October has certainly lived up to its reputation as one of the most volatile months for the markets, with high earnings season adding fuel to the fire. For small cap businesses, this period can evoke a whirlwind of emotions as they watch their stock prices swing dramatically. However, this isn't a time to lose hope, but rather an excellent opportunity to demonstrate patience and resilience with investors.

In a blog post this week, Cromwell Coulson, CEO of OTC Markets Group, shared his thoughts on the two-decade transformation of the largest US marketplace for OTC securities. From an obscure, paper-based market known for its “Pink Sheets” to a fully regulated market now trading more than 10,000 securities, the OTC has come a long way from its beginnings more than a hundred years ago.

Addressing the conflict between Israel and Hamas has proven to be a tricky challenge for companies everywhere. Navigating geopolitical issues are always inherently challenging, but best practice suggests any stance should be strategically aligned with your company’s values and its overarching mission.

The IPO market looked set to recover after a rather lackluster year. However, the market took a downturn last week after shares in the German shoemaker, Birkenstock tumbled in its initial debut. Now called “one of the worst IPOs in recent history” by Reuters, Birkenstock is trying to get back on its feet after a rocky start, leading some companies to rethink liquidity goals, especially small caps.

Navigating the ebbs and flows of the market requires a strong constitution and rock-solid communication skills. Announcing material news in a manner that is clear and engaging, and that connects with stakeholders while aligning with the overarching corporate story, is often challenging, especially in the current "sell on news" climate.

The recent amendments made this week by the SEC to Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will usher in a new era of transparency, with profound implications for both public companies and investors. It’s an important step forward in modernizing the capital markets where some 68 million American households and vast numbers of non-US investors decide to place their money and one, that is long overdue.