How will small caps fare in 2015?

Here’s a definitive guide.

Small caps face a number of key profitability challenges in 2015. Among these is weak external demand, rising costs, and the prospect of higher interest rates.

According to CIMB, the overall outlook for small-cap profitability will be challenging next year, and smart investors should bet on a mixture of de-rated stocks and catalyst-specific ones.

Stocks with exposure to the tourism sector are expected to do well, as 2015 is slated as a year of parties
for Singapore‟s jubilee anniversary. Western visitors are also likely to be attracted by the weaker SGD. Among CIMB’s top picks are CDL and Guocoleisure.

The outlook for the healthcare sector also remains positive. Meanwhile, the worst is finally over for the battered tech sector, and a slightly more upbeat outlook awaits survivors. Among CIMB’s top picks for healthcare is QT Vascular, while Venture Corp shines from the tech sector’s rubble.

Investors should tread carefully when it comes to offshore and marine stocks. Firms will continue to suffer from lower oil prices and capex cuts of major customers.

The outlook of the consumer sector isn’t rosy either, on back of sharp declines in staple spending. There’s no respite ahead for battered ASEAN consumer stocks such as Japfa and OEL.