factor: “Management is everything". Investors don’t just back businesses—they back the people running them. In-person connections build the kind of trust and confidence that no email or Zoom call can replicate.
2. Start your small cap engines
With global stock markets reaching record highs, small-cap stocks have struggled. To understand why and what it will take to turn things around, I sat down with an expert investor panel:
- Shaun Cartwright, Anadara Asset Management
- Jonathan Chi, ICM Global Funds Pte Ltd
- Tony Davies, EFM Asset Management
- Stefan Tan, CFA, Spark Plus
I didn’t hold back, pressing them to explain:
- Why small-cap stocks have declined, and
- What it will take for investors to start buying smaller companies again.
Here’s what I learned:
- Higher interest rates have hurt investor confidence, but with U.S. rate cuts, optimism is returning.
- Long-term investors are spotting opportunities, as small-cap valuations become more attractive for those willing to weather some volatility.
- Market sentiment is shifting, and investors are seeking good deals in the small-cap space.
3. Insights from 12 emerging ASX companies
By the race track, I listened to presentations from the CEOs of 12 emerging ASX-listed companies, each working to make a unique impact in their industries.
I also spoke with each CEO, asking how they’re addressing market demands and striving to create shareholder value. Many are harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovation to gain traction and build momentum.
Explore their insights through the interview links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7z7g9kUTvA&list=PLSnVjgee2Jue6IdSo8zOVVX1ZdYCpuw-U&index=7
