Review of 2024 small caps performance

Independent Analyst and Founder of Smalltalkdaily Research, Anthony Clark, has recently unveiled his top 9 picks for the year 2024 in the small cap and mid-cap sector. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Clark discussed the performance of the small caps in 2024 and provided insights into what investors can expect in 2025. He highlighted the impact of significant events such as the national election in South Africa and load shedding on the market in 2024, which led to a period of uncertainty. However, he noted that the small cap index saw a significant rise of nearly 26% in the second half of the year, with many stocks doubling in value during that period. Looking ahead to 2025, Clark expressed cautious optimism, considering the global economic landscape, particularly with the upcoming inauguration of US President Trump. He emphasized the importance of being selective in the small and mid-cap space, given the wide array of companies available for investment. Clark's track record of outperforming benchmarks for the past three years demonstrates his expertise and research acumen in identifying top-performing stocks. One of the standout performers in Clark's selection for 2024 was Premier Foods, a dominant milling and baking group in South Africa. The company capitalized on favorable global wheat prices and operational efficiencies to achieve outstanding growth, with its stock price increasing by 122% over the year. On the other hand, Kuro Holdings, while still outperforming the mid-cap index, fell slightly short of expectations compared to other education counters like AdvTech and Stardew. As Clark prepares to release his top stocks for 2025, he anticipates a resilient basket of special situations and value stocks to weather the global uncertainties. He emphasized the importance of thorough research and industry relationships in his stock selection process, leveraging his 30 years of experience in the small to mid-cap universe. In conclusion, Clark's analysis of the 2024 small caps performance and his outlook for 2025 provide valuable insights for investors navigating the dynamic market environment. His upcoming release of top stock picks for 2025 will be eagerly anticipated by market participants seeking opportunities for growth and value in the small and mid-cap sector.