History of BSE Small Cap
The BSE Small Cap index was introduced by the Bombay Stock Exchange to track the performance of small-sized companies listed on the exchange. These companies often operate in niche sectors or emerging industries, offering investors the opportunity to participate in early-stage growth. The index was launched to provide a benchmark for this specific market segment, which is generally more volatile but also holds the potential for higher returns compared to large-cap and mid-cap peers.
Historically, the BSE Small Cap index has acted as a barometer for investor sentiment in the broader small-cap space. It reflects economic shifts and market dynamics, particularly during periods of expansion and correction. While it tends to be more susceptible to market fluctuations, the index has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors looking for diversification and exposure to high-growth companies. Over the years, regulatory improvements and increased liquidity have also enhanced its reliability.
How is BSE Small Cap calculated?
The BSE Small Cap index is calculated using the free-float market capitalisation method. This approach ensures that only the shares available for trading by the public are considered in the index's value, making it more accurate and reflective of true market sentiment.
- Free-float market capitalisation – Only the publicly available shares are included, excluding promoter and locked-in shares.
- Base year and value – The index has a predefined base year and base value, which serve as the starting point for calculations.
- Index value calculation – The total free-float market capitalisation of all index constituents is divided by an index divisor to arrive at the final index value.
- Periodic review – The index is reviewed periodically to ensure relevance and adjust for corporate actions like mergers or stock splits.
- Price weighting – It also considers the market price of stocks, influencing their weight in the index based on performance.
Selection criteria of BSE Small Cap
The selection of stocks for inclusion in the BSE Small Cap index is governed by a set of transparent and methodical guidelines. These criteria are designed to ensure that only eligible small-cap companies, with sufficient liquidity and market presence, are included in the index for fair representation.
- Market capitalisation – Only companies falling within the bottom 15% of the listed universe (below mid-cap threshold) are considered.
- Liquidity standards – Stocks must meet minimum trading frequency and average daily turnover levels over a specific period.
- Listing duration – Companies must be listed for a minimum number of months to avoid volatility from newly listed stocks.
- Exclusions – Suspended companies or those under regulatory scrutiny are excluded from selection.
- Review frequency – The list is reviewed semi-annually to add or remove companies based on performance and compliance with criteria.
Characteristics of BSE Small Cap
The BSE Small Cap index exhibits a distinct set of traits that make it unique compared to other market indices. It comprises high-growth companies with relatively lower market capitalisation, and it captures the dynamism and innovation often seen in smaller firms entering expansion phases.
- High volatility – The index is more sensitive to market fluctuations and economic news, reflecting sharp price swings.
- Growth potential – Companies in this segment often show high growth trajectories, offering better capital appreciation over time.
- Lower liquidity – Small-cap stocks may have lower trading volumes, making them less liquid and prone to larger bid-ask spreads.
- Sector diversity – The index includes companies from a broad range of sectors, increasing exposure and diversification opportunities.
- Retail participation – It attracts high interest from retail investors due to lower stock prices and speculative opportunities.