Matt Griffin, Co-Portfolio Manager – Australian Small Companies joins Anna Dadic at Livewire Markets and Luke Laretive from Seneca to discuss where they’re spotting value in today’s small-cap landscape – share how they’re navigating a dynamic small-cap market full of hidden gems and hopefuls and discuss sector-level trends and the traits that separate a potential winner from a flop, and unpack some of the market’s lesser-known winners and a couple of names they think are best avoided for now.

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the business landscape, it’s crucial to look beyond the hype and consider the broader implications. While AI promises gains in productivity, speed, and cost efficiency, this piece highlights the often-overlooked risks –such as worker displacement, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny – that can arise from poorly governed implementation. It advocates for a governance-led approach to AI adoption, ensuring that companies not only harness its benefits but also safeguard their people, reputation, and long-term value.

There’s been a lot of noise around CBA’s valuation — at its peak, it traded at over 30x forward earnings and made up 12% of the Australian equity market. Media and brokers called it “unprecedented.” But was it really? Dougal Maple-Brown reflects on his 25 years at Maple-Brown Abbott, charting the market weight of Australia’s biggest stocks at their peaks vs. today.

Senior ESG Analyst Ayesha Azeem shares highlights from our 2025 Small Companies ESG Report, reflecting a year of active engagement and forward-looking focus.

Energy mix planning in the US is being reshaped by rising demand and changing regulations. The EPA’s deregulatory changes could alter coal retirement timelines and long-term investment strategies. While renewables face headwinds, the pace of coal’s decline may slow – thereby altering emissions trajectories and energy mix planning. Utilities now face near-term relief but greater long-term uncertainty.

Phillip Hudak, CFA and Matt Griffin unpack the key takeaways from this reporting season with Morningstar Australia’s Eva Cook in their 'Earnings in Focus' webinar.

While the macroeconomic clouds may be looming, global listed transport infrastructure companies such as toll roads and airports continue to look beyond the horizon and are seeing strong, long-dated demand for their assets as well as investing to accommodate future demand.

As investment markets continue to evolve and passive capital crowds large caps, Australian small caps present a rare opportunity for active investors to capture growth, diversification, exposure to emerging sectors, and long-term outperformance potential from an inefficient equity market segment.

With a proven track record of strong returns, lower volatility, and consistent outperformance, the Maple-Brown Abbott Australian Small Companies Fund stands out as a disciplined, high-conviction strategy delivering sustainable value through most market conditions.