RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHBIB) is confident that its updated Top Malaysia Small Cap Companies 30 Jewels 2013 handbook launched today will be an essential guide for investors.

Its director regional head research Sam Chin said the book endeavours to provide a good mix across the market spectrum, providing representation of 13 sectors compared to 12 last year.

"Other than spread and size considerations, the key screening variables include, management credibility, industry fundamentals, earnings growth potential and track record," he told a press conference after launching the ninth edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Chin said the book represented the top pick of RHB's research house and the RHB Research Institute, which were deemed the best performing and with potential to excel.

He also said the book comprised a Small Cap Compendium that was
undoubtedly the largest market-leading repository of small cap stock ideas in the Asean region, highlighting a total of 115 companies most likely to provide investors with excellent returns.

"We wish to however, caution investors on the risks associated with investing in small cap stocks, which typically possess higher betas and greater potential for share price volatility.

"But, we are confident, the stocks profiled in this book will not disappoint investors," he added.-- Bernama