Small Cap Earnings Signal Continued Growth Through 2013

With nearly 60% of Russell 2000 small cap stocks done reporting, the results are impressive. Roughly 55% have beaten revenue estimates and nearly 60% have beaten earnings estimates, according to Credit Suisse research.

The best performing small cap sectors continue to be energy, materials and consumer discretionary.

While the small caps have been leaders in the market, it's really been hard to own a stock that hasn't gone up lately. In this low-interest rate environment with the Fed pushing investors toward stocks it appears we're all eager to comply.

All in, projected earnings growth in the S&P 600 small cap index for the most recent quarter sits at 31% according to Credit Suisse research. Looking out into 2013, the group now expects earnings growth of 22%, signaling ample profit opportunities for those who stay the course.