The S&P/ASX Small Ords Index (ASX: XSO) is down 9% in the calendar year to date (YTD) and up 3% over the past month.
Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) has risen 2% in the YTD and is 0.5% higher over the past month.
This week on The Bull, two experts offer their latest ratings and insights on 3 ASX small-cap shares.
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Advanced Engineered Materials Ltd (ASX: AEM)
AEM produces high purity alumina (HPA) and has production facilities in Quebec, Canada.
The Advanced Engineered Materials share price is steady at 35 cents on Tuesday, and down 43% over 12 months.
Jonathan Tacadena from MPC Markets has a buy rating on this ASX small-cap materials share.
Tacadena said:
HPA is a specialised form of aluminium oxide, which is a critical input for a range of commercial applications, including electronics, semi-conductors and lithium-ion batteries.
The Quebec plant operates a patented low-cost process and is expanding production.
AEM continued to increase production in the first half of 2026 and unaudited revenue was up 85 per cent on the prior corresponding period.
In our view, the stock is trading at a discount and offers good value.
Kina Securities Ltd (ASX: KSL)
KSL is Papua New Guinea's second largest commercial bank and financial services company, and its biggest wealth manager.
The Kina Securities share price is $1.20, down 0.4% today and down 8% over 12 months.
Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth has a buy call on this ASX small-cap financial share.
Greco said:
Substantial resource development is driving strong lending growth.
The bank's strong capital base is poised to generate growth and increase its market share.
In July, the company forecast net profit after tax to increase between 15 per cent and 20 per cent for the financial year ending December 31, 2026.
KSL's dividend yield is also appealing as it was recently trading above 7.5 per cent.
Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT)
Metrics Master Income Trust is a non-bank corporate lender and alternative asset manager.
The Metrics Master Income Trust share price is $1.89, down 0.8% today and down 8% over 12 months.
Greco has a sell rating on this ASX small-cap income share.
He explained:
MXT … specialises in fixed income, private credit, equity and capital markets.
The trust allocates capital across corporate loans and other income producing assets to pay its investors a regular income.
Our concern is a weakening economy operating under the weight of persistent inflation, stubbornly high interest rates and recent tax changes announced in the federal budget that could penalise capital growth.
The company's listed price can be volatile.
